Welcome to my Second Acts Series!

Today, we have Sarah Hegger talking about launching her second act at age 40.

Here’s Sarah!

Briefly describe your first act.

I must have a real fondness for rejection, because I started out life as an actress. I did some stage work and a couple of really B grade TV bits and pieces (the names of which will go to the grave with me) before I drifted into doing market research and public relations to make ends meet. I then moved to London with the vague idea of trying to make it big on the West End stage. Instead, I had a seriously good time working in an advertising agency for a couple of years.

I came back home to South Africa and met my husband. We were engaged within weeks and married six months later. I have drifted after him as what is known as a trailing spouse for the last fourteen years. We have lived in over ten homes in that time. Other than a career in packing up and moving on, I was a stay at home mom until my 40th birthday.

What triggered the need for change?

Having dabbled here and there with various forms of writing in all my career incarnations, I was one of those people who always said I wanted to write a book. When my girls got that bit older, I found myself with more time on my hands. I also met my good friend, Kim, over lunch on my 40th birthday and found a mutual desire to write a romance novel. At that time, I was still mumbling what I wrote beneath my breath. People can get a peculiar look on their faces when you tell them you are a romance writer. Kim and I formed a pact to get on with it and actually get it done.

Since then, I have completed four manuscripts. One of which, should never see the light of day again, two contemporary romances and my debut published novel, a medieval romance, due for release in Spring 2014.

Where are you now?

I am a firm believer in taking the advice I was once given, which is to move on to the next project. I am wrestling my way through the England of King John as I tackle another medieval. Next, I have another contemporary begging to be let out of my brain.

Do you have advice for anyone planning to pursue a second act?

I don’t think it’s ever too late to do that thing you always wanted to do. Most of the most interesting people I know are second, third and even fourth acters. Our children do as we do and not as we say, and I realized that if I wanted my girls to be the sort of women who went after what they wanted and lived the sort of life that would fulfill them, the best thing I could do, is live that life for myself.

Any affirmations or quotations you wish to share?

My oldest daughter reminded me of this one.

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” YODA, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Blurb from The Bride Gift (To be released in Spring 2014)

It’s 1153 in the period dubbed ‘The Anarchy’, King Stephen and Empress Maud are not the only ones embroiled in a fierce battle of the sexes.

Determined to control her own destiny, wilful Helena of Lystanwold has chosen just the husband to suit her purposes. But, when her banished guardian uncle attempts to secure her future and climbs through her bedroom window with a new husband by a proxy marriage, she understandably balks. Notorious warrior Guy of Helston is everything Helena swore she would never marry; a man who lives by the sword, like the man who murdered her sister.

This marriage finally brings Guy close to his lifetime dream of gaining lands and a title. He is not about to let his feisty bride stand in his way. A master strategist, Guy sets out to woo and conquer his lady.

Against a backdrop of vengeance, war and betrayal, Guy and Helena must learn to forge a united front or risk losing everything.

Where to find Sarah…

Website: http://sarah-hegger.squarespace.com

Blog: http://sarahhegger.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahheggerauthor?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahHegger

Joanne here!

Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey, Sarah. The Bride Gift sounds absolutely delicious. I’m putting it on my 2014 TBR list.