Today I’m excited to announce the introduction of Because Life to the blog. It’s the working title of a story which began a long time ago.
When I was a beginner writer, I knew putting together a whole novel was a road too far. So I started with short stories. After finishing an entire anthology of short stories, I sat back and just did my life for a little while. When I came back to writing, I realised a few of the stories could be merged, which gave me the basis for a novel. I loved the four female characters from across these stories, all dealing with their own ambitions and decisions and disappointments. I added another female character, and boom, there was the running sheet of my book!
The years passed. Life was busy. By the time I lovingly finished the evolution of all five characters, I realised I’d written – not a novel – but an entire trilogy. Or maybe more!
The three main books of the trilogy have been adapted from that big novel, but I had a great deal of material left over. What do I do with this material, all really useful, all redrafted and improved and very worthwhile, almost a whole book’s worth on its own?
I have some ideas, of course, because I’ve been tossing this dilemma around for several years.
I’ve decided the best way forward is to start to blog it here, free for you to read, with the hope that, as I go along, I’ll find the scent and be able to follow its lead. Meanwhile, please meet five of the loveliest women you’ll ever meet on the pages of a book – Leisha, Penny, Audrey, Jenna and Maggie – as they laugh, love and face their challenges together.
We start tomorrow with Leisha.
I hope you enjoy the ride!
Joni
Joni Page 