August is for Writing...

...Because July is too hectic for it. 

I'm a romance writer who, this month, has been reduced to scrawled snippets in a notebook. I'm not complaining. It's busy with all fun stuff, but because I'm out doing all this fun stuff I'm not getting much laptop time over the next few weeks. August, however, is quiet for me, and that means that, in my spare time, I'll be trying to get some serious writing done. 

Thankful for my Notebook Collection

It's times like these that I'm glad I have a slight stationery addiction. There are a lot of notebooks in my arsenal, and they have come in handy when I have a few minutes here and there and no time to get to my computer. 

It takes me back to when I started writing, and I'd fill notebook after notebook. Now I buy them because they're pretty, but they sure are useful now. 

What Happened to July

Between little trips away and planning for the little trips away, this month is speeding along. I'm not even leaving the country. These are getaways in the UK, but with a toddler and a dog, it takes a lot of planning. We've all had haircuts, the packing takes an eternity, and it all has to be fit in between toddler groups and naps. I still have to go to work. My car has been in and out of the garage. But we're getting there. 

August is for Words

The contrast between this month and next is sharp. This month I'm grabbing minutes, next month I have hardly anything planned. As an introvert, this is the kind of month that I do better with, and my plans for downtime, I'll be getting some writing projects finished. Or at least a good chunk of the way through. 

    Alphas Make Great Romance

I'm writing a short shifter romance, and granted, I've been working on it for a while now, but August is my month to complete it. Sophia and Law will have their story told, and when they do, that clears the decks for the next Pack Untamed book. 

    Calum Needs Love Too

Once the alpha romance is written, and given a title which it doesn't have yet, then all my focus will go onto Calum and his story. It's outlined and plotted. All that remains is to get through the first draft. Well, August is the month for Calum. 

Just a Few Weeks

Over the next few weeks, to see out July, the notebooks will still be in use. I will write what I can with a pen and paper. That works better for me sometimes. I write slower, so I take more time to think, and it's my method to kickstart my imagination when I get blocked. 

In the meantime, I'll keep writing romance the classic way.

If you want to keep up to date with my writing news, then follow me on social media or visit my author website. 

Orange Blossom

 Sienna

Life had found a balance. For the first time in a long time she had a home, she was safe, and when she looked into her future, she saw happiness with a mate that she was obsessed with and who crazily, was just as obsessed with her.

She’d found her place in the shifter part of the town, and now she wanted to mix with the rest of the village. She wanted to open her chocolate shop again.

She’d had to close it when she’d run from an over-eager hunter, and by over-eager, she meant one who kidnapped her and stalked her. Now, though, it was time to get back to her dream career, and her hand-made chocolates.

A shop was her goal, but that would take time, and so for now she had a website, and she took online orders.

Customers built their own boxes of chocolates by choosing from the selection or they could order premade boxes.

The collection she was building now was twelve white chocolates with floral and citrus flavors.

The house she shared with Adam was currently filled with the aroma of orange blossom.

When the kitchen door swung open, she glanced up from where she was piping the orange blossom syrup into truffles, expecting to see Adam. Instead, it was his cousin Calum.

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “What are you doing here?”

“Nothing.” He perched on the chair at the kitchen counter. “What are you making?”

“You know what I’m making,” she said. “I told you I had an order to fill today.”

“Oh, was that today?” He gazed down at her array of chocolates. “Which ones are the overspill.”

She didn’t answer, but he knew and he helped himself, popping a violet crème into his mouth.

“None of it is overspill. I still make them up into boxes of chocolates.”

“And now I’m saving you a job.” His next choice was a limoncello truffle. “You’re welcome.”

“You’re costing me money, is what you’re doing.”

“It’s the price for me keeping you company.”

“Even though I was fine on my own and didn’t ask you to.”

Calum grinned. “Exactly.”

