A debut work isn’t born in a vacuum, and this little baby has had a whole lot help from some very smart, very gracious people.
Firstly, a very important thanks to Dan McMahon. Dan, when you asked me to come and talk to your year-twelve students about growing up I was sceptical that I had a story worth sharing. Your belief in my voice is the fundamental reason this book exists. Thank you for your confidence.
There are many people who read the book at various stages and gave me critical opinions at critical times. Huge thanks to Neridah Waters, Liesel Zink, Travis Dowling, Margi Brown-Ash, Susan Mackenzie and Jason Klarwein. Your encouragement was invaluable.
Thank you also to the handful of people who are in this book, who read it and gave me their gracious blessing. I am very grateful.
How on earth do I even begin to thank Text Publishing for their belief and support? I’m honoured to be a Text author. Special thanks to my editor, Jane Pearson, for being downright amazing.
To my friends—most of you read the book at different times or lived the experience with me. To Claire, Ari, Steve, Carley, Janet, Richard, I am nowhere without you.
Thank you to Mum, Dad, Andy and Chrissy. Thanks for trusting me with a small piece of our story, and thank you for raising a neurotic young man so gracefully.
Finally, thanks for being an amazing wife, Em, and for believing in me and the book. I love you.