On 9 February 2014, I published my first novel, The Prophecy, under the pen name Lucy Varna. I've talked endlessly (ok, a lot) about the process I underwent to go from being a published author of non-fiction to being a published author of fiction, so I won't repeat all that here.

Even in blog posts, I hate repeating myself.

What I never imagined half a decade ago is that I would go on to achieve so much in such a short time. I am not the most prolific author, yet I have managed to publish over two dozen fiction titles. I'm not the most recognized author, yet my works have been selected as finalists in two different writing contests. I am not the most popular author, yet my readers are loyal and patient, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

It's not easy to make a living writing fiction, no matter who you are. Every author faces unique challenges, big or small, young or old, new or experienced, but we all have one thing in common: we love writing down the stories living in our minds.

Thank you for tagging along during the past five years. It's been a blast and I hope to be around for a very long time to come, sharing the stories living within my own mind.