Finding the Plot

Is it possible to help yourself to happiness? Can you cosmically order the perfect life? Renowned life coach and radio presenter, Megan Rowe certainly used to think so, she even wrote a best-selling book telling people how. But now, with the meltdown of her marriage unleashing all kinds of ghosts from the past she is no longer sure. And if she is no longer sure then how can she advise other people? As Megan’s carefully constructed house of affirmation cards begins to tumble it has an irrevocable effect on those around her. Cheddar Bailey, radio producer and blogger extraordinaire, Natalie Taylor-Cassidy, aspiring young actress who will seemingly do anything for fame and Danny Nilsson, highly respected American war photographer harbouring a dark secret. Four characters searching for answers, seeking happiness and trying to find the plot for the life stories they ought to be living.

Initially I had wanted to write a non-fiction book about life coaching, but that particular market is saturated, plus I’m aware there is still quite a lot of cynicism surrounding coaching so I thought that by writing a novel on the subject instead I’d be able to explore all angles. I thought it would be quite fun to create a character (Megan) who has made her fame and fortune as a coach, advising people how to live their lives and be happy, when in reality her own life and marriage is a complete disaster area. By getting her to question the whole ethos behind life coaching I thought the reader would be able to make up their own mind, rather than have it rammed down their throat. All four main characters are searching for happiness (aren’t we all?) and I found it really interesting exploring them and their relationships.

My main aim with this book was to give readers a thought-provoking read and an insight into life coaching and the things we can all do to make our lives happier and more productive.

Finding the Plot is also the first book I self-published. I was aware that it didn’t slot neatly into one genre and friends in the publishing world kept telling me that it was impossible to get a book deal for something that couldn’t be neatly pigeon-holed. I was also intrigued by all of the exciting stories coming out about self-publishing and how the new print on demand technology had made it so much easier for writers to ‘go it alone’.

It was a fascinating experience and I’m so glad I did it as it gave me a real insight into all aspects of the book world ie; how to get your book into the shops and how to run an effective marketing campaign. The only reason I wouldn’t self publish again is a lack of time. Publicising a book is a full time job in itself!

One form of marketing I found very effective was approaching reading groups asking them to feature Finding the Plot in their reading lists. Because of the theme behind the book – is it possible to help yourself to happiness? - it proved to be quite a good book for reading groups to discuss and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many readers and getting their feedback on my work.

Below are a selection of reader reviews of Finding the Plot (unfortunately as it was self-published I had no luck getting the book reviewed in any publications)

READER REVIEWS

‘Finding the Plot’ works well on two levels. There is the entertaining plot and characters that grip you and make the novel a real page turner, but there is also an underlying theme of life coaching, which one cannot help but be inspired by. I loved the fictional affirming quotes at the beginning of each chapter. As well as being hugely ironic at times given the mess the characters lives were in, they also served to make us think about what each affirmation actually means and how they can be applied to our own lives. Also included in the novel are a series of life coaching exercises which the reader can try for themselves, with the characters showing us what to do and not to do. A modern-day Paulo Coelho, an intriguing and inspiring novel.’

‘Brilliant. Heart-warming, funny and thought-provoking. A riveting read and must have for those of us hooked on self-help and trying to make sense of the world. Vivid descriptions and well observed characters bring the story to life. Loved it.’

‘This year’s must read book. In fact it’s the best book I’ve read in the last few years. This book will change how you think about life. Siobhan Curham has a unique voice and tells a compelling story. I read part of it in the bath and the water had gone cold by the time I got out. Peopled with characters so well realised you feel as if you know them, Ms Curham shows us the paths they take in their pursuit of happiness. It is also a very human book full of human emotions. Megan, the main character is a slightly flawed life coach and I defy anyone not to be touched by her journey, and more importantly, not to understand on a deeper level that maybe we might need to change a few things on ours.’

‘I’m normally a bit of a stop start reader but I could not put this novel down and read it in two sittings. It was a fascinating experience following such different characters as they all embark upon a journey of self-discovery – to varying degrees of success. As well as being a cracking read, you cannot help being inspired to make changes in your own life. The characters stay in your mind long after you’ve finished the final page. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspirational and heart-warming read.’

Finding the Plot is published by AuthorHouse. Please click here to find it on Amazon.