But my process has always been a strange one. My stories often feel as if they come through me rather than from me. Yes, yes, I know how ridiculous （and heaven forbid – pretentious） that sounds. I do promise that I realise deep down it’s all me but maybe it’s because I was a reporter for decades. Maybe my brain likes to work that way – to see these fictional stories and characters as real in the same way my news stories were real so that I can still feel in this new landscape （of make-believe） that I’m trying to do justice to real experiences. And real emotions.
Whatever the case, this story and this dark idea just wouldn’t go away, however much I resisted it. In the end it felt as if Gemma and her family stubbornly camped out in my writing room, arms crossed and expressions determined – whispering more and more of the story until I gave in. It was only at the point I realised this was a mother-daughter story, that it was actually a thriller with love at its core, that I felt more comfortable with it.
I can only hope that you like how the story turned out all these years after the opening scene flashed into my brain. Thank you so much for reading Her Perfect Family. If you’ve enjoyed the novel, I’d hugely appreciate a review on Amazon. They really do help other readers to discover my books.
I also love to hear from readers so feel free to get in touch. You can find my website at www.teresadriscoll.com and also say hello on Twitter @TeresaDriscoll or via my Facebook author page, www.facebook.com/teresadriscollauthor, and at Instagram too @tkdriscoll_author.
Warm wishes to you all,
Teresa
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This is my fifth thriller – and my seventh published novel – and I learn that nothing changes. Trust me, it takes a village to make a book.
So huge thanks go to all those who have so generously played a part in helping to shape this story and send it out into the world – to my fabulous publisher Thomas & Mercer, my patient editors Jack Butler and Jane Snelgrove and my wonderful agent Madeleine Milburn and her team.
I also need to thank, as always, my gorgeous family who are so supportive, especially （with wine and chocolate!） when I hit the inevitable wobble.
And finally my heartfelt thanks go to you, my lovely readers. My stories are now translated into twenty languages and your wonderful messages from across the globe really do mean the world.
I pinch myself daily. To be doing this job – my dream since primary school – is such a privilege.