Sienna rolled her eyes. Since moving in with Adam, somehow Calum had become her bestie. He came around every day, whether it was just to hang out with her or for dinner, he was as comfortable in the home she and Adam shared as he was in his own.

And she liked having him around. Between Adam, Calum, and their brothers, the four men had ensured she found her place in their pack.

Calum stayed with her, drinking coffee and eating chocolate until he got called into work at the hotel.

 

Adam

 How did I get so lucky?

Adam leaned in the doorway and watched his female sealing up a box. He was proud of what she was doing, building up her business, even though she wasn’t taking him up on his offer to help, which infuriated him.

He could sell her chocolates in his hotel, but every time he suggested it, she always replied with, “Not yet.”

What was she waiting for?

He was especially happy watching her when she wore those shorts. She had the most perfect butt he’d ever seen, and her shorts showcased the pert ass that he loved to get his hands on.

Sienna coming into his life had blown his world wide open and in the best possible way. Everything was better with her. Everything was fun.

He stalked up behind her but judging by the way she leaned back slightly, she knew he was there.

“Hey there, Angel,” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Hi, mate.” She smiled and then turned around in his embrace so that she faced him. “You look especially sexy this afternoon.”

Only she would say that when he was tired, and dressed in a crumpled shirt with his tie loosened around his neck. It had been a long, boring day of meetings with financiers and accountants, talking numbers.

He was relieved to be home.

Sienna gripped the end of his tie and tugged him down for a kiss which was exactly what he wanted. Her lips on his and her flavor in his mouth.

She tasted like fragrant orange and chocolate.

He couldn’t resist her, and he couldn’t stop kissing her.

She was the one who stopped, but she didn’t move away, mumbling against his lips, “If we keep this up, we’ll be having kitchen sex.”

“We’re good at kitchen sex,” he rumbled his reply. They were damn good at it.

“We are.” She grinned. “But I have to finish packing up these chocolates. So, hold that thought.” She whispered a last flirty kiss over his lips. “Unless you want to start removing your clothes while I do this and then we’ll be good to go.”

Adam laughed. “Firebird, I love it when you talk dirty.”

Flattening her hands on his chest, she said, “Go sit at the table before you cause me all kinds of food hygiene problems.”

He did as she commanded but not before getting a good squeeze of her butt, and she ramped up the temptation when, once she’d packaged the chocolates, she brought her laptop to the kitchen table and bent over right next to him to print a label.

He waited until he heard the whirring of the printer in the other room before he dragged her into his lap.

“Hey,” She scolded, but she wrapped her arms around him at the same time.

“Angel, why don’t you let me sell some boxes of your chocolates in the hotel.”

“Not yet,” She replied, and his frustrated growl was more panther than man. She leaned back, her luscious lips parted in surprise. "What?”

“Why do you always say that. ‘Not yet.’ What are you waiting for?”

“I don’t want to rush things. I don’t want to take on more than I can handle. That’s why I’m starting slowly.”

“That makes no sense. If you find a supplier for your product then use it.”

“When I did this job before, none of the risks were mine, but I’m on my own this time. I need to move at a pace I can control.”

“You’re not on your own. You have me. Let me help you.”

Her voice was small when she said, “But what if they don’t sell.” Her doubts slayed him.

“Luxury handmade chocolates... They’ll sell. But even if they didn’t the financial loss wouldn’t be yours. We’d buy the product from you.”

“Great.” She rolled her eyes. “So, I would just cost your business money. Sign me up.”

“Is that sarcasm, Firebird?”

She gripped his tie and held on as she kissed him. “I’m not ready for that step yet. I need more time.”

He gave a short, sharp growl. “How about we make a deal? A compromise?”

Sienna narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “What kind of compromise?”

“The summer fete in the village. We have a booth there for the hotel and Krista plans to test new cocktails. You join her with chocolate samples and if they go down well, we supply them in the hotel.”

She played the end op his tie between her fingers and peered up from beneath her lashes. “Isn’t this cheating? Nepotism, or something like that?”

