The Shadow House(98)
I’d also like to thank the people and places who have directly influenced the creation of the characters and settings in this story: Sarah Carr, whose emotional honesty sparked the very first idea for this book.
Justin Wiggins, my brother from another mother, who first brought dark-web mystery boxes to my attention.
Sheree Downes, my sis-in-law, for answering my questions about high-school kids.
Louise Dominello and everyone at S&P Dominello Flower Growers in Peats Ridge, New South Wales, who very kindly allowed me to spend a day observing their work and asking questions about farm life.
Lyndall Parris and all the residents of the beautiful and genuinely idyllic Narara Ecovillage, New South Wales. Without you, I wouldn’t have a setting. Thank you for being so warm and generous with your time.
The stunning Pecan Lady Orchard in Somersby, New South Wales, whose farm stay provided a peaceful writing retreat and whose trees supplied unexpected and timely inspiration.
Orion at Truth & Power in Avoca Beach, New South Wales, with whom I spent a fascinating afternoon talking about healing, shamanism and ayahuasca, back when this book was about something else entirely. (Unfortunately, I couldn’t make that particular draft work, but I have kept some of the smaller details and, who knows, maybe shamanism will make an appearance in another book one day.) Thank you to my beloved author friends, my writing ‘village’, whose support means the absolute world. There are so many of you, but extra big hugs to: My Central Coast writers group, retreat team and book coven: Donna Cameron, Adrienne Ferreira, Lisa Kenway – and Hannah Gierhart, whose help and insight around the fifth-draft mark was utterly invaluable.
My Zoom writers’ group, who are hands down one of the best things to come out of 2020: Ashley Kalagian-Blunt, Rob McDonald, Petronella McGovern and Josh Pomare.
Kate Mildenhall, whose boundless generosity and wisdom made a whole lot of difference to my second draft.
And Christian White, whose friendship and pep talks I just couldn’t do without.
Finally, a huge and heartfelt shout out to my family and friends near and far, especially those I haven’t seen for a very long time. Special thanks to: My mum, Heather, and stepdad Charlie, Grandma Jo, my dad, Robert, stepmum, Liz, sisters, Jessie and Lotte, and the whole extended UK crew for all the regular check-ins and support from the other side of the world. Covid has been, and continues to be, tough for us all, and there are no words for how much I miss you … but when the reunion finally comes, the celebrations will be epic.
Adam Lollback, for loaning me your office space when I so desperately needed it, and Jackie, for all the tequila. Candice Boyd, for listening to me talk through those first few ideas.
Lucy, my sestra, my whisp. Elsie, for all the smiles.
My kids – always my kids – Daisy and Jack. You are my inspiration. I love you. Please never get too big for snuggles.
And, last but never least, my husband, Matt. Without your constant positivity and willingness to brainstorm plot ideas with me, I would probably still be crying on the couch. Thank you for being the kindest and best co-parent and co-pilot a girl could wish for.