I have had so many dear messages from friends saying they wish they could give more for the Magic Fish Dreaming project, especially my artistic and poetic friends.

My answer, when you give with love, it shows, and Helene and I value amounts both large and small because of the love our backers show for Magic Fish Dreaming.

There are others who I know have dug deep to give to help this book, and whose belief that our book needs to be out in the world has led to them buying a copy to donate to their local library, buying copies for friends, grandchildren and more.

There were a few extremely special people who gave much more than I would have ever imagined. How could they do this I wondered and why? They just said because they totally believed it had to get over the line.

Who has been backing this book?

The Children’s Writing Community of Brisbane and online, friends and family of Helene and myself, Baha’is from around the world, some of whom I know.

The Children’s Book Academy people I did the course with, people and families never met people from the community of the Cassowary Coast where it is set, people working with children’s organisations who I knew from Wollongong days, fellow poets.

The Brisbane community, people from nature groups I follow on line, friends of friends, people who I have done blogs for BushTV and Australian Women’s Writers as well as Queensland Tourism Events staff, one of whom pledged for a book.

People who knew me growing up and knew I loved writing like high school friends who are going to give it to grandchildren or want to own a copy. Writing groups I have been in or worked with, from Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Wollongong, and more. Flickr friends! Blogger friends. Friends from Soul Food blogs with Heather Blakey.

Some have come from the kickstarter search engines, or seeing the blogs and website.

Helene and I acknowledge the many people who have been spreading the word for the project! We have a very large group of morale boosting supporters, who have been tweeting, blogging, spruiking to friends, and encouraging us to be courageous. You are great supporters whether you have backed financially or not, and we value your help.

So thank you so much to all of YOU. This project is yours too, because you believe in it and have been supporting it.

We hope to make you very proud!

I am working on a thank you poem for the honour roll of backers on the blog.

On Wednesday Helene and I meet to launch the next phase of the project, and very soon we also meet with Matilda and Heidi.