It’s been a busy week here at the writing den, but mainly all positive.

I managed to iron out some tricky scenes in the book I’m publishing later this year and have been able to send it out to my alpha readers. This is the part that starts the journey of fear and self-doubt. Whilst it is still in my hands, then only I can have an opinion on it. As soon as it gets sent out to other people, I know the road to publication has begun.

That road can be fun and rewarding, but it’s guaranteed to be nerve-wracking along the way.

I’ve had my first review back already and the good news is that there is nothing structurally or fundamentally wrong. A little extra character development here and there, a bit of tweaking, but not a throw it in the bin and start again problem. Which means, if others come in saying similar, then I can set it aside for a few weeks before going back to look at it with a fresh pair of eyes. I already know I need a different title, so I’ll let that mull over for a little longer. I’d like a different cover art style for this one too as it’s a slightly steamier book and I’d quite like to reflect that.

On a non-writing note, I’ve given up chocolate for Lent. I’m not a religious person, but given that I have a wedding in three months time, it seems like as good a time as any when my Christian friends are also giving things up and are therefore less likely to lead me into temptation. So between now and Easter, all kinds of deprived madness is possible.