Bloodhound Books laps up another author

I'm delighted to share Bloodhound Books has signed me for a two book deal. I am in the process of writing book two in the DI Hamilton series, which will be published Spring 2017.

Founded in late 2014, Bloodhound Books is an independent publisher that was born from a love of great fiction. Bloodhound's best-selling titles include five Amazon top 100 best-sellers - K.A Richardson's I've Been Watching You, Eileen Wharton's Blanket of Blood, Liz Mistry's Unquiet Souls and Betsy Reavley's The Optician's Wife.
I am really excited to have joined such a formidable team and look forward to working with all the team.
Be sure to sign up to the publishing house's mailing list to stay up-to-date with new titles, great offers and you'll get a free eBook of your choice. Just click here to visit their website. 

July Book Reviews: Crime, crime and more crime

I was very excited about visiting Harrogate for the Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival (see recent blog post for more info on that) this month and wanted to read a few authors that would be attending the event - hence the crime theme this month...

Sleepyhead by Mark Billingham 

I struggled with choosing a rating for this book... Let me explain: It's my first Mark Billingham book and I did enjoy it. I thought the idea was realistic and quite scary. However, the style was a bit confusing for me - I wasn't always sure who's point of view we were following. Also, I was a bit disappointed with the reveal of Thorne's memory that had haunted him for 15 years! I just expected more from it. I'd recommend this, and read the next in the series to see if I could get along with the style.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Sleepyhead on Amazon.

Mortal Justice: a justice series novella by M.A Comley

Eek! A #JusticeJourney fix was just what I needed. If you've read my reviews on Goodreads/Amazon you will know I am a huge Justice series fan, so loved to see a little novella pop up from Mel Comley.

Yes, it's a short story but it doesn't hold back and packs a punch, just as you would expect from the author. If you haven't started the justice series yet, this is ideally read between the first (which is free!) and second books.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Mortal Justice on Amazon.

Snatched from Home by Graham Smith

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt very raw - especially thanks to a few particular characters - but very real; there was emotion in there too. I can completely understand why DI Harry Evans has been dubbed by some as the inspector you love to hate.

Graham Smith has another book due out soon and, after reading Snatched From Home, I'm looking forward to it.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Snatched from Home on Amazon.

The Optician's Wife by Betsy Reavley

It's another 5 star read of 2016 for me! This book really held my interest and I was invested with the main character, Deborah. I enjoyed the way it was written and thought some of the characters were evil personified.

Definitely one to add to your 'to be read' list this year.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Optician's Wife on Amazon.

My first time... at Harrogate

As I write this, a week has passed since the Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, but it feels more like a month. It was my first experience of Harrogate, and any kind of book festival, and I’ve had a major comedown from the amazing event. I booked up late, only securing a B&B in April (most people attending had booked the previous year as soon as the dates were announced), and now I’m so glad that my ‘fear of missing out’ bug kicked me up the butt just in time.

As a very new author, I was feeling quite daunted as the day to travel to Yorkshire approached. However, I pulled on my big girl pants and had a good talking to myself – this was a great opportunity to meet other authors, bloggers, publishers, publicists and people I’d spoken to online for over a year. If I’m honest, I think I embraced the experience more as a reader than an author, because once I was there my nerves took over on more than one occasion. But I don’t think it altered my experience at all. The festival is overflowing with new and established authors, crime fiction fans, bloggers etc. – all happy to chat about their writing journey, love of books and everything else in between. And I’ll admit, I had a huge fangirl moment when Martina Cole high-fived me over our shared love of Ireland and Clonakilty black pudding.

I think the truth of it is, at Harrogate it doesn’t matter what you do or your reason for being there because your passion for crime fiction means you’ll always find someone to talk too – trust me, the bar is always heaving and the conversation is always flowing. So, if you’re worried about going alone, please don’t! The whole weekend had a very chilled and relaxed atmosphere, with people happy to pose for photos, sign books and share a bottle of wine!

