On Gibraltar Bookshelves... The Evolution Trilogy by Vanessa Wester

I am thrilled to let you all know that my books are now on sale via Bookshops in Gibraltar... I know, very exciting!

I hope readers enjoy the books, since I have never done a lot to sell paperbacks before. I mainly sold eBooks since I don't keep much stock of my books. This is the beauty is Createspace... You order the amount you want. I think it saves a tree in the process too :)


However, after the official book launch of The Evolution Trilogy in Gibraltar, I was lucky enough to find booksellers willing to stock my books. I was featured in the local press, via The Gibraltar Chronicle,  Panorama, and interviewed on GBC and the local radio. 

I have not had so much fun in years... 

I gave a talk for nearly an hour at the Garrison Library in Gibraltar and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I talked about why I started writing, how I published my books and mainly discussed what inspires me. I also mentioned my Charity anthologies, as well as my disillusionment with traditional establishments who insist on thrusting unsuitable (but profitable) books in our faces...

It's no surprise I was exhausted in the end!

Luckily, Christmas came along and I have had a fantastic rest (eaten a LOT) and now have time to write about it...

So, please enjoy these pictures... This is as good as it gets! Thank you to all my readers and for the support I have received (and still receive) - Happy New Year to all! :)

All the best,
Vanessa Wester :)

On bookshelves... so cool!

And here I am next to "Walk to Freedom".
I seriously do not feel worthy enough to be 
placed next to such an amazing book.

On sale at a Christmas Fair

HYBRID is now FREE...

I did not intend to make HYBRID FREE. I ran a promotion where I gave out a coupon code for smashwords (as you might have seen in previous posts) and then ran a timed FREE promotion on KOBO for 2 weeks.

Now bear in mind that I have had my short story, FIRST DATE, free for months on smashwords & Kobo in the hope it would be price matched on Amazon, but it has never happened.

HYBRID was free on Kobo for less than a week and it was price matched.

So, I took the decision to let it happen.

I have blogged about how uneasy I am about this, but overall I have to be brave. If I want people to read my work it has to be downloaded. And at least, by being FREE this will happen... And I admit, it's so nice to be in the charts (even if it is the free ones).

So, a New Years present for you all...

ENJOY and spread the word...

If you enjoy, fantastic - please leave a review. If you don't like it, please be kind. If someone gives you something for free and it's not too your taste just smile and walk away (unfortunately you can't sell it on eBay later, but hey... be nice - thank you)

All the best,
Vanessa

HYBRID is FREE on Amazon (click on the link below), SMASHWORDS, KOBO, BARNES & NOBLE, edIESEL, SONY


UK

US

AUSTRALIA

CANADA

INDIA

FRANCE

ITALY

SPAIN

BRAZIL

SORRY, Hybrid as not been price matched yet in
GERMANY  MEXICO  JAPAN

And now, the time is near...

RETURN is now available online via SMASHWORDS, KOBO & AMAZON (ebook & paperback)

Please click on the links above to go to the retailer directly...

It is really exciting for me to think that nearly 4 years of writing, editing, etc have culminated in three full size novels...

Through the Trilogy, I have had a lot of fun, and have even cried at the decisions I made.

I have packed a lot in... first love, relationships, family, university life, oh, and vampires of course! Well, perhaps not, I'll let you be the judge on whether my creation makes them qualify as vamps!

Since I was little, I always loved SciFi cartoons... Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Scooby Doo (yeah, it qualifies...). As I got older I read a range of books. Enid Blyton was fantastic with fairies, etc and then detective stories like Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie.

I read a lot of thrillers too - James Herbert and John Grisham to name a few.

I loved TV series and was hooked on Dallas, Dynasty, Falcon Crest (I watched these with my gran a lot - oh yeah). I then moved on to young adult series like Home & Away (I know....) and loved one called Heartbreak High.

I had always liked vampires in movies - The Lost Boys, Interview with a Vampire. But, it was Buffy the Vampire Slayer that got me completely hooked. I just loved the whole bad wanting to be good angle, and the sexual tension... I also liked the alien angle used in Roswell, and others like it (yes, I have watched Star Wars & Star Trek!)

A romance angle used within a SciFi setting has to be my favourite... I believe this is known as speculative fiction, not SciFi. I believe this describes the genre for my Trilogy.

So, it is no surprise that Twilight has influenced me. It got me writing stories again for a start (only took a break of 15 years). I caught the tale end of the movie browsing television and I was hooked. Read the series really quickly and had no idea it was so big until I saw loads of people with their copy.

