Keeping busy.

The kids are not back in school until next week, but I'm up at the crack of dawn getting some hours in, either, writing, researching or reading. I have always loved this time of day when no-one else is around. The peace and tranquility allows me total focus. It's bliss, especially with a strong cup of tea.

After feeling a moment of euphoria and a day's worth of gut wrenching nerves when I submitted. I now feel slightly off kilter. Reading posts on Linked In and connecting with other writers who state quite openly that "rejection is part of the course" and "most publishers will not even get back to you or explain why they don't like your book." It's hard not to feel off. Why am I putting myself through this? Why am I bothering? There are so many talented writers out there and I'm not sure I'm even any good.

The self-doubt demon is hovering.

For years I hadn't given much thought as to whether publishers would like my story or as to how I would cope with rejection. Now, I'm already setting myself up with the belief, that I will be rejected. I've already started devouring chocolate as if in some way that will buffer me against the desolation...

However, I tell myself, books are like art, and  people view of art differently. I'm not a fan of modern art, although some I enjoy. I rather tend to lean towards Renoir. I believe, therefore it's the same when finding a publisher. It's a question of finding the right publisher, the right agent that will love and appreciate your work. I've read that many writers become so disillusioned with publishers that they go the indie route. I guess only time will tell. It's taken me fours to finish this novel and I'm wondering how long the publication will take.

But, I have no time to sit and wallow in self-pity. I have work to do.

I'm writing the second book, entering competitions and reading. Always, reading.

I love all things romance, and if I'm not writing about it, then I love to read it. When I read romance stories, I love the chemistry that brings the will they won't they couple together. I love character driven stories where you feel as if you can relate to the hero and heroine. Conflict. There must be conflict, a battle of wills, a reason why they cannot be together and yet they want to be together more than life itself. Happy ever after. Everyone, wants to know that in the end no matter what the odds, the hero and heroine end up together.

I just went to see Immortal Instruments, City of Bones and I really enjoyed it. I love Cassandra Clare and although I read her books a while ago, I am heading right back to read them again. I loved her vivid descriptions. Action packed scenes, laced with romantic tension.  We all know that Clary and Jace end up together, but it's the chemistry, the tension, that keeps us watching, and reading to see how it happens.

"The night had gotten even hotter, and running home felt like swimming as fast as she could through boiling soup."