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?

Find out more about me, the author behind The Refusal. A sexy, contemporary romance with a fierce heroine and a man who thinks he can get anything he wants.

The Refusal. A sexy, contemporary romance with a fierce heroine and a man who thinks he can get anything he wants.

I'm not a trope hater, and The Refusal has some tropes – of course it does! But I had this idea the other day and the idea made me laugh. Then I thought, it’s probably suicide to put something like this out. NOBODY is going to read this book. Then, being me, I got on a wild hair. I love a good contemporary romance trope to be honest. The Dream Man series by Kirsten Ashley is one of my favourites. Tack is definitely one of my favourites. Love the Elle Kennedy Briar U