“Angel, this is business. Trust me.”

“You know I always do.”

He smirked. “Smart girl.” Brushing her braid off her shoulder, he said, “Now tell me you agree so we can get back to the subject of kitchen sex.”

She laughed in a way that his cat pricking its ears up. Both man and animal were entranced by her happiness.

“You’re going to get my business shut down before it gets started,” she said, but at the same time she shifted to straddle his thighs.

“You could probably convince me to move this to the living room for sofa sex.” He rose to his full height still holding onto her.

The sofa was his goal, but with the way Sienna nuzzled in at his throat, he knew it was too far away. In the end, they settled on hallway sex where he loved Sienna so well, she offered him anything he wanted. The only thing he wanted though was for her to be happy and vice versa. Which was how he got her to agree to sample her chocolates at the upcoming summer fete.  

The End

For more book extras visit my website or you can go to the Evernight Publishing website to read about Wings of Passion. 

 

 

Character Interview - Law - Part One

 

He walks in dressed in jeans, a grey t-shirt and black boots. He’s a handsome guy with sharp cheekbones, black hair and dark brown eyes. He has a scar on his jaw and another on his cheek, which gives him a rough sexiness.

I can’t help but notice that in one sweep, he takes in the room around him, which I’m guessing makes him an observant guy. It could be the shifter in him though that makes him that way.

Without a word, he takes a seat. He looks relaxed but alert. There’s an intensity to his spirit that makes me restless.

I clear my throat.

ME: Afternoon, Law. It’s good to see you.

He nods.

ME: This part of the interview is recording basic information, so even if you think I know the answer, please tell me anyway.

Another nod.

ME: What is your full name

He sighs.

LAW: Law

ME: Last name? Middle name?

Another sigh.

LAW: Law Harris

ME: How did your parents decide on your name?

LAW: I don’t have parents.

ME: How tall are you?

LAW: 6 ft 3

ME: What colour is your hair?

LAW: Can’t you just look?

I give him a stern look and he smirks.

LAW: Black.

ME: What colour are your eyes?

Law looks up as if he’s searching for patience.

LAW: Brown

ME: How much do you weigh?

(Bursts out) LAW: Fuck off, I don’t know. Been a while since my last weight watchers visit.

ME: Who raised you?

LAW: A god awful pack. I left them and went solo when I was fourteen. I do better on my own.

ME: Where do you live now?

LAW: Wherever

ME: Any medical problems?

LAW: If I say no, can I skip the rectal exam?

ME: Um… Yes. Any distinguishing marks?

LAW: (waves at his face) You see the scars. There are a few others, and I have a tattoo. You need to see it? (He’s definitely getting impatient.)

ME: Maybe just describe it.

LAW: Circles on my forearm.

ME: Any religion?

LAW: What do you think?

ME: What kind of car do you own.

LAW: BMW X3. Black.

ME: Do you have any pets?

LAW: No

ME: Are you married?

LAW: No

This seems like a natural stopping point for now. We’ll pick this back up later.

LAW: How about for good?

Before I can answer, he’s leaving.

Character Interview - Sophie - Part One

 

Sophie walks in at midday. She’s dressed in her work uniform. A grey and black trouser and t-shirt ensemble. Her blonde hair is in a ponytail with bangs that frame her face.

She has pale skin, with a pink English rose undertone. Her eyes are light blue, her chin a little pointed and her lips are pink. She smiles politely as she sits down across from me, her hands clasped in her lap.

She taps her black sneakered foot, waiting for me to start.

ME: I’m going to ask you some basic questions about yourself. I know some will be obvious but please answer anyway.

SOPHIE: Sure. No problem.

ME: Thank you. First question. What is your full name?

SOPHIE: Sophie Hannah Lawrence.

ME: How did your parents decide on your name?

SOPHIE: My father picked it because it was his sister’s name. She died as a young girl.

ME: How tall are you?

SOPHIE: 5 ft 5

ME: What colour is your hair?

