...must come to an end, and usually quicker than the bad ones!
It's official: I've retired. And yes, it was my decision; and no, it wasn't because my publisher dumped me!
Since finishing "China Roses" I'd been wondering if I really wanted to start the whole process again. Even though I had a new book plotted out in my head, I hadn't the enthusiasm for it that I'd always had before. I don't think it was the book's fault, I think it's just anno domini. I've been doing this - professionally, not just for pleasure - for forty years.
When my editor e-mailed earlier this week to ask if there was a new book on the way, I felt I had to make a decision - or rather, communicate a decision I had already all but taken. So I spoke to my agent and then to the publishers. Both were very understanding - my editor emphasised that "Roses" is one of their top sellers in the States at the moment, and left the door wide open in case I change my mind - and we parted on the best of terms. I feel privileged to have been able to make the decision for myself instead of having it forced on me, and am satisfied that "Roses" was a worthy book to finish on.
So here I am, an ex-novelist. Beats me what I'm supposed to do now!
