A Day to Remember. Meeting Jill Mansell.

The 1st of July 2014.

It was what my mum would have called a Red Letter Day, and one we’d have loved to have spent together.

It was an emotional, poignant and exciting day which completed a circle in my writing life.

At Exeter Central Library, I met three intelligent, witty, talented authors – Sheila O’Flanagan, Veronica Henry and Jill Mansell.

My mum, who was an avid reader and booklover, introduced me to Jill Mansell’s and Sheila O’Flanagan’s books a number of years ago. It was in Jill’s Good At Games, which I read first and enjoyed so much I devoured from cover-to-cover, where I first came across the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Jill wrote so enthusiastically about the organisation, I was compelled to investigate its website. I was thrilled to discover some of my favourite authors were members, and there was a scheme for new writers. As someone who believes there’s a novel in everyone, and as a person who’s penned poems, songs, comics and plays from a young age, I’d hit gold.

Jill Mansell showing an example of her novel planning.

I was inspired and motivated to take action.

Four months later I joined the RNA on the New Writers’ Scheme.

In 2013, my debut novel, Truth or Dare? was released and published as an eBook by Choc Lit.

In September this year, my second novel, Follow Me, Follow You will be released digitally and as a paperback. A dream come true.

The evening of chat at the library was entertaining, informative and engaging, with the three ladies sharing their experiences and knowledge about novel writing. For me as a writer, their advice was invaluable, and as a reader I cannot wait to get started on their new books.

This truly was a RLD.

I am so pleased I was finally able to thank Jill in person for the inspiration she provided and for shining the light in the right direction.

And I’m so glad my mum had an excellent taste in authors.

Take care.