Neda. The greatest blessing in life is to be able to share it with someone who’s much smarter than oneself. I’m sorry you’ll never get to experience that, it really is unbeatable. Asheghetam. Sightseeing.
Jonas Axelsson. My publisher and agent, who never loses sight of the fact that I am still a beginner, and that his foremost task is to help me get better at writing. Niklas Natt och Dag, who, in his texts and his respectful artistry, reminds me every day that this is a privilege. Céline Hamilton and Agnes Cavallin at Partners in Stories, where a large houseful of competence is slotted into the walls of a fairly small house; using equal parts of brain and heart they have kept this project on course. It wouldn’t have worked without you. Karin Wahlén at Kult PR, who got it from day one. Vanja Vinter, grammatical elite soldier and uncompromising, outstanding proofreader, editor, and critic, although her cutlery drawer is one prolonged disappointment. Nils Olsson, who patiently, sensitively, and with great love, has designed three fantastic book covers. Andrea Fehlauer, who stepped in as the editor of key sections of the book, bringing both his experience and his precision to the task, and without a doubt improving the book as a result.
The readers of my blog, who were there from the very start. All this is actually mostly your fault.
Torsten Wahlund, Anna Maria Käll, and Martin Wallström, who recorded my stories as audio books and gave voices to my characters in ways I did not think possible. They are more yours than mine now. Julie Lærke Løvgren, who has overseen the publication of my books internationally. Judith Toth, who got me there. Siri Lindgren at Partners in Stories, who makes sure the boat does not capsize when Jonas refuses to sit still in it. Johan Zillén. First in, last out.
Everyone who was and still is involved in my books at Forum, Månpocket, Bonnier Audio, and Bonnier Rights. Especially John Häggblom, without whose help I would not be here today. Liselott Wennborg, the editor of Saker min son behöver veta om världen [Things My Son Needs to Know about the World]. Adam Dahlin, who saw the potential. Sara Lindegren and Stephanie Tärnqvist, who have always been far more patient with me than I deserve.
Natur och Kultur, who have given us their support, especially Hannah Nilsson and John Augustsson.
Pocketförlaget and A Nice Noise, who believed in all this.
All who have reviewed, written about, blogged, tweeted, Facebooked, Instagrammed, and spoken about my books. Especially those of you who really did not like them, and took your time to rationally and instructively explain why. I can’t promise that I became a better writer as a result, but at least you forced me to think. I don’t think that can be a bad thing.
Lennart Nilsson in Gantofta. The best football trainer I ever had.
Most of all, thanks to all of you who read my books. Thanks for your time.