SOPHIE: Blonde

ME: And your eyes?

SOPHIE: They’re blue. (She smiles) These are really easy. I expected harder questions.

ME: I’m forming your demographic info at the moment, but they shouldn’t ever get too complicated.

SOPHIE: That’s good. I was nervous.

ME: How much do you weigh?

SOPHIE: Oof, spoke too soon. (She wrinkles her nose but answers anyway) Um… like 10 stone or there abouts.

ME: Your birthday?

SOPHIE: (She shuffles on her seat) It’s in February.

ME: What’s your father’s name?

SOPHIE: Ross

ME: What’s your mother’s name?

SOPHIE: I don’t have one.

ME: What are your grandparents names?

SOPHIE: Beatrice and Edward. I never met them though.

ME: Do you have any siblings?

SOPHIE: (Shakes her head) No.

ME: Where were you born?

SOPHIE: I don’t know. I’m adopted. Nobody knows.

ME: Where do you live now?

SOPHIE: I have a small studio apartment. It’s tiny but (she shrugs) it’s fine.

ME: Do you have any medical problems?

SOHPIE: No

ME: Any distinguishing marks?

SOPHIE: I have a tattoo of birds on my side boob. (she smiles)

ME: Are you religious?

SOPHIE: No

ME: What kind of car do you drive?

SOPHIE: It’s a Peugeot 106. Blue

ME: Do you have any pets?

SOPHIE: No, but I want a guinea pig.

ME: Are you married?

SOPHIE: No.

ME: Thank you, Sophie. That’s the end of part one. I’ll see you for part two.

She sighs, smiles and stands.

SOPHIE: See you later.  

New Release: Wings of Passion - A Shifter Romance

 

How does a romance writer celebrate a book release? Well, I guess that depends on the writer. 

The Real Work Begins

You write your first draft. You complete second. Then however many more you need. Then you revise the book yourself, editing it until it's ready to be submitted to a publisher or agent. It gets accepted and you get more editing to do, this time with help and advice. 

You might think that you've done all you need to do, but unfortunately, you would be mistaken. The writing is the fun part, where it's just you and your characters.

After that, though, you have to face what comes next, because once your work is about to be published, and release day is coming, that means you're onto the marketing part of being a writer, and if you're an introvert like me, that's not the easiest part. Wings of Passion is officially a new release, and I need to share that with the world.

Social Media

When your book is coming out, social media becomes your new best friend. I find my spare time taken up with promotional posts, engagement, chatting to writers and readers. I'm sharing teasers and snippets, bouncing between the social networks. 

I'm trying to let as many people as I possibly can know that Wings of Passion is out now. That my new release is available. I'm trying to find the right hashtags to make lovers of paranormal romance and shifter romance aware that my romance book exists. 

Before I was a romance writer, I underestimated just how much it takes to release a book. 

Blog Posts

I write blog posts because I like sharing my process. I like sharing what's happening, what's going on in my writing life, and what I put into writing. 

Through blog writing, I can also share what I'm working on and when it's available. I can publish book extras and deleted scenes, and behind-the-writing information. 

Celebrate the New Release

So, yeah, just because Wings of Passion is available, and it's a brand-spanking new release, doesn't mean the work is done. 

But more importantly, you wrote a book... People can buy it... You created something special! That needs to be celebrated. 

Me, I like doughnuts, I like prosecco, I like to do a dorky dance worthy of Amy Santiago in Brooklyn 99. (If you don't know, take a look. She's got the moves.) I like a little treat, because before I know it, I'm back in front of a blank screen, working on the second book in the Pack Untamed series. I'm doing it all over again. And I never plan to stop. 

If you enjoyed my blog about Wings of Passion then look around my site for more articles about writing. 

Wings of Passion Release

An exciting day is coming...

The release day for Wings of Passion is happening on May 4th. My shifter romance novel has made it through edits and is available for preorder now. I'm very excited about its release. 