So, why am I telling you all of this?

Well, to explain why I wrote the Trilogy, of course... (chuckles).

If I'm honest, I do not think my Trilogy is like Twilight, the style of writing for a start is very different. But, I have of course been influenced by all of the things I love, as mentioned above.

I also did not realise how much my upbringing in Gibraltar impacted my writing until I wrote RETURN. I obviously had things that needed to be said, in a fictional setting of course.

I am really happy with the way the Trilogy ends... it definitely works for me, and I hope it works for you too.

Please let me know what you think if you read it.

Keep reading, writing and watching great films! Let the imagination run riot...

Thanks for reading,
Hugs & best wishes
Vanessa Wester

To celebrate the release of RETURN, please spread the word and download HYBRID via smashwords for FREE.

Use this coupon code RJ72J
Valid until December 8th, 2013

What a journey...

Sometimes things really do happen for a reason. I have just finished the final edit for Return, and have to thank my fantastic readers and editors who have spotted my inadequacies along the way... Adam, Lynn, Julie, Donna - you are all the best.

But, today I got feedback from an online reader, Sarah, who kindly had a look at my description & cover to see what she thought. I wondered if I was doing something wrong, or putting off readers with my presentation. Well, she came back with some fantastic feedback and I have spent the evening re-thinking the description for the books - please take a look and see what you think...

I think they work better now.

She also thought the covers were not drawing her in... this might take more reworking! I will sleep on this and might consider a new look in the next few weeks, subject to the release of Return.

One step at a time - I love my covers, and since I know the people who took them I would feel bad not using them... but, I admit, they might not be the best for the Trilogy - I don't know :(

Anyway, I can't wait to unleash my last book on all of you readers!

Now to finalise the price (another headache). Any ideas?

Again, thank you for reading and for your support... the end is near!

Vanessa xx

RETURN (The Evolution Trilogy) - REVIEWS & PUBLICATION DATE...

I have heard back from my editor and beta reader this last week and even though I have some work to do before Return is finalised I am really pleased with their feedback...

They have given me quotes to use to give you a flavour of what is to come...

"I started to read Return with great anticipation about how the story would continue, and how it would bring the saga to a conclusion. From page one I felt the same familiar feeling of being hooked as I had experienced with the first two instalments. The action continues at a good pace, keeping the reader guessing about what will come next. After reading the three books I had become invested in the characters and I really cared about how the story would end - and I was not disappointed! Well done Vanessa on completing your first series of novels - it's a great achievement and I look forward to reading your future works in the years to come..."

"A superb book, Vanessa, and I'm looking forward to a new adventure with your next "baby". Thank you for letting me read it!"

I have also decided that the publication date is going to be the 14 November - my Dad's birthday! :)

So, please look out for the release of RETURN on THURSDAY 14th NOVEMBER...

... as (fingers crossed both an ebook & paperback available via Amazon & Smashwords - other retailors should follow about 2 weeks later).

Thanks so much for your support,
Best regards
Vanessa Wester

Frustration

I have been spending hours starting to get the formatting reading for the last book, Return, and then thought to brush up Hybrid and Complications whilst I was at it.

Now, can someone explain why what I though would take 30 minutes took 4 hours?!?!

So, annoying...

When I used to work as an Accountant I would get my stuff done really quickly, and then would be twiddling my fingers for the next job, or clock watching every minute... yet, this is truly the longest job EVER. It is never done, never finished, there is always something I can do better, some other social networking site I can join or update!

So, let me make it clear to any of you sceptical readers out there - this self-publishing lark is no biscuit! It's gruel! I must be mad!



You just keep smiling...

I am coming to the conclusion that for my next project I am gonna go a hunting... a hunting an agent! Tally ho!

Excuse my rant & if you want to make me feel like my time has been well spent please take a look at my updated descriptions for the books and leave some feedback!

By the way, I have also included my first editorial review, by Christine Thompson, a journalist from the local newspaper in Gibraltar. I am really chuffed with the review, and glad that someone who is not my ideal reader can appreciate its value - woo hoo!

Thank you :)

Vanessa xx

HYBRID PROMOTION...

The end is in sight... The finale for "The Evolution Trilogy" will be out November.

I am just editing Return again, whilst I wait for feedback... excruciating time!

To celebrate, HYBRID is only 77p or $0.99 - so please take a look :)

Amazon UK http://ow.ly/1OcnuT
Amazon US http://ow.ly/1OcnC9
Smashwords http://ow.ly/1OzO6P

Speak soon, and thanks again for your support,

Vanessa :)

The second detailed edit is complete...