After booking my B&B it was clear I couldn’t afford to attend all the events on offer, so I carefully chose a few I didn’t want to miss. Despite the heat of the room (and I’m not complaining about the awesome weather we had), they were very interesting, well-structured conversations, with a chance for audience participation at the end. There’s nothing like hearing a successful author share their lows and highs to get the creative juices pumping – and yes, I have been at the laptop with an array of ideas since coming home. I came away from Harrogate feeling very inspired – and not just about crime fiction! Thanks to a very passionate blogger, I’m excited about quite a few things (but if I told you now, I’d have to kill you… but watch this space). I hope by time next year’s festival comes around – and yes, I have booked my room already – I’ll feel more confident as a writer, not just a reader.

There’s an author North versus South football match to enjoy, a chalked outline of a dead body on the

ground, a huge WHSmith tent – that not only sells books but holds book signings too, deck chairs and a beer tent, the word ‘read’ in enormous cardboard letters that make you feel like you’re being welcomed to the book equivalent of Glastonbury and much, much more.

I have only just skimmed the surface about my time at Harrogate because I think if I launched into it fully you’d be scrolling down your screen for quite some time. But I’ll end on this – if you love crime fiction, be it because you’re a writer, a reader, a publisher, a blogger, a publicist or anything in between, then treat yourself to Harrogate 2017. The enjoyable atmosphere is contagious and I haven’t laughed that much in a long time. I met some wonderful people, was asked to signed a copy of my paperback (that was an “OMG, is this real?” moment for me) and had the opportunity

to talk to authors about their writing experiences and get some valuable tips and advice. I didn’t buy a rover pass for the day/weekend, but many people did, some dined with authors and publicists while others soaked up the sun… Harrogate is what you make it, but it’s definitely a book festival not to be missed.

Oh, FYI… this year, I stayed at the Baytree House, which is about 20 minutes from The Old Swan Hotel (the hub of the festival). It’s a beautiful B&B, reasonably priced with a fab breakfast and lovely staff.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Harrogate, please just give me a shout, I’m more than happy to have a chat about my first time...

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Taralyons236@hotmail.com

June Book Reviews: Forensics and ghostbusters

It seems I'm setting a standard of two books a month. While I'd love to read more - because there are some fabulous books out there at the moment - I'm happy that between parenting and writing I'm reading at all! So, without further ado, here are my two very different reads for June...

With Deadly Intent by K.A Richardson 

Well it's very clear that this writer knows her stuff - it was like reading an episode of Silent Witness (which was great, because I love that programme). There was murder, mystery, forensic insight and a whole lot more. I enjoyed this book and there's already a second in the series - I've Been Watching You - so I'll have to get my skates on if I want to keep up - it's just hit the top 20 UK Amazon charts (correct at time of writing this).


You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy With Deadly Intent on Amazon.

Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency by Kitty French

Wow! A very different five star read for me. This book is totally out of my comfort zone - and don't be put of by "girls' ghostbusting agency" because it's a bloody brilliant read.

It was the cover that caught my attention, but the awesome writing and characters that kept me reading. It's fun, silly, outrageous and quite emotional - even gets a crime in there, so how could I not give it all the stars.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Melody Bittersweet on Amazon.

May Book Reviews: Murders and tears...

Wow - another very different month for me in terms of what I decided to pick up. There were murders, stalkers, love and  - yes I'll be honest - tears! It's been a rollercoaster reading month, I love it... and I want to tell you all about it, so here's my book round-up for May:

The Missing by C.L Taylor 

This is my first read by C.L Taylor and I really enjoyed it. I tend to try and stay away from books written about children missing or abducted or tortured; as a parent it's something I'm not a huge fan of reading about. But I gave this one a shot - 1) the boy is much older than my son so I felt I wouldn't compare them and 2) Cally accepted my choice of cafe name when she asked for suggestions on her Facebook author page. It's a twisty and intriguing novel and I will now read more from C.L Taylor.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Missing on Amazon.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Well, as I'm sure you will have guessed this is another book not really in my usual reading genre. But with the film coming out - and me just knowing I'd go and see it with my girlfriends - I had to read the book before that. I sobbed! Yes, there were tears and emotions of epic portions and it was extremely unexpected. I'd heard about the story and about all the women reaching for the tissues but in no way did I think that would include me. I was wrong! Read the book and then watch the film (which I luckily did at a preview screening) - they're both fabulous.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Me Before You on Amazon.

