Watercolours (31 page)

Writing is a lonely business and my albatross wings would have fallen off long ago if it weren't for a number of encouraging people to whom I am very grateful.

Thank you to my family, the lot of you, for your enduring support. What stamina!

Thank you to Rob, for urging me to be bold and for the galvanising wise words that kept me heading back to my desk.

To Leo and Jim who give it all meaning.

Thanks to Jan Clement, for nurturing my love of language and poetry at an age when I was most impressionable.

Rachel Couper's captivating artworks and her genius for map drawing helped me to visualise my world and untangle all the threads. Thanks for the many conversations about art we have shared during our friendship.

To Kate Rossmanith, fellow albatross, whose advice and conviction I have cherished.

I am grateful to the NSW Writer's Centre for my first editing mentorship and to Jody Lee for her insight, way back when the manuscript made no sense at all.

Thanks to the generous Ian Hale and Fairfield High School for letting me sit in on the gifted art classes.

Thanks to Terry De Martin, Greg Evans, David Featherstone, Keith Hellier and Greig Ireland, for taking the time to talk to me about the bad old days.

Thanks to my agent, Selwa Anthony, who was such an early supporter and who has followed through over many years to ensure that this story saw the light of day.

To Jo Butler and the enthusiastic team at HarperCollins Australia, surely the loveliest people in the industry. Editors are amazing creatures, and the brilliant work of Clara Finlay and Amanda O'Connell has greatly contributed to this book.

To the staff of Sandy Beach Primary School, for the memories, and to all the passionate teachers out there, thanks.