Frequently Asked Questions

When did you first start writing?

My journey as a writer began at the tender age of 13. I vividly remember penning my first story in an old school textbook - a cherished possession I've kept to this day! It's a tangible reminder of where my passion for storytelling first took root. It's both humbling and exciting to look back at that first story and see how far I've come.

I still feel the same thrill when I start a new project as I did when I opened that school textbook all those years ago. Writing has been a constant companion throughout my life, growing and maturing alongside me.

What inspired you to become an author?

While I've always had a love for writing, my journey to becoming a novelist took a decisive turn in 2015 when I had the incredible opportunity to meet Jojo Moyes. This encounter was truly a turning point in my writing career. Jojo Moyes, known for her emotional and captivating novels like "Me Before You," had a profound impact on me.

Meeting her reignited my passion for storytelling and inspired me to channel my love for writing into crafting full-length novels. Before this pivotal moment, writing had always been a part of my life, but I hadn't seriously considered pursuing novel writing. Moyes' success, coupled with her insights and encouragement, made me realise that my dream of becoming an author was within reach if I was willing to dedicate myself to the craft.

This meeting served as a catalyst, propelling me to take my writing to the next level. It motivated me to start viewing my writing not just as a hobby, but as a potential career. Since then, I've committed myself to honing my skills, developing my unique voice, and bringing my stories to life in novel form.

The inspiration I drew from that encounter continues to fuel my writing journey today. It reminds me of the power that stories have to touch lives and the impact that authors can have on their readers – something I strive for in my own work.

What genre(s) do you write in?

My writing spans a few genres, allowing me to explore different storytelling styles and reach diverse audiences:

Women's Fiction Romance: This is one of my primary focuses. I love delving into the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the unique challenges women face in today's world. These stories often blend heartwarming romance with deeper themes of self-discovery and empowerment.
Thrillers: Another area of my work is in the thriller genre. I enjoy crafting suspenseful narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats, weaving intricate plots with unexpected twists and turns.
Children's Books: In between my more serious projects, I also write children's books. These serve as a delightful creative outlet, allowing me to tap into my playful side and connect with younger readers. It's a refreshing change of pace that helps balance my writing portfolio.

This diverse approach to writing not only keeps my creative process exciting but also allows me to connect with a wide range of readers. Whether I'm exploring the depths of human relationships, building suspense in a thriller, or crafting fun tales for children, each genre offers its own unique challenges and rewards.

My ability to switch between these different styles reflects my belief in the power of storytelling across all age groups and interests. It's this versatility that keeps my writing journey fresh and invigorating.

Who are your biggest literary influences?

My literary influences span different genres and periods of my life, each contributing uniquely to my development as a writer:

E.L. James: She has been a significant influence on my work, particularly in the realm of adult fiction. I greatly admire James's ability to create compelling characters and storylines that resonate deeply with readers. Her success in bringing a niche genre to mainstream attention is truly inspiring. What I find most remarkable about James is how she built and maintained a strong connection with her audience, something I strive to emulate in my own career. I've learned the importance of creating characters that feel real and relatable, even in extraordinary circumstances. Her work has also shown me the power of exploring themes that resonate with readers on an emotional level.

Roald Dahl: As a child, I was captivated by Roald Dahl's imaginative storytelling. His whimsical yet often darkly humorous tales sparked my early love for reading and undoubtedly influenced my approach to children's literature. Dahl's ability to create memorable characters and fantastical worlds continues to inspire me, especially when I'm working on my children's books. His influence is perhaps most apparent in my children's books, where I try to capture that same sense of wonder and imagination that made me fall in love with reading as a child. His work also inspires me to inject elements of creativity and unexpected twists into my adult fiction.

These influences, combined with my own experiences and voice, shape my writing across all genres. Whether I'm crafting a romantic storyline, building suspense in a thriller, or creating a sweet children's tale, I draw upon the storytelling techniques and emotional resonance exemplified by these authors.

What's your writing process like?

My writing process is all about embracing spontaneity and letting the story unfold organically.

