"Surreal, joyful, proud."

How it feels to hold your book in your hand. Emma Simson shares the joy of writing her first book. PLUS join the Heart Leap Writing Hour at 9am. Link below

Today, we are celebrating the publishing deal of one of our Heart Leaping writers. Read this inspiring interview with Emma Simpson, whose book is published this March, Breaking Waves: Discovery, Healing, and Inspiration in the Open Water. (Emma is also starring at the Alnwick Story Fest in March—do come!)

Want to write your own book this year?

Join our writing community today. We host writing hours at 9am on a Tuesday and Thursday at 9am. (Link below)

Read this book if…

You want to feel connected and inspired by bathing in the shared experiences of brilliant women from around the world.

What does it feel like to hold your book in your hand?

Almost indescribable: surreal, joyful, proud.

How long has it taken to write?

I would say around 6-8 months over a total time period of 2 years with lots of stalling in between. If you add in ‘thinking' time, well...

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of the bookwriting process?

How my editor feels about exclamation marks….(!)

That aside, the importance of ''voice'—trusting in your own voice, not hiding it behind humour, and keeping it consistent so as not to distract the reader.

What was the hardest bit?

Ending it—both literally and emotionally. As you reach the end of the book, it feels like there is always so much more to say, and it’s incredibly hard to give your work the ending you feel it deserves. My final chapter was totally scrubbed and restarted quite a few times. Also, it’s hard to say goodbye to a particular story when you have been so immersed in the writing of it.

Any tips for getting your book published and out there?

Network, network, network. Engage in writing communities, meet other authors, learn and absorb from the generosity of the writing community. There are so many ways to become published these days, enjoy listening to others’ stories and be courageous in sharing your own experiences and aspirations. You will learn which method of publication is right for you, and make great friends along the way.

If someone has an aspiration to write a book - what advice would you give?

Concentrate on the writing itself, and not the end goal of ‘publication'. Writing is a joy; allow yourself the pleasure of being in it. The rest will unfold.

Where can we buy your book?

It’s currently on pre-sale at Bookshop.org, Waterstones and Foyles among others, and will be on general release on March 2025.

Emma and I at the last Alnwick Story Fest

Link for Heart Leap Writing Hour below