Why I write to publish my stories

My book, Return to Pebble Beach, will be published in just a few days, and I’m nervous. I always am when releasing a new book. Will readers like it? Will they criticize my characters? Will they complain about my hero because he’s a hockey player and I didn’t write him playing the sport? (Sorry, spoiler alert). There is always worry when publishing a new story. As much as I anticipate the reviews, I remind myself I’m doing what I love. I chose to share what I write in the hope of bringing entertainment or an escape for readers. Providing art for someone’s enjoyment is my intention. 
Earlier this year, I signed with an agent, Michelle Jackson, whom I’m very excited to be working with. I love her enthusiasm for my stories, her encouragement, and positivity. She’s what I hoped for in an agent, and I can’t wait to see what we can do. 
Before signing with Michelle, I was finishing rewrites for Return to Pebble Beach. I chose to self-publish because while the submission process can be long, I wanted to share a beach read set in Canada and Return to Pebble Beach was born.  

​Set in a fictional town and inspired by Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, a place I enjoy visiting. The unique seaside town was the perfect place for Liam and Addison to reacquaint. Besides chemistry, they share a common love for fitness and family. 
While the heroine, Addison is a personal trainer, a profession I’m actively pursuing, I needed a hero who was passionate about the same things and because they both don’t live in Pebble Beach, creating a hockey hero was the best profession for Liam. He wasn’t living there by choice and as he learns about what he wants, it means he needed to be honest with himself and steal Addison’s heart again in process. 
While Addison is struggling to find herself, coming back to Pebble Beach was supposed to be the answer to her wondering, except she didn’t expect Liam on her journey. 
Although she resists a relationship with Liam, the temptation for him is real and she must figure out what love truly means.  
While we follow Liam and Addison’s love story, there is also Harmony, Addison’s sister, who is trying to navigate her own journey. I didn’t realize I would create a secondary character who might have an untold story that could be worth pursuing. My intent was for Return to Pebble Beach to be a stand-alone, and maybe it will, but I do think about what Harmony’s path would look like if I wrote it. Her story is in the back of my mind, so you never know if there will be a book two. 

If you read Return to Pebble Beach, do you think Harmony needs her happily-for-now?
I’d love to know what you think.
If you enjoy my story, may I ask you to write a review on Goodreads or where you purchased it? 
I’m always grateful for your review and of course, for reading.
After all, you’re the reason I write to publish my books. 
 
Until next time,
Happy reading! 

​Charlene