I have now sent my final book to my three trusted friends/ editors/ proof-readers - they are awesome! Thank you Katie, Lynn & Adam - you are stars!

Now, let's see what they say - I have no idea if they'll like it! I was convinced they would hate Complications but so far not too many complaints... amazing!

 

Anyway, a new cover can now be unveiled - I am aiming for a NOVEMBER 4TH publication date (think ... may the force be with you - I know, I am a geek!)

This was the contender...

What do you think? Which do you prefer?

I will wait for the feedback and start to prepare the paperback in the meantime... so much to do!

Thanks for reading

Vanessa :)

After the initial feedback I have tweaked the first cover... what do you think of this one?

Currently editing books 3!

Great news for you all, I have now read through the third book, Return, and am making the necessary edits before it goes to my first readers (and harshest critics... you know who you are!)

It's hard going, being the summer holidays, and coming back from holiday with a horrible summer cold... but I will endeavour to persevere.

Hope you are all having an amazing Summer!

Vanessa :)

The day of reckoning has arrived...

 

I am now printing out the third book in the trilogy for my first ever proofread...

I took a break of a few weeks, read some books in between, and am now ready to start.

I have to be honest... I am nervous about it. To read your own work is a daunting thing... but I need to see what I think before I let it go off to some of my trusted readers!

The end is nearly in sight for the Trilogy, but I have other stories my sleeve that I can't wait to get cracking on.

I hope you are all enjoying this glorious sunshine...

Vanessa

Trilogy Finale

I already wrote most of this on my main blog - but for any who missed it... (drum rolls)... I finished the Trilogy!!!! (Did you hear the fireworks go off there?)

I now have to spend a few months editing, and I started by reading HYBRID again. I found a few minor things to change, and the new updated version is now online.

I am now going to read COMPLICATIONS before I start work on editing the finale.

This editing lark takes time to get right. The book will then go to my trusted readers for feedback, and I will then wait and keep my fingers crossed before starting the edit all over again!

I hope you are as excited as I am about finishing the Trilogy...

Speak soon
Vanessa :)
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE LINKS UK    US

p.s. I leave you with two exciting things that happened last week...

LIVE INTERVIEW via Lydia's Literary Lowdown with Lydia Aswolf

Okay, so first of all I got interviewed LIVE by the lovely Lydia (follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/lydiaaswolf)

You can hear the interview by clicking here... BLOGTALK RADIO...

The feedback so far has been great from those who have listened to my rambling... (I did say a lot of uh huh, and yes, and blah blah... it was great FUN!)

Honestly, I am still in shock about the fact Lydia loves my writing so much... Maybe, just maybe, people aren't just being nice after all?!?!

Favourite quote... "You are hiding your light under a bushel"

FEATURED ON INDIE IT PRESS



After Lydia asked me to be interviewed, I was asked to write an article for INDIE IT PRESS... and it was accepted.

This is what I wrote (pictures added by Indie It Press)

http://indieitpress.com/indie-author-vanessa-westers-journey-tiny-dancer-to-titanic/

I am really happy with the feature, and am very grateful to Leisa Greene for featuring me (follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/indieitgal)

Latest Interview with Madeline Dyer

I was interviewed by Madeline Dyer this week!

Highlights:

"I started writing as a form of escapism. My brain needed an outlet! Since I decided to take writing more seriously it has taken over my life to an extent. In a good and bad way at times…"

"Write because you enjoy what you do, not to make money"

Please click on the link to read all about it!

http://madelinedyer.co.uk/author-interview-with-vanessa-wester/

Thanks for reading :)
Vanessa

A bit about Madeline Dyer...

About Madeline Dyer, fantasy and prehistoric fiction author.

Ever since I was little I have been a keen reader and have wanted to write my own book, that I can display proudly on a shelf in my kitchen. Wherever I am, I always seem to find inspiration, whether it be for a setting, plot or character. Now I try to always carry a notepad to jot down those ideas that come flying at me when I least expect it, (although the ‘notes’ application on my iPod is also very useful!).

The main genres I like to write are of the fantasy category, young adult fiction and prehistoric fiction. As a teenager I was very impressed with Auel’s ‘Earth’s Children’ series and even started planning my own prehistoric series – books which I still haven’t finished.

I am the co-owner of a miniature shetland pony stud, and the ponies are absolutely adorable. Each has their own personality, making them so individual – something that is important for characters in fiction too!

