Let me tell you a story about the creation of Highest of Priorities.

The concept was something I came up with when I was seventeen; I wrote maybe 2k words, and then threw it in an off cuts folder after realising, despite writing from personal experience, I wasn’t in the right mind nor mature enough to produce it in the way I wanted to.

The original working title was Lowest of Priorities because Kirsten was being treated as the lowest, rather than the highest. Looking back on it, it’s a clear reflection of the self-esteem issues I was dealing. Now, years of therapy later and finally being in a stable relationship, I know better. Given, my self-esteem is still in the toilet, but at least I know I deserve more than what I was getting.

I restarted writing the piece because of my partner; I discussed some of my old concepts with him and was immediately told I needed to see this one through to the end.

The thing is, Highest of Priorities only had three chapters in the original plan. It was purely supposed to be Kirst and Sully meeting, falling for one another, and getting down to it – if ya know what I mean…

I ended up writing more than originally anticipated, then used the book to cope with the abuse I had to deal with from an ex-friend when I was sixteen. It’s been a great way to express what I’ve never really been able to, to anyone.

The abortion storyline comes with a heavy hit for me, as someone who was considering an abortion at the time of my miscarriage.

Keep in mind when reading my happily ever afters, there’s typically a pregnancy involved since I’m at the stage in my life where I can picture myself having children with my partner. There’s no hidden meaning other than: I want a family with the people I love, because I don’t have a family without them.

With all that said, I’m pleased to announce Highest of Priorities is finally here!

Available as both an eBook and Paperback, containing the Toby & Barbie side story which takes place during the events of Highest of Priorities.

For those who wish not to buy it - Highest of Priorities is still available on Inkitt for free, while Toby & Barbie is only available for Inkitt tier supporters.

And, as a little celebration, I’ll offer 50% off Sol and Sunflower tiers for the first three months – just use code HOP50 in checkout before 11:59PM on September 16^th.