Phoenix Rising (25 page)

Although it can be lonely in my study, no book is truly written in a vacuum, and it is certainly true that
Phoenix
Rising
would not exist without the wonderful team at Stripes, led by my fantastic editor, Ruth Bennett. It is she who brought Toby and his crew to life. My grateful thanks to Ruth, Emily, Jessie and the team.

Thanks also to my readers, especially those who have bought or borrowed my books then gone on to write reviews or even to contact me with kind words about how my work has affected them. I write for you.

I must also mention my family, who have unlimited patience (although perhaps this cannot be said for the five-year-old), are endlessly supportive and without whom I would probably not be writing for a living. So my thanks and love to Andy, Maisie and Riley – who I thought of most while giving Toby, Ayla and Hiko their personalities.

Thanks also to my friends, who keep me smiling through difficult times and bring the fun in easier ones.

Despite my love for Toby and his crew, 2014 was a hard year, blighted by the death of my mother on July 4th, so final thanks is due to the doctors and nurses of the NHS who fought to keep her with us a little longer. I just wish she had been able to see the book dedicated to her.

Mum, I will think of you always.

Bryony Pearce has always loved to write. She studied English Literature at Cambridge University and after working in London for a few years she dedicated her time to writing. Her debut novel
Angel’s Fury
was longlisted for the Branford Boase Award and won both the Leeds Book Award and the Cheshire Schools Book Award.

Bryony now lives in a village at the edge of the Peak District with her husband, Andy, and two children, Maisie and Riley. She can usually be found reading, writing, ferrying children from place to place and avoiding housework.

For more information about Bryony and her work,
visit
www.bryonypearce.co.uk
or follow
her on Twitter @BryonyPearce.