Well for those few who have been wondering where the hell I've been, I am still in fact here! I can't believe it's been that long since I've posted on here, but it's been for a good reason I promise.

I'm going to get brutally honest here for a minute, and it's probably the most personal I've been through my author channel, but I fell into a bit of a dark hole after I released Midnight Rain. I was questioning this 'hobby' and whether I should continue, I just couldn't find the motivation to write - and I am sorry that I left you guys with that little cliffy, but I couldn't bare to force myself to write the story because it wouldn't have done the characters justice if it was forced. So, I just waited.
And waited...
Aaaaaaand waited.

And then when I still couldn't find the creative juices in me to keep going, something changed at the beginning of 2020 and life as we knew it - just stopped. It changed. And it made me peel back the layers on everything that was taking my focus, and before I knew it, the writing process began again. But the down-time had to happen. Because, writing shouldn't be forced. The words mean more on the page if they flow naturally, and as a reader - we feel that. So I am super pleased and excited to say, that I have been writing (and writing and writing) and I have finished two brand new novels, which are a duet to a brand new series and an amazing group of characters. Lake Shore Uni #3 is still coming - it's just taking a little longer on that creative journey than I would've hoped - but their story will be ready in time...

So I guess I wanted to pop in and say it's okay if you are struggling with motivation, or if you too, had found yourself in a hole that you didn't know how to get out of. It's okay. Take your time, and relieve yourself of any pressure you put on yourself to have all the answers. Because in time, they will appear when you least expect them too.

You just need to give yourself time.

KM xo

I guess I wanted to post a little something about my Indie journey so far. Its been such a long time since I posted about my journey into the world of self publishing and I feel, as I look back, I've learned so much.

For those who have followed from the very beginning, the main thing that was the hardest to overcome was the fear of rejection. And you know what? We all have that. There is always that little voice inside your head that is scared to put yourself out there. But twelve months later, I have realised that without risk - there can be no reward. And for me? The reward has been those of you have reached out and really enjoyed my series so far. You honestly do not understand how much those words mean to me. So for helping me get past my fear - for that alone, I am eternally grateful :)

Another valuable lesson, and it actually came from author Cora Carmack, is that you should never measure your success by the masses. If at the end of the day you are happy and one other person understands what you were trying to say - then you should consider your work a success. We, as human beings, seem to measure our achievements by comparison. But the thing is, we are always learning and evolving. I feel as an author, this is just as true in the case of our work. Our stories can only continue to grow and evolve just as we do in life, which again is another learning curve in our writing journey. 

So I am sorry for getting a little insightful and probably 'off with the fairies' as my hubby would say, but I think sometimes it is important to reflect on what we are doing and why we are doing it. Because if at least one of those answers isnt because we really love to - then really, what is the point?

Just a thought.

Thanks for listening,

KM xo

Well I must be a little emotional this week (perhaps Im a little too inspired by Penny :) because my blog today is probably the most personal about my publishing journey.

Its been just over a month since my books release and I have honestly been blown away by the feedback I have been receiving. Some of the most amazing blogs out there have been very positive about my debut, which has meant the world to me. It has also given me confidence to forge ahead on this journey, and I am excited to announce that Battlescars (book two) is finished. Well, sort of finished. It is just the editing stage now, which is tedious but still very exciting. 

As I mentioned, yes I have had readers who really understood and got into Cut, but it is now the harsh reality that it isn't for everyone.  Of course I am not naive, and realise that there are always going to be readers that don't get into a story. I mean, not everyone likes meat, or chocolate, or even reading at all... (crazy right ;) But knowing that this is the case and actually facing it - are two separate things.

Is it expected...? Of course it is. 

Is it understood...? Obviously.

Is it hard to actually accept...? Definitely.

For people who paint, make music, write or even act; you have to prepare yourself for the negative as well as the positive. What I have learned is that at the end of the day you have do these things because you really want to and enjoy doing it. You can't get too caught up in how others perceive what it is you are doing. Again, it is a lot easier said than done. But as long as I remember that I write because I love to and it makes me happy, is the main thing; and if it brings enjoyment to another person as well - thats just a bonus :)

Just a thought...

Kathleen x