On Tuesday morning, I clicked the confirm order button for my second set of proofs after receiving the final cover the day before. Whilst I knew I had everything in place, I couldn’t get too excited as I was at work when the cover email came through. In this week’s blog I’m discussing how being a writer actually impacts everyday life. Whilst this is probably quite different depending on whether you’re self-published or published traditionally, successful or if things are just ticking by, I think there are aspects we can all relate to.

Firstly, when it comes to family and friends, one question that people ask a lot is “how’s your book going?” I usually have a pre-prepared answer for that! Being an author hasn’t really changed my family relationships but maybe having read the books has slightly changed the family’s view of me. Also, with friends too, it hasn’t had a huge impact. However, there are family and friends who haven’t or have no intention of reading my books but still want to support me.

At work, whilst a lot of people know about my books, it doesn’t really affect my every day life. In the back of my mind of course I know that I have an awful lot to do when I get home in the evenings but the day to day impact is quite low. However, I do spend time commuting and some lunch breaks writing these blogs. Sometimes, when I’m on the commute and I see other people reading their kindles or a paperback, I wonder if someday that’s going to be my book someone is holding. I often wonder what it would be like if the people on the same trains knew that I too had written books just like the ones they are reading.

As for me personally, it’s almost like it’s a split life at times – the real world and the world that Luke lives in. I always delve into my imagination of Luke’s life if I need to write a new scene and if I’m in a situation where I’m spending time actually writing or needing to solve a plot point, I do get quite caught up in the thought process. It’s a great way to occupy time and these books remain something that’s always on my mind. That’s the beauty of being a writer – I have my own world I can be part of whenever I want.

But, when the proofs arrive and I start reading them, maybe even on the train, I am quietly proud to know that I have undertaken this journey and I made the choice to self publish. Whilst not many people in the wider world know who I am or what I’ve done, the people that do know me as a writer. When I introduce myself to others I tell them I’m a writer. I know that I am a writer – in fact, I always have been. Now I just have the books to show for it.

Atlantic Split is the first book in The Luke Bright Series and is available to purchase NOW! Please follow me on my blog and my social media links below and use the links on my website to purchase a copy if you have not done so. Don’t forget to leave a review! The second book, At Liberty To Live will be released on 22/10/2018. Thank you once again for taking the time to read this blog post.

N.A.K.