One of the great things about blogging is that it’s so completely and utterly self-indulgent. If I wanted to write about my lunch or choice of socks today, I could. But worry not, I won’t.

Nope, instead I want to dedicate this post to my cousin Emily Gordts, whose first novel “Arty Farty” hits the shops this week. Now I know most of you don’t speak Dutch, so this may not seem relevant, but I’m sure you can appreciate how momentous this occasion must be for her.

A fellow journalist like myself (it runs in the family), she packed it all in last year to start writing her first book, as well as writing a blog along the way to detail the horrors and joys of finding the story she wanted to write. The blog (www.boekopdeplank.nl) brought her some fame in Holland, her new home country, and a loyal following who she gave a glimpse of what it really takes to start with an idea and turn it into a novel. She even let the readers help choose the cover of the book.

So this week, her moment is finally here. A year in the making, Arty-Farty has finally arrived. What a great feeling that must be! Like giving birth, but slightly less painful. No, I’ve not read it yet as my copy hasn’t made it across the Channel just yet, but I know very well what it’s about and I cannot wait to finally read it!

To my Belgian and Dutch readers, I hope you have a look out for it in shops or you can order it online and help make it the success it deserves…

Emily, I’m very proud of you and I cannot wait to see what JP gets up to! I hope the book does so well and hopefully there will be many more to come!