There are so many people I need to thank, or this book wouldn’t exist.

I guess I have to start right back in late 2014, early 2015, when I was finally brave enough to share one of my stories with a friend. That friend convinced me I should start taking my writing seriously. Back then my writing was rough, I mean so rough. I’d never had to shine and polish my writing because it was only for me, they were silly stories I made up and wrote to amuse myself. I have no idea what you saw in my work back them Emma Tromans but I’m glad you did see whatever it was. Without you I wouldn’t be writing like I am now. I wouldn’t have actual characters in my head night and day that won’t leave me alone…I’m not sure I should be thanking you for that bit. Anyway, crazy pants, thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting me on this journey that I know already, I can’t stop. Writing books is what I’ll be doing till the day I drop, and that’s all thanks to you. Thank you so much. Love you forever and always my Lobster. XxX

Next, for the never-ending support, and you know, giving me life. Mommy kins, thank you for putting up with my endless book babble and being one of what I call my Alpha readers. Not that I gave you much choice, but thank you. I know sometimes to you it must sound like I am talking total gibberish, and maybe I am, but you let me, so thank you. Thank you for the family day trips to Blackpool growing up, they started my love affair with the city that has never left me. Love you lots and lots, hope I can make you proud with my work.

My Lil Anne. I dedicated this whole book to you because, well, who else could it be for? Your never-ending support and optimism is so comforting to me. You build me up when I think I’m done. You always know what to say to put that smile back on my face. I love you so so much. Thank you, I hope I can continue to make you proud.

My Alpha team. Some I have already mentioned so far. These are the people who get the first rough copy of a book, just so I can judge the outline and the plot.

They are :

Mike,

Mom,

Lil Anne,

Anita.

Without your support, critique, and kind words, I would have given up long ago. Thank you for your honesty. I can’t wait for the other stories I have in mind for you all. Anita especially, who has read my roughest of rough work and is still willing to read it. You my dear are a brave, brave soul and I love you for it, thank you.

Now, I have to thank two people for this book in particular, and they are two people who will never ever pick up this book, but I have to thank them anyway.

Charlie and Julie Wright.

Thank you for the many years I spent in your guest house in Blackpool, hatching ideas back then that I didn’t realise would one day turn into Driftwood. You’ll never know how much of your little B&B made it into this book, but to me, the Driftwood will always be run by you in my heart. Thank you for your kindness and your words of optimism when I told you I wanted my own B&B. You were amazingly kind people, and I wish I could find you today, just to say thank you if nothing else.

My dream team.

Two people who without, this book, or any of my many manuscripts, would never see the light of day.

My editor Kim Young. Not only for your amazing editing skills, but your help and guidance in all things publishing. Before I was even a client, you steered me in the right direction, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Becky Strahl. You are still helping me to this very day, as I sit here writing this, you have been messaging me today, helping me yet again!

Without either of you, I would not be here, I would not feel this brave without the two of you behind me, answering all my stupid blonde girl questions. Thank you so much. XxX.

Now the big one.

Do you have any idea how much time it takes to write one manuscript? And I mean not including the endless hours editing, or pining over characters. I mean just the writing part. Well, it takes a long time, and so far I have written ten. None of which have drained me and broken my heart like Driftwood has. Through all of them I have had my amazing husband Mike Gough at my side. He has put up with a sheer amount of crazy, and still he stands by me, supporting me, pushing me forward. He has put up with crying, mood swings, pilgrimages to places fictional characters live (Cowley), or other places they mention or visit.

Writing all these books takes time, time he has given me without a second thought, and that means the world to me. I know sometimes I am sat next to you and I’m not even in the same room, and you’re ok with that because you get me. I need this, I need my writing, so thank you so so much for giving me that, for letting me pursue it.

I love you no end and can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me with my writing. You even bought me the laptop I’m writing this on because you believed in me so much. Thank you, Mike. I love you with all my heart, always will.

Every single one of you that has read this far. Thank you for your support, believe me when I say it means the world to me that you picked up my book baby. Thank you for joining me on this journey. There will be no stopping me now. See you in the next book.

Thank you.

Claire XxX