It’s been quite a long time since I last posted anything on this blog, but rest assured, I haven’t been sitting around, twiddling my thumbs. As well as taking on a new role at work, becoming a NZ citizen (and getting to represent my new country at a parliamentary conference in Canberra!), and finishing a home renovation, I have been making slow but steady progress on my first novel.

For those of you interested in how it is all looking, here is a quick update:

• My early drafts have been through several edits. (Many thanks to @BarbaraElse and @NormanBilbrough for their feedback. It has really helped to improve my writing.)
• Several weeks ago, I had a great meeting with Lis and Kris from @DIYPublishing. I will be meeting with them again in August to kick-start the cover design process. #exciting
• I am currently working on the final draft of my manuscript and have teed up a copy editor in Auckland, whom I am looking forward to working with. I have a self-imposed deadline of the beginning of September, which means getting up every morning at 5 a.m. to work on my draft before work. #dedication
• Currently, I am working towards a Xmas launch date.

Watch this space for my next update. I promise I won’t take a year, like last time!