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From Addiction to Fiction by International Bestselling Author, Dee Blick
Discovering Alcohol – A False Sense of Security
When I discovered alcohol at 16, it felt as though I’d arrived. My panic attacks and irrational fears subsided. I was unassailable. A traumatic childhood had paved the way for the anxiety that had clung doggedly to me for years. And now here I was with a magical fix.
The Dark Side of Addiction
However, as any addict in the grip of a growing addiction will tell you, alcohol eventually loses its lustre. It plunges you into full-on fear, anxiety like you’ve never experienced before with a sickening sense of foreboding that something awful is about to happen.
The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
It took an ultimatum from my husband – give up drinking or the marriage is over – for me to realise I needed help. And fast. Four days later I was in a 12-step meeting, bawling my eyes out, uttering the words, ‘My name’s Dee and I’m an alcoholic,’ in between sobs.
A New Beginning – Finding Purpose in Sobriety
Quitting drinking and seeking help through a spiritual programme and a good sponsor proved to be the making of me. It not only saved my life, but it also made my life.
From Business to Books – Becoming a Bestselling Author
Within seven years of being clean and sober, I decided to start writing books. Clients kept telling me I should put all my marketing ideas into a book. Buoyed by their encouragement, I began writing. One book eventually became four, with the second book changing my life with the flick of a switch. It topped the Amazon charts for years, leading to a publishing deal in China. I also became a well-paid professional speaker. For my third book, I was offered an amazing deal with a global publisher. Along the way, I won three national awards for my books. All pinch-me moments.
Why Fiction? Honouring My Younger Self
So, why at the age of 62 have I written my first novel, The Boutique, a collection of nine short stories centred on a fashion shop and the nine people that frequent it?
Well, I wanted to acknowledge the eight-year-old anxious little girl, holed up in her bedroom writing stories and poems as a way of blotting out what was unfurling in the background. Back then, I wanted to write a book of short stories. Moving to the present moment, I loved the idea of writing connected short stories of inspirational women, each one facing their own challenges and coming through the other side, even though each ending is not chocolate box!
Merging Light and Dark – The Themes of The Boutique
Whilst The Boutique is very much a fiction book that takes the best from my vivid imagination, I have tackled some gritty subjects including addiction, coercive control, extortion, and homophobia, in between the softer themes of late-in-life love and philanthropy. I was drawn to the idea of merging the light with the dark and creating characters that my readers would root for and care about. I also wanted my characters to be relatable. I am one of the people in The Boutique. If you buy my book, I don’t have to tell you which one. You’ll know within minutes.
Where to Buy The Boutique
You can buy the book on Amazon or order a signed copy directly from me. The reviews are amazing, and I promise not one is from me or my family! Just pop ‘Dee Blick The Boutique’ into the search bar on Amazon. It is also free on Kindle Unlimited.
A Message to Aspiring Writers
I hope that women with an inkling to write will look at me as a mature woman striking out into fiction and think, ‘I can do that too!’ Please connect with me on Facebook and LinkedIn, or email me at dee@themarketinggym.org.
AUTHOR: DEE BLICK
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About the Author Jackie Groundsell
Jackie Groundsell -The Connector, owner of 1230 The Women’s Company (TWC) is also known as the queen of women's business networking meetings and events. As a businesswoman herself for the past 25 + years, she’s been there, done that and got the T-shirt! She’s an approachable recognised business Expert, Mentor, IT Trainer and has e supported thousands of small business owners through her events and lunch-time meetings Jackie is also a weekly Radio presenter, reaching and supporting even further into the business world. ... and would love to hear from you.