My Writing Ramblings: Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday!

Today is a celebration for me. Novel Kicks is ten years old.

Back in 2009, it was a little different to what it has now become but the main focus of it remains the same. I wanted somewhere for people who like to write fiction and for people who love to read to come and discuss books, stories and the writing of them.

I hoped then that I would still be going for as long as I could so to have made ten years, for me, is amazing.

Some times it’s been hard, like when I have been trying to run the blog alongside night shifts for work or where the anxiety has been a little strong. The to-read pile is something that remains taller than me but I still love it.

I love posting about books I’ve enjoyed reading or a writing prompt to help writers like me who need a push to write that story.

I have had the privilege to question some of my favourite authors about their writing days, favourite authors and fictional characters – writers I have and continue to look up to like Lisa Jewell, Giovanna Fletcher, Jane Fallon, Cecelia Ahern and Jane Green to name but a few. Many of these amazing authors I have met in person too and yes, I got completely tongued tied on most of these occasions. I seriously fangirled myself to embarrassment. Haha.

I will never forget the day I got to have afternoon tea on a train across the aisle from Terry Pratchett or the day I got to meet Jo Rowling for a split second. Things I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing if I had not pushed through the wall I had set up for myself and started Novel Kicks.

Mostly, I am grateful for all the people I have met along the way; publishing people who continue to be so generous with their time. The same can be said for other bloggers. You’ve welcomed me into a wonderful community, the amazing and inspirational writers and last but definitely not least, the people who take the time to read the blog. I thank you a million times over.

Happy tenth birthday, Novel Kicks. The last ten years have been fun and I look forward to carrying on.

Now, the most important question…this is the perfect excuse for cake right?

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.