If not for the amazing Cate Paterson, this would still be a vague dream. It is impossible to thank her adequately for the care and expertise she brings to all aspects of the publishing process, or for the encouragement and support she gives to me. Thanks also to Julia Stiles for her consummate copy-editing and to Christine Mattey and Roxarne Burns for taking care of business. When I wrote my acknowledgements first time round, I had not seen the fabulous cover design by Deborah Parry, or met my publicist, the lovely Jane Novak, or the wonderful sales team at Pan Macmillan. Thank you all for your sterling efforts now and then, and while I’m at it, thanks to all the booksellers who so generously supported a first-time author.
Heartfelt thanks to Adam, Warwick, Michael, Malcolm and Glen for saving our house, and this manuscript along with it, during the Black Christmas bushfires of 2001. Worth far more than just a case of beer.
Thank you to Mum and Dad and my wonderful extended family: the Blacklocks, Naoums and Murphys, particularly to Bob, Carolyn and Ros for extraordinary support above and beyond sibling duty. Thanks to Joel for reading the first draft and putting up with my incessant yabbering about it and Dane for being a patient sounding board.
Many thanks to my gorgeous friends who give me so much including some great material, even if they don’t mean to: Frances and Danny, Desley, Robyn and Lynda, Deb S., Gary and Anne, and Elizabeth; and at Loftus TAFE: Pam, Jan, Sylvia, luscious Lesley, Sally, Alison, Kay, all the Jennys and Russell the token male. Don’t forget me. And I’m not forgetting Dori Stratton, my adviser on all things American, for her valuable input and encouragement. And a special thank you to Julie W. for sharing.
Welcome home Diane Stubbings. You’ll always have my deepest appreciation.