Throughout my journey towards publication I've come across numerous people... as you do. I've stood in many social groups being asked 'What do you do?' It usually relates to your career choice and strangers use it to quickly assess someone's worth, which is why I rarely ask it. But eventually, if they've continued to chat to me after the first question, I used to mention my writing. Those were the early days, when I freely shared my desire to be an author but soon learnt my lesson: you can't always be honest. And here's why. The responses I received varied immensely - from a look of utter surprise accompanied by 'you, write!?!?' This group of folks sometimes continue with 'don't hold your breathe... you know everyone wants to write a book, don't you?' and 'Really?' (usually accompanied with a laugh and a slow head shake) as they continued to stare and assess my intelligence/writing abilities as though it were tattooed on my forehead. It isn't. And, I'm really not intelligent! Proof: I didn't achieve higher than a 'C' grade at O level.

So, I thank the heavens for the other group. The 'diamonds' that I have encountered, quite unexpectedly, with whom I have shared my dreams. The ordinary folks who I've trusted. It is these guys that I can't thank enough for their quiet support. The handful of dear friends, close colleagues and husband who have paved my way towards publication ensuring my journey  amongst the 'other sort' was pleasurable. It's thanks to this group that I survived and didn't give-up!

And now, having achieved my dream, I have the greatest pleasure of signing their books and acknowledging their support within my novels. I have a long memory, so they will never receive the usual one line dedication. Instead, they will always be honoured and remembered fondly. Below are three such dedications:

Tonight, is a special evening for me as yet, another dream-come-true moments has occurred. I've delivered two paperback books of my debut novel 'A Christmas Wish' to the village library which I joined at the tender age of five. 

I remember so vividly my Saturday morning visits, with my three cardboard ticket holders in emerald green numbered 1, 2 and 3 which I proudly held during each visit. I can hear my Clarke's shoes tip-tapping on their brown polished tiles as I hurried to the children's section; home to dark wooden shelving and a small section of scratchy carpet. The soft square seats, rubbed shiny by numerous children before me, neatly positioned in the centre.

It seems strange to think that under the very roof which has homed so many books over the years, my two paperback now sit patiently awaiting readers. That, is most humbling. 

I truly hope that other readers gain as much enjoyment from that village library as I have over the years...

'A Christmas Wish' by Erin Green - available from Sainsbury's stores UK or on-line from Amazon