REDLANDS author Cathryn Chapman's page turning debut novel Sex, Lies and Cruising is available from Thursday, July 16.
Loosely based on her experiences working in the cruise ship industry, Cathryn takes her readers on a fun, sexy journey on the high seas.
Set on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, Sex, Lies and Cruising is a romantic comedy about Ellie Green, a 20-something British woman who takes on her dream job of working in photography on a ship after dumping her cheating ex.
Cathryn, of Cleveland, has led an exciting life from travelling to South America to teach English and studying theatre on London's West End, to learning French in Paris and studying dance in New York.
Inspiration for her book came from her experience working on cruise ships in her twenties.
"Little bits of real life made it into the book and my experience fuels the story," she said.
"Some of the stories were too good not to use, but some of the best bits are ones that are completely made up."
It took more than two years to write the book because of family commitments and a full-time job, but Cathryn found her creative flow by making herself write a little every day.
"I made myself a rule to sit down and write for 15 minutes a day no matter how tired I was and no matter whether I felt like it or not and that was how I finished the last 13 chapters," she said.
During her writing journey Cathryn learnt a lot about structure, characterisation and editing, but she said finally finishing the book felt amazing.
Sex, Lies and Cruising is light-hearted and fun to read with plenty of naughty bits to keep any chic-lit reader enthralled.
Cathryn's book will be for sale as an eBook and paperback at most book stores.
For more information, visit Cathryn's website www.cathryn chapman.net.
She had some advice for first-time novelists.
"Study the basics first because I didn't and that made it a very long road," she said.
"Study structure, characterisations and plot and it is good to work with a mentor to help you get off the ground."
She said would-be novelists should not wait for inspiration, but to treat writing like a job and do it every day.