Published by Evernight Publishing, it's the first instalment of my new shifter series Pack Untamed. 

A Paranormal Romance

Sienna falls out of the sky and into Adam’s life...

She’s a shifter with the ability to turn into a golden eagle and she’s fleeing danger, but with an injured wing, she crashes onto the balcony of Adam, a man who likes to be in control.

Adam’s orderly world is turned upside down with the arrival of the golden eagle, and now that he has her, it’s clear that control is overrated. If it means keeping Sienna, then he’ll embrace the wildness.

Once they commit, Sienna and Adam will do whatever it takes to keep each other safe, and with the hunters determined to capture Sienna, that might not be easy. To stay together, they’ll have to learn to rely on each other and embrace the bond growing between them.

Romance Novel Settings

I've loved writing Wings of Passion. It's the first romance book I've written that is obviously set in Britain. The first half takes place in London, the second half in the Peak District. Both are parts of the UK that are important to me. 

London is an amazing city, and I've set the story in my favourite area Tower Hill. If I'm in London I have to go there and I have to visit St Katherine's Dock, and I have to have dinner at Butler's Wharf. Otherwise, I feel like I've missed out. 

Derbyshire is where I live. With the beautiful countryside of the Peak District national park. With wild peaks and moorland, there are picturesque villages nestled among them. There are walks and bike rides, and perfect surroundings for my dog and me.

Future Characters

There are plenty of characters in this series whose stories are waiting to be told. They're demanding their own romance books be written and released, and as a romance writer, I'm just here to do their bidding. The plotting is already happening. 

Wings of Passion Release Day

Mark your calendars for May 4th, and not just for Star Wars day, but for Wings of Passion release day. Or you can preorder the shifter romance now to read Sienna and Adam's love story. 

For updates and information on my other books, you can visit me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or go directly to my website, and reach out to me there. 

 

Starting Again

Wings of Passion is in edits, and I'm starting a new story. 

I'm at that point where Wings of Passion is in edits at Evernight Publishing, so I am starting a new shifter story. The plan is for this one to be a short, but then I plan that a lot, and then they often end up longer. 

I'm excited that I've got my artwork for Wings of Passion and I can't wait to start sharing teasers and promos for the paranormal romance. 

As a romance writer, though, I don't want to wait to finish this story before I start the next, so I'm in the plotting stages. 

I'll be keeping myself busy writing, but if you want to stay up to date with what I'm doing, visit my social media pages or my website. 

Wings of Passion

 

I signed my contract for Wings of Passion yesterday, which means it's coming soon. It's on its way. 

I'm so excited to get this story published and it's my first foray into a series. This is the first installment of a shifter romance, and I'm getting started on the second. Each book will be about different characters, all connected through their pack. 

I love writing shifter romances, I'm such a fan. I think it's one of my favourite genres of paranormal romance to read and write. 

I've written shifter romance before, and if it's your cup of tea too, then check out my bear shifter romance Feral Serenity.  Stick with me and I'll update with Wings of Passion updates as they come. I can't wait for you to read this book. 

 

Why Do I Write?

From the moment I read paranormal romance, I fell in love with it.  

I've never been a particularly romantic person in real life, and I wonder if that's unusual for a romance author, or if we put it all into our writing, so we're not so interested in the reality of it. 

Still, give me an alpha male who knows what he wants, and a woman who makes it complicated for him, and I'm sold. Shifter romance is my jam, but whatever the genre, what is it that makes writers write? I can only answer for myself. 

Imaginary Friends

If I don't get them onto paper, the characters don't leave me alone. The persistent little buggers demand their story be told, and even when I'm writing it, they make their presence known. I can have full-on conversations with them. They're always there and until it's written, they're in my head. 

Living in Little Worlds

I have many different worlds inside my head. Many different stories. They're set on earth, in space, in fantasy worlds. I can visit them anytime and I often do. There's a universe in my mind. 

