I've had lots of new followers recently, so I thought I'd re-introduce myself! I'm Clare Mackintosh, author of the bestselling novels in the first photo. This summer I'm launching a brand new crime series, set in North Wales. The first book is called #TheLastParty and it features community tensions, family secrets and a body in a lake. I was a police officer for 12 years. I took a two year career break because I was doing a terrible job balancing work and home. I got a book deal and never went back; the irony is that I now work far too hard and am doing a terrible job balancing work and home... In an effort to avoid Writer's Bottom I see a personal trainer twice a week (thanks @olicrimppt) which is the best investment I've ever made in myself. I REALLY love eating, and I like wine a bit too much, so this helps enormously. I'm passionate about community: both online and in real life. I love connecting people, solving problems or lending an ear, and I think most problems can be solved with the right people around us. I spend far too much time in my own online communities (here, Twitter, and in my FB book club - see bio to join me!) and I'm trying to use my phone less. Ah, the eternal irony of making that statement while using my phone... So that's me. Now tell me something about you! p.s. dress and jumper were gifts from @joanieclothing #Bookstagram #Bookstagramfeatures #Bookstagrammer #Bookphotography #amreading #readingtime #shelfie #ILoveBooks #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #instabooks #igreads #readersofinstagram #novel #authorssupportingauthors #meettheauthor [first image: Clare Mackintosh, a white woman in her 40s, sits on a yellow chair. She's wearing a black dress with a pattern of books. She holds a stack of her books. second image: Clare Mackintosh stands against a backdrop of bookshelves. She's holding a copy of her book, I Let You Go. She wears a grey jumper with large white writing 'Read more books']