I would like to thank the following people for helping me conquer that ‘difficult’ second book.
The dream team: my wondrous editor, Bella Pearson, and my magical agent, Catherine Clarke. Your patience, encouragement and vision kept me afloat when I was convinced drowning was inevitable! To say you’re both a pleasure to work with is an almighty understatement. Thank you, thank you, thank you for not letting me give up on Mia.
Everyone at David Fickling Books. Your energy and commitment astonish me every single day. Special thanks to Carolyn McGlone for being not only being incredible at her job but also bloody lovely company on our various jaunts across the UK (long live our couples railcard!), Phil Earle for continuing to spread the word with such genuine and infectious passion, Rosie Fickling for her most excellent editorial notes and David Fickling for almost unnatural levels of enthusiasm and joy. As I’ve said countless times before, I’m so happy and proud to be a DFB author.
David Levithan for overwhelming kindness and generosity.
Alice Todd for another proper stunner of a cover, and Alison Gadsby for so much hard work on the design and layout. I can’t wait to hold a copy in my hands!
Lisa Rundle for taking the time to share her experiences of life as the mother of a budding young swimmer – your insight was invaluable.
My Monday-night writing-group buddies (Paul, James, Fiona, Chris, Maria and Sara-Mae), thank you for your thoughtful and always helpful feedback. Here’s to the next four years!
It’s no secret the UK YA community is made up of outstanding individuals, many of whom have become genuine mates. Thank you to everyone who has shared experiences, offered advice or been kind or supportive in any shape or form. In particular, Jenny Downham for countless wise words, Lucy Ivison and Non Pratt for being motivational, inspirational and hilarious in equal measure, and Jess Vallance for a bit of everything.
Second books are notoriously hard. Massive thanks to all my friends and family for their support/indulgence. Particular thanks to Gregory Ashton for being the ultimate brainstorming partner, Matt Phillips for his continued kindness and cheerleading, Katherine Jackson for the Wednesday-morning chats, Nikki Dibley for reading some early chapters and making the right noises, Hayley Rudd for being the housemate from heaven, and Jake and Isla Elliott, my little rays of sunshine.
Finally, Mum and Dad, for being, well, Mum and Dad. Mum recently expressed concern that people might read my books and assume the characters are based on them. Therefore I’d like to take this opportunity to state that my parents do not roll around on the living-room carpet snogging like Mia’s do (at least they don’t in front of me).