Words Are Brilliant

The words we choose, the words we like; we build our style on our word preferences. Words are amazing, the way you can make people see what you see. See what's in your mind. In your heart. 

Paranormal Romance is Key

Shifter romance, werewolf romance, vampire romance. The possibilities for a romance writer are endless. Is it any wonder I love reading these romance novels as much as I enjoy writing them? 

Karma

Okay, I probably shouldn't admit it, but it's cathartic adding people who frustrate you in real life to your work in progress and giving them their karmic retribution. Think you got away with shoddy behaviour. Not in my mind, you didn't. 

It's Bloody Fun

It's as simple as that. Writing is fun. That doesn't mean it isn't agony and torturous and exhausting and infuriating. But at the end of the day, it's a pretty good way to spend my time. 

Romance Author Forever

Yes, paranormal romance is my favourite, but when it comes to reading I'm less picky. Shifter romance is the best, and as an indie writer, it's my go-to genre. It doesn't mean it's all I'll ever write. 

Stay tuned, and if you want to follow my goings-on, you can do that on my author website. 

The Writer's Uniform

 

Okay, I admit it. When I’m at home writing, pjs are my outfit of choice. Usually teamed with a messy ponytail and no makeup.

That’s the thing with writing; I gotta be comfy. The problem? It leaves me utterly ill-equipped for the times I have to leave the house. Casual attire, I’m okay with but when you bring writing events into the mix, I confess I’m lost.

Networking usually results in me worrying about it before attending over-dressed. I just can’t get the hang of fashion. My first writing event – networking with TV people – I had my hair loose (an anomaly for me,) there was makeup on my face, and I wore a dress with heels. Not tall heels, but still heels. The people there were in jeans. Dang it! I’d got it wrong. This happens more than I’d like it to. Over-dressed or under-dressed; it’s confusing to a girl whose wardrobe is basically made up of pyjamas.

Somewhere along the way, I think I forgot to learn the skills of personal style. Unless lounge-wear is considered style, in which case, I’m nailing it.

On the other hand, if it’s not, then I may need some help. Here are the tips I’ve come up with so far:

·       Plan ahead: I find it kind of helpful to think of what I’m wearing ahead of time, so there’s no last-minute plan. It’s not a flawless plan, because, as I said, I am sometimes overdressed, but at least I’m never under-dressed.

·       Dress for yourself: There’s no point being uncomfortable in an outfit you don’t feel nice in. If you’re out of place in your clothes, it’s not exactly going to bolster you for talking to strangers.

·       Simple is better: This one is personal for me. I’m not adventurous with fashion, but if you are, the last thing I want to do, is tell you to go against yourself. Like I said, dress for yourself. But personally, for me, I find it better to keep it simple. I just don’t have the personal style to pull of something adventurous.

That’s all I’ve got so far, but maybe the more I network the better I’ll get.

It’s April 22nd 2020!

It’s a pleasure to meet you!

I’m Kelly. I’m a British indie writer among other things. I have a day job, I have hobbies, and I have a dog.

Those are the basics. Those are a few things about me.

Today is my day off so I’m taking time to update all my socials, blogs and website, before I settle down for an afternoon and evening of writing romance.

Romance is my favourite genre to write. I like paranormal and scifi most of all, but I’m also partial to some contemporary. My current WIP is a shifter romance, which is in the editing phase and will hopefully be finished and ready for publication soon.

At the moment, in lockdown, I still go to work because I’m considered to be an essential worker, and then I come home, and I write. I also sew, knit, and cross-stitch. For my one hour of exercise as permitted by the UK government I walk my furbaby, avoiding people as best I can so as not to endanger anyone.

I sit in the garden to write a lot at the moment too. Partly because it’s a chance to be outside in the sun, and partly because my dog is really bossy and she makes me by barking until I give in. What can I say? I’m a crazy dog lady and she’s my baby.

For those of you who don’t know me, that’s a little intro from me to you.

