Dreamrider (21 page)

Because I
can
do this now. I can do everything.

To prove it, I lean forward into the darkness.

‘Let there be light,' I say.

And there is light.

Author's note

Lucid dreaming is a ‘real' phenomenon, with many practitioners throughout the world. For those interested in learning how it can be done, any internet search engine will provide many fascinating sites.

Unfortunately, in Australia and throughout the world, bullying in schools and mental illness among young people are also very real. Information and confidential help is available in all schools. There are also a number of very good websites that provide information and support.

On the issue of bullying, I recommend
www.bullyingnoway.com.au

For help with matters of mental health, the Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd have a site at
www.aicafmha.net.au

Another good resource is
www.reachout.com.au

Acknowledgements

Many people read early drafts of
Dreamrider
and provided invaluable suggestions. I would like to thank, in particular, Barb Clarke, Lauren Moss, Brendan Moss, Penni Russon and Erica Wagner for helping to shape the final manuscript. My editor, Jodie Webster, brought her customary skill, dedication and enthusiasm to all stages of the writing process and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work so closely and productively with her. Thanks also to Angela Namoi, responsible for spreading my writing about the world, who said she was ‘smacked around' by the book. I hope that is a good thing.

To all my family and friends – thanks for your support and belief.

Saving the best till last: my wife, Nita, who makes me write when I don't want to, who always spots the flaws and tells me, who gives me space, support and belief . . . thanks is too small a word.

Also by Barry Jonsberg

T
HE WHOLE BUSINESS WITH
K
IFFO AND THE
P
ITBULL
was shortlisted in the 2005 CBC Awards, Older Readers.

When Calma and Kiffo discover their teacher (aka the Pitbull) is involved in strange late-night dealings with mysterious associates, they think they can catch her out. But what you see is not always what you get and Calma and Kiffo don't see what is coming next . . .

‘A hilarious depiction of teenage life, teachers and true friendship,
with a crime mystery thrown in.'

J
O
S
TANLEY

W
INNER
:
2006 A
DELAIDE
F
ESTIVAL
A
WARD
,
C
HILDREN
'
S
L
ITERATURE

I
T'S
NOT ALL ABOUT
YOU, C
ALMA
!
is the riotously funny followup to
T
HE WHOLE BUSINESS WITH
K
IFFO AND THE
P
UTBULL
.

Calma Harrison is in love. Not just with herself, but also with the handsome checkout guy at Crazi-Cheep. But the rest of her life is fast falling apart. Calma knows the only sure way to shape events is direct, personal intervention . . .

A bold and witty novel about friendship, loyalty and acting on impulse.