Friends are always there... Release day and reminiscing

Well, I've just realized that in one weeks time I will have been a published author for a year.

And what a year! Over a dozen books out and a good few more contracted.

 From Wallflowers Don't Wilt

To La Bella Isabella

And a good few in between


So why and how has it all come together? Truly I don't know. What I do know is I couldn't have achieved it without my friends, and I include my DH in this. He's the one who has to push his way through dust bunnies and shout to me to break into my writing mode. Paul I love you. I can't count the number of times he's rescued the roast, cooked the curry, fed the cats and passed me a glass of wine or three. He's used to me tapping away on the lap top all over the world. Caribbean, New York, Far East Australia, South Africa, on a plane... he smiles and lets me get on with it...usually. I do go into another room when Man U. are on TV.

Friends, well what can I say. From the first all my writing buddies —UCW—have been there for me. well we are there for each other to be honest We nag, praise, push and shout whenever needed. It's great to have people to share the highs and lows with. In this last year we have all grown and achieved so much in our writing. And the friendship has got stronger. Thanks you lot.

But you know sometimes you meet someone and immediately hit it off? An instant recognition, a knowledge that even if you don't see each other often you are always going to be fiends, come what may? I'm lucky enough to have a few best mates like that. One who I haven't seen for years, but who tells me how proud of me she is and buys all my books. One who I meet up with a couple of times a year, we have a girls only few days, and talk until we are hoarse. She buys my books, she even bought a kindle to read them, even as she says the ones that are too explicit for her.

And then there's Doris... who has honored me by letting me be her youngest's honorary Grandma. I can say in all honesty, my writing would not  be as strong as it is today without her. I can hear her in my head now, asking why I'm not typing the next story in The House On Silk Street. (soon D, I promise). We seemed to hit it off even before we met, and once we did meet... yup. A friend forever. Never mind the age gap, you're only as old as you feel. Never mind the fact I'm in Scotland and she's near London. there's no better way to spend royalties than on a train or plane. Doris has pushed me so far out of my comfort zone, and helped me realize what I'm capable of writing. And I'm so enjoying it. Thsnks D

But whilst I'm in my reminiscing thanking mode, I've got to add editors, publishers, cover artists, book facilitators, (sounds like an Oscar acceptance speech here, sorry) and everyone who has taken a risk, and given me my chance etc etc...

So here I am, almost at my first birthday, and going away next weekend with one of those friends, leaving our husbands at home. As I won't have internet, (I will have wine and kindle though)

I decide to celebrate early, and I'm going to give away a a print copy of Rogue Scandal sand an ecopy of any of the books from my back catalogue. (wow that looks great to me, In print. A back catalogue)

if you comment, I'll draw the names when I get home... October 8th, a year and a day from when I first said proudly, "Hey I'm a published author"

Thank you to everyone who made this dream come true, you are all my friends!