I am an EzineArticles.com expert author – here I write articles on a variety of topics from Pets to Article Marketing. Check out my articles!

Also don’t forget to have a look at My Blog right here on this website, I try very hard to update it regularly with all the latest writing news, new releases and recommended reads.

When I’m not writing or reading I like to do a spot of photography, drawing and anything to do with arts and crafts. Or of course watching Eastenders on iPlayer.

I get my inspiration for such writing from a variety of sources and places. The initial idea for a story may be sparked by going to an atmospheric place, reading folklore and mythology, listening to songs (with good and meaningful lyrics), seeing a very good t.v programme or reading other novels in similar genres to that that I’m interested in. Alternatively, I’ll just see something in real life and think about what could have cuased that to happen, expand on it, build a story behind and there it is – a story waiting to be written.

When I have an idea for a story that I’m really excited about I’ll try to ‘hold off’ writing it for as long as possible, so I can develop it in her mind and add new twists to the plot. And when it eventually comes to the actual writing stage I’ll write out a brief outline, add more detail, do research into the background of the story (where’s it is going to be set e.t.c) and then write the scenes that are the most exciting, usually the climax of the plot. And then it’s just the rest of the book to write that’s left. Easy!

On a recent ‘count-up’ I found I had over fifty different story lines written in great detail (both on paper and the computer) but I doubt that all of these will be novels that I finishe, and even less will be the ones that get published. This is mainly beacuse I loose interest in some of them, or think “I’ll do that one another time.”

Recently I’ve been thinking about maybe writing some non-fiction on animals and animal-narrative-fiction.

FREE PROMOTION & CAKE: HYBRID (THE EVOLUTION TRILOGY)

In order to motivate me to finish my Trilogy, I have decided to give away my eBook of HYBRID for FREE for one day only.

Click on the links below on WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY 2013.

Seeing as I am looking after my kids on their school half term break and I will have limited writing time, it would make my day if loads of you (who have yet to read it) would download HYBRID and give it a chance...

If you check out the latest reviews via the tabs on this blog you'll see why some readers call it the next big read.

The writing journey for this Trilogy has been emotional, confusing and unbelievable. I never dreamed I would do something like this. Whatever you make of it, I am already proud of what I have achieved...

So, PLEASE spread the word, tell your friends & family, help me out and download! It would put a massive smile on my face!

LINKS (click on the right one)

UK

USA

CANADA

GERMANY

SPAIN

FRANCE

ITALY

JAPAN

As a thank you for your support, I give you my chocolate muffin recipe! ENJOY

Ingredients:

3 eggs
125g margarine
125g caster sugar
150g self raising flour
25g cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder

Method:

Mix everything together with an electric mixer (if by hand do eggs, margarine & sugar first).

Spoon into muffin cases.

Bake at 180 degrees (170 for fan ovens) for about 10-15 minutes.

Once cooled, cut a hole in the middle, scoop out, and split the "lids" in half for the butterfly wings!

Spoon in chocolate buttercream (made with margarine, icing sugar, a small spoonful of water, and cocoa powder - I mix to taste! Quantities vary!) or melted chocolate.

Place the wings on top, sprinkle to decorate, and then share and EAT!

Have a great week,
Vanessa :) xx HUGS

The Writer Within

I have been featured on Jill's blog

I am in awe of someone like Jill... her blog has had 127, 715 views to date! like OMG... WOW! (Did you hear my jaw hit the ground?)

This is her profile on BLOGGER...

Industry	Education
Occupation	Mystery Author
Location	Toronto, Canada
Links	Wishlist
Introduction	Sasha Jackson: think "Sex and the City" meets "Nancy Drew". Blood and Groom was published in Nov. 2009. Dead Light District was released in March 2011. The Lies Have It was released in November 2011. For more author/book info, please see www.jilledmondson.com or follow on Twitter @JillEdmondson
Interests	www.facebook.com/sashajacksonmysteries www.jilledmondson.com I love reading, writing, travel, good wine, good food and quick wit. On Twitter @JillEdmondson
Favourite Music	Classic rock, random one hit wonders, old gritty blues, cheesy top 40, Broadway showtunes...
Favourite Books	"BLOOD AND GROOM" "DEAD LIGHT DISTRICT" and "THE LIES HAVE IT" www.facebook.com/sashajacksonmysteries Any detective novel, crime fiction, whodunit. Love a number of classics, and funny authors - no matter what genre.

On her blog I talk about my writing journey and publishing endeavours...

Please take a look,

Thanks
Vanessa xx

You are my Sunshine Award...

