Not because the story wasn’t ready, but because there was a great big black hole where my self-belief should have been.

I had the passion and dedication, but self-doubt, perfectionism, and fear of failure kept getting in the way. I told myself I didn't have time while secretly daydreaming about one day holding my book in my hands.

Sound familiar?

I only finally committed to my writing when the rest of my life hit rock bottom, and it felt like I had nothing else left to lose. I was still terrified, but I decided I’d just have to find a way to write around my fear. Thankfully, I have my own live-in mentor and all-round cheerleader — my husband. Without him, I doubt I’d have found the courage to publish one book, let alone four. I realise how lucky I am and that’s one reason I absolutely love mentoring other writers.

It doesn’t matter what you write or what your ambitions are; maybe you’re trying to get your novel finished; pen a short story or write your memoir; whatever your challenge and regardless of how long you've been writing, if you’re struggling with fear, self-confidence or just need some accountability, maybe mentoring can help.