An evening with Jojo Moyes - Me Before You

A lovely goody bag from Marie Claire
awaited us all in the cinema - and of course
a paperback of Me Before You was included

I'm not one for doing things on my own. I do like a natter, some company to share a joke or toast the evening with. But, when my friend called me to say she had just one ticket - and was giving it to me - I couldn't say no. This ticket was for an event in London on Thursday 12th May at Charlotte Street Hotel. Organised by Marie Claire UK, I was given a ticket to a Q&A session with author Jojo Moyes and a preview screening of Me Before You.

Yes, I'd have to go alone but this was an event I couldn't turn down.

As you've probably guessed from my blog, and my own books, Me Before You isn't my usual genre. But, after countless recommendations and an impending film release I knew I just had to read it (I tend not to watch films without reading the book first... with the exception of The Hunger Games). Now, don't get me wrong I am not anti romance or chick lit and every now and then I will read a book outside of my favourite genre - a reading palette cleaner I like to call it.

I won't be embarrassed, I cried.

Not many books have made me shed a tear (My Sister's Keeper and Charlie & Pearl are the only others) but this book made me sob. I loved the language, the description, the relationships and the characters. I don't want to ruin the ending for anyone who hasn't read/watched it yet, but I remember reading the last 100 pages thinking, this could go either way. I really couldn't be 100% sure on where Jojo Moyes was going to take the characters - and the reader.

So when I was given this ticket by an amazingly kind friend, I couldn't wait to ask Jojo Moyes that question - and others about the characters and her writing style. It was fantastic listening to her talk about the book and her involvement with the filmmaking, and I felt very honoured to be there. Even more so when on the day I received a very late email in the afternoon offering me one more ticket - so I didn't have to do it alone after all. My friend and fellow author Georgie Logan came with me - and thank God she did because not only is she great company, but she was also prepared... she had a packet of tissues in her bag.

Me and Georgie enjoyed
a drinks reception before
the Q&A and preview

I think reading the book and watching the film in a short space of time meant that I was still raw with emotion and caught up in the deep relationships of the characters, And so, I couldn't help but cry - again. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin - who play Louisa Clark and Will Traynor - were the most perfect pair to be cast for these roles. I loved them.

Read the book and then watch the film.

And, in the words of Will Traynor: "Push yourself. Don't settle. Just live well. Just LIVE."

April Book Reviews: Thrillers and contemporary

Delighted! This month I read three books and a short story. Is it obvious that The Caller was whipped into shape and ready to be sent to our editor...

A very different month for me - not only did I get a contemporary novel in there at the end, but I also read a couple of very different and refreshing, thrillers. So, here's my book round-up for April:

In Her Wake by Amanda Jenning 

This was a difficult one for me - I loved the story, but just wasn't used to this kind of pace for a psychological thriller. However, the more I think about it, the more I realise how clever it is. It kept me reading, it kept me interested about what was going to happen next and rooting for the protagonist, Bella. In Her Wake has also made me want to pack up my London flat and move to Cornwall... or at least by the coast. I would definitely recommend this book.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy In Her Wake on Amazon.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt by Linda Prather

Another different kind of thriller - this time, the legal kind. I can't recommend this enough and gave it a big 5 star review. The chapters are quick and snappy and the main character, Jenna James is easy to love. She is also not a detective, so that was another nice change. It moves quickly, with lots happening and stories entwining. Read this!

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Beyond a Reasonable Doubt on Amazon.

Escape by KA Richardson

A very short story indeed, but it is a great teaser for KA Richardson's first full novel, With Deadly Intent. This book is on my TBR list and I'm hoping to get to it very soon. Thanks to Escape, I really want to know more about Cass.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Escape on Amazon.

183 Times a Year by Eva Jordan

And here it is - my first non thriller/crime book of the year! I will admit to you, I was worried to start with. It didn't feel fast enough and nothing particularly was happening. But when you've only read about crimes and murders and the like for the last three months, you have to slow down. I'm so pleased that I continued with this contemporary novel - a story of families and ordinary struggles. It definitely picks up and I was soon very invested with the characters. A cracking debut.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy 183 Times a Year on Amazon.

World Book Night

During the last year, my life has changed dramatically thanks to the people I've met and the books I've read. So when I had the opportunity to be part of World Book Night as a distributor, I was delighted.

