The mixed emotions of a debut novelist.

It is with a wide range of feelings that I am counting down the days until Crimson Romance publish Romancing the Seas on the 07.01.13. (38 in case you were wondering, oh and look at that date, could there be a more auspicious one?)

Great joy in the knowledge that the story I escaped into at a rather bleak time in my life will make it into ‘real life’. That the characters I love so very dearly will have their chance to shine from the page. I won’t be the only person they know, instead they’re heading out into the big, wide, wonderful world and hopefully, making new friends.  Jonathon is more reserved than Pippa, who tends to engage with folk easily. She takes the world by the horns {I know I’m mixing my metaphors!} and engages fully with whatever it throws at her. Jonathon is opening up though, simply by virtue of being on the same page as Pippa (b’boom – sorry, corny I know, but heck, I just had to say it J )

Tempered with trepidation. What happens if it bombs? How will I feel upon reading that first bland review, damning by faint praise? Or the {gulp} downright bad review? And the constant that is every author’s fear – what happens if this is my only sale?

And pride of course, I can’t forget pride. I did it!!

Swiftly followed by huge thanks. My family who’ve constantly supported, encouraged and help brainstorm book ideas. Janet, (chief whip cracker) we have so much fun brainstorming that I hope the actuality doesn’t let our giggles down. Helen who never fails to be uplifting, knowing the right thing to say at all times. It’s quite amazing you know, how you do that. Trevor, keeping the home fires alight allowing me to be relatively more settled in London. And of course, my wonderful parents who showed me how to be happy, gave me the strength to follow my dreams and are there right behind me, every step of the way.

Blurb for Romancing the Seas:

Sous-chef Pippa Renshaw thinks a change of scene will mend a bruised heart, so she swaps her job in a prestigious London restaurant to head-chef on a cruise ship sailing around New Zealand. A great plan until she meets her new CEO, the delectable Jonathon Eagleton, and discovers she has to share a suite with him.

Even though sparks fly whenever they are together, Jonathon steadfastly keeps her at arm’s length, which suits Pippa just fine because she’s still getting over the betrayal of the last time she had a relationship with the boss.

The situation is starting to feel like solitary confinement until a thunderstorm traps them in a tramper’s hut while hiking. Suddenly a different kind of storm unleashes inside the hut.

But will they be able to go back to their previous status now the line has been crossed?

What do you think…have I missed any emotions out? And can I ask what advice you would give a debut novelist for her book launch?