I only went and wrote a book!

Well, I fulfilled the biggest thing on my bucket list and I wrote a novel, something that I have wanted to do since I was a young adult.

They say we all have a novel inside us, and well, this is mine.

It was 5 years in the making. Starting off as a short story in monologue style about a character called Jane, written in lockdown to keep myself occupied, I then thought I would keep going with it. I wrote a second short story about a character called Roni and during the process I thought about connecting the characters which worked really well. Once Roni was completed, I began to think about a character she refers to in her story called Layla. Perhaps Layla should have her own story I pondered, and I began scoping out a back story for her. It was at that point that I thought, I have the foundations for a novel - let's get writing.

Lockdown leant itself well for writing. The solitude and forced hunkering down at home, meant I could think, plan and write for long periods of time, especially at weekends. I found myself thinking about the characters when I went walking or running, to the point they became tenants in my head! I nick-named all 5 of my characters - 'My Girls'.

After a long day in the office, it was hard to keep writing in the evenings. To fire up my laptop after working on a PC all day was challenging, in addition to energy levels being low, my creativity mojo was weak; hence it was at weekends that I felt most productive. But with other commitments at the weekend, it wasn't always easy to fit in a block of time for writing. But I did it, bit by bit. Sometimes, there were signs that kept my spirits up. I remember going for Sunday lunch with a friend, bidding each other goodbye in the pub car park, I then began walking back to my car. As I walked, I thought to myself that I should complete a bit more on Layla's story when I got home. Starting the engine of the car, the radio blared through the speakers and the song 'Layla' by Derek & The Dominos/Eric Clapton came on. I smiled to myself and thought, "if there was ever a sign to keep writing, it's this!" It's a song that rarely comes on the radio and still smiling, I turned up the volume and sang along as I drove home ready to write some more.

After multiple drafts and very kind friends reading chapters for me, I got to a point where I needed to step back from it. I couldn't see the wood for the trees, so for a number of months, I left it. As it happened, it was the best thing I could I have done. When I felt I wanted to resume writing again, I had a renewed passion for it, I reviewed my chapters with new clarity, I was up and running again.

Embarking on a sabbatical this year, I thought if I don't do this now, I never will. So I tidied up my chapters and started contacting agents. Gaining an agent is truly very difficult, so I went down the self-publishing route. I found UK Book Publishing based in the north-east of England who provide a full-service offering which was exactly what I needed. From proof-reading, editing to formatting and cover design; they also do all the necessary aspects of book publishing such as gaining an IBSN number and the legal requirement of placing a copy of the book in the National Library as well uploading the book onto Amazon and other platforms. Although there is a fee involved, it is worth it, not to have the hassle of organising everything yourself.

The pinch-me moment arrived when my proof copy arrived in the post. I stared at it emotionally, so proud to see my name on the front cover and all my words printed inside. Then, when I had the email to say that it had gone live on Amazon. Confirmed - I am an author. I was beaming - I still am!

I hope you enjoy reading it and if so, it would be fabulous if you could leave a review on Amazon, tell your friends and I thank you in advance for your support.

On the dedication page, I express my thanks to my parents, my friends and those that helped with the book. It is also dedicated to women everywhere who strive for happiness, success and freedom - may they never give up!

So enough from me, I'd like you to meet my girls, they are desperate to tell you their stories.....