There have been many writers who have inspired me, going all the way back to my childhood. As an adult, I discovered Marguerite Poland and, for the first time, found true resonance with a South African writer. I have read all her books but it was ‘Recessional for Grace’ read twenty years ago, which led me to believe that space still existed for South African stories such as mine. I was bold enough to contact Marguerite and will be eternally grateful for the encouragement she offered throughout the writing of ‘Heartshake.’