Back when I was working as a music journalist, and had friends working in all parts of the industry, I would always wonder about what kind of story I could write, based on my experiences. Well, it was always fiction that I dreamed of writing, and I knew that I couldn’t tell any real stories about real people (not the juicy ones), so it made sense to write fiction inspired by what I had experienced.
I never thought anyone would read it.
Sure, my first books – One Way or Another and If We Ever Meet Again – are fictional, but many characters, scenes and events are based on something real. The goal was never to expose anyone, or make anyone looks bad, it was more to show people what it’s like being inside that bubble.
When I wrote my first books I was very much still on the inside but, now, like Nicole in Ex in the City, I’ve grown up and left all that behind. What I love about Ex in the City is that it has allowed me to look back and reflect on how things were back then, and how things that seemed normal at the time are rightly being called out these days.
It has been so much fun to write Nicole and Dylan again, and to ‘grow them up’ too. I’m so grateful that my unique experiences gave me what I needed to write my first book, and for a publisher to pick it up. It’s the reason I’m still writing today whereas, if I’d stuck with the journalists, I think I – like Nicole – would have moved on too. It was great at the time, and I wouldn’t change it for anything, but the thought of sleeping on a tour bus now doesn’t appeal to me at all.
I’m so excited to share Ex in the City with everyone. For anyone who was ever obsessed with a singer or a band growing up, I think you’ll really like this one.
It’s been such a great ten years. Here’s to the next ten!