I am delighted Margaret River Press has published this novel. I applaud director Caroline Wood’s passion for and commitment to WA writing: I am fortunate to benefit from her hard work and vision. I thank Anne-Marie Reeves for her design of the cover and her patience throughout the process, and textile artist Meredith Woolnough’s goodwill in letting us use her stunning artwork. Big-hearted thanks to my editor, Susan Midalia, who took me on a rigorous journey, and whose insight and guidance have greatly strengthened Bloodlines. I always felt in safe hands; her brother Tibor was an inspirational teacher of mine, and this has much to do with this feeling of trust. To my agent, Fran Moore, for whom the PNG material resonated, many thanks for your persistence in finding this novel a home.
I am deeply appreciative of the friends who read early drafts, advised on content or offered creative camaraderie: Narelle Hill, Bec Schofield, Narelle Laws, Ben Ullock, Pete Curry, Lorenna Grant, Sharon Collins, and particularly Greg Neville, who polished my Pidgin. Extra special thanks to Peter Hill and Julie Hill for their expertise and generosity at a critical part of the process, and the Hill family for providing the Windy Harbour hut where I could edit and sift in quiet.
Bloodlines would not have been possible without two significant places. In 2007 and 2008, I was fortunate to call an island in Papua New Guinea my home. For their friendship which inspired the PNG thread, I thank my wantoks: Grace Savitas, Cissy Iamo, Agnes and Bernadette Lokowa, Mala and Joseph Takando, and Mrs Lee.
And now to that other place, the first place, my childhood farm, and the people who called it home. Thank you to my beloved parents, Robyn and Royston, who fostered an early love of story, and keep reminding me I can. To my sisters, Fiona and Lorelle, who read early drafts and sustained me with their unwavering support at all stages of this project, my deepest thanks. I am grateful for the very real gift of child-minding given by Kay and Ken Gwynne and, as this project ramped up, my mum, who was our rock, keeping food on the table, wood on the fire and our children happy.
And most especially I thank my husband, Pete, who believed in this story even when I didn’t; who has known every joy, every challenge along the path. And to our daughters, Zabena (4) and Avarni (2), who light it.
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