Votive (56 page)

T
HIS NOVEL HAS BEEN A LABOUR
of love and I’ve so many people I wish to thank. I fear I’ll be a little sentimental, but when you read why, I hope you’ll forgive me that indulgence.

When I wrote the acknowledgements for my last book,
Tallow
, I stated how inspiring two of my dearest friends, Sara Warneke and Grant Searle, who were undergoing treatment for cancer were (and still are). Little did I know, as I typed away that I too had cancer. Diagnosed last year, I’m still in the process of recovery and, without the unwavering support of the people I’m about to mention, I doubt I could have gotten through the last 18 or so months – a time when I also lost my father and, within a few weeks, my beloved dog, Dante, as well.

Out of the darkness, there does indeed come light and the names below have brought that and more into my sometimes dim world – so has the writing of this book.

Firstly, I have to thank my fabulous agent, Selwa Anthony. Selwa is both friend and colleague and lifted me when I was down and unwell, advised me on matters beyond the manuscript and was just magnificent.

I also want to thank the lovely Leonie Tyle for her faith, presence and enthusiasm. When Leonie rang me at 5.30 pm on a Saturday to say she’d read the draft of
Votive
in one sitting, neither showering nor getting out
of her pyjamas for two days, it was a thrill, and something every author (but not neglected family) wants to experience. Thanks also to the adorable Sarah Hazelton for early work on this novel – again, your ideas and belief have been sensational.

Celia Jellet, the main editor on this book – what a considered, brilliant and knowledgeable woman. I’ve been so fortunate to, yet again, have someone so familiar with and passionate about the genre with which to work. Celia has made this book much better than it otherwise would have been and, in editing terms, is a writer’s gift. To the rest of the terrific mob at Random House, Cristina Briones, Adiba Oemar, Nerrilee Weir, Justin Ractliffe, Sarana Behan, Peri Wilson, Linsay Knight and the entire design team – thank you for your support and understanding and for your hard and enthusiastic work on the novel and series.

To my vet, Greg Plumber, who shared his love of poetry and introduced me to the joys of Edna St. Vincent Millay and who tried desperately to save Dante – thank you. To my neighbour and friend, the artist Ken Johnson, who was not only inspired enough by
Tallow
to paint a magnificent picture, but who dropped by for coffee and talk all things Italiano with me as well – grazie mille. My mate and fellow writer, Anthony Eaton, who always found the time to check in and discuss writing, work and family and share a laugh or allow me to vent about illness – thank you so much. Also, a heartfelt thanks to my gorgeous friends, Lesley Roberts, Shelley De Courcy Lys, Frannie Thiele, Lisa Hill; Michael, Stacey, Andre and Axel Angelides; Grant Searle and Fiona LeGassick and their lovely children, Shamus and Riley; Chris, Andrea, Charlotte and Isobelle Lilley – all of whom stopped their lives for me and Stephen. Special thanks go to Greg and Alison Hall. Even in the grip of cancer themselves, their
love and friendship shines. Also, Jo and Harry Gibbs, Jane Fynes-Clinton, Bronnie Marquardt, Lauren Charrington and Gail Enstrom; my family, especially, Moira Adams, Pat Brooks, Peter and Helen Meyer. I am so lucky to have you all in my life.

There were many wonderful people who helped and supported me without even knowing it: the talented Sassy writing community – you’re all fabulous, especially Kim Wilkins, Michael MacConnell, Nathan Burrage and Katherine Howell – amazing writers and loved friends. Also, the great team at the
Courier Mail
: Margaret Wenham, Sam Strutt, Geoff Shearer, Paul Syrett and Bob MacDonald – thanks. Thanks also to Professor Graeme Turner and his gorgeous wife, Chris, and the staff and students at the Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies at the University of Queensland.

My facebook friends and members of my Fan Page – your words, help, insight, ‘likes’ when I posted something trivial, thoughtful or just needed to share were so important. Thanks especially to Amanda Wrangles, Joy Rockey and Michael Clabingboel – virtual friends extraordinaire. Thanks go to my email buddies, Bronwyn Quinn, Gregory Rees, PK and Bill Howell – you brightened my days and nights.

To those who wrote regarding how much they enjoyed if not loved
Tallow
– you have no idea how much your kind words meant.

Thanks also go to my dear, dear friend, Jim McKay. Someone who not only was there whenever Stephen or I needed him, who gave us so much love and support through good times and not so good, but who, along with Stephen, was a ‘test’ reader for
Votive
. Both Jim and Stephen gave me such insightful and great advice and I know the book is a better read for their suggestions.

To my children, Adam and Caragh, who never doubt me as a mother, writer, and a person, and always love me – thank you, darlings. Those feelings are completely and utterly mutual.

Sara, what can I say that I haven’t already said, except from the bottom of my heart – thank you. Words, our currency, are ironically inadequate here.

My thanks also go to my little sister, Jenny Farrell, who unselfishly dropped everything and was there when I needed her most and who has been the best sibling anyone could wish for. Along with her husband, John, and my niece, Jessica, and nephew, Jordan, they took me into their home and cared me back to health – thank you today and every day.

But Jenny didn’t do the caring alone and I didn’t heal in isolation either. Stephen – my beloved, my partner, my rock – was beside me every step of the way. Stephen has held me up, given me arms and a shoulder whenever I needed them, cried and laughed with me through the cancer and its rotten aftermath, sacrificing his needs for mine without second thoughts – only love. And all the time he encouraged me to write and live.
Votive
is as much yours as mine and you get the biggest thank you of all. As Dante and Tallow said to each other: Ti amo – per eternitá.

Associate Professor Karen Brooks is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies at the University of Queensland and has a PhD in cultural studies.

Renowned internationally for her work on popular culture, Karen is also a dynamic and award-winning teacher. She is a weekly columnist for
The Courier Mail
and an ‘expert’ on Channel 7’s Sunrise and
The Morning Show
and has appeared on
60 Minutes
. She was also a regular on ABC’s
The Einstein Factor
as part of the Brains Trust. Author of the popular
Cassandra Klein
quartet and
Rifts through Quentaris
, Karen’s first non-fiction book
Consuming Innocence: Popular Culture and Our Children
was published in 2008 to rave reviews. In recognition of the public debates she has stimulated and her academic and creative contributions to Australian and global society, she is cited in
Who’s Who of Australian Women 2007–2011
, as well as
Who’s Who in the World
.

Karen has a wonderful partner, Stephen, and two gorgeous children, Adam and Caragh, and shares her house with her cuddly dogs and, occasionally, her fabulous friends as well.

TALLOW

THE CURSE OF THE BOND RIDERS BOOK I

By Karen Brooks

In a world of darkness, there is one who will bring light …

On the edge of a mystical border called the Limen, close to a beautiful canal-laced city, a humble candlemaker rescues a child, whom he raises as his apprentice.

Years pass and the child’s unusual talents are revealed, the gentle art of candlemaking slowly transforming into something far more sinister.

Lingering in the shadows, enemies watch and wait – a vengeful aristocrat, an exotic queen and the lethal creatures known only as the Morte Whisperers.

They hunger after the child’s ancient magic and will do anything to control it – betray, lie, manipulate. Even murder.

A story of intrigue, deadly magic and a love so deep it transcends life itself.