My Writing Journey by Linda Middleton

I’m delighted to welcome fellow Choc Lit/Joffe Books author Linda Middleton to my blog. Linda is going to tell us a little about her writing journey and more about her recently published novel Things They Never Said…

Firstly, a big thank you for inviting me onto your blog and letting me tell you a bit more about myself and my debut novel.

I’m delighted that Things They Never Said has finally been published, it’s a book I’ve been writing on and off for many years.

It’s actually the first book I ever began to write. At the time I had not long completed a degree in Hotel Management so my love of cooking was the inspiration behind my heroine, Liz Cartwright, who is a private chef. I had the idea that I could write for Mills and Boon so as soon as I had written the first three chapters I eagerly sent it off to them. Of course, it was rejected.

I came across their rejection letter not long ago, typed on a typewriter which shows how long ago that was. The letter said that the chapters were well written, but it wasn’t for them and not to work on it any more. So I shoved it into the proverbial drawer and wrote other things, but I kept going back to it. I submitted it through the New Writers Scheme at the Romantic Novelists’ Association twice and each time worked on the feedback I was given.

The published Things They Never Said is very different novel to the original version, with the exception of Liz and Alex, who remained as the main characters. I’m glad now that I didn’t listen to the advice I received, but I must admit I don’t blame Mills and Boon for rejecting it as it was then.

In the meantime, I’ve worked on other novels but for a while concentrated on writing short stories for women’s magazines. I had several published, particularly in The People’s Friend. During that time, I was part of an online writers’ group, a small group of lovely ladies all writing for women’s magazines. Their feedback has helped me grow as a writer and their support has been invaluable. For anyone starting out as a writer I would recommend joining a writing group. It can be difficult though to find the right group for you and it’s important not to let negative feedback put you off. Learn to trust your instinct about the feedback being given. In your heart you’ll know if it is genuine or not.

I’d almost given up on being traditionally published when I sent my book to Choc Lit, and was seriously considering self-publishing. It makes a huge difference being accepted by a publisher because it shows that someone else believes in you. Now, my writing is more than just ‘mum’s hobby’ which can be interrupted at will for ever so much more important things like being a taxi service.

When I was eighteen I moved from Cheshire to London, where I lived for nine years before moving back up north to Chester. I still live in Chester with my husband, sons and two cats. My youngest son is at university whilst the eldest lives at home. I have an older step-son who has given us three grandchildren. Life is certainly busy. Things They Never Said is set in both Cheshire and London.

To keep in touch with Linda you can use the following links:

Twitter: @middletonwrites

Facebook: linda.middleton.735

Forgive me for smiling, as your writing journey sounds quite similar to my own. I too flirted with Mills and Boon and joined a writing group and the RNA New Writers’ Scheme. Good luck with the novel. Mx

About Things They Never Said

Sometimes letting go of the past is the only way to embrace the future . . .

Life hasn’t been easy for Liz Cartwright. The death of her brother, Danny, when she was a teenager was devastating.

But Liz has worked hard to put her life back together, and she’s finally where she wants to be. She’s just landed her dream job: catering for an exclusive dinner party.

But on the night of her big break she locks eyes with the man she hoped she’d never see again. It brings Liz’s life crashing down once more.

Because once upon a time Alex Sinclaire was her brother’s best friend. But he let Danny down in the cruellest way. Liz has always blamed him for what happened to Danny — and to her.

But Alex doesn’t remember things the same way. And despite his wealth and success, life hasn’t been easy on him either.

It seems there are things that both of them left unsaid.

Maybe it’s finally time to say them . . .

Buying Link – Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oVpCUo

Thank you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Morton S. Gray news – all of my six Borteen Novels are now available on Kindle Unlimited! Details here

Summer at Lucerne Lodge – Now available on Kindle Unlimited 

Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe – Now available on Kindle Unlimited 

Sunny Days at the Beach – Now available on Kindle Unlimited 

Christmas at Borteen Bay – Now available on Kindle Unlimited 

The Truth Lies Buried – Now available on Kindle Unlimited 

The Girl on the Beach – Now available on Kindle Unlimited 

Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books