Much research goes into my books and there are many who help me on my journey in writing What Happens in….
My mother who has sadly passed away since the writing of this book helped me understand what Bryony would have gone through as a child suffering with Sydenham’s Chorea. My mother contracted the illness also known as St Vitus Dance in her childhood. She shared her experiences of it with me and revealed how it affected her relationship with her older brother, her education, and how it rocked her confidence. Those who suffer can become very clingy hence Bryony looks up to her sister more than an ordinary sibling might.
I am grateful to all those involved in filming “Masterpiece” and game shows “Decimate” and “Tipping Point” for helping me discover what goes on behind the scenes, in particular Laura and Helen the shows’ producers for inviting me to be on the shows, Alan Titchmarsh for being such a wonderful host, Shane Richie for making me laugh so much on game show “Decimate” I couldn’t concentrate on the questions, and Ben Shepherd who made me blush like a love-struck teenager.
I thoroughly enjoyed researching for this book, after all who wouldn’t love travelling around stunning French countryside and staying in small chateaux? I did however drive my husband demented watching endless quiz shoes and racing off to attend auditions for television shows. I met some incredible people at those auditions - too many to name but I have to shout out thanks to Mitz Patel, Pauline Yong, Pete Thomson, Becky Smith, Craig Ansell and my lovely friend Michelle Marriott who has been successful on other shows since we met on set. Being on a game show is addictive. Once you've done one, you'll want to do another.
I really couldn't have written this book without the help and advice of my superb editor Hannah Todd who kept my ramblings under control and lifted my spirits with her enthusiastic emails and cheerful editing notes. Thank you, Hannah and all the team at Canelo.
And finally, my thanks to you, my readers. Your messages, emails and support keep me writing long into the night.