For a while I resisted the idea of a blog about myself as a writer. While I enjoy my blog on fascinating females in history, the idea of anything else seemed too self-promotional and, being English, I'm rather apologetic of anything that smacks of pushing myself forward. But in the last few months while Future Perfect has been in the process of being published, I've read many blogs written by other writers and not all of them are saying, "Look at me and buy my book!" Most are, in fact, nurturing a supportive community of writers. Writing can be a solitary occupation and over the last few months I've learned plenty by reading about other writers' experiences of the publishing industry, as well as making some new friends along the way. I've also discovered that blogs can be a valuable way of sharing tips, whether marketing or for writing itself.
As for my own journey into print, it's been one of self-discovery. I thought that writing was a means to an end, the end being publication. I was wrong. Of course the day that I received the e-mail from Elsewhen Press saying that they'd like to publish the novel was a huge thrill. The day I hold the paperback in my hand will be the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. But the greatest joy I've had this year was writing the last novel in the trilogy. There's nothing on earth to beat the adrenaline rush of being so immersed in the writing process that the world disappears around you and your fingers can hardly keep up with the words that are leaping from your mind. And that's my advice to all writers. If you don't love it, don't do it. Writing isn't a means to an end; it is the end.
