Giant thanks must firstly go to Hardie Grant Egmont, and everyone there who has helped give Sod life (or death, as the case may be). I’ve been especially blessed to work with my extraordinary publisher Hilary Rogers. Without her vision, advice and hard work this book simply wouldn’t exist. If Sod had a Fairy Godmother (or perhaps a Fairy Godreaper) I think it would be you, Hil.
For reading terribly unpolished drafts and giving awesome, story-improving feedback every time, massive props go to my workshopping pals – Myke Bartlett, Leanne Hall, Chris Miles, Kim Kane, Christine Hinwood and Sean O’Beirne. Thanks also to the team at Readings for supporting me these past few years (both on the bookshelves and in their employ) – in particular Mark Rubbo, Emily Harms and Christine Gordon.
A few additional thank yous: Clare Renner (for putting me on this path in the first place), Elise McDonald (for her supreme medical and biological advice), Joseph Pearson (for sharing his writing desk), Beth Hall (for her tireless editing work), and Foong Ling Kong (for her editorial prowess and steering Sod in the right direction). And extra special thanks must go to Elizabeth Quinn and everyone at Caldera Arts for giving me the gift of space and time at the Artists in Residence program in beautiful, inspiring central Oregon.
Son of Death is a book about family (and yes, death, but let’s not get too morbid on the acknowledgements page) so I am indebted to my own family – Dad, Mum, Deanne, Elise, Peter and Leigh – for both inspiration and support.
And to Marisa Pintado, my favourite travelling partner (both literally and metaphorically), who generously lent her wily editorial brain to this story and was generally amazing with ongoing belief and patience as I hacked through draft upon draft. Thank you, guy, for taking the journey with Sod and me.
Andrew McDonald is a writer from Melbourne, Australia.
He knew he wanted to be a writer from the age of eight when he realised his best skill in life was Making Stuff Up. He’s been making up stories and writing them down ever since.
In his research for Son of Death, Andrew visited lots of graveyards and crypts, attended a Death Cafe (where ordinary people gather to discuss death), and even wrote some of the book in an ex-funeral home. Spooky!
His first book is called The Greatest Blogger in the World and features a kid called Charlie who wants to use his blog to Be the Hero, Get the Girl and Save the Day.
For more information (or just if you’re bored one day) visit Andrew’s website – mrandrewmcdonald.com
