I was told once, by a mutli published Harlequin author, “The art of writing, is re-writing.” Now, I’m pretty sure she didn’t make up this quote – but I know she was right. When I got The Call last November, my book had already gone through four transformations. Revision had steadily become my friend. As a panster I’d never been one to plot my stories, I simply came up with an idea and starting writing Chapter One until I was done. But I’d been working with a freelance editor for over twelve months prior to getting contracted, and what I learned about the craft of writing during that time was invaluable. Did I learn everything? Well, no. I had more revisions to do for my editor. Once they were done I wrote another book. When I finished that I revisited another book I’d written last year. The revisited book needed work, so that’s what I’m doing now. And it’s incredible to me how good it feels to improve a story. I thought I knew these characters . . . turns out I hadn’t given them the story they deserved. With the guidance of my agent and help of my crit partner I finally feel like I’m on the right track with this book. And I’m actually enjoying the revision process. Another week and I should be at the end. And of course, a new story is already beckoning.

Cheers