My Journal

From a young age, I’ve always been a reader, a dreamer, a fantasist! I grew up on a council estate with my three younger sisters. It wasn’t always easy (that's an understatement), but that’s in the past, and I’m not ready to revisit it… maybe in writing... one day 🤔!

 

I discovered my love of reading at the local library when I borrowed Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree. That story whisked me away into a whole new world as a child. Even now, just seeing books lined up on a shelf fills me with nostalgia. Walking into a secondhand bookshop, surrounded by that familiar musty smell, brings me pure happiness.

 

Once, a teacher told me I was “university material,” and my mum was so proud. I never did go to university, and became a bit of a 90's wild child. My husband still says I have that wild child still in me now 😉. People who know me will absolutely agree! But I’ve worked hard and built a fulfilling career. English was always my strong subject, and I remember telling myself that one day I would write a book. Last autumn, I finally did it. Seeing other authors' books transformed into movies and TV series now feels surreal... could that be me one day 💭, as my arc readers say about Secrets of Silverleaf Cottage, "this needs to be on Netflix" 😆. I’ve never been one to let anyone or anything hold me back, and if I want to do something, I go for it, and nothing stops me. I give 1000% to challenging myself 💪.

 

My eldest son will be finishing uni this year, the first in our family to get a degree, and my youngest will start in September. I’ve always told them: only do what makes you happy, what brings enjoyment and satisfaction, but hard work will always pay off. They make me so proud 😊.

 

Life has taught me to be discerning about people. I’ve met folks from all walks of life and learned quickly that not everyone is a friend and not everyone can be trusted. Ditch the drama, distance yourself from toxic people, and focus on yourself. Life is hard enough already. This has always been my motto. Keep your circle small! It's been a tough few weeks lately but what I have witnessed most recently is what real friends will do for others, heartwarming moments when we come together to pick someone up. I love them more than ever right now ❤️.

 

Word of advice...stop sweating the small stuff, and don't complain over trivial things! Life is way too short!

 

And more importantly, follow those dreams, live those fantasies and tell that person you love them 💋.

 

As I sit here writing this on a Monday morning, I can hear the birds chirping outside, the cats are asleep, and I have a much-needed day off. The sun is shining a little bit for the first time in what feels like forever, and my mind is already buzzing with ideas for my next book. The house needs cleaning, I need to do a food shop, the car needs a valet, and dinner needs prepping... but for now, I’m torn. Should I grab the MacBook and start typing, or take a walk in the woods and keep dreaming?