As a new self-published author, I was at a loss as to how to get my book out there. Goodreads Giveaways was recommended to me, and at first, I have to admit I was skeptical. However, I am overwhelmed by the response. I know some books may attract more, but I was absolutely thrilled that a grand total of 483 readers entered my very first giveaway for my very first published book. Unfortunately, I could only give one each away to five lucky readers! Congratulations go to Melonie from Ontario, Canada, Kathy from Nevada, USA,  Krystal from Wisconsin, USA, Denise from California, USA and Sharah from Queensland, Australia. Your signed copy of Point of View: It's all relative, really is winging it's way to your respective homes as I write. I hope you will enjoy the collection. My personal favourite is 'Point of View'. I enjoyed writing it, mainly because the words just flowed! If you feel you can, let me know which is yours. I'd love to hear from you.

You may remember, I set myself a challenge to write every day for a month - and not just write, but reach a target of 50,000 words, with the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Well, I DID IT!!!! I'm exhausted, shattered, towards the end may have become a little short-tempered when it looked like I wasn't going to make it, but ... I DID IT! It's not a first draft, because the story isn't even half told yet, and what I've written needs a LOT of work.  However, it is a start. I'm giving myself a few days comparative rest, catch up on housework, reintroduce myself to my husband and kids, etc, but then I'm back at it. I probably won't push myself so hard again, at least, not until the 2016 NaNoWriMo challenge!

It's official.  I'm going to work extra hard on my writing for November, and have signed up for the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)!  Why? Because it's a challenge!

The goal is to write 50,000 during the month of November, so, what with working full-time and then some, looking out for what's left of the family living at home, my teaching commitments, and other bits and bobs I get myself involved in, I am going to write that novel!  At least, I should have a good draft done!

I'm not sure yet how it all works, but check out my profile and a short extract from the novel here: http://nanowrimo.org/participants/phoebewilby/novels/angel-of-the-morning-working-title.

Well, guys! Wish me luck!

Everyone has to start somewhere, so here's my beginning!  I'm new to a lot of things, blogging being one of them, so I thought the best place to start is to introduce myself!

I know there's a blurb about me elsewhere on the site, but, did you know I've recently turned 50?!! Well, I have.  And it wasn't the horrible experience I was expecting!  The day passed like any other, except that a lot of people said: "Happy Birthday", I had messages from family and friends all over the world... and I had CAKE!!!  Other than that, I didn't feel any different.  I didn't feel like my life was suddenly over.  And, most importantly, I didn't feel OLD!

What I did feel, though, was excited!  I have now lived for half a century, raised five children with varying degrees of success, lived in three different countries, have started my own business in partnership with a friend, am setting up another business with my mother, and, for some reason, I feel like my life as an author is just beginning.

Beginning?  While it's true I have always written - at least for as long as I was able to hold a pencil, and my mother can probably tell you about stories I used to make up as a child, but I have now published my first book.  It's not the novel (s) I have periodically been working on, but it is a collection of stories I've observed over the years!

So, yes. At the wonderful age of 50, my new life begins.  Travel my journey with me, and along the way, we'll get to know each other better!