The one where I've been a full-time author for 3 years and have a few people to thank

When I first starting writing, I had no thoughts around being published. The goal at the time was just to see if I could actually write a book. As you go through life, goals often change and, once I had a few books out there, I dared to dream that I could one day make writing my career. In the early days, there was absolutely zero chance of that as I barely earned anything but I kept hoping. My new goal became that I wanted to earn enough to write full-time. Three years ago, that happened.

I usually write a blog post on my anniversary, reflecting on my struggles as a published then indie author balanced out by the incredible things that have happened since joining Boldwood Books. This year, I'm just going to say thank you. In no particular order …

THANK YOU to Boldwood Books for believing in me and offering me my first contract, then another, then another.

THANK YOU to everyone who has bought/borrowed/streamed any of my books in any format. I wouldn't still be writing full-time if it wasn't for you. I might not still be writing at all!

THANK YOU to everyone who has left a kind review online, has written a lovely blog post reviewing some (or all!) of my books, and who has dropped me a message with lovely feedback. It's such a boost.

THANK YOU to all the reviewers/bloggers who've taken part in one or more of my blog tours and to Rachel Gilbey for organising these.

THANK YOU to anyone who has recommended my books to friends, family or colleagues. Particularly to the amazing book online book clubs, The Friendly Book Community and Heidi Swain and Friends - A Facebook Book Club who have been so supportive in championing my work.

THANK YOU to the lovely members of my Facebook Group, Redland's Readers. Your lovely comments and posts make me so happy. The membership grows every week and it's such a warm and friendly place to be. I'm so appreciative for all the ideas for shop and character names when my mind goes blank!

THANK YOU to my husband and daughter who are so supportive of my writing and my lovely mum who's my #1 fan and has a dedicated shelf just for me.

THANK YOU to my bestie, Sharon Booth, for all the friendship, support, encouragement and plot suggestions. Not sure what I'd do without our regular get togethers. So grateful to have you in my life, Sharon. And to Eliza J Scott who we meet up with roughly quarterly for more encouragement.

THANK YOU to my tribe, The Write Romantics, who have been such a source of support and friendship over the past decade - Jo Bartlett, Sharon Booth, Jackie Ladbury, Deirdre Palmer, Lynne Pardoe, Helen Phifer, Helen Rolfe, Rachael Thomas and Alys West, you're the very best.

THANK YOU to so many other fabulous author friends who I don't want to name for fear of missing someone out as I'm so likely to do that. You know who you are!

THANK YOU to the other Boldwood authors who are such a fabulous group. What a pleasure to meet so many of you at the recent Summer Party.

THANK YOU to my incredible editor Nia whose inspired feedback takes good stories and (hopefully) makes them great.

THANK YOU to everyone involved in getting my books to readers. There's a huge team at work - copy editor, proof reader, cover designer, production team, marketing team, voice actors, audio production and distribution.

THANK YOU to the amazing people who have helped me with my research. Particular thanks to Ann, Angela and the team at Wolds Hedgehog Rescue (the 'real' Hedgehog Hollow), and Matt, Amy, Lucy, Eve and the rest of the team at Scarborough Lifeboat Station.

THANK YOU to the team in Scarborough's branch of The Works who are so supportive in promoting my books to customers and to the library staff who embrace the world of romantic fiction.

And, perhaps a weird one, but THANK YOU to the boyfriends who hurt me and the managers who bullied me and made me feel insignificant. Although painful at the time, those experiences have been invaluable in helping me bring emotion to my characters which endears them to readers, so I wouldn't change them.

Here's to the next year. If it's as good as the past three have been, I'll be a very happy author.

Big celebratory hugs

Jessica xx