I don't need pilgrims and pumpkin pie to just stop and take a moment and think about all the things I'm grateful for in my life. My family, my friends, just how lucky I am to be pursuing a career I love - to finally be a published author. Which leads me to a whole other bunch of people I'm thankful for - my lovely agent, wonderful editors and cover designers, the fab Matt Buckingham who illustrated the Fairy Tale Twists series, my friends and colleagues on The Edge, and all at the SCBWI and the Undiscovered Voices competition which really kicked everything off. 
This time last year I had no books to my name, but now I have nine. NINE! How crazy-mad-fantabulously-insane is that?! It's a dream come true. And yes, along with the euphoria and thrill it has been really hard work too - learning to work creatively yet restricted by deadlines, trying to balance writing and editing with other aspects of my life (I admit I am definitely still learning on this one, and have spent much of the year cloistered away like Rapunzel in my flat being a hermit working on my second novel, sometimes not leaving the building for up to a week!) But whilst it can be frustrating/maddening/time-consuming I thank my lucky stars that I get to live my dream, and I am so grateful to my friends and family for being so understanding and supportive whilst being somewhat neglected. I love you all.
And tonight I am extra thankful because I am going to the SCBWI's Mass Book Launch Party - what better way to celebrate a truly incredible year than with my friends and colleagues who have also had their fabulous books published this year - and best of all I get to celebrate with my mum, who's celebrating the launch of her 6th picture book.
It's been a fantastic year. And I am truly grateful.
