I am terrified of heights. Absolutely petrified. However, I knew that if I was going to pull off The Ice Retreat I needed to see it with my own eyes.
So, with legs that had turned to jelly and hands that wouldn’t stop trembling, I gripped onto the railing and took a deep breath.
Lift off.
The Swiss valley falling away beneath me, I began three terrifying cable car rides to the summit of the Schilthorn.
At the top – 2,970 metres above sea level – I would find Europe’s first revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, more famously known as the location in James Bond’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
I arrived safely, in one piece, and it was worth every second of pain getting there – the views were truly breathtaking. Within seconds of arriving and looking out across the Swiss skyline (featuring more than 200 summits), I knew, with unwavering certainty, that this was where I would set my next book.
Switzerland. Check. Isolated location. Check. Only one way up and down the mountain. Check.
After a very frightening but exciting ‘research trip’, I got down to the real business of plotting and writing. The investigation into cold water therapy came from my own fascination with alternative medicine; my intention for the book was not to pass judgement in any way, but rather to leave an open question.
Books don’t happen alone and I have a wonderful team to thank for making The Ice Retreat a reality.
Firstly, a huge thank you to Alex Saunders, whose editorial expertise – as always – helped bring out the best in my writing. I couldn’t have done it without you.
The entire team at Pan Macmillan – you have been brilliant. A special shoutout goes to Chloe Davies for her PR wizardry, Charlotte Williams, Anne O’Brien and editorial manager Melissa Bond. Plus a gigantic thank you to Kieryn, for designing the most stunning cover. When I first laid eyes on it, it took my breath away.
Jordan Lees – your advice and guidance have been invaluable, as has the support of the entire team at The Blair Partnership.
Allie Steemson, best friends since school – nobody makes me laugh as hard. Thank you for chatting through all my crazy plot ideas.
Thank you, Michael, for everything, especially helping me overcome my fear of heights and holding my hand as we went up the mountain. I very nearly turned back, twice, and I wouldn’t have made it to the top if it weren’t for you.
And last, but by no means least, thank you to all my readers for all your support – I wouldn’t be able to do what I love if it weren’t for you.