Hello from Hampshire!
I have an confession to make. I have been keeping a secret and it’s rather a big one. I expect you might be beginning to wonder where my next release is. Perhaps you’re hoping that a new novel from me could be hitting the shelves any day now? Well, the truth is, I do indeed have a book written, and I think it’s my favourite so far, but it will be a little wait until you get to hold it in your hands.
And that is because…
I just signed a two book contract with publisher, Bookouture! I have loved the learning process of independently publishing. I’ve loved the freedom and been amazed that so many readers have discovered my books and become passionate supporters of my work. It’s been a whirlwind, but doing it alone creates a lot of pressure and it can be intense.
Around eighteen months ago, I began to notice women’s fiction novels from Bookouture authors regularly hitting the charts and popping up in my ‘Also bought’ section on Amazon. This summer, I finally decided to reach out to Bookouture and discuss the possibility of them taking me on too. Imagine my amazement when Commissioning Editor Jennifer Hunt got back to me saying that she already had several of my books on her Kindle and had been talking with colleagues about reaching out to me too! Working with Jennifer has been a wonderful experience already, and I know I have made the right decision.
We’re currently in the editing process of the first book, which follows a mother who believes her child is dying and is faced with family, friends and even doctors who refuse to take her seriously. It’s very close to home for me, with lots of scenes set in the children’s ward, which as you might know, is like a second home to my family. There were many tears spilled during the writing of this story.
I’m already well underway with writing the second book too, an equally emotional roller-coaster which I can’t wait to share with you.
So there you have it! Big changes all round, a bit of a longer wait than you are used to from me between novels, but I hope you’ll find them worth the wait!
If you celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a very happy one, and I wish you a wonderful New Year.
Speak to you in 2020! Until the next time,
Sam