by E. R. Murray
With warm and deepest thanks to Elisabetta Minervini and the team at Alma Books for seeing the potential in this story and bringing it into the world: I appreciate all that you do.
To Jem Butcher for the beautiful cover, and William Dady for the constant support and energy – you, sir, are a gentleman.
Huge thanks to my editor, Bella Pearson, for seeing what I was trying to create and helping me to achieve it. Also my agent, Sallyanne Sweeney; a writer’s journey is not always easy, and I’m glad to have you by my side.
Melvin Burgess, Malorie Blackman, and everyone on the Arvon Totleigh Barton YA writing week in 2014; your encouragement and feedback helped make this happen. Thank you, truly.
Also Tyrone Guthrie Centre, La Muse Retreat and Cill Rialaig – your wonderful spaces allowed this book to breathe.
Writing Caramel Hearts has meant many research trips to London, so giant hugs to my friends Angela and Abel for the spare room and great company (when I eventually ditched the notebook).
Writing this book also meant delving into to some buried feelings and memories, so the biggest thanks of all go to my sister, Tracey, who will understand parts of this book more than any other reader. You always have been, and always will be, an inspiration.
And finally, my husband Mick, without whom none of this would be possible – thank you for being you.
Elizabeth Rose Murray lives in West Cork where she writes, fishes and grows her own vegetables. Caramel Hearts is her first book for young adults. Her debut novel for children aged 10–12, The Book of Learning – Nine Lives (Mercier Press) was chosen as the 2016 Dublin UNESCO City of Literature Citywide Read for Children.
Hoping to encourage new writers, Elizabeth provides manuscript reports and online writing courses through Inkwell Writers and Big Smoke Writing Factory. She is a regular at literary festivals, and offers adult workshops on writing for children and young adults, as well as multiple events and workshops for children and teens.
Follow E.R. Murray on Twitter and Facebook at:
@ermurray
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Or check out her website:
www.ermurray.com