My entire extended family has inspired, sustained and tolerated me for nearly twenty years whilst I have been writing about Ximene.

Another source of inspiration has been my story editor Claire Wingfield and copy editor Charmaine Calaitzis.

In the 21st century writers have to master the technical intricacies of word processors, publishing programs and the internet. My technical advisor and webmaster has been my son Steven Lilley. Without his expertise nothing would have happened.

As part of the writing process I attended the course in Creative Writing at Chisholm College. There my course leader, tutor and mentor was Nathan King.

Nathan also gave an inspiring series of lectures on ‘Myths and Symbols’, which literally changed my life, not just my writing.