I began writing this book shortly after being involved in a life-changing car accident, or should I say, two accidents? That’s right, I didn’t just manage to get hit by one car from behind, at speed. I was hit twice within forty minutes.
During the first accident, my car had come to a stand-still on the motorway and while constantly checking my rear-view mirror, I could see a van aiming towards me. Its driver was busily chatting to his passenger, laughing and joking and by the time he saw my car, I could literally see the whites of his eyes. He hit his brakes, all too late.
After spending a good half an hour at the side of the road, I decided to try and get my car off the motorway. I drove carefully and slowly and got to the top of the slip road where I had to wait for another car to move off. I then felt another huge bump and looked up to see that a bright yellow mini had run straight into the back of my car. I was left with life-changing injuries. Both of my shoulders were damaged, and I could barely move my arms above my waist for around six years.
It was following my accident that I came up with this story. I tried to work out how life-changing accidents affected different people, whether or not the accident would affect other people, other family members and how, on a daily basis, people got on with their lives afterwards.
I’d therefore like to thank my husband Haydn for looking after me during those six years. My friends and family members, Kathy Kilner and Jayne Stacey, for reading my work and giving me their very honest feedback. And special thanks to Jane Lovering, without whom this book would have never happened. Her critique service is amazing and without a doubt she kept me going on the days when I’d have quite easily quit.
Finally, I’d like to thank my publisher, Boldwood Books and my editor, Emily Ruston. They bring the sparkle and shine to the books, create the most amazing covers and ensure that my books get the very best marketing that I could wish for.