I was nominated for the YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE AWARD by Madeline Dyer - follow her on Twitter @MadelineDyerUK


You Are My Sunshine Award

(There was no picture so I just made this one up...)

The rules are simple:

(1) Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post.

- Thanks Madeline!

(2) Do the Q&A below.

(3) Pass on the award to 8-12 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them & link to their blogs (I am using Twitter).

~~~

So, the questions...

Favorite Color: Sapphire (The deep, blue ocean kind ...)

Favorite Animal: Hmmm... I would say Shark, but that's a fish! So, it'll have to be a guinea pig (we just bought two - check out my blog post - Guinea Pigs  & Sharks)

Favorite Number: Two... My Birthday & I never wanted to be no. 1 anyway! LOL

Favorite Non-alcoholic drink: J2O (Raspberry & Apple)
Facebook or Twitter: Twitter. - I love the fact I get to chat to random people & read mixed posts every day, as well as make some real friendships with no strings attached! Brilliant! 

Your Passion: Writing & Teaching (Maths & Swimming)
Giving or getting presents: On the fence... I love to give, but I love to get surprised!
Favorite Day: Hmmmmm... no idea! Don't have one (honest)

Favorite Flowers: Freesias

~~~

And now the bloggers/writers who I’m nominating…

James Smith
Mike Lambson
Angela Kelman
Gary Henson
Ant - TaffWrites
Lydia Aswolf
Kaykay
Scarlett Flame
Carol Hedges

Hope some of you see the fun in this!
Vanessa :) xx

A game of TAG...

Tag! You're an Author and You're "IT"

You may know this game, but not played in quite this manner before. So, Tag you're the author who is now "IT". To play this game you have to share your Work in Progress (WIP) or it's a smacked bottom and straight to bed with no supper! Miss Scarlett Flame tagged me, and these are the rules

• Give credit (including URL/link) to the person or Blog that caught you and who made you "IT" I was caught fair and square whilst running away.
• Play by the rules - no pinching, kicking, spitting, Chinese burns, crying and definitely no tantrums! Which also means you must post the rules
• You must answer 10 questions about your current WIP, no matter the genre, because possibly we may like to get to know each other a little better (to be honest it's only 9 because  as the 10th question is really only the next step)
• List 5 other authors or Bloggers with their hiding places (URL/Links) so that they can be chased down and made "IT" so we can all go home now we've finished playing. Go in, eat supper, and check out THEIR books.

Q 1) What is the title (or working title) of you book?

RETURN (The Evolution Trilogy)

Q 2) What genre(s) does your book fall under?

Paranormal Romance & Suspense, New Adult, Science Fiction

Q 3) What actors would you choose to play the characters in the film version of your book?

I'll give this a stab... but I might suggest different ones tomorrow! LOL

Steven Thorn - David Boreanaz
Caitlin Chance - Emma Stone (with red hair as she looked in THE HELP movie!)
Ingrid Clausen - Katherine Heigl
Lucy Santos - Minnie Driver
Ian Roberts - Chris O'Donnell
Catherine Roberts - Nicole Kidman
Q 4) What is the main outline for your book?
It is the finale of The Evolution Trilogy...

Readers will find out what happens to Steven & Caitlin and whether their love is meant to be? It also wraps up the story of the Amazonian community to reveal the future of the new species...
Q 5) Will your book be Indie published, self published or represented by an agency and sold to a traditional publisher? 

Self published via Amazon, Createspace (paperbacks) & Smashwords
Q 6) How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 

Still in process obviously... I think it's likely to be a year.

Q 7) What other books in this genre would you compare yours to?

Twilight, The Hunger Games ... although it is more like a TV series like Heroes or Roswell
Q 8) Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Stephenie Meyer... she was also a stay at home mum who choose to write in her spare time. The ideas come from all the different book & Scifi series I have watched over the years.
Q 9) What else about the book might pique the readers attention?

A new vampire theory to throw into the midst...
Q 10) Thank goodness!! Phew I've ran as fast as I can and these are the author's I've caught (and any who don't have a Blog of their own are welcome to have a sleepover at mine and post their answers here)

Now for my five victims... erm five other authors who will tell you about their WIP

Susan Buchanan
Terry Tyler
James Smith
Lydia Aswolf
Kaykay Obi

ENJOY GUYS... and if you can't take up the challenge then try and pass it on to another author that might be interested, thank you :) xx

Vanessa :) xx

Progress Report...

I am finally over the half way mark on the final book in the Trilogy...

