My thanks go to Nathan Connolly for recognising the merit in my peculiar little book and for wanting to publish it. I am also grateful to Gary Budden for excellent editing skills and insightful comments.
This book was written while I was studying for an MA in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. During that time I was very fortunate to attend the writing centre at Moniack Mhor on two occasions, as part of a group of students and tutors. The first time, I was close to giving up on this book. The second time was after it had been accepted for publication and I was struggling with the edits. On each occasion, the camaraderie and support of the other attendees kept me going. There were many people involved; I am grateful to them all and it would be wrong to name individuals (oh, go on then: Nick Royle, Livi Michael, Matthew Adamson and Charis Wightman).
Sincere thanks are also due to Georgia Davies, Jacqui Grima and Rianne Harney whose friendship and feedback on my writing have been invaluable. Ladies, I salute you. My thanks also go to my dear friend and staunchest advocate, Sara Cox.
I am also grateful to my parents Chris and Toni, and my sister Emma, for the gifts of a happy, loving childhood and a curiosity about words.
Finally, and most of all, thank you to Dom, and to Ted, Ben and Florence, for providing love and inspiration on a daily basis.