I thought that writing my second book would be easier than writing my first. It turned out that it is not. It was much harder, I don’t know why. In my first, I used to think that whatever I write is good enough, but that changed with my second and I became more critical about my own work. Perhaps it has also to do with the nature of the two books, where the first addresses issues of gender and sexuality that I excel at and the second is more of a science fiction addressing issues of ageing, life & death, and human nature.

I know that many other writers prefer to keep their work till they finish it before they let anyone read a line of it, but I am not like that. I need continuous feedback when I write, the more the merrier. Thus, having supportive friends who takes on the journey with me is a priceless service they offer me. For that I would love to thank:

1. Ghadeer Janineh, Ayman Al Hmoud and Lubna Al-Shami reading my progress chapter by chapter and giving me your continuos support and feedback helped me so much. I loved Ghadeer and Ayman passion for the story, always excited to read more and pushing me to rush and finish chapters just to see your reactions guys! It was different for Lubna, because she is more critical. At some point, I came to think that if Lubna thinks it is good, then it means it is good! I appreciate your help Najeeb Mahfooz!

2. Yousef Al Nabulsi: is very hard to please, and I haven’t pleased him yet. I am thanking him not for his continuous support in reading the story chapter by chapter but for his hard reaction on the first run of the story that prompted me to rethink it, throw it away, and rewrite the whole thing. I hated him at first but then I realised that he wanted the best for me. Sometimes, we need a clapping hand to carry on, but we also need a slapping one to get back on the right track.

3. Rima Adeeb Soudah, Farah Kamal Zaghmout and Kamal Zaghmout: mother, little brother and dad. Thank you for reading the final version of the book and for going through it and catching all of my language mistakes. I would never have had this self confidence and believe in my abilities without your continuous love and support. I love you dearly.

4. Rami Nabulsi and Natasha Abbadi: my supportive best friends. I miss those thursday nights in your home in Amman talking about the book. Telling you what I wrote or have in mind for the following chapters and examine it against your critical minds.

5. Haitham Al Dawoud: though not much of a reader, the book needed a sense of style. I would never have gained the ability of describing my characters aesthetics without your influence on my life. It isn’t only reflected on the characters, but the writer himself! Thank you!

6. Fares H. Hassan: Fares is a brilliant writer himself. He is a rebel and honest with himself and with people around him. I loved his review of Aroos Amman and was happy for his Janna feedback. He helped me correct some instances and come up with the titles for chapters.

I am sure that I have missed many others. I would like to thank all of my family and friends. Without all the love in my life, I wouldn’t have finished this book.