Yes, I know it was almost a month ago now, but hear me out.

The Reading Agency's World Book Night took place on 23rd April this year. Their drive was to reach out to people in the UK who do not normally read for pleasure - and therefore 187,500 copies of 15 specially printed books - including titles from Ann Cleeves, Amanda Prowse and Sarah Hilary, to name a few - were distributed by reading enthusiasts. That included me.

Sometime last year, I filled out an online registration form as to why I wanted to be involved, how I would distribute the books and choose the title I would like to receive. I didn't actually think I'd get chosen, but I did. I was given 16 copies of Ann Cleeves' short story, Too Good To Be True. It wasn't the book I had requested, but I was pleased, because what better way to ease a non-reader in than with a short story.

Now, I know what some of you must be thinking: why the hell am I distributing books that I haven't written? Or perhaps, because I'm an indie author, should I be promoting this? And honestly, I got involved with World Book Night because I'm a reader myself first and foremost. It was my passion for books that put me on the path to writing my own! So the idea of reaching out to people who do not usually read for pleasure was something I really wanted to be a part of.

For me, it was actually a good ice-breaker. The recipients of the books I gifted would ask me why was I doing this, or what was I reading etc. And it meant I could promote my own books and writing journey to them freely, without feeling like I was forcing it on them. Not only was I encouraging them to read with a free book, but I was able to have a free-flowing, non-computer type chat with them.

My nan and her free book

I started small this year. I gave the books to friends, relatives and neighbours - some of them didn't own a paperback/hardback book. Two of those people included my nan (pictured) and her dear old neighbour. They were delighted to have been given a gift, a real book in their hands to hold and - for my nan's neighbour - a bit of company and conversation. A friend of mine was delighted to have the book in her bag as she was stuck in a hospital waiting for hours and devoured it. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed reading, she told me after. Next year, if I get accepted again, I'd like to go bigger with distributing the books - perhaps even hand out some personal promotional material too. I'll put my thinking cap on.

So, I wasn't delivering copies of my own books this World Book Night, but isn't just encouraging people to read in general a great stepping stone? I hope so.

March book reviews: The Reaper and The Prodigal

It's becoming a habit of mine to start these posts with something along the lines of, 'I've been so busy' or 'I haven't read much this month.' I know it's because I'm used to reading at least four or five books a month and lately that figure has dropped to two or three. But, I've decided I'll stop apologising for that because I'm still reading - regardless of my hectic personal life and writing/editing my own books - and that's what's important.

It's great that I'm reading some fab books too! When you don't have a lot of time to read, it makes it worthwhile that the ones you do can, keep you interested. So, here are my March reads:

The Reaper by Steven Dunne 

A series that has been recommended to me over and over again. And with book six being published in May, I thought it was time to see what all the fuss was about. I'm glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed The Reaper - and at one point I really did want to hide behind my cushion! It's a very clever read and I loved the mention of locations I know. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Reaper on Amazon.

The Prodigal (Valley Park series #1) by Nicky Black

This felt like quite a refreshing change to the crime genre. The Prodigal is gritty but there's also a story of love mixed in there two. It's very character driven and I enjoyed getting to know more about each character and what made them tick. Look forward to 'Heads' the second book from Nicky Black coming soon.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Prodigal on Amazon.

Keeping you in the loop - The Caller and Authors Electric

I'm quickly ducking in during the wee small hours to say hello while I have a very quick break from editing. Sorry I haven't posted anything in the last month, but I've been full on busy, and getting very excited, with my current work in process.

A NEW BOOK, I HEAR YOU CRY:

Well, yes the rumours are true! Myself and Mel Comley are putting the finishing touches to our first book in a new crime series - The Caller. It's available to pre-order on Amazon now for just 99p/99c - click the link below to find out more, and of course order if it takes your fancy - and it will be published on June 16th. I will be updating my website in the next few weeks to give you more of a taster about The Organised Crime Series.

Click here to order The Caller


WHAT ELSE IS NEW?

