Why I Write: A guest post by Mia Hoddell

There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenceless.

Serena knew that but still, it didn’t stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.

However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life… But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.

Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important…her love or life.

Why I Write

I have been asked this question quite a lot in the past and I still get people asking me now. The most common reason behind it is people don’t understand why I want to follow a career path that is as unpredictable as this one. I’ve heard people say that writing is one of the only acceptable careers not to make money out of and have even heard people say it’s not a real job. However there is more opportunity out there now than ever and even though I know it’s hard work, that doesn’t put me off.

Since I have decided to take a year out of education to focus on my writing this question has only been repeated more frequently. I have fought many battles with people who can’t understand what I get out of writing and think I should go to university (not that I’ve ruled it out), get a degree and settle into a normal 9/5 job, before marriage and kids. Yes, I haven’t even reached 20 yet and children have been mentioned!

Anyway, here are the reasons why I write and will continue to do so:


1. Escapism – For me, writing allows me to escape the real world for a period of time. I will  shut myself in a room in front of my PC and in that period of time anything goes. There are no rules or limits to what I have to write or do and I love the idea of creating a new world. While I am writing it also allows me to channel emotions into my characters and gives me a way to express myself. The prospect of being whoever I want to be, even for a split second, is exciting for me.

2. Passion – From a young age (I know I’m still only 18) I have loved writing. I started with poetry at the age of four and when I got my first poem published in an anthology at the age of 12 my passion grew, especially when I continued to get another published a few years later. My writing just got bigger, more developed and longer as I grew. I love everything about writing – well nearly, I hate editing – but besides that everything from planning, writing, promoting and cover design I would do all day without complaint. I can easily spend 12hrs writing and I don’t regret any time spent doing it.

3. Creativity – I have always been creatively inclined. Yes I am good at academics and I could apply for top universities with the grades I get, but frankly this doesn’t interest me. Even though I am good at the subjects I have no drive to study them if there’s a choice as they’re not what I’m passionate about. I would rather be making up my own stories, pieces of art and photographs than studying for an exam or sitting in an office all day. The traditional subjects hold no interest for me and even though people think I should pursue a job which brings status and a high income I want a creative job that will make me happy.

4. Driven – I am driven to succeed and meet the goals I have set myself. I don’t like giving up or failing at things I enjoy and because I am so passionate about writing it is driving me to continue with it. I want to succeed at something I love as to me, writing doesn’t feel like work and I will happily get up every morning without struggle to do it.

5. Happiness – Above all when I am writing I am at my happiest. I could spend hours doing it (which I have on many occasions). If I didn’t get pleasure from writing I wouldn’t be doing it. I feel lucky that I have found something I enjoy so much at an early age and as long as it continues to bring me the happiness it does, I will keep at it.

Thanks to Jessica for hosting me on your great blog, and remember to check out the rest of the tour stops found here: http://miahoddell.blogspot.co.uk/p/tour-schedule.html!

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn’t even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.