Sometimes, I still have to take a moment to accept that I am writing for a living.

It's nearly a decade ago that I started writing One by One, and nearly 2 decades since I made the decision that writing is what I wanted to do with my life. I swung from comic books to movies before I found my calling with books, but it was a long journey.

And now, after ALOT of writing and even more learning, I am in a place where doing so puts food on the table and a roof over the heads of myself and my family. I don't take any of it for granted and I appreciate every single person who has supported or read a book along the way.

But there is another key driver that keeps me focused and on track.

A few weeks ago, I stopped by my old office for the first time since I had left over four months ago. It was surreal to park in the 'visitors' section and to have to sign in, but I thought seeing everyone would be a nice few hours.

It was strange. I saw from the outside the fish bowl of the work environment I had been part of for over four years, and it made me realise just how happy I have been since I stepped away. I was never unhappy with my career, but observing it impartially has shown me that I just wouldn't be able to go back to it.

It's not who I am. I can't believe I tricked myself for so long that I was happy. So with that said, if I ever need a kick up the backside to write, or do the horrible admin tasks I need to do to keep this book business ticking along, I have one now.

The fear of going back to it, when I now have the dream job. So for that, I am thankful I went back to visit, but my aim and focus is firmly on the author road ahead.