Here's a glimpse into how I approach my craft:

Dedicated Space: I have my own little room in my home that serves as my writing sanctuary. This personal space helps me get into the right mindset for creativity and allows me to immerse myself fully in my fictional worlds. I'm surrounded by my book covers, proudly framed on my wall.

Pantser Approach: I'm what's known in the writing community as a 'pantser' - meaning I write by the seat of my pants! I hardly do any planning before I start a new project. Instead, I prefer to dive right in and see where the story takes me. Some of us also call ourselves 'creative writers'.

Spontaneous Creativity: When I sit down to write, I simply open my laptop and let my imagination run wild. I find that this approach keeps the writing process exciting and allows for unexpected twists and character developments that even I didn't see coming.

Discovering the Story: Rather than mapping out plots and character arcs in advance, I discover these elements as I write. It's like being the first reader of my own story, experiencing it as it unfolds.

Embracing Surprises: This method often leads to surprising outcomes. Characters might make decisions I hadn't anticipated, or the plot might take an unexpected turn. I find these surprises energising and often lead to more authentic storytelling.

Revisions and Refinement: Of course, this spontaneous approach means that I often need to do more revising and refining in later drafts. But I find that the raw energy and authenticity of the first draft are worth the extra editing work.

Balancing Act: While this process works well for my adult fiction, I do tend to plan a bit more for my children's books, as they often require a more structured approach.

My writing process is a reflection of my belief in the power of unrestrained creativity. While it might not work for everyone, I find that this method allows me to create stories that are fresh, exciting, and full of unexpected moments - both for me and for my readers!

How long does it typically take you to complete a book?

The time it takes me to complete a book can vary significantly depending on various factors. My journey as an author has seen quite an evolution in terms of writing speed and efficiency:

Debut Novel: My first book was a labour of love that took about 4 years to complete. This longer timeline was due to several factors: • Learning the craft of novel writing • Balancing writing with other life commitments & personal events • Extensive revisions and rewrites as I honed my skills
Recent Work: In contrast, my latest book took just over a month to reach the first draft stage. This dramatic improvement in speed can be attributed to: • Increased experience and confidence in my writing abilities • A more streamlined writing process • Better time management and dedicated writing periods
Factors Affecting Timeline: Completing a book can depend on several things: • The complexity of the plot and characters • The amount of research required • My current life circumstances and other commitments • Whether it's a children's book or an adult novel • The level of creative flow I experience during the writing process
From First Draft to Publication: It's important to note that reaching the first draft stage is just one part of the journey. After that, there's still: • Revision and editing processes • Beta reader feedback and incorporation • Professional editing • Designing the cover and writing the blurb • The publication process itself

While I'm thrilled with how my writing speed has improved over time, I always prioritise quality over speed. Each book receives the time and attention it needs to be the best it can be.

My experience shows that with practice and dedication, the writing process can become more efficient. However, every book is unique, and I remain flexible, allowing each story the time it requires to fully develop.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Absolutely! My main piece of advice is simple but powerful: Just write!

Here's a breakdown of my advice for those looking to start their writing journey:

Start Writing: The most important step is to begin. Don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect idea. Writing is a skill that improves with practice, so the sooner you start, the sooner you'll grow.

Embrace the Challenge: Writing isn't always easy, but if you truly love it, the challenges become part of the excitement. Embrace the difficult moments as opportunities for growth.

Follow Your Passion: If you have a genuine love for writing, let that drive you. Passion can carry you through the tough times and make the good times even more rewarding.

Build a Reading Team: Assemble a group of trusted readers who can provide honest feedback on your work. This could include fellow writers, avid readers, or even professionals in the field.

Value Feedback: Feedback is crucial for growth as a writer. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your craft. Remember, even negative feedback can be a stepping stone to improvement.

Iterate and Improve: Use the feedback you receive to revise and improve your work. Writing is often about rewriting, so don't be discouraged if your first draft isn't perfect.

Take the Leap: Once you've put in the work and refined your writing, don't be afraid to put it out there. Submit to publishers, consider self-publishing, or share your work online. You can't succeed if you don't try.

Never Stop Learning: Read widely in your genre and about the craft of writing. Attend workshops, join writing groups, and always be open to learning new techniques.

Persevere: Rejection is part of the writing journey for most authors. Don't let it discourage you. Keep writing, keep improving, and keep submitting.

