In the two years before his death (1997–1999), Crisp had been compiling a work that was to initially be titled "The Dusty Answers" with Phillip Ward. Crisp and Ward developed material for this book through many hours of recorded interviews, which was necessary because Crisp had lost the use of his left hand and was unable to use a typewriter or computer. The resulting manuscript remained unpublished for eighteen years after Crisp's death, because Ward found it emotionally difficult to transcribe Crisp's words. A chance meeting with Laurence Watts, who interviewed Ward for "Pink News", led to a partnership that would see them co-edit Crisp's remaining work.