As funny as it sounds, having the shit hit the fan was in some ways the best thing that could have happened to me in regard to writing this book. When Normie showed a family member that first draft and that family member showed a few more people, my world turned upside-down for a moment. I received some messages via social media from people with a connection to the story who weren't happy about me writing it. So, I did some more research about the legalities and then wrote to Normie about how he had been impacted by his families reaction. He was disappointed, but not deterred. He wanted to go ahead. So with determination, I decided on a whole new track. I went through that manuscript with a fine tooth comb. I deleted all unnecessary information about people, I double checked all facts, I pulled the box with all Normies case files in, back out of the cupboard and read every single word that was in those reports and documents. I made phone calls to Port Hedland Police, I applied for documents through the Freedom of Information act, I correlated times and days and information, I researched and researched and researched methamphetamine, and I talked to Normies daughter. I became cutthroat about what I wrote, never assuming, and used Normies direct quotes more - it was his story told through his eyes so I let him tell it. I added in all the forensic and police records, listed the discrepancies in Normies memories, letting the information do the talking for me. By the time I had finished, the final manuscript was a long way from what had been seen in the first draft. It was at this stage that I realised that this new manuscript was worthy.....and I thanked those people silently for having given me the reality check I needed to do a better job.

#AlisonSampson #Normie #ShardsofIce #Ice #MethAmphetamine