It’s cold and rainy today. Finally feels like the first day of winter even though it’s nearly mid April. It’s what I call, perfect book weather. All you want to do is put on some track suit pants, make yourself a cup of coffee and sit down with a good book. But for my untidy house, attention seeking children and gigantic shopping list, I’d probably be doing just that. Sigh.
As I was rushing around this morning however, it didn’t stop me thinking about all my favourite authors.
Jude Deveraux, Georgette Heyer, Monica McInerney, Jane Green, Sophia Kinsella, Kate Jacobs, Judith McNaught to name a few. As I started doing mental lists, I tried to pick out what all these authors stories have in common. What is it that draws me to their stories above all others? Comedy, romance, a great external conflict, relationships(not just romantic ones), intense emotion, and so on.
As I began pulling a new list of qualities together, I realised I was describing the kind of books I write or aspire to write. I wished I’d gone through this process much sooner. I spent years trying to find out what sort of writer I am. I tried writing in many different genres and sub genres, trying to see where I fit. If I’d just made these two simple lists I would have been on the money immediately.
So if you’re searching for yourself, try this simple exercise. Write down your five most favourite authors and then follow it up with five things their books have in common. You’ll soon discover your secret goal.

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