Return to Oz

Everything changes and everything stays the same. Good thing to, as I couldn't remember my Blogger password. Or my PayPal...

But here we are! Me poking my head through the door and reminding you that I've written before. It's been so long, I wonder if you've forgotten me! I mean I know I'm bouncing around the world taking pictures of beaches, villas, cities and mostly the food that my delicious London has to offer, and I'm ragging on whatever reality tv show I'm watching on Twitter, or I'm joining in the general dragging of whatever foolishness has set social media alight. It's so easy to get involved in all of that. Harder to face a blank Word page and commit something magical and loving and romantic to the page.

Maligned as we are, romance writers are so needed. We provide a measure of escapism and reality and warmth (like getting a telling off and a hug from your grandma) the world truly needs right now. It. Is. Harrrrder than Jason Momoa's abs. Swear down.

How do you feel romantic when you're working most likely harder than the man in the same role as you and he's being paid more? How do you conjure love when your skin colour means that a person will pick up the phone to see you carted off to prison or worse (depending on which end of the world you live...) How do you create a reality that isn't so close to home that you can't think for crying for all of the pain and suffering so immediate for you?

There is a way. I am in awe of my fellow authors who have found their stride through the seemingly endless dark days of this century. Yes, we must laugh through it, persevere still, reach for those creative stars to light the way to a better world but on the other hand, I just want to sit by the Thames drinking a pint of Tiger beer and plan how I'd spend my imagined lottery winnings. A lot of it at the moment is going on all the furniture I see in House and Garden magazine that's marrying into Royalty budget...

Deep down, I miss it. I miss not having to think too hard before the words flow from my brain to the laptop. First thing's first. Get out all my old shizzle. Relish in those stories. Because they're so much fun and so loving and heartfelt I can almost touch the author I used to be. I'm going to get there.

Gimme a minute. I got this. Promise.