My neighbour asked me, the other day, where the stories I write come from, and I told her they came from my head. She seemed bemused, and then she asked how can one idea blossom into a whole novel? I decided that a blog post could go some way in answering her queries.

I have moved around a lot during my lifetime, ranging from Marlow Bottom, York, London, Norwich and the South of France. I have also worked in places such as Tower Hamlets in London. All of this has enabled me to experience different aspects of life and community, as well as different cultures. People watching is a favourite hobby of mine, which can make me a tad anti-social at times.

Working with young offenders inspired my novel ‘The Divine Pumpkin’. My time working in the community and in young offender institutes (prisons) gave me ideas for characters and setting. The character for the young offender is made up from several young girls I worked with, and the other characters are created from people I know and have known – although the actual characters are fictitious – no one could ever recognise themselves!

My daughters inspire me with their enthusiasm towards life; from sports day (pictured above), playing football matches every weekend to volunteering in the local science museum. Just like the blackbird prodding the lawn for worms, there is an attitude in the household to throw yourself into the tasks ahead – and to see the positive side as much as possible. Having said that, we have our share of teenage strops and messy rooms, but that’s family life.

I read the paper, novels,watch the news and go for coffee with my friend – all of which give me ideas. A story about nothing much could be planted in my brain, only for it to blossom another day into a scene development or characterisation. Even time day-dreaming can be inspiring, as I let my mind wander and create images for me – I always have a notebook to hand.

Inspiration can reveal itself anytime and anywhere. As an author, I make mental notes of sights, sounds, smells, taste and touch, to add depth to my writing. I hope to convey the setting in a novel and make my characters likable or annoying – whatever their role may be in the story – so that the reader can sink into my book and take themselves off into the fictional world I have created.

I hope you’ve found some inspiration from this.

Happy Word Flow One & All.

Photo: Untitled from Mike_Fleming.

The presents are all sitting under the tree, looking tempting in their red and white wrapping. But I know that once they’re opened and appreciated, the tree looks rather dejected, and my thoughts turn to the forthcoming year – well after I’ve made a sumptuous Christmas dinner,that is.

For the past four years, one of my resolutions has been to get an agent or publisher – and if you’ve been following this blog, you’ll know that I’m to be published in May 2012 by Winter Goose Publishing. So one down, I hear you all mutter, and yes indeed, one down but plenty more to go.

The editing process needs to be completed and the cover design – fortunately not by me. So one could say that a resolution would now be for the book to be successful, for which I must play a part in. I write to be read not to make a fortune – just knowing that someone else will have chosen to buy my book will be a reward in itself.

I also need to continue writing my current WIP of which I’ve already written 58,000 words. More writing resolutions,I hear you cry – have you no other life to speak of?

Of course I have. I wish to continue to be a loving, sometimes cool & embarrassing mum to my two teenage daughters. A loving but sometimes ratty cook, cleaner, counsellor, organiser and wife. Would I like to be less stressed about the clutter everyone leaves lying around – of course I would – but clutter causes pot holes in my mind – I can’t function to the best of my ability in disarray.Take note family members.

Should another resolution be to lose weight? I’ve never been on a diet, I’m a great believer in a little of everything and excess in nothing. Would I like to be the size UK8 I used to be?  – of course – but having babies and getting older have taken their toll. However,I’d rather have the wisdom that comes with age than the waistline of a younger me who didn’t understand how harsh and complicated  the world could be.

For the first time for many years – I’m going to have tears of hope in my eyes on New Year’s Eve. I will raise a glass of bubbly and chink glasses to a successful, fun and healthy year for all my family and friends. I include you – dear follower or reader. I wish you every success, happiness, crystal clear word flow and inner peace.

Happy 2012 Word Flow One & All.

                          Photo: Christmas 2007 from paparutzi

And what is the best Christmas present ever, I hear you cry. Could it be a Kindle, a diamond ring, an Aga – what, what is it you cry even louder.
It’s a publishing contract with Winter Goose Publishing (@wintergoosepublishing). They have accepted my contemporary romance – ‘The Divine Pumpkin’ – and shortly I will begin the process of editing with an editor – they warn me it will try my patience – but I’m so ready for it. It will be in paperback in 2012.

Four years of reading about writing and writing four novels in various genre, until I found my preference, has all been worth it. Of course I have accumulated numerous rejections – although some encouraging words from some agents – over the years, but I never let my faith subside. I would feel low initially after a rejection, but then I’d plough on – I had no choice, I was addicted to writing.

I have known about this for two weeks, but I needed to wait until the contract was signed. Perhaps I should have waited a few more days as I will soon be on the Winter Goose website and Face book page – but I couldn’t wait any longer to let you all know. Links will follow.

I have a new avatar – taken by my fourteen year old daughter, with hair done by my seventeen year old daughter – as the photo will be on the back of my book.

I so want to hug all my Twitter & blog folk who are still waiting for this moment – to tell them never to give up, to believe in oneself and to learn & write as much as possible. I also suggest looking at Winter Goose publishing – they also have a competition out currently.

I’m embarking on a new part of the writing journey and I look forward to sharing the trip with you all. I can’t quite believe that I have a contract, and I’m sightly nervous about the work ahead. But for once, I’m not alone – although one never feels lonely on Twitter or here.

I hope to write again before Christmas, but if I can’t, may I wish you all a Happy Festive Season and much joy and success in 2012.

Happy Word Flow One & All.