Family of Spies, page 21
This novel would not have been completed if it weren’t for my writing group, The Streamers, from Hertford, England. Although I lived in Hertford for less than two years, I made friendships that will last a lifetime. Louise Morriss and Alice Hemming of The Streamers kept me writing at a fevered pitch and through invaluable critiques; they helped me wrangle my words into a solid plot. Together we have finished seven novels, and as of this moment, three of our books are under contract for publication. Three cheers for The Streamers! Hugs to you both!
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Wouldn’t it be delightful if that old adage was true? In reality, a book cover is EVERYTHING and middle grade readers are no exception to that rule. I was fortunate to meet with Margaret Saull of McNally Robinson Booksellers, who offered her advice on book covers that entice and engage readers. Thank you, Margaret!
Yellow Dog has been a joy to work with and I am grateful they allowed me be actively involved with the design of Family of Spies. A massive thank you to Stephanie Berrington for her editorial insight and profound ability to perform “The Ruthless Edit.” You killed my darlings so well that it hardly even hurt.
Relish Design, I am absolutely in love with the cover. Thank you for your beautiful work on both my Great Plains books.
From the very beginning, I wanted to have illustrations in Family of Spies, and Jamie Gatta’s pen and ink drawings are even better than I had envisioned. Thank you Jamie, for saying “yes” and adding a visual element to Family of Spies.
To my family; Drew, Emma, and Sarah. Thank you for allowing me to discuss my characters as if they were real people and letting me bounce story ideas off you. And thank you for not holding me to promises I made while in the writing zone and only half listening. All my love, xoxoxo. P.S. Another book means another fancy dinner out to celebrate!
Author’s Note
Family of Spies is loosely based on the mystery revolving around my Rhodes Scholar grandfather, Edward Hugh Martin Crawford. He was a pilot with the R.C.A.F. and was awarded an MBE, based on his involvement in World War 2. Eighty years later, the details of his military career remain sealed. Our family lore of code breaking, secret missions, and connections to Bletchley Park, fueled my imagination when writing this story.
Family of Spies blends truth with imagination. Please check out Jodi’s website at www.jodicarmichael.com to see where fact met fiction.
About the illustrator
Jamie Gatta is currently an Educational Assistant for Pembina Trails School Division. He is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who studied fine arts at the University of Manitoba and Production Art at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.
Jodi Carmichael, Family of Spies
