Based on a true Australian war story only now being brought to life by author Justin Sheedy’s vivid historical fictions, “Ghosts of the Empire” is also a story of young people living life to the full while they can — in a blacked-out world where dance partners, sex and death flow in equal abundance.
Though standing on its own as the white-knuckle excitement saga that it is, “Ghosts of the Empire” is the much-anticipated sequel to “Nor the Years Condemn”, Sheedy’s highly acclaimed story of shining young men destined never to grow old. ‘Ghosts’, it is said, are the spirits of those who die violently, tragically, or when ripped from life too young. “Ghosts of the Empire” is their story.
AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In writing and publishing “Memoirs of a Go-Go Dancer” I owe the following people a debt of gratitude.
Australian comedy hero and thorough gent John Doyle for venturing his full approval (including a tweak) of my section on ‘Roy & H.G.’ on the eve of publication. ABC veteran Kerry O’Brien for casting his expert journo’s eye over my historical snap-shot of the Australian Labor Party. Nikki Humphreys and Camille Party for their ongoing friendship and support of my writing and especially for each lending a discerning artistic eye as I conceived and designed the cover for this book. Darren Lapich for his highly valuable suggestions regarding Australian 1980s social history as featured in the story — His input at the closing phase of my writing the manuscript could not have been better timed. Colleen Dudley for taking on the job of proofreading the manuscript. Her work was stellar, her editorial tweaks pure gold. Talented artist, Lucien Jay Buddle, for his unearthing, re-developing and printing the photo of my 1989 Newtown room as featured on the back cover and inner pages. My old school friend, Pat MacQuillan, for surprising me after 25 years with pics of my school rock band, The Voodoo Rockets, live in action. Jeanette Holmes, dynamic czarina of my uni era rock band days, for sharing with me via Facebook the photo of me in ‘those’ pants as featured on the back cover of this book, a psychedelic-striped moment in time which truly sparked public imagination and interest in this book in the lead-up to publication. Leah Bennetts for unearthing an Atlantic Moose promotional image featuring herself and three other iconic beauties from the Sydney ‘indie’ band scene circa 1989. Luke Harris of Working Type for his tirelessly professional work in typesetting and pre-print preparation of this book. Author Walter Mason for the fabulous thing which is his friendship and selfless support of my writing. My Facebook community for keeping me going right throughout the madly hopeful writing year because you do. Finally, and most importantly, my Mum and Dad for their love and patience.
And thanks to You for reading. I look forward to meeting you in person at one of my writing events. In the more-often-than-not irrational and unfair business of writing and publishing, readers like you are my sanity and inspiration. And that’s the truth.
Justin Sheedy
Sydney, November 2014.
Memoirs of a Go-Go Dancer Page 22
