An Infidel in Paradise (31 page)

I think every new writer will acknowledge that their book, specifically their first, was the work of many, and I’m no exception. In fact, I’m nervous of thanking anyone for fear I leave someone out. But I wouldn’t be enjoying this dilemma if it weren’t for the faith, labor, and patience of my writing team.

First, I’d like to thank my wonderful agent, Andrea Cascardi of Transatlantic Literary Agency, who took a risk on me and devoted many hours to improving my work and teaching me the business of publishing. I’d also like to thank my author friends at Mig Writers, who critiqued and encouraged in equal measure: Andrea Mack, Carmella Van Vleet, Christina Farley, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, and Kate Fall.

There are many current and former colleagues at Tundra Books who had a hand in making this book a reality. I can’t name them all, but I’d like to mention Kathryn Cole, who first saw its potential, and Sue Tate,
who I hope continues to see mine. I’d also like to thank Kelly Jones for her attention to detail.

This is a book about many things, but at its center is the importance of family, and there’s a reason for that. I’d like to thank my sister, Catherine Allen, who always believed in me; my brother Rob Laidlaw, for his words of wisdom on making a career in the arts; and my brother David Laidlaw, for always being there when the going got tough.

Like Emma, I’m a global nomad. I’ve unpacked my life in many countries and made new friends – only to pack up a few years later and start the process again. So finally, I’d like to thank my fellow traveler of more than thirty years, from my first adventure in Nigeria to my most recent in Indonesia, the person who has made every foreign land feel like home, always my first reader and my last, my husband, Richard Bale.

Born in Philadelphia, S.J. LAIDLAW spent most of her childhood in Toronto. From an early age, she loved reading and writing stories. After completing an undergraduate degree in English, with the dream of becoming a novelist, she ventured to Africa as a volunteer teacher. There she discovered that her students needed as much support and guidance outside the classroom as in it, so after three years, she returned to Canada to complete a graduate degree in clinical social work. Since then, she has worked as a counselor in many countries and has led workshops for parents and educators on raising and working with third-culture children.
An Infidel in Paradise
is her first book.