I wasn’t sure where this novel was going to take me. I wasn’t even sure I would publish it. All I had was a few chapters and two names, maybe a handful of ideas that I’d drummed up on many a school run. That was it. For months it stayed that way, in an unmarked folder, waiting—hoping—I would come back to it.

When my Gramps passed away last year I found myself in a really dark place. Every day was a struggle. I had all these emotions ploughing through my mind and I had no idea how to deal with them. Bring in Victoria L. James…

Not only did this lady support me through the shit times, she somehow managed to make me laugh, and as time went on I started to realise that I was alive. I was living. I had three beautiful children and the greatest fiancé a girl could ever have. I was lucky. But not only did she shake me out of the grief, she made me see that all the emotions I was feeling could be dealt with. All I had to do was pick up a pen and pad, or flip open the lid on my laptop and pour every emotion, pain and anger onto each page. So I did. And in a way, I sorta owe this novel to her.

Victoria saw me through every chapter, every page and every idea I thought was pants, right up to the very end. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that Victoria L. James is not only a fantastic, genius of an author, but she’s pretty damn special, too. So, thank you, Vic. For being you. I love you EPIC amounts.

Weezy. L.J. Graphic genius and more importantly, my friend. There isn’t a day that goes by where I am not thankful for having you in my life—even if that bloody pond is in the way. For years now you have given your time, patience and devotion to myself and so many others out there, and you never ask for anything in return. No amount of gifts or kinds words are enough to tell you how special you are to me.

Your eye for detail when it comes to the graphic side of this book world is something I will never be able to get my head around. The teasers and cover design for TWG has blown me away and let’s not forget about your beautiful mind when it comes to writing your own work. You, lady, are so full of talent and you should know that your words mean everything and that Mortisali will forever be my happy place. I love you. So freakin’ much.

P.S. I can’t wait for that pond to dry up so I can hug the shit out of you.

To my editors... Victoria L. James, for always making my words look pretty, and for catching all the shit that I’m useless at spotting. Not only with TWG but with Scotty, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you…

Bob. Heather. For taking the time to do the second run-through the day before flying out to Aus. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To the bloggers that ALWAYS have our backs. Wendy and Claire over at Bare Naked Words book blog. You guys are so bloody awesome it’s unreal. Thank you for being YOU.

My beta readers… Sue, Kris, Coops and my little pocket rocket, Nadia. I don’t even know where to start with you ladies. Sue, Kris and Coops. You ladies have been with me from day dot. Supporting me, pimping me through to the wee hours of the night, never failing to amaze me. I love you all so much.

Nadia, my little rocket. A new friend but one I know I will have for life. Thank you for taking a chance on me and reading my baby. Your support has been endless these last few months and I cannot wait to squish you in York. I love your little self.

Bam Bam. My beautiful Bamma babe. Thank you for continuing to be your funny self and supplying me with all things spider-ish. You, my friend, are the reason for many a nightmare. But I wouldn’t have you any other way.

Franny. Fuck Face. You continue to inspire me every damn day. If someone tells me that they can’t achieve something, then I will be the first to point them in your direction. Continue being you, my lovely. Because you ARE truly an inspiration.

To Darcie at BEERS, B.O.B’S N BOOKS book blog, who I also cannot wait to hug and get all dopey with in York. You played a massive part in Scott Jenkins’ Road to Wonderland—my first book baby—and even through TWG you have continued to stick by me, pimping and supporting me. I freakin’ love your bad arse self.

And to my family…. Mum, Dad and my annoying siblings. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to follow my dreams. And thank you Mum and Dad for birthing such an awesome lady. The world owes you one ;-)

Diana… For supplying me with endless amounts of wine and believing in me when I didn’t think I could do it. There aren’t many people in the world like you and I am super grateful to have you as my mother-in-law.

Sam, Keira, Madison and Ben… My beautiful, caring, funny little—in Sam’s case, not so little—family. You guys are my world, my reason for living and waking up every day. Thank you for everything you give me. Your love and support means more to me than you could possibly imagine. I am so proud of each and every one of you.

Sam, you supported me all the way through, even during the times you were building up your own business and buying our first family home. With all the stress that came with it your support and devotion towards me never faltered. I love you, you big goofball, and I am so stinking proud to call you mine. Now, bring me wine and your snoring last night will be long forgotten ;-)