It takes a village to raise a book but this particular novel was written in the isolation of lockdown. With a subject as complex as the human brain, I was in no way qualified to write about it, so the support I received was like home schooling by Zoom where I met some brilliant people who educated me enough to look like I know what I’m talking about!
My particular thanks goes to Dr Jayne Martlew of the Walton Neurological Centre in Liverpool who very kindly agreed to meet with me over the internet to discuss the brain and types of empathy, that most beautiful human quality. Together we went on a journey of discovery and, I’m very glad to say, became friends.
I have more clever people to thank:
Dr Julia Ravey, with her expertise on Neuroscience.
Dr Nauman Butt from the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Dr Maria Safar from Aintree University Hospital, Dr Matt Wedlich and Dr Michael O’Brien – all of whom gave me advice about medicine and its effects on the body.
Professor Thomas Fischer from the University of Liverpool School of Environmental Sciences for his help on plastic pollution in the oceans.
Paula Storey-McCann for her knowledge on early childhood experiences and empathy.
It sounds like I contacted all the brain-boxes on Twitter for my research but amazingly I know all these people in real life!
Thanks also goes to Jessy Minney Ph.D from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York for her thoughts on the ‘empathy switch’, and Forensic Science Lecturer Jennifer Rees for a talk she once gave in a pub in Liverpool about psychopathy, the empathy switch, the temporoparietal junction and the effects of magnets on the TPJ. She blew my mind and the ideas never left me.
Then there is the Crime Writing community – the loveliest people on the internet – and in particular Trevor Wood. In lockdown he introduced me online to the Northern Crime Writing Syndicate, and the Debuts 2020. Later, in real life, he invited me to Newcastle Noir and Bay Tales where I met lots of other writers that I feel lucky to know. Trevor, you’ve been an absolute blessing. I wouldn’t be where I am without your support.
My gratitude also goes to:
My other writer friends and first readers. Victoria Dowd, Philippa East, Heleen Kist, Rob Parker, Rob Scragg, John Thompson, Stuart Turton, Vic Watson. Thank you for the advice, kind words, laughs, quotes and general shenanigans.
The Debuts 2020 and the NCWS.
The Wordsmiths – Stanley, Neville and John for critiquing the early draft.
Caroline Maston of the UK Crime Book Club for her valued support.
Podcasters and book bloggers – where would us scribblers be without you?
Huge thanks go to my agent Ed Wilson for the support, encouragement, confidence, and knowledge of the arcane ways of the publishing industry!
The dynamic team at Canelo – Kate, Thanhmai, Claudine and Nicola – who are doing all they can to get me to where I need to be.
And of course, my brilliant editor, Kit Nevile, who understands what I am trying to do and helps me to be the best I can be! Thank you so much for the opportunity.
Love and thanks go to my cheerleaders and the people who keep me going – Mum and Dad, my cousin Frank, Marie, Sarah, Julia, Mary Rose and the Wise Women – Susi, Cate, Emma and my oldest and dearest pal, Maggie.
In memory of my lovely friend Gill Power – I think you would have liked this one.
For all those who are trying to get published… keep going! Aim for the stars, you might land on the rooftops – the view’s pretty good from here!
But most of all, thank you to Seán, Paddy and Tadhg – the loves of my life.
You’re what makes it all worth it.
If you would like to know more please look me up at www.sarahmoorhead.com