Life Cycle of a Writer : Romaniac Round-Up 2017

Wow, we can’t believe it’s the end of the year already and Christmas is just a few days away. We’ve all been busy this year, both of the writing front and on the home front, so we thought we’d end 2017 with a quick round up of what we’ve been doing and what we’re up to at the moment.

Sue : I’ve had two books published this year, Sister Sister and The Birthday Girl. I’ve been delighted with how they’ve both been received so a HUGE thank you to everyone, I really do appreciate all the support, both directly and indirectly.  I’m busy writing my next book and am hoping to be able to share more news on that in the new year.

Laura: My year has been one of discovery, adventures and turning fifty. It began with What Doesn’t Kill You being published in paperback, with a cover quote from the number one bestselling author, Sue Fortin … Who’d have thought when we ladies met and formed The Romaniacs, anything like this would happen? Such a thrill and honour to have Sue’s quote on my book. In July, I went on my second visit to Arte Umbria and rediscovered my writing mojo. What a wonderful week, spent with great hosts and fabulous friends. Health has been a pain, in particular, fibromyalgia, but I’m adjusting to the challenges and finding ways to manage. I’ve had a great time travelling the country with my offspring, as we looked round universities – adventures that will stay with us forever. And possibly find their way into a novel or two. I am totally immersed in my current wip and desperate to get my characters together. My goal is to finish a novel, having not completed one for some time. I, too, would like to thank you all for your continued support, and I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a 2018 full of happiness and good health xx

Laura, Sue Moorcroft, Catherine Miller & Sue Fortin

Vanessa: Since I started writing my first book several years ago, I’ve begun each year hoping it would be THE year – the year I got a book deal. I’m so thrilled to be able to say that 2017 really was THE year! I came back from a family holiday at the end of May to the exciting news that my agent was ready to send The Murder House out on submission. After a crazy, life-changing few weeks, The Murder House sold at auction in the UK, the US, Germany and Spain, with rights also sold in France, Poland and the Czech Republic. I am living proof that if you have faith and never give up, dreams can come true. The Murder House will be published by Sphere in January 2019, and Grand Central in the US in March 2019!!

Celia: For me, it’s been a year of getting used to not being a teacher any more and of realising that I can write pretty much any time I like for the first time ever! I’ve had some fabulous holidays, spent more time with the family, had more exercise (although no less wine and cake, there are limits to this healthy stuff) and signed with an agent who I respect very much. She is working on a submission package as we speak and plans to send the new book (working title 59 Memory Lane) out to publishers week beginning January 8th. Lets hope they’re not all too full of Christmas pudding to appreciate it!

Lucie: Well, 2017 has been a crazy year for me. I had my first book published in May – The First Time Mums Club – and in July it was released in Paperback format too which was super exciting. I will never forget the feeling of holding my very first paperback novel in my hands. Priceless. I spent most of 2017 juggling writing, promoting, marketing, studying, working and making memories with my friends and family. I went on a writing retreat with some of my lovely Romaniac pals, I went on holiday to Kessingland with our friend and her children and then away with more friends to Devon later on in the year. I celebrated my 31st birthday, started a YouTube channel, attended the prestigious Harper Collins Summer Party and throughout the year met some incredible people (including the very handsome, David Walliams and super lovely Giovanna Fletcher). I watched my best friend marry her soulmate, completed a fitness plan with The Body Coach (which subsequently changed my life in more ways than I could ever imagine) and lost 5kg and 10.5 inches in the process (Thanks Joe and his super lovely team at Body Coach HQ!). I had a book launch party in a real bookshop (thanks Foyles!) and met some incredible people along the way.  I also wrote my next book which is coming out in March so watch this space in the new year for a cover reveal and some fun online promo to get involved with! So as you can see, 2017 has been an incredible year and I am so grateful to all those people in my life who made it special. Thank you for being part of it, I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. To all my old friends, thanks for sticking by me on the rollercoaster that is my life! To all my new friends, thank you for coming into my life and making this year count. And to all of you reading this now – thank you for your amazing support and encouragement. Here’s to an awesome 2018! Have a great Christmas and New Year! Love and hugs xx 

Jan: It’s been an up and down year for me, healthwise, but I’m determined to finish my sequel to As Weekends Go and thank everyone for all the love, encouragement and wise words of support I’ve received. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous new year.  Much love & hugs aplenty xx

Debbie: Well, it’s taken almost seven years and after another (long) health hiatus following my jaw surgery, I finally get to say, ‘THE END’ to Living In The Past, although it isn’t the end, is it? It’s actually just the beginning … The doubts have kicked in, but … the query letters have begun. I’ve started the quest for an agent. More details when it’s my turn on our Lifecycle of a Writer. I have everything crossed that 2018 is going to be a successful and productive year. I wish you all the same. God bless us, everyone. xx

Catherine: Blimey, what a busy bunch we have been! I’ve had a whirlwind of a year as well (no wonder we haven’t blogged as much) with writing and the publication of THE GIN SHACK ON THE BEACH and CHRISTMAS AT THE GIN SHACK. I am so grateful for how well received they’ve been and how everyone is loving the character of Olive. Personally, it has been the year I became a single mum and my twin girls have been a massive focus for me. I’ve dubbed it the Year of Finding Dragons and we have had lots of fun and adventures along the way. Next year is set to be another exciting one – work wise there are plans for several more books and we’re yet to decide what we’re looking for on our adventures… perhaps some unicorns, because, as updates from The Romaniacs above prove… anything is possible! Go grab 2018 with both hands and let it know you mean business!

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

AND A WONDERFUL 2018