Enjoy the Process: Remember why you started writing in the first place. Enjoy the act of creation, the thrill of bringing new worlds and characters to life.

Remember, every established author was once an aspiring writer. With dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn and grow, you can turn your writing dreams into reality. So, don't wait – start writing today!

What's been the most challenging aspect of your author journey?

As a self-published author, I've found that the most challenging aspects of my journey extend beyond the actual writing process. While crafting the story is a joy, there are several other areas that have proven to be particularly demanding:

Editing:

The editing process can be gruelling and time-consuming.
It requires a different mindset from creative writing, focusing on technical aspects and attention to detail.
Self-editing is challenging, as it's often hard to spot your own mistakes or areas for improvement.
Hiring professional editors is costly, but if able, it can be an added investment in the quality of your work.

Marketing:

As a self-published author, I'm responsible for getting my books in front of potential readers.
Developing effective marketing strategies requires skills that are quite different from writing.
It involves understanding social media, advertising platforms, and reader demographics.
Balancing time between writing and marketing is an ongoing challenge.

Writing Blurbs:

Condensing an entire book into a compelling, short description is surprisingly difficult.
Blurbs need to capture the essence of the story while enticing readers to want more.
It's a specific skill that combines marketing knowledge with concise writing ability.

Wearing Multiple 'Hats':

Self-publishing means I'm not just the author, but also the editor, marketer, designer, and business manager.
Each role requires different skills and mindsets, which can be mentally taxing.
Time management becomes crucial when juggling these various responsibilities.

Financial Management:

Understanding the costs involved in publishing, from editing to cover design to marketing.
Making decisions about investments in the book and managing the business side of being an author.

Maintaining Motivation:

Without the structure of traditional publishing deadlines, self-motivation is key.
Balancing creativity with the business aspects can sometimes be draining.

Despite these challenges, I find the self-publishing journey incredibly rewarding. It has pushed me to grow not just as a writer, but as a well-rounded professional. Each challenge overcome is a step towards becoming a more successful author and entrepreneur.

The key, I've found, is to approach each aspect with the same passion and dedication I bring to my writing. It's a continuous learning process, and I'm grateful for the skills I've developed along the way.

Are you currently working on any new projects?

Here's what I'm up to at the moment:

Seventh Novel: I've just completed the first draft of my seventh novel. This is an exciting milestone in my writing career, and I'm thrilled to be moving forward with this new story.
Editing Phase: Currently, I'm in the editing phase of this new book. This is a crucial part of the writing process where I refine the story, strengthen character arcs, and polish the prose.
Reader Team Review: Once I've completed my initial edits, the manuscript will go to my trusted reader team. Their feedback is invaluable in helping me identify areas for improvement and ensuring the story resonates with my target audience.
Next Steps: After incorporating feedback from my reader team, I'll do another round of revisions before moving on to the final stages of preparation for publication.

I'm very excited about this new book and can't wait to share more details with my readers as the project progresses. Stay tuned to my social media channels and newsletter for updates!

Where can readers find your books?

I'm pleased to say that my books are widely available across various platforms:

Amazon: All of my books, including ebooks, paperbacks and hardbacks are available on Amazon. This is the most comprehensive place to find my complete works.
Apple Books: For those who prefer reading on Apple devices, my novels are available through Apple Books.
Google Play: Android users can find my novels on the Google Play Store.
Waterstones: For readers in the UK, my books are available through Waterstones, both online and potentially in physical stores.
Barnes & Noble: Readers in the US can find my novels through Barnes & Noble, both on their website and potentially in their physical bookstores.
Other Retailers: My books are also available through many other online and physical bookstores. If you have a preferred book retailer, chances are you'll find my works there!
E-books vs. Physical Books: While e-books are available on all mentioned platforms, the availability of physical books may vary by retailer.
International Readers: For my international readers, the availability might vary depending on your location. However, most of these online platforms serve multiple countries.

If you're having trouble finding my books, feel free to reach out through my website or social media channels, and I'll be happy to help you locate them. Remember, by purchasing through official channels, you're directly supporting my work as an author. Thank you for your interest and happy reading!