My writing journey..

How meeting my favourite authors inspired me to write.

I have always been an avid reader and for as long as I can remember it's been my dream to write a book. I did try a couple of times when my children were younger but could never seem to get past the first few chapters. 

I worked in marketing for years which I loved because I was able to utilise my creative side. Then came a perfect opportunity for me, thanks to Simon & Schuster's 'Books and the City' I became part of a street team for one of my favourite authors, Milly Johnson, this led to me becoming a book blogger at www.sincerelybookangels.blogspot.com. Being a book blogger brought me closer to my goal in two ways, the first was by analysing the books I was reading to work out what made it enjoyable and the second was that by writing a review I was finding my own voice too.

Book blogging also led to so much more, such as being invited to book launches, afternoon tea at the Grosvenor House hotel in London and meeting my favourite authors, many of whom are now friends. I have to say the highlight was meeting the amazing Jackie Collins just over a week before she sadly passed away. I was able to tell her how much I loved Gino Santangelo from her book Chances and she wished me every success for my writing journey.

I've met so many wonderful people in the writing community and through them I was introduced to the Romantic Novelists' Association, a professional organisation for romance authors and Industry professionals such as publishers and agents. I eventually plucked up the courage to start writing and joined their New Writers'Scheme. The scheme is wonderful and as well as all the benefits that full members get such as awards ceremonies, parties and an annual conference, you are also entitled to a full manuscript critique. I was in the NWS for  four years when I was offered a two book deal with Orion Dash, leading with my debut novel Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe. I am now the Press Officer for the Romantic Novelists Association as well as a published author so dreams really do come true.

Photo Gallery

Here is a small selection of some of the wonderful authors I've met.

Jackie Collins

It was such an honour to meet Jackie Collins, I've always been a huge fan. She was so genuine and warm and really interested in what i was saying. She wished me well in my writing career. RIP to a wonderful woman.

Milly Johnson

It was because of Milly that I became involved in the bookie world and she will always hold a special place in my heart. #TeamMilly forever x

Dorothy Koomson

Lancaster conference with me fangirling the fabulous Dorothy Koomson.

Jill Mansell

My first conference in Telford with the legendary author Jill Mansell.

A conference selfie with a bouquet of authors.

From L-R Nicola Cornick, Julie Cohen, Me, JB Johnston, Rowan Coleman and Katie Fforde.

My first ever conference and one of the funniest nights of my life. - Don't mention the plinth!

My wonderful friends, Milly Johnson, Lynda Stacey, Me, Chrissie Bradshaw and JB Johnston x x 

©Copyright. Annette Hannah