I’ve buckled under pressure! I never thought I’d see the day when I was nagged into writing a blog post.

Cajoled, stalked, harassed and threatened were a few strategies used, but I finally broke when I was given Puss-in-Boots eyes mid Twitter stream. Yep, this is today’s romance writing community – relentless. And yes, a small fluffy creature works every time. (Hope that doesn’t ruin my vampire-related image?)

There are two reasons I haven’t updated you. The main reason is I haven’t signed yet. I thought slipping in an update in-between would only create groans when you opened the post to find it void of the nitty-gritty.

The second is part is because of SYTYCW. I didn’t want to come across as someone waving from the back of the theatre when everyone else is trying to watch the performance, if you know what I mean. But feeling the pain of those who have entered (yep, having been through it twice with New Voices, I know), being told this might temporarily distract from the angst and tension, I couldn’t refuse.

So here are a few things I can let slip:

First and foremost – no, it’s not Entangled! I’ve been asked that in DMs and emails more than anything else. But they are an epublisher who also does print on demand.

I didn’t sub to this publisher – I was extremely fortunate that they approached me. So getting yourself out there (and making yourself contactable) does get you noticed. Thanks New Voices for giving me the shove!

Yes, they’re fantastic, and yes, I’m chuffed to bits. Once the shock subsided and I had time to read through and discuss the proposal, let alone realise this was actually happening, I had a lot of thinking to do. This was my first offer and, as my work was still sat with others publishers, a huge decision. But the fact they loved the stories, wanted to work with me as an author to build the series and presented me with a clear vision that shared mine, I knew without doubt this was the publisher for me.

The first book due to be published has been revised and has now gone in for line editing. There wasn’t a huge amount to do as it was mainly pulling in the strands of overarching plot lines. Apparently it was all made easier by me presenting a clean manuscript to start with. (I’ve learned that doesn’t mean a ms void of coffee stains.) I’m now working on revisions for book 2.

An amazing cover designer is well underway with the project and I should get to see some samples of work-in-progress next week, so I’m super-excited about that.

And the question I’ve been asked more than any other: Are you going to have to wait long to read the first book? With a big smile, I can say no. Hopefully.

So as I go and hide from any more questions before I drop myself in it, in all sincerity thank you so much for the continued stalking.

I also want to wish my nearest and dearest writing friends all the best with their SYTYCW entries. I think it’s a terrible shame we can’t leave comments like we did with New Voices. I’ve wanted to give feedback so many times. I believe that was one of the best things about NV. I personally benefitted hugely from it – both in terms of gaining reader responses but also getting to know all the writing friends I am now connected with. If it wasn’t for those friends I wouldn’t be on Twitter and certainly wouldn’t be blogging this now.

Enjoy the competition and get those votes in! I know only too well how much every single one means.

Good luck!

And trust me, you don’t have to win…

xxx