All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. The moral right of this author has been asserted.
All enquiries to website email
All characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.
National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry
Creator: Davidson, J. S. (Jan-Sheree), author.
Title: Hunted / written by J.S. Davidson ; edited by Sandra Simmonds.
ISBN: 9781537585345 (paperback)
Series: Davidson, J. S. (Jan-Sheree Stella). Aztec saga ; 1.
Subjects: Fantasy fiction.
Melbourne (Vic.)--Fiction.
Other Creators/Contributors:
Simmonds, Sandra., editor.
www.jsdavidsonbooks.com
Acknowledgement
The day I announced, ‘I’ve written a book—I want to be an author’ was one of the most terrifying days of my life. Honestly, I had expected to be laughed at, and told I’d never succeed. I feared that people would deride my ambition. That didn’t happen. I am still overwhelmed with the amount of support I received (and am still receiving) from friends, family and complete strangers. I would like to acknowledge the help and support given to me by everyone, but, unfortunately, I don’t have the space here to do that. I will take this opportunity to record my thanks to the following people for the different roles they have played in helping me bring The Aztec to life.
Firstly, my biggest thanks must go to Sandra Simmonds. When my friend, Helen Bosa, referred my work to you, I thought you’d take quick look, maybe fix a few grammatical errors, send my work back to me and be on your way. You didn’t do that. Over the last twelve months, you has taken me under your wing, guided me, helped me grow, and now become a dear friend of mine. Sandra, without a doubt, you are a great editor! Even though I know you’ll shrug this compliment off, you shouldn’t. You are a wonderful woman. Thank you for everything.
John, my husband, and my children, Sam and Phoebe, share a part in ‘my biggest thanks’. You have endured the endless nights I would be staying up and writing; you put up with two-minute noodles far too often. But you have supported me throughout this journey. (Funnily enough, it was all due to John that this book even came about! I was far too nervous to speak to anyone about my work; I was certain I’d never have a chance of being an author. It was John who told Helen I’d written a book. He refused to allow my many years of work go unnoticed. If he hadn’t mentioned it to her, I’d never have met Sandra—the butterfly effect at its greatest!)
Rhiannan Haintz, needs a special thanks in here too! You are a tremendous nurse—now midwife (congratulations!) and you let me pick your brain numerous times in regards to Alexandra’s hospital scene and medical situations. Those scenes are far more realistic and believable because of your help. Thank you Rhiannan!
Mum—well, you’re my Mum! You put up with me when I was happily bubbling on about my book, and during the times when I was down and thought I’d never be able to do it. I don’t often say it, but thank you for being there. Xx
Alana—what can I say? When I first wrote this book, I came to you and cried; I was so overwhelmed with emotion. Each and every time I would go on about my book, you’d just sit and listen—that means more than you’ll ever know.
There are so many more people who deserve acknowledgement here. If you didn’t notice your name above, please know that your support means the world to me and I couldn’t have done it without you all.