Novel Kicks is an online community designed especially for writers whether published or taking those first few steps. I am delighted that Laura Parish, the site's founder has agreed to answer some questions for me.

Laura, please tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve recently turned thirty and still wondering where my twenties went. I’ve wanted to write a book for years but fear has always got in the way. However, I’ve recently become a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association New Writers Scheme so I’m hoping the lack of book will soon change. I also love music and would love to be working in the radio industry but for now I’ll stick with my I-pod which has songs ranging from The Beatles to Westlife to Lady Gaga (much to my husband’s Chris’ annoyance.) If I’m not writing, reading or dancing around to pop music, I watch TV for a living. :)

How did you come up with the idea for Novel Kicks?

Being a new writer myself, one of the things that I find the scariest (other than committing to the actual writing of the book) is letting people read my work. Therefore I thought it would be great to have somewhere people could post work and gain feedback (including me) and be around people in the same boat. As I work shifts, I couldn’t commit to a weekly writing group so putting something online seemed like the next best thing. Also, around the same time, my friend Roland was recruiting people on a Facebook Group to commit to writing a book in a year. I put the two ideas together in my head and suggested Novel Kicks to him.

What are your aims and ambitions for Novel Kicks?

My main ambition for Novel Kicks is to have a community within the forums. Somewhere people feel they can go to discuss with fellow writers and where people would feel comfortable in posting work. I also want the author interview section to continue to be as successful as it has been.

What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

Meeting new people via the virtual world of the site and being able to be in contact with some of the authors I admire has been the thing I’ve loved the most. I’ve managed to be in contact with so many lovely people (authors as well as users of the site) and it’s great. I’ve also been sent books for review; books I wouldn’t have normally picked up but have loved. If not for the site then I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to read so many wonderful stories.

How can people get in touch with you?

You can become a member on Novel Kicks (http://www.novelkicks.co.uk) – it’s free and we have a monthly book club and writing group where anyone is welcome to contribute too. You can also contact me via e-mail (novel@novelkicks.co.uk) and we’re also on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/novelkicks) and Twitter (@novelkicks)

If you’re a new writer and don’t really know where to begin then please come join Novel Kicks. We’re all a friendly bunch and the more people who use the forum, the better it will become.