From Grief to Harlequin Romance Author: A Journey of Healing and Hope
In the quiet corners of grief and the unexpected turns of life, stories of healing, community and love often find their roots. Such is the case with my debut novel, Second Chance Love in Point Perry, about a grieving and guilt-ridden widow who embarked on an unforeseen journey of self-discovery and hope. Her tale weaves through the fictional town of Point Perry, inspired by the memories of my mum and the small country town and seaside holiday destination on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia where my childhood unfolded.
Driven by personal sadness and the longing to create something meaningful after Mum passed, I embarked on a journey that allowed my grief to pour onto the pages and eventually become my debut novel, published by Harlequin’s Escape Publishing.
My writing journey began without any plans for writing a novel. It began as a therapeutic outlet. Struggling to find my footing and purpose in a world that kept turning, I turned to writing, spurred on by the encouragement of friends who told me ‘just write and get the sh*t out of your head’. So I did!
Many cathartic scribbles, poems, journal entries and blogs later, what emerged was a seed of an idea, a narrative exploring loss, love and the possibility of second chances.
With no background in writing, I embarked on a seven-year journey to transform my words and experience into a debut novel. The process involved courses, manuscript incubators, and the guidance of experienced mentors like Victoria Purman … and did I say courses!?
Pitching the story to Harlequin five years ago marked a pivotal and scary moment, leading to valuable feedback and an opportunity to review and resubmit.
The manuscript went through revisions and challenges, from structural edits to a significant reduction in word count. During this time, I also embarked on a parallel path, becoming an editor for self-publishing romance and women’s fiction authors. These newfound skills and insights expanded my understanding and community network of authors and readers.
With three years of refining my story, I finally resubmitted it to Harlequin, my dream publisher, at the end of last year. The journey culminated in a contract in February and the recent publication of Second Chance Love in Point Perry.
Point Perry, the fictional town created, serves as the backdrop for a planned series of four books. Each book, while standalone, explores different themes, providing a meaningful backdrop to the romance narratives. My empathetic approach to character development infuses my stories with rich emotions, addressing themes such as grief, addiction, recovery, homelessness, and body image.
Second Chance Love in Point Perry showcases my emotional journey—a poignant narrative woven from personal pain, transformed through learning, perseverance and a passion for storytelling. It’s is not just a book but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of heartache.
Available from:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/42R1T5z
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3qVftYc
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3pkAOKd
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3qSRY2h
Two broken hearts learning how to live—and love—again
After a devastating tragedy shakes Erin’s world, she returns to her hometown of Point Perry seeking solace and a fresh start. But just as she begins to find her footing, an unexpected visitor and an old enemy threaten to upend her life once again.
Tom, a devoted single father and beloved teacher, is no stranger to turmoil. His ex-wife, now a Hollywood starlet, has descended upon Point Perry for her movie premiere, stirring up trouble and putting Tom’s priorities to the test. As the town buzzes with excitement over the event, Tom must also navigate a strained relationship with his father and protect his son from his ex’s manipulations.
Despite their emotional scars and obstacles, Erin and Tom can’t ignore their growing connection. As they begin to explore the chance for a future together, they must confront their past traumas and find a way to move forward. Will their love be enough to overcome the challenges they face, or will their emotional baggage prove too heavy to bear?
‘A heart-warming and uplifting debut brimming with small town charm. Point Perry is a close-knit community that will instantly feel like home.’ International bestselling author Alissa Callen
‘Heartfelt and warm - just how I like my romance!’ Australian author Tess Woods
I love to hear from my readers and other romance authors, so please reach out here.