Tears of Rejection

One of the hardest parts of being a writer is the rejection that comes with it, but they say you should embrace the no responses. After all, you can't hear yes without hearing no first.

Don't Reject Me

I’m a writer which makes rejection a part of my life, and I’m not exactly a millionaire writer which makes the rejection a large part of it.

Today I received a rejection email that was actually one of my favourites because it told me what I needed to fix before resubmitting to them. I thought it was great that it was so constructive, but at the end of the day it was still a rejection and so inevitably a sense of dejection followed, because it’s still another no to add to the pile. The pile that could compete with a mountain, while the yes pile isn’t even as thick as a carpet.

So, what’s the best way to handle rejection? Good question. If you find out, let me know.

A glass of wine: that’s for sure. Some chocolate: absolutely. But then what…? When I was younger it used to spur me on, it made me work harder, I was more determined. That was at the start though. Now the determination is harder to come by. Now the sense of defeat lasts longer. Now I find it more challenging to just dust myself off and get back to my computer.

I allow myself to feel sad about it for a night, and in that night I can cry, complain, sulk, sob, eat donuts, drink wine. The next day though, I force myself to get back to work and not think about it. Of course it’s not that easy. I can’t say, ‘oh well, it’s just one’ anymore, because my writing career has been long. The no responses have inevitably built up.

I know it’s true that in these careers where the work is subjective, it’s common for the rejections to outnumber the acceptances, but that’s cold comfort when you see the token email that basically says thanks but no.

I guess the true comfort in seeing ‘Unfortunately it’s not for us’ again is that at least I’m not alone. Writers, actors, illustrators, musicians…and many others…we all hear it over and over again.

No one ever said that being a writer was easy, and I’ve heard it said that if you can’t handle rejection then you have no business being a writer. That doesn’t mean I can’t wail about it though.

To read more about my romance books visit my website here. 

Behind the Mask

When an introvert writer steps outside and learns about the promotional side of writing... I did not sign up for this.

Imaginary Friends

Being a writer always seemed like the perfect career to me. I'm an introvert, most comfortable in my own company, in my own home, with my dog and imaginary worlds to keep me company, so the idea that I could do this as a job was ideal. To sit at a computer and put words on paper - words that give others a chance to experience the exciting worlds and lives that inhabit my brain - was just what I was looking for.

What no one warned me about was that there's more to being a writer than writing. It sounds crazy, but it's true. There's a whole load of PR that comes with the job. Talking to strangers, putting yourself out there, trying to find your way into a community of people who all know each other and help each other, when your natural instinct is to blend in. It's like going to a masquerade and being forced to take off your mask.

I know I'm not alone in this discomfort. I've heard it mentioned a lot between us creative type people. That the social side of writing wasn't what they were prepared for. Over time I've grown better at faking my discomfort in person, but strangely, I still find myself socially awkward online.

It takes courage to step outside your comfort zone and that is something that is a constant battle for me. My natural instinct isn't to step forward, it isn't to bare my face, and there are times in my life when even my closest friends have struggled to understand my introverted tendencies and have called me miserable because in a large group I'm not the person who stands out. When other personalities overpower me, I grow quieter, and I wish I was at home.

Which is what makes the promotional side of writing such a challenge. I like talking to people, especially in the literary world, where we can discuss words and books and writing, and all the things I'm passionate about, but what I can't do is use those conversations to sell my work. It is a constant struggle; the line between promotion and conversation.

I've always been more comfortable with fiction than reality and there is a certain sense of security, writing books without giving too much of myself away. When I write I see through the eyes of my characters and it gives me an insight into other personalities but when it comes to the core of the matter, I still like to view things from the outside.

If I'd known writing wouldn't be as reclusive as I expected it to be, would I still do it? Absolutely! Because if all the uncomfortable moments, the awkwardness, the over-thinking are the price to create fantastical worlds and talk to like-minded people then I guess I can go to the ball and leave my mask at home.

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