Today has been the first day of pure writing I have had in too many months to count. I have snatched moments here and there, but never enough time to fully work out what world I am creating and who will inhabit it. Thankfully, all has been settled.

There’s a moment for every writer when you ‘know’ the story you are working on is ‘the one’. It takes time and many false starts to find the right storyline, POV and tone that fits the (let’s face it) masterpiece in your head. But once those three pieces fall into place, you finally have the freedom to pour your soul into draft one. And it is such joy to finally be able to run!

I feel so fortunate to have been shown so much love from everyone who has reached out to me about White Chrysanthemum and let me know how much reading it has meant to them. Their words inspire me to create another story that will touch their hearts just as much, and possibly more. Today is the beginning of that wonderful journey.

Happy (early) Valentine’s Day to readers and writers alike! I hope yours is full of stories that touch and inspire the heart 💘

[Artist: Nico, age 8, ceramic\mixed media]