I'm also thrilled to announce that I've joined a team of indie authors on their blogger website - Authors Electric. The group is made up of 29 authors who come together on the site to explore the exciting world of eBooks, gossip, laugh and share tips on writing and independent publishing. I've already posted my first blog - and will continue to do so on the 18th of each month. Thank you to everyone who has made me feel so welcome and planted the seed for some interesting projects in the near future. Do drop by and say hello!

Click here to check out Authors Electric

World Book Day: The book Vs the comic

My little Captain Leo on World Book Day 2016

For many years, on this day, my Facebook timeline would be filled with cute children dressed in an array of costumes. I'd make the usual "ah" sound and hit the like button, maybe even write a little comment. Then I'd move on. However, this year I'm involved: my son has reached school-age and is, as I type, taking part in his first World Book Day.

I was only told last week that the children would be invited to dress up, so didn't have much time to let the creative juices flow. But fear not, the supermarkets were filled with costumes to take care of that problem. Or were they?

As I peered through the selection I was amazed, and slightly disappointed, that what was on offer was characters from The Avengers, Star Wars, Minions and Frozen. Now while I completely understand children like to dress up and have fun, I can't remember reading about any of these characters in a book! They are comic and film characters first and foremost. So while there may be some books featuring them as a merchandise ploy, I feel it's a bit of a cheat... there I said it.

Parents will roll their eyes at my view and kids will call me the boring mum (poor Leo!), but it's how I feel. There are so many wonderful books to choose from, why choose a comic?

So, what did Leo dress up as? Although the picture gives it away somewhat, I'll explain anyway.

Leo's favourite character has always been Peter Rabbit, so I took it for granted he would choose that. No, of course he said he wanted to be the Hulk (who doesn't, right?). And it dawned on me; while I may be a book lover (and I hope as he grows Leo will be too), right now three year-olds want fun and colour and excitement. For them, the likes of Peter Rabbit and Oliver Twists just 'ain't cutting it.

Therefore, we reached a compromise. Leo dressed up as a pirate, and he believes it's because he likes the book Pirates Love Underpants and that swashbuckling show on CBeebies, (but I chose to ignore that). For me, Leo went to school as Captain Hook - Peter Pan's arch-enemy. Now, while I know the story has been on stage, TV and made into a film (or three!), the character is ultimately from an enchanting classic book about a boy who didn't want to grow up.

My February book reviews...

February has been a whirlwind month for me. In the Shadows was returned from my editor, proofreader and beta readers. I also set up a blog tour (more news on that coming soon), which I'm really excited about.

And between all that, I'm pleased to say I still managed to read three fab books - and started a fourth. However, as I've not finished that one, you'll just have to wait until March's round-up for the review.

So, without further ado, here are my February reads:

The Girl You Lost by Kathryn Croft 

This was the first Kathryn Croft novel for me, and my first 5 star review of 2016. I can't remember reading a book where, at some stage, I doubted every single character. It's an awesome psychological thriller that will keep you thinking, keep you guessing and keep you reading.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Girl you Lost on Amazon.




The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza 

I loved the gritty nature of the main character, DI Erika Foster and I look forward to reading more about her. She has a background story that I'm sure will be delved into much more. I felt The Girl in the Ice was a bit repetitive at times, which sometimes slowed it down for me, but the characters definitely held my attention.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Girl in the Ice on Amazon.



CXVI Desperate Measures by Angie Smith 

This was a bitter-sweet read for me. Having thoroughly enjoyed the CXVI trilogy, I knew no matter what the ending of Desperate Measures was - it was saying goodbye. The author does this impeccably and wraps everything up in her usually clever and thoughtful way.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to pre-order CXVI Desperate Measures on Amazon.

My debut novel on pre-order

It's been a roller-coaster of a day. One of excitement and anxiety, achievement and nervousness, joy and worry. All those emotions occurring in a few short hours could be attributed to many things, but for me it was creating a pre-order for my debut novel.

In the Shadows now has a place on Amazon, waiting for you supportive readers to one-click and give an eBook a home. It's real to me now - you may well choose to pre-order my novel (and I would be eternally grateful) - and in a few short weeks will be privy to a story I have kept close to my chest for nearly a year.

