Planting Words has been shortlisted for the Completely Novel Author Blog Awards, along with 27 other blogs including Neil Gaiman, Paul Coelho, Caroline Smailes, and the wondrous Jackie Morris. How’s that for sterling company? Apparently 15 thousand people voted. Wowee.

On June the 6th, 2008, this blog was only a twinkle in my eye.

In my very first post, I started as I meant to go on – by deciding to write whatever the hell I wanted to write, rather than using it as a space to sell my books. (well, with an occasional foray into grubby capitalist self-marketing…)

Over the years this blog has accompanied me through difficult times and grinning-madly-moments. It was here when I got my first book deal, and when my 13 year relationship ended.

You’ll find advice for poetry virgins, and advice from my nana. I propose that all you need is love, and then wonder if I might be mad.

As I write, I advise myself how to live when the glass is already broken, and when (this weekend) everything felt like it had a crack in it. It helps me to be a writer. It’s a confessional, where I admit to plonking cats and egogooglaholism. It reminds me to praise, praise, praise.

There are many ingredients. Time and lots of typing. Joy and grief and everything in between (I was going to add humour to that list but I’m not sure everyone would agree). But only ONE ingredient has been absolutely essential.

You.

You, out there in the world, reading my words on your computer screen right now. Can you see the sky from where you’re sitting? Is there a cat at your feet? Is there a mug on your desk? Are your children arguing downstairs? Do you write a blog too? Do you write books? Do you want to write? Are you a first time visitor, or have you been here since before the beginning? Are you smiling right now?

If you would like to, you can vote for Planting Words here at the Completely Novel Blog Award thingy. If you do vote there are plenty of prizes for you to win – tonnes of books and some vouchers. But I don’t really mind who you vote for (I’m going to vote for Jackie!), because I’ve already got my marvellous prizes.

Being nominated.

And you.

Most lovely you.

PS this blog always forces me to be honest. I do mind if you vote. I mind a lot ; )