A New Direction

It’s been a while…

I’ve spent the past few years in writing limbo. Sadly, a series of events in my personal life pulled me away from my storytelling. I didn’t completely abandon writing, but I started to drift into a new direction. I learned modern calligraphy, worked on crafts, and even started painting again. Along the way, I followed my heart and took a spiritual journey that would eventually breathe life back into me and my writing.

Truthfully, I was scared—terrified I would never write again. I started to wonder if I’d ever get back to that familiar routine when I was able to write at least 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. All during my break, the writing industry changed, publishers merged or folded, and many of my friends morphed into hybrid or indie authors. I was also affected by the shake up when my publishers closed or transitioned. I received my rights back on several projects and managed to re-release those books to readers who hadn’t read them before. My heart sunk and my head swirled from the constant changes in publishing. Well, with all that was happening, it was a reality check for me. I suppose I’d always loved writing contemporaries even though I started my career writing paranormal romances. Even now, this is hard to talk about—only a few knew about this…but the most difficult decision I ever made was to walk away from a three book contract for my paranormal series. I truly truly respect and hold high regards for this well known publisher and talented editor, yet it just wasn’t fair to me (or to them) to proceed with the contract if I couldn’t put 100% effort into my projects. It was an overwhelming time for me dealing with the loss of my father, depression, and declining health. I knew my heart just wasn’t in it. The most important thing that I needed to do was to get healthy again. Mentally and physically. Do I regret it? All the time. I can’t turn back time. I can only move forward and hope I won’t lose any more opportunities.

I’m happy to say that I’m in a much better place now. Grateful is a term I use every day. I can honestly say that by embracing and accepting my weaknesses, forgiving myself, I was able to find internal peace. The life-changing lesson I learned was that even though there are things in life I had no control over, I had the power to control my own happiness. I began to cut toxic people out of my life. I did my best to always help others without expecting anything in return. I immersed myself in learning and becoming an individual that I’d always wanted to be. The best part of all? I discovered a real happiness. The kind that led me to a great man and a new life path. Now that things have finally fallen into place, I’m able to get back to my first passion…writing.

My calendar is always filled up these days but I’m so excited about my future. I’m ecstatic about the stories I’ll be penning, and experimenting with the different genres. I’ll still weave sexy tales of love, however, I’m focusing more on sweeter romances. Those are the ones that I’ve always wanted to write. Hopefully someday I’ll get back to my screenwriting roots. Heck, I’m proud to admit I’m obsessed with Hallmark movies so I wouldn’t mind penning one. It’s totally on my bucket list! Until then, I’m putting my all into a project that’s been in my heart. One I need to wrap up for my agent.

Now about the re-design of my website…I wanted to showcase my new direction with a more romantic theme that embodies the beauty and magic of love. Whether I choose to write non-fiction, contemporary, historical, young adult, new adult or paranormal romance…this makeover simply felt right. I hope you love it as much as I do! I’d love your feedback.  **Crossing fingers**

Lastly, I can only say that without my readers support, I wouldn’t have had the strength to create again. THANK YOU for all your emails and outpouring of love. I’m truly grateful. Your daily interaction was what kept me going. Without you—I’d be lost. I hope you’ll continue traveling with me on this new journey. I look forward to releasing many many many more feel good romances and uplifting non-fiction! Stay tuned.

Love conquers all…