My characters, words, thoughts and imagination are all being prepared to be shared with you. At least I hope they will be, and not cast into the virtual shadows, never chosen. And there, in a short paragraph you can see how my mind flickers from one train of thought to the other in an instant. What will become of In the Shadows? I'd like to think it will become a firm favourite for many of you - and in case you need a little tempting...

In the Shadows blurb:

Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton is tasked with apprehending a brutal murderer stalking the streets of London—and leaving not a shred of DNA evidence. As the suspect list mounts, his frustration and pressure from his superiors intensify.

Grace Murphy, who is dealing with the recent loss of her beloved grandfather, falls deeper into despair when her friends’ bodies are discovered. Fearing she may be the killer’s next target, she begins to question if her horrifying nightmares are the key to unravelling the murderer’s identity.

How far would you go to uncover the truth? Would you venture into the shadows to unmask a killer?

To pre-order In the Shadows for 99p/99c click the link to take you straight to Amazon

My January book reviews: Lost Girls and 24 Hours

The first month of 2016 was consumed with editing In The Shadows, so I'm chuffed that I still managed to squeeze in two books from my humongous to be read list.

Lost Girls by Angela Marsons

I'm a huge DI Kim Stone fan and devoured the first two in the series, so was really looking forward to the latest on offer. It wasn't my favourite of the three, mainly because I felt there was too many voice, but it was full of suspense and kept me guessing until the end.
You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Lost Girls on Amazon.

24 Hours by Claire Seeber

Although it wasn't as fast-paced as I was expecting, 24 Hours is a very clever and interesting read. It flits between the past, where you really get an insight into the characters, and the present, the window of time Laurie is battling with to reach her goal. It's what I call a "thinking book" because you need to be on the ball and concentrating to enjoy it.
You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy 24 Hours on Amazon.

Thank you: Web of Deceit a week on!

So it's been a week since my first publication day and I just wanted to thank all the readers, bloggers, authors and friends who have showed Mel and I such immense support. I was wished a ‘happy book birthday’ the day Web of Deceit was released, and that phrase still makes me smile now. For those of you who have left reviews on the Amazon sites, Goodreads, Blogs, Google Play and elsewhere, I send you a virtual hug. I now truly understand the importance of reviews, and pleased that as I reader I have left one for every book I’ve read over the past year.

Web of Deceit is a special story for me because there is some truth behind it. I did befriend someone on-line and met-up with her in "real life." It’s an honour and a privilege that that dear friend is now also my mentor and writing partner in crime. Our novella is not only an introduction to me as an author, but something to whet your appetite. The rumours are true, Mel and I are currently working on a new crime series, so watch this space for more info.

If you haven’t read Web of Deceit yet, click on any of the links below to purchase our eBook for 99p/99c.

Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/WebofDeceit

B&N: http://hyperurl.co/i3ydo9
iBooks: http://hyperurl.co/cbpkq2
Kobo: http://hyperurl.co/4iusio
Google Play: http://hyperurl.co/t

Web of Deceit is available now for 99p/99c

Edits are complete... For now, anyway!

My debut novel, In The Shadows, is due for release in March 2016 and I'm over the moon to share with you that I have completed my editing process... For now, anyway.

I have read articles about authors who said writing the book was the easy part of the process and wow, am I beginning to understand that. Luckily, In The Shadows flowed from my mind on to the keyboard; it's great to see your thoughts become real words on the screen. Then you finally type "the end" and there's a feeling of accomplishment: that's right, I did that and hell yeah, I just wrote a book! To say I wasn't ready for what came next is an understatement.

You need energy and concentration for the editing process. You must be critical of your own writing and try not to cry when you read an entire chapter that doesn't make sense. I didn't cry, but I was worried about some parts I had created. I shouldn't be too hard on myself, when you're writing at midnight some nights, your mind may not be completely switched on.

I've learnt that it's okay, and that is what editing is all about. Noticing your mistakes, creating a way for your book to sound better, read better and bring the characters to life is what this process is about. It's true, the chances of anyone actually reading the first draft of you novel are extremely slim. I spent a lot of time in the editing process. It was important to me that I did because In The Shadows is an important story that I want to tell.

And just when I was in a place of happiness and serenity after two months of editing the tension increases. I'm waiting for my professional editor's thoughts regarding the book... nail-biting time for sure!

In The Shadows cover