My ambition to write professionally dates back to when I was a child. I taught myself to touch type as a teenager, so that I could record my stories more easily, and holed up in my room, conjuring up adventures for imaginary people. Put like that it sounds a bit mad. I did have friends, but where writing was concerned, it was a solitary activity.
That’s why it’s been so nice, in recent years, to see how sociable writing can be. My publisher is Choc Lit, and its established group of authors have made me feel hugely welcome. This week, we’ve got a joint publication out: an e-book anthology featuring both cake recipes and short stories. My contribution is A Cambridge Rumour, and the associated recipe produces something like this: 
If you’d like to find out more or download a copy, please click on the links!
And in terms of sociable opportunities, I benefit because my stories cross two genres. The fact that they feature love affairs, as well as mystery, has enabled me to join the wonderful Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA). Each year, the RNA has 250 spaces on its New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) for those working towards publication. If you’re lucky enough to get a place, you can have your novel reviewed by an anonymous member of the scheme’s fantastic reading panel. I benefitted from this twice before getting a publishing contract, and joining as a full member. The feedback was incredibly detailed and useful.
But on a par, in terms of importance, are the opportunities to get to know other members. This happens online, (via social media and the RNA’s cyber chapter), through local groups, at the summer and winter parties, and the annual conference. I’ve yet to make the latter, but am determined to go next year.
The insight from the online group is invaluable. Whether you’re struggling with some knotty bit of research, or looking for ideas on your upcoming book launch, members are generous with their knowledge.
So all in all, writing’s seemed like a very sociable business just lately.
Clare Chase 
As a writer , shorts and poems in magazine’s and competitions. But alas hadn’t the courage or time to take it further. So my boxed thoughts, plots, characters and dreams go unpublished. October I promised Dad I would try and give it a real go, we Iost him within hours of that conversation. But i knew i had to stop playing at this and give myself and my manuscript a chance. I joined the NaNoWriMo band waggon really to take my mind off things and apply my dream to paper. Authors like you have inspired me to reach for that dream. Thank you I am immersed in my book and am loving every minute. The genre thing unnerves me and you have made me think if my work is sat in the correct hole… Thanks again, look forward to getting that new book for Christmas. I adore kisses and who doesn’t like a cup cake.
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I’m so sorry about your father, Ellen, and send heartfelt sympathies. It’s really kind of you to leave a comment. I’m very interested to hear about NaNoWriMo – I’ve never tried it, but I definitely find having a deadline helps. I found the genre thing difficult too. I was advised by one agent to switch to writing either straight crime, or straight romance, but I love the added frisson that a developing relationship brings to a mystery story. I feel enormously lucky to have got to this stage. All the very best with your writing. Look forward to hearing how you’re getting on. I’ll come and find you on Twitter!
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Thank you, when you write every day to have fun or escape you are a writer regardless. But an Author published in your own name must just put the cherry on that cup cake. 😉
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Absolutely agree – it’s the writing, day in day out, that counts. 🙂
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Isn’t it lovely to have a new title out? And that photo of your cakes looks just the thing to go with it – a little taster before the forthcoming main course of your novel!
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Thanks, Chris – yes, exciting times at the moment! I’ve been enjoying reading the K&C stories – loved yours! And I have pointed out to my health-conscious DH that it would be wrong not to try out each and every cake recipe! 🙂
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Yes, the myth of the writer in the garrett is exactly that. You get more inspiration from people watching, chatting, observing and coffee shops than you could ever get in a garrett!
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Thanks, Kirsty! Yes, that’s true – and it’s good to have a legitimate excuse to hang around in places that sell cakes! 🙂
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