… to be successful, the artist in any field has to be in the right place at the right time. The right time is in the lap of the gods, but any mother’s son or daughter can work his/her way to the right place and wait.

But what is the right place? That is one of the great, amiable mysteries of human experience.

So that brings me to these heartfelt words… I’ve been waiting here for you, Wonderful Reader and hoping you’d find me and like what I do. Thank you for trusting me with your time with this book.

Finally, why do all my stories attempt to unravel the mysteries of ironic serendipity? Because the whim of fate fascinates me; it makes our lives interesting. I may not believe completely in luck, curses or malocchio, but there are many life twists that seem too preordained to ignore.

Of course the other answer could be that out there is a balding, old man stocking ancient, magical books on a shelf in a dark and dusty second-hand bookstore, hidden down a lane in a large city in Somewhere Land.

Maybe you’ve just read a non-fiction book wrapped in a pretty cover with names changed to protect the innocent, or not so innocent.

I’ll leave that answer up to your own imagination. I would like to thank you again for reading this story, and I wish you and yours good fortune in your life. But you must excuse me right now, while I go check what the notation in my little, green book has for you. I’ll be right back.

Happy nightmares!

Yours, Susan May

P.S. I bet you, being the curious reader, want to know where the carton of green diaries came from? And what William does with the book he buys?

Well, first up, I don’t know. You’ll need to ask the old guy’s boss in the bookshop. He bought them.

As far as William goes, I don’t know the answer either. That guy is always getting himself into big trouble. If he ever turns up in a story again, I’ll let you know.

The best thing is for you to join my mailing club so you know if he returns. Susan May FREE books!

And if you do want more of William or Joe, be sure to write to me at [email protected]. I’ve been persuaded before to write a follow-up or expand an idea through the magic of readers’ emails.

Thank you

My first thanks is always to my incredible, supportive husband who was my shoulder to cry on over this book. He kept telling me, “Just keep going. You can do it.” I didn’t always believe him, but it helped, honey. If you don’t have one of those cheerleaders in your life, go find one.

To my kids, Bailey and Harry; you are my lucky clovers. You’ve brought me my greatest wish in life: the lesson of loving unconditionally and experiencing the depth of love only a parent can understand.