So, it’s happening. It’s days before my first book will be published – Employing Care Staff in Your Home. I’m excited. I’m anxious. I’m scared. Yes, a little scared.

At the moment the work is intense. Everyone says editing takes up more time than writing. How true that is. But I’ve been fortunate to have some wonderful people hold my hand through this stage. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but there is still so much to do. And now I have in my hands, a proof copy of THE BOOK!

Mentor

My mentor, Eloise De Sousa, is so very supportive. We met five years ago. Five years ago seems a lifetime away, but it also feels as if it were just yesterday. I was introduced to Eloise by our friend, Eugenio. He told me she would be at a family gathering and that she was an author. He knew of my aspirations to write my story – who hasn’t got a story to write? Around that time I started a blog – Cecilyswritings – so that I could practice writing. I needed to feel comfortable about putting my thoughts and words out in public.

We attended the family gathering and I took one of Eloise’s books with me and managed to get her to sign it and had a photo taken with her. Little did I know that she would come to play an instrumental part in where I am today. A writing mentor? I didn’t know they existed but I can honestly say that I’d still be procrastinating and thinking about writing if she were not on my journey with me.

Eloise has walked by my side for five years – virtually – encouraging me at a distance and without pressure. I’ve been inspired by her work and her work ethic. I’ve watched her author business build and diversify. Through her I’ve been introduced to authors, social media groups, and an editor. I turned to her on more than one occasion to let her know that I wanted to start writing a novel. But as she says, life gets in the way, and I’ve had a few false starts. I learnt that there are many well-known authors who have taken years to publish. Who have manuscripts that have been assigned to the bottom of a drawer. But she also made me aware of the fact that to write, you have to be in it. That you must want to write. It takes time and effort and when you’re not in the right frame of mind, the words take longer to materialise, to flow. The thing is not to give up. To Write. Write. Write. When the urge takes you. Write a little or a lot. Write wherever you are. Keep a note book, or use a device, to jot down those thoughts that just pop into your head. When you are not in the mood, it’s okay. Just start writing again when you are.

There is so much to learn about writing. The writing fraternity is extremely helpful and supportive. They share their knowledge and skills freely. There are many social media groups for questions about writing on any perspective.

My first book

The first book that I’ve written is not the one I discussed with Eloise. However the draft is now a 50,000 word-ready manuscript that needs so much editing. It is a jumble of words, paragraphs, chapters that are in no particular order. It was the start of my eagerness to write a novel but has been put aside for over two years, or is it three? It will find the light of day, but just not now.

My first publication, is a business book on a subject close to my heart. My profession is in human resources and I’ve decided to share what I’ve learnt over the years.

My book is for people who employ care staff in their homes. Their home is their home, but it is also someone’s place of work. This brings with it happiness and tensions and issues that are found in any workplace, whether a massive corporate, or someone’s home. However, there are even more sensitivities working in the care sector and in a private home. My aim is to make it easier for people who employ care staff to work in their homes. If they are aware of obligations as an employer they will be better placed to make fair decisions on employment matters. They will also save time and money that may otherwise be spent on employment disputes. I hope they will find it useful.

All for now!

I love music. It soothes me. Makes me happy. Invigorates. I also like the ‘sound of silence’. When I started blogging I decided to include music and I’ve decided to continue. If you like music too, you may want to listen as you read.

About the author

Cecily Lalloo is a new author. She writes non fiction in the HR genre, with particular reference to the care sector. Cecily intends to write in different genres but for now she will concentrate on HR advice. She has been an HR manager for many years and has worked as an independent HR consultant since 2009.

Copyright Cecily Lalloo 2021

Music from Spotify

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