When Good Things Happen to Good People

Ladies and gentlemen, the London heatwave continues (and by 'heatwave', I mean I'm not wearing layers). I'm sorry I haven't been my usual commenty self, but one thing I've learned in eight years of London is that when the sun shines, you must grab all the rays you can.

One of the things I love about blogland and the writing world in general is that we can share in each others' success. Sure, it's easy to get little pangs of jealousy time and again, but mostly, there's an overwhelming feeling of elation when a writer finally gets a book deal or an indie author hits their fifty-thousandth sale.

Last night, I was at a book launch for a debut novel by Liz Fenwick, a fellow member of the Romantic Novelists' Association. Glancing around the room packed full of published authors, it really was heart-warming to think we're all here to celebrate her success. And it's not just the real world: I see the same thing every day virtually, too.

Writing is a long, hard slog. Nothing is guaranteed -- except for anxiety and rejection. It's the people around us who lift us up when we need it, and who cry 'hurrah' when we make it.

Thank you all for being one of my 'people'!

Have a great Friday, and a fantastic, sun-filled, wine-soaked weekend.