Acknowledgements

This book exists because of the support, encouragement and expertise of so many.

Heartfelt thanks to my editor, Ruby Ashby-Orr, for understanding what was important right from the start, and for being so generous, courteous and clear throughout. And thanks to the whole team at Affirm Press – Martin Hughes, Keiran Rogers, Grace Breen, Kate Goldsworthy, Stephanie Bishop-Hall, Rosslyn Almond and Christa Moffitt – for everything they have done to turn my words into a book.

I am deeply grateful to Carol LeFevre for showing me how to ‘turn a sentence’, and for the Arts South Australia ‘Independent Makers and Presenters Grant’ that allowed me to work with her during the drafting of this book. I am also grateful to Sarah Tooth from the South Australian Writers Centre and the community of students and teachers who have taught me something about observing and writing about life.

I would like to thank the following people for reading early drafts and providing much needed encouragement and feedback: Suzanne Verral, Islwyn Williams, Nicola Williams, Mary McCune, Gwenda Garred, Anji Hill, Evan Jones and Richard Walsh. Special thanks also to Christine McCabe and Max Anderson for squeezing this book into their busy lives just before it went to print.

This story started as a series of emails to friends, who all encouraged me to write the book. Thanks to all my mates at the Centre for Work + Life for sending me off on this journey knowing I was unlikely to return. And love and gratitude to all of the following: Ali Elder for holding my hand when I needed a hand to hold; Andrea Tunbridge and Tim Verschoyle for providing a peaceful place to write; Jolie Thomas, Margi Sarre, Rebekah Clarkson and Suzie Riley for making life in the Adelaide Hills especially good; Vanessa Isles, Anne Beath, Lou Belle Barrett, Andrea Brydges, Krista Brydges and Jane Lawson, for staying close when we are not; and to Lisa Harrison, for putting pen to paper and encouraging other dreams to fly.

I am so grateful to my mum, Peggy Williams, for believing I can do anything even when I’m certain I can’t. And to my dad, Islwyn Williams, who is a writer and a dreamer and has been the most magnificent role model in both cases.

Of course, this book would be nothing if not for the people who shared their lives with us. I hope my gratitude is woven through these pages.

And finally, to Aidan and Riley, thank you for all that you teach me, every day of your lives. And to Shannon, a dream come true – thank you for everything.