Ten years!

I can’t quite believe it myself, but apparently it’s true. Today will be exactly ten years since we released ‘Un homme qui attend.’ And here we are, I have just begun work on my twenty-ninth book! It’s incredible to think all that has happened in these past ten years. It’s certainly been an adventure, and most definitely a learning curve! We were novices to begin with, having nothing but a dream to get a book out in the world, finally. A lot of mistakes were made, and there are certainly things I would have done differently in hindsight, but honestly, in those early years, it felt as if I was in the eye of a storm. Everything was happening so quickly. We sold thousands of books and were getting messages (good and bad) from all over the world. I finally figured out how to keep the noise out, and once I did that, it was as if the floodgates opened and I couldn’t stop writing. The stories kept coming (which is how I suppose we ended up with 29 books!), and I was determined to get them all down before I forget them.

So many people supported me, and as many didn’t. I learnt who I could count on and who I couldn’t. I learnt that family are chosen, granted to you by luck or chance, and not necessarily those you are born with. So much has changed for me; my earliest champions, Dawn Frankland, my gorgeous and oldest friend, and June Russell, are no longer with us. Nor are my dogs Charlie and Seth, who sat curled at my feet for most of those early books. I feel their loss tremendously, and they all played a massive part in the stories that came from me.

It wouldn’t have happened to start with, were it not for a chance meeting with a woman at a special event to honour Dame Angela Lansbury (were it not for Angela, I may never have taken pen to paper in the first place…) Her name was Joy Edwards, a burgeoing poet and writer herself. Joy and my husband were there right from the beginning and the first to read what became the first chapter of ‘Un Homme Qui Attend.’ They encouraged me to finish what I’d started, so they’re to blame. I always credit Joy, and sadly, we lost touch some time ago, but I will always be grateful to her and think fondly of our time together in those early days.

These days, I know I should spend more time promoting the books, but it’s just something which doesn’t sit well with me. Usually, I say, once I’ve finished the next book, I’ll become a social butterfly, and then I have an idea for another book, and then I’m off again. The books sell well thanks to word of mouth and loyalty, but they could probably sell better if I pushed them more. I am aware of it, and I do admire those authors who attend book fairs and signings. It’s just not me, but I promise I will try harder…

Right now, I’m starting a new series, and I’m renewed. These two new characters are like a breath of fresh air. I’ll write the whole trilogy one after the other, but don’t worry, Hugo and Coco aren’t going anywhere.

I thank you all for your support. I love the messages and that you’re all so patient and kind. I’ve learned to love the good and the bad of what I do and accept that I can only do my best, and if my books find one home or thousands of homes, then I’m fortunate indeed.

These last few years have been tough in many ways, but in others, I am reminded of how fortunate I am.

My love, as always, to you all,

Gx