Chapters (15)
Well, I haven’t managed to flush my career down the toilet again (yet), so there are a few people I should thank for that:
Karen Sullivan, whose passion and belief gives me the freedom to write the things I, actually, want to write about. Who else would say ‘yes’ to a book written in the third person and the collective first person, spliced between an instruction manual, where the main detective doesn’t show up until the eighty-fifth page? Tireless focus and encouragement and vision.
Tom Witcomb, for saying this book was better than the last one. I needed to hear that. And for telling me that my book ideas are ‘batshit crazy’ but he still wants me to write them. Hopefully I can earn us some money one day, man. I mean, you’ve got a kid on the way.
To the Orenda team, I thank you all. West for your invaluable input and persistence, and Cole for your creativity at any hour of the day. And Liz and Anne for making sure that as much of the world as possible knows I have a new book out.
And the Orenda authors Johana and Simone, who helped me with some of the translations in this book.
Thanks to Sarah and Steve for my cover quotes on the last book and your ongoing encouragement after reading this one. I’m grateful for your support, you have better things to be doing.
To Tom Wood for being continually handsome.
Mum and Brendan, for the limitless support and endless supply of yellow labels.
To Phoebe and Coen, who I want to dedicate a book to, but I write about such horrible things, and you are the loveliest things on Earth. One day.
Forbes. I’ll never unsee that American Beauty photo but I am grateful for your book love.
My fitness people, who work their bodies every week but now also work their minds by reading one book each year.
And to Kel, who understands the full force of an artistic meltdown. I’m sorry, these people just take so bloody long to respond to anything. I don’t get it, either. I thank you for the new ritual of celebrating every step of the journey, and drinking with me on those occasions. For inspiring me to get my arse in the chair and write, and supporting me in every way possible to make sure that happens. You could make me write in the early morning.
Lastly, again, to January David. I know you are uncredited in this story, but I’m bringing you back. Don’t worry. I have a plan.