Why I Wrote My First Novel. Katie, A New Chapter

Perfect Timing

If it hadn’t been for Covid-19, Katie, A New Chapter might never have been written.

For years, I’d said, “One day, I’ll write a book.” I’d said it so many times that my friends would roll their eyes—half amused, half sceptical. I could almost hear their thoughts: “Here we go again… another wild idea.”

Back then, they were probably right. I was already battling stress, anxiety, depression, and painfully low self-worth. On top of that, I was about to have a hysterectomy. At that stage, writing a novel felt impossible.

But life has a funny way of nudging us into the right place at the right time. When I was repatriated from Fuerteventura back to the UK during lockdown, I suddenly had an abundance of time—and a deep need to do something meaningful with it. So, I picked up my pen and started writing the first in what I hoped would become a series of novels.

And I fell in love with the process.

From the very start, my intention was clear: to create something that might help others find their self-worth, follow their dreams, and live a life they truly love.

Discovering My Creativity

When people told me I should use my creative skills to help others, I used to give them a blank look. Creative? Me? I thought creativity was about painting, drawing, or singing—not writing stories.

I’ve always been a reader, but it never occurred to me that crafting fiction was its own form of art. That realisation didn’t come until lockdown forced me to slow down, reflect, and keep my mind engaged.

I signed up for a fiction writing course, which gave me the confidence to put my ideas on paper. Every morning, I’d go for a walk, letting inspiration find me in the rhythm of my steps, and then I’d return to write. Little by little, Katie’s story began to take shape.

Writing as a Tool for Healing

Throughout my life, therapists, counsellors, and coaches had all told me the same thing: “Write down how you’re feeling.”

At first, I resisted. How is scribbling my thoughts on paper going to change anything? I thought burying my head in the sand—or throwing myself into action—was a better option.

But one day, I tried it. And to my surprise, it helped.

There was something about pouring my emotions onto the page that untangled the mess in my head. It didn’t fix everything overnight, but it gave me clarity and strength. That practice became the foundation of my writing journey—and it’s why my novels are about more than just storytelling. They’re about connection, understanding, and hope.

Why I Wrote Katie, A New Chapter

In simple terms, I wrote Katie, A New Chapter to help myself heal. But I also hoped that, once it was published, it might help someone else too.

It has (it helped save a life), and it still is.

Every book I write is created with the same purpose: to empower readers, to remind them they are not alone, and to show that support can come from the most unexpected places. And to show them that reading and writing can be fun.