The Journey Begins

My journey began awhile ago, quite awhile ago actually.  I have always written stories, at least for as long as I can remember.  And I always hold conversations with imaginary people in my head (maybe I shouldn't be admitting this), but it wasn't until my Grandmother died that I seriously thought of writing a novel.  Why then of all times, you ask?  Well, my Gramma Lee was an exceptional lady and lived a life worth writing about.  I now wish I thought to write about her while she was still alive so that I could ask questions, but, such is life.  The book I started writing about her turned into a fiction novel about a lady that could have been her.  The truth is, no one would believe all the things my Grandma accomplished in her lifetime.  So, it has morphed into something else, plus it makes things easier when I don't have all the right information.  Although I started writing this book in 2008, it is not yet finished, which brings us to the next novel.
I started writing Accidental Time Traveller when I had written myself into a corner with my grandmother's book.  I decided to try to write something fun and easy (if I had only known!).  I also decided I needed help, so I joined Holly Lisle's How to Think Sideways online course.  It was here that I learned to 'call down lightning' and the idea for Accidental Time Traveller was born.  I encourage anyone interested in writing a novel to check out her site http://www.hollylisle.com 
I joined The Romance Writer's of New Zealand (RWNZ)(http://www.romancewriters.co.nz) and was amazed by all the wonderful women involved in the group.  I couldn't believe there was enough people in New Zealand writing romance novels to form an organisation of any size, let alone the one I found.  I got my butt to Auckland for my first Romance Writer's conference in 2012.  Even though I 'pitched' my novel to editors and agents, I still hadn't got around to finishing the damn thing yet. 
I entered the RWNZ Pacific Hearts Contest in February of 2013 and was please to make the top ten.  This pushed me to actually finish the book so I could enter the semi-finals.  Although I didn't place so well in the end, it encouraged me to edit my novel and submit it into another contest, this time an international one.  Again, I made it through to the next round, this time to the top 50 out of 641 entries.  I couldn't believe it.
I waited on pins and needles to see if I got into the top ten, but alas, my name was not on the list.  However a few weeks later I received a very unexpected email from an editor who had read my entry.  She told me she loved my book but it wouldn't fit into any of their lines, so she was wondering if she could pass my manuscript on to someone else on my behalf.  Uh, ya, of course you can. 
Just before Christmas I received an email from a publisher wanting to offer me a two book contract!  I am now waiting to sign the contract.  When I do, I can let you know who it is with ;)
Along the way I have learned many things.  Many things about writing, but more importantly things about myself. Probably the most important thing I've learned is to BELIEVE and EXPECT the things I want, long before anyone else can see them on the way.
Follow me on this journey and see where it goes.