There are numerous grown-ups who went out of their way to make The Infinite possible. If I mentioned you all, this book would be twice the size. I particularly want to thank my husband, Jeremy, who encouraged me to write a novel in the first place, gave not only positive feedback and brainstorming sessions but love and support. You enabled me to immerse myself in the imaginary world for months at a time and never once complained when I forgot to cook half the dinner. My father, Clement Agbabi, for believing in me as a writer since I was a very young child, and for giving me advice about the impossible task of transposing Izon into English. Mum and dad in Wales: mum, reading to me every night is the greatest gift you gave me. My immediate and extended family, in the UK and Nigeria for your belief in my abilities, especially cousin Jumbo, keep writing those stories. Faustie-Ann, I’m still waiting for that autobiography.

I’m so lucky to have friends who are also superb writers and readers. I thank Steve Tasane for his unbridled enthusiasm for the concept from the very beginning, the detailed, invaluable plotting suggestions for that early draft. Rosemary Harris for helping me create child-friendly peril, especially relating to genetic modification. I cannot thank you enough. Ros Barber for the Creative Writing PhD reference and enabling the light to get in. Kate Clanchy for recommending screenwriting books for plotting. Nina Tullar for sending a brilliant screenwriting book out of the blue. I LOVED storyboarding. Leone Ross, for the way you said the word ‘novelist’ with a twinkle in your eye. I felt ten feet tall. Bernardine Evaristo for supporting me as a writer on so many levels. Without you, I would not be where I am today. Courttia Newland for that excellent Spread the Word sci-fi workshop, complete with Star Wars-inspired video link. Stephanie Scott for sharing authorial advice and delicious meals in London when I most needed them. Kim Zarins for being so positive though you’d only just met me, your words of advice around middle-grade children’s books. The Medieval and Renaissance Women’s Drinking Society, for continuing to nurture and celebrate all our achievements, past, present and future.