N. J. Walters

I discovered writing later in life. Like most teenagers, I dabbled with poetry, pouring my insecurities and angst onto pages of blue-lined school notebooks. In my twenties, I tried my hand at children’s stories, even going so far as to take a course in it.

It was only in my thirties that I began to even contemplate writing romance. The odd thing is that I have been a voracious reader of romance most of my adult life. For many years, I read at least one book a day—category romance, paranormal, romantic suspense, historical—I read it all.

With my husband’s encouragement, I wrote two mainstream romance novels. But after several rejections, I put my stories away for over five years. Then I had surgery. It was only gallbladder surgery, but it changed my life. Being laid up for a month, due to several minor complications, I began to think about my writing and wondered what I was waiting for.

Based on some comments on a rejection letter, I rewrote both novels. It was a fantastic learning tool and I sharpened my writing skills. I also noticed a contest for an erotic romance novella online. The contest closed the next day, so I dashed off the five pages that I needed to enter and submitted them.

I didn’t get anywhere with the contest, but I couldn’t stop writing about the characters—Annabelle Lee Murphy and Mike Sloan. I finished the manuscript, edited and revised it over and over and then started looking for a place to submit it.

I was thrilled when Ellora’s Cave asked to see the manuscript and overwhelmed when they offered me a contract. Annabelle Lee was published by Ellora’s Cave in October 2004, one month before my fortieth birthday. I’d finally found my writing voice and now there’s no stopping me.

My husband and I spend our days living, loving and writing. I enjoy walking and love the beach. Over the years, I have tried just about every craft known to womankind—knitting, crocheting, rug hooking, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting, ceramics, leatherwork and heaven only knows what else. I am master of none, but I enjoyed them all. Right now, all my spare time is spent writing and I hardly have any time to read anymore, but I still manage to sneak in at least two books a week.