On 1st August 2017, my dream came true; I held my debut paperback knowing that readers would be taking delivery of their very first Erin Green publication, 'A Christmas Wish'. I've told the story many times, but it took me many, many years to achieve my goal.

​Five years on, I have nine published books to my name - with the 10th being published in late September. Somewhere in that 10th book, nestled amongst the latter quarter, is my one millionth published word. I'm praying its a decent word, of suitable length and meaning which adds to the story and not an 'and' or a 'but'. Given my habit of repeating certain words it might possibly be an annoying 'just' or a 'really' - now that, would be funny!

The truth is, I'll never know! So I'll focus on celebrating instead, whilst seeking further inspiration for my next ten books! 

After 31 days of July, I'm delighted to have written 58,017 sparkly new words during CampNaNo. I'm chuffed to bits with the total as the WIP is next year's book 'Summer Dreams at the Lakeside Cottage'; the progress helps me to stay on track for my October deadline. All in all, a productive month which I need to continue during August! 

Look what's popped up on Amazon!!! The first signs of next year's publication. A book cover image will appear in the near future but my readers don't mind - the title is there! How blessed am I that my readers will happily pre-order a book with the bare details provided. I'm humbled by their faith and continued support. So, I'll share one tiny detail ... we are heading to the Lake District! Though some of you should have guessed that given I had a recent trip to Cumbria in May - you know how I like to visit the actual area before I indulge in the writing process. 

Preorders: Summer Dreams at the Lakeside Cottage to be published May 2023

I'm slightly older than the usual library member signing up for 'The Summer Reading Challengers', so I'm setting my own reading challenge. I've chosen a eclectic selection from my book horde, which I intend to read in the coming weeks, covering something old, something new, some for rereading and Stephen Fry too!

I've started reading 'Troy' by Stephen Fry as I know nothing about Greek mythology - which is surprising because I never missed school, so who better to teach me!

My second book will definitely be 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell as I've received encouraging messages of recommendation from my readers, via my 'Erin Green Readers' page', as they've thoroughly enjoyed it. There's no particular order after that, I'll simply go with the flow and see what takes my fancy. 

Finally, the 1st July has arrived! Regular followers will know how delighted I am to begin another NaNoWriMo month, but more so this time given that my enjoyment of April NaNoWriMo was scuppered by the untimely arrival of structured edits. It was pure chance, but the edits for Shetland 4 landed on my desk which meant juggling for the entire month and not experiencing a NaNo month as I wish despite reaching my word count goal. Though I do know my proofread for Shetland 4 is due to arrive on Monday, 4th July, but given the nature of the task it won't interfere with my writing plans.

My Camp NaNo July project is next year's Summer book - which I've already started to write, but I aim to add another 50,000 words in the next 31 days. I have a new set of characters and brand new location so wish to immerse myself in NaNo until 1st August. As always, I'll update as I go! I know several authors follow my NaNo blogs watching my progress before venturing to commit themselves to a future NaNo. 

Day 1: let the fun begin!

Way back in 2004 when I was a secret scribbler, I belonged to a writers' circle that met in the back room of a local Conservative club. It was a huge group of enthusiastic writers who had far more experience and writerly knowledge than I had, so I'd nervously trundle along each month clutching my latest piece ready to receive feedback. The group was so large that on many occasions I didn't get the chance to read aloud my tiny offering, but the evening was never wasted listening to the others, be it poets, aspiring authors or potential playwrights. It would provide a gem of creativity for me which I stole away and made good use of until the next gathering took place. Simply listening to the others 'fed me' something which I couldn't access from elsewhere in my life.

I attended for approximately eighteen months before my attendance wavered and ceased. I think I lost sight of what I gained from attending the group. I was caught up in the onslaught of receiving rejection after rejection from publishers, disappointment at not receiving group feedback for my offerings and probably in the mire wondering if I was chasing a non-sensical dream!

Roll forward to February 2022, with our covid hibernation over, I needed to return to social interaction. So, I returned to the fold after an absence of nearly two decades! There was a new venue, a reduced group of six, but three members who remembered me from all those years ago. Imagine how surprised I was! I hadn't taken anything to read, so took my seat and simply listened as they each read their offerings. In a flash, I knew what I'd been missing in recent years - the grass roots of creativity. The group didn't pry or make a fuss, as any new member is a bonus, but the organiser did ask, 'So you're still writing then?'

Last night was my fourth session. I chose not to read aloud from my current project, but enjoyed listening to ten other members reading an array of stories and poems. I did enter two anonymous entries for the groups' annual competitions, the short story and non-fiction categories, so I'll let you know how I get on when the results are received by the external judges. 

Amidst the excitement of book nine being published and the copy edits for book ten being completed, I’ve been given the go ahead from my editor regarding two of the three books I pitched a few weeks.
 
So the official news is … I have a brand-new location to write about! It won't be easy waving goodbye to Shetland as it has filled my head every day since April 2019, but needs must. I’ve had a long weekend away from my desk in order to spring clean my mind and blow the cobwebs away, but this morning my new location can move in and take possession. Exciting, or what? 
 
I’ve already started to write this project - a habit of mine prior to pitching; I like to feel the characters before I write a synopsis for the publishing team. From today, there is no going back, no changing my mind, but simply full steam ahead. My deadline is the beginning of October, so I have a summer of writing to bring a cast of characters to life.