In 2006, I took a round-the-world trip with my (not yet) husband, Jamie (aka JLOH) – including several (smelly) days on the Trans-Siberian Express. While on it, I read Stephen King’s brilliant On Writing and decided that I would start writing my own book. This is not the book that I started then, and there have been five others in between, but it was inevitable that the trip would feature in one of my stories one day … and that day has finally come.
He normally gets the final line in my acknowledgments, but in this case, he’s going at the top. Thank you, JLOH – for spending six months with me and two rucksacks, having fun and adventures across several continents (visiting many Irish bars along the way). Apart from anything else, we now have a shared, life-long love of Chinese dumplings, and memories that will last forever – some of which have been) fictionalised* and included in this book. (*Ewe’s milk tea, however, is very much real. Eeuw.)
Thank you, as always, to my brilliant agent, Phil Patterson, for always believing in what I do – and to all at Marjacq Scripts for their unwavering support. I couldn’t do it without you.
Huge thanks to Karen Sullivan and all of #TeamOrenda for continuing to publish the most beautiful, diverse and special books with a level of passion and enthusiasm that cannot be matched.
Thank you to my most active cheerleaders: Steph, Ed and Vicki – whose regular messages of encouragement throughout the writing of this book were the only things that kept me sane. Thank you too, to all of my friends in the crime-writing world, who make the whole thing a joy (even when it isn’t). A special thanks to Paddy, too, for being in the right place at the right time.
Thanks to all of my faithful readers, bloggers and reviewers, who say lovely things and who make the whole, long process from idea to draft to final version worthwhile.
Massive thanks to Steve Street for his generous CLIC Sargent bid to have his name in this book. Very much appreciated, and I hope you and Marion enjoyed the ride.
Thanks, as always, to my friends and family – who are constantly supportive, encouraging and proud (even when I don’t see or speak to them for weeks on end while I am locked away in my fictional world). It’s always a bit terrifying when family read my books, a bit like those online reviewers who like to say exactly what they think … So an extra special thanks to my sister, Abby, who read the proof and loved it!
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You can find out more about me and my books on my website, www.sjiholliday.com, where you can also sign up to my mailing list for excusive news and updates, and find links to my social media accounts. If you enjoyed Violet, I would love to hear from you!