It’s been a while. How are you all doing? There have been a few changes in the life of this author – longer, greyer (and I have discovered, wavier) hair, more characterful (yes, that’s what I’m going with) facial creases and a few years’ worth of experiences, growth and surprises. The love of red clothes remains.

I have been quiet on the publishing front, but I was keeping busy in the writing world volunteering with the fabulous Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA), the number one, professional organisation for writers of romantic fiction. For five years, I was the RNA’s Industry Awards Organiser, stepping down in November 2023, the same time as I stepped down as a Director, a position I’d held for sixteen months.

It was a busy period, and as a person with chronic health conditions and disabilities, and someone who needs to keep count of their daily spoons, it was important for my health that I managed my time and energy. I chose to step back from writing so I could share my energy between my family and the RNA, a decision I do not and will never regret.

Spending time with my family resets me. I so enjoy their company, watching musical theatre, discussing storylines and playing games, or forming a team to enter the local pub quiz. I know I am very lucky to have my safe haven, where I am loved and cared for.

Volunteering with the RNA was a satisfying and fulfilling experience, that engaged all parts of my brain, taught me new skills and showed me to value my instinct. As a person with very little ‘business’ experience, it was good to learn it’s okay to voice one’s gut feeling in a professional setting. Best of all, I enjoyed working with people who became firm friends.

It turns out I needed that time. I hadn’t stopped writing, but it had taken a back seat. The work-in-progress, which I started calling the ‘Never-ending Novel’, was taking its sweet time to develop. The characters took me on a journey and I fell down the rabbit hole of research, learning plenty about myself along the way … but that’s a story for another day.

My previous publisher kindly reverted the rights of my three novels, and I have finished writing the never-ending novel, so now it’s time to look to the future.

I am not sure what that looks like just yet, but I am back at the desk with fresh ideas, a small back catalogue of novels, and an excitement I remember from when I first started writing. I’m investigating the possibility of becoming an indie author, checking out communication pathways such as Substack and newsletters, updating my platforms with current profile pictures, and putting some of those business skills I learnt during my time as an RNA Director to excellent use.

Oh! And courtesy of my husband, Gajitman, I also have a brand new writing space – my Writing Theatre – but that’s worthy of an entry of its own.

Let me know how you’re doing, and if you have any questions, drop them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Do you have a preference for author communication? Substack, newsletter, blog, vlog? Something I haven’t mentioned? I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Time for a cuppa, me thinks…

Have a great day.

Laura xx

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