Thanks first of all to Ron Hancock, who started the story…
A friend in York, Nigel Mitchell, was the first person to trust me with his books on the Titanic, including his edition of Colonel Gracie’s account of the sinking. Dorothy Palmer gave me an original 1912 newspaper featuring the tragedy, while Bill and Maureen Schofield lent their books on Hong Kong, and Tom Lunn his book on collisions.
Graham Mackenzie, Managing Director of Solent Steam Packet (Services) Ltd, and Norman Tulip, Chief Engineer of the SS Shieldhall, were similarly generous with their books and their time, explaining much about steam engines that I did not understand. (Any errors are mine.)
My wonderful husband, Captain Peter Roberts, Master Mariner and Marine Pilot, acted as technical advisor, putting me straight each time my steering went off-course.
‘EJ’ – Gary Cooper’s biography, proved an excellent reference for detail about Captain EJ Smith’s life and career.
Hannah Cunliffe, historian and maritime researcher, obtained transcripts of the Hawke enquiry and relevant newspaper articles.
My family read the short story and persuaded me into writing the novel. My agent, Caradoc King, was as insightful as ever in giving creative advice, and my dear friends Maureen and Victor Morgan, with Anne Hodges, kept up their enthusiasm for the early drafts.
En route, the Blue Room Writers’ Group kept everything moving – providing the breeze when I was stuck in the Doldrums, hauling me back on course when the tale seemed set to go adrift. My warmest thanks go to Jenni Jacombs, Deanna Dewey, Donna McGhie, Claire Hanley, Mike Plumbley and Mike Hayward. Their support and advice were invaluable. Special thanks must go to Evelyn Harris, for her shrewd editorial advice.
Jenny Law, of Hamble, a brave and wonderful lady, provided inspiration simply by being herself.
Ann Victoria Roberts
Southampton
2011