I started out with this post thinking it might be fun to explore some writing before and after it’s edited. What was I thinking? One of the things I do after I've finished the first draft is what I call a ‘show don’t tell’ edit. But looking back at the first version of the novel is not helping me at all. I’m looking back at things I wrote thinking, why did I cut that out ? This is from the first time Jo meets Janus. Authors out there – are we ever happy with our novels

I really feel that this lovely book cover design for The Refusal belongs to all of the people who voted for it on Instagram. This was the clear winner: 30% vs. 70%. I mean I love it, and Mark Thomas @coverness designed it, but the lovely readers and authors voted for it and gave me lots of great comments. 🎉 Being so very indecisive, it made a huge difference to the decision making. (My husband now wants all these voters to come live with us so he can rid himself of my dithe