The Forked Tongue goes to press.

In many ways, I think the acknowledgements deserve more exposure than the work itself does- so I am going to reproduce those thank- you’s here:

A lot of people contributed to this effort, and there is no way to scale their efforts and importance- without any of them, this book
might never have occurred.

To begin, I’d like to thank my Swamp Witch, Pixie, Punk, Beggar Child and Animal -every moment with each of
you was enlightening, and like all enlightenment, beyond price.

To my sister Gail – when you found me and accepted who I had become, this project began.

To those I grew up with – Sir C and Soulhuntre, his girls Kimiko and Tatsumi, to my brother Daddy David and his girl Lexi, and to the Pack that has supported me unfailingly through the health crises which have defined my last few years – thank you. I don’t know where I’d be without you, but I suspect it would be no place good.

A special mention to those who attempted to sacrifice their health and organs to
try to help me- I will never, ever forget. Thank you.

Redhead Sue undertook the maddening prospect of editing this manuscript, Tatsumi gave it shape, and my oldest friend Danz took my vision for the cover design and made it sing, lending unique expertise and flawless vison. Soulhuntre made sure that it saw the light of day.Scottish Sam and Mistress Ardenne gave me valuable insights and motivation when I needed it.

All of you pitched in and worked hard to help me, and to make this book happen, and thus:

Look what you’ve done -you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Thank you.

Flagg
Foolish House
June 2008