Heartfelt thanks also to Kylie Scott (née McInnes), Belinda Monypenny and Carly Slater (and Jessica, of course) for reading, enjoying and responding to Black Dog Small Bird, the distant ancestor to this book. BDSB will never see the light of day, but this book grew out of it, and I will always be grateful for your time, thoughts and enthusiasm.

This would not be a proper acknowledgment without saying a big thank-you to my mum, Gillian. Thank you for your belief, love and support, always. x

To my dad, Gareth, thanks for keeping it real and for ensuring I know you’re always there if I need. x

And last but certainly not least, a massive thank-you to the book-loving teams at Text and Berkley PRH. I’ve never met so many people so delighted that I’d made them cry (and laugh). Michael Heyward, thanks for loving my characters nearly as much as I do. Jen Monroe, your care and enthusiasm turned me into an excited dancing kid on more than one occasion. To David Forrer at Inkwell, thank you for your kindness and for your championing of this book. Mandy Brett, editor extraordinaire, thanks for taking the time to buy a Text Prize shortlistee a coffee and ask some direct questions. My answer? This. This book is what I would write if I ignored all the advice and ideas about what it should be.

Readers Guide

READERS GUIDE

A MILLION THINGS

Emily Spurr

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS