No Ordinary Love

by Anita Notaro

  I had two editors on this book and Francesca Liversidge and Linda Evans both played a vital role. Thanks to all the team at Transworld, especially Larry Finlay who gives all his authors great support. And Eoin McHugh in the Dublin office is always there at the end of the phone.

  Gil and Simon Hess do a fantastic job with my books as do all the guys in the office, and Declan Heeney and Helen Gleed-O’Connor put up with me all the time.

  I’m lucky enough to have Marianne Gunn-O’Connor as my agent and she is a friend as well. And Pat Lynch in her office is always there if I need a moan or a hot chocolate! Thanks as well to Vicki Satlow who does great work for my books in Europe.

  My family and friends put up with me when I’m completely engrossed in a book so thanks to my sisters Madeleine, Lorraine and Jean and my brother-in-law Donal and sister-in-law Claire. I love all my nieces and nephews and especially my new goddaughter, Jane McGuinness. My father-in-law Arthur also gives me great advice and takes me out to dinner when I’m desperate.

  I don’t know how I’d survive without Dearbhla, Caroline, Ursula and Dee who’ve been my friends for years. I also have Anna Nolan to thank for all her help and advice, and it’s great to have my friend Niamh Kelly home from Switzerland after a long time away. Patricia Scanlan and Claudia Carroll understand and buy me lemon or coffee cake and listen when I get to that mad stage in a book. And Dave Fanning lets me rant occasionally (only when he doesn’t get in first, mind you). Also Frank Hession, you’ve been my friend forever and Diarmuid Gavin, you never fail to make me laugh.

  And thanks to all my friends and colleagues in RTE and especially Fair City for all the support and encouragement.

  Finally Gerry McGuinness, where would I be without you? You make life one big adventure and I’m lovin’ the journey.

  Anita Notaro is a freelance journalist and producer/director. She worked for RTE, Ireland’s national broadcaster, for eighteen years and continues to work as a drama director on Fair City. She has directed the Eurovision Song Contest and the Irish General Election, as well as programmes for the BBC and Channel 4. Her last book, Take A Look at Me Now, won the Popular Fiction Book of the Year award in 2008 at the Irish Book Awards. She is a regular contributor to RTE and TV3.