This morning (it’s now 7.38!) I’ve checked out Facebook, read a bit more about why I need Instagram in my life, (I really don’t) watched the BBC news, bid on a Wedgwood mug on eBay, that I also don’t need in my life (but it’s soo pretty and I like drinking out of china mugs) and deleted a load of photos I took over Christmas. It’s now time to start the day, and in reality, I could have written a good couple of hundred words or edited a chapter of my new novel in the time I’ve wasted. When I say ‘new’ I mean a WIP (work in progress) that I haven’t opened for a while. I don’t think I will be starting a proper ‘new ‘ story for quite some time.
I used to berate myself over these time sucks, but as I’ve progressed as a writer, I’ve realised that living is important too and my writing is just a part of this wonderful life I’ve been given.

Eat cake- enjoy the flowers.

I don’t have a dedicated time to write, but writing (or not writing!) is always in the back of my mind and I fit it in when I can. I used to feel so guilty when WRITE EVERY DAY  is the writer’s mantra. In fact, I do probably write every day but I don’t have to–and that’s fine. To me, my writing defines me (does that sound terribly pretentious?) but I write primarily for me now and it’s a great feeling. I’ve got over the desperate race I had in my head that I had to prove myself, get out there– be able to consider myself a ‘proper writer’ before I ended up like this.

I waited too long for a publishing deal!

Maybe it’s not so much that I’ve got over it, as I’ve reached the level of writing that I’m happy with. Maybe I am now a ‘proper writer’ and don’t need anyone else to validate my writing. But there’s still a part of me that wants other people to read my stories and love my characters as much as I do, which I think comes with the territory of being a writer and a member of the human race.
So, I’ve finally taken the plunge, and with the help of Fabrian Books, Air Guitar and Caviar, the book of my heart, will be released on Amazon in February. Meanwhile, I’ll plod on with my rubbish typing skills and total inability to plot, and take the time to enjoy my writing life and the beautiful world around me. Enjoy your day, lovely people. xx

The view outside my bedroom window.