I can be quite determined... as I showed when I recently went skiing for the first time! I went for it and loved every minute... even the falls! ha ha

I now know how the Trilogy will end and I am striving to create a few twists & turns to keep you all interested and the storyline fresh.

Saying that, a lot of characters from Hybrid are coming back to say hello again, I am loving writing it!

Please bear with me, as I strive to complete the series to an amazing conclusion (I will remain positive).

Thanks to anyone who has read Hybrid & Complications, and an additonal thank you to anyone who has left a review.

Now... back to writing!

Vanessa :) xx

RETURN

I am now nearly 40,000 words into the final book of the Trilogy... I am loving where it is going, expect more twists and turns!

I am afraid the characters are dictating where we go with this one, they like to give you the element of surprise! Ha ha

I now have a Facebook page... if you should feel the need to like please hop on over!

Thanks a lot!

Vanessa :) xx

THE EVOLUTION TRILOGY ON FACEBOOK

Audio Recordings via @Audioboo

I recently discovered the world of Audioboo via a Twitter friend KingTaff Writes

It is great fun and has enabled me to share with you via Audio for the FIRST time.

Enjoy the prologues for my books, and a choice excerpt from Complications. I will add more as time allows...

Please take a look, and if you enjoy check out my books and pass on to other readers or listeners that might be interested.

Thanks a lot,
Vanessa :) xx

HYBRID - SUMMARY

HYBRID - PROLOGUE

COMPLICATIONS - SUMMARY

COMPLICATIONS - EXCERPT, Caitlin returns...

A NEW LOOK for 2013...

This is going to sound really silly, but I only just discovered the option to have pages on Blogspot... major edits to the rest of my blogs coming up I think - lol... I do love to play!

I hope you all like the NEW fresh look for this blog and find it easier to navigate the Evolution Trilogy.

As a means of introduction, I was inspired to write after seeing an interview with Stephenie Meyer in February 2010... For years I had written down ideas and hidden my scraps in the recesses of my computer. I was embarrassed to admit I had ideas and wanted to write stories.

I lost a lot of confidence at school. Even though I did very well in English in the end I was convinced I was not good enough to be a writer (even though I used to write stories all the time from a young age - I wanted to become the next Agatha Christie).

Since I was good at Maths & Science I naturally followed that road, ended up doing a degree in Accounting & Law (which I found extremely challenging, boring & depressing), and then decided (in my wisdom) to train as a Chartered Accountant. Are you surprised to find out it was a mistake? Anyway, after less than a year I resigned, even though they all thought I was very good at my job! I decided to retrain as a Teacher of Maths (since I always liked helping people) and found my calling.

I worked  as a Teacher of Maths in a secondary school (which I sadistically loved) for a few years before I left on maternity leave. We then moved to Holland for a few years and child number two came along. I had traumatic deliveries and found it hard to find "peace."  When we moved to the Isle of Wight I finally felt at home for the first time in years. It is fair to say that I am not a "city" girl...

I was about to go back to work in 2008 when I discovered number three was on her way!

To keep my sanity over the years I have helped voluntary organisations by doing their accounts, organised fundraisers, tutored Maths, read a LOT of books, cooked & cleaned (way too much), done craft with my kids, met up with friends... I tried it all. BUT, there was something missing...

So, when I listened to that interview in February 2010 I decided to try to write a story - for FUN! And I did. I wrote a romantic chic flick story of 67,000 words and I was very proud mf myself (it was not well written but the story had promise). Either way, as far as I was concerned at the time that was a lot of words... I naively submitted it to agents after reading the Writers & Artists Handbook (how little did I know? ha ha) and of course got rejections - I keep them as momento's.

I got the idea for The Evolution Series (now a Trilogy) around May 2010 and started to write. The original story started with Steven the summer before he started university. It was different to what it is now. Before long, Hybrid was born.  It was only 75,000 words at first draft.  It took 2 years to get it to the 103,000 word stage it is now. Whilst I edited and changed Hybrid, I wrote Complications, which is why I managed to publish Complications at the end of 2012.

I have started Return, but ever since I started to actively promote my writing, time has been more precious.

I have had great advice and feedback along the way from online friends at www.thewordcloud.org , Twitter, and Booksie. I also had amazing support via friends and family. But, I have to stress that I have done the bulk of the editing, so any errors are my own. I also designed the covers.

Anyway, enough about me, enjoy the first two books of my Trilogy! I have put my heart and soul into them...

Thank you for having a look
Vanessa Wester :) xx