50 Copies of What Doesn’t Kill You Available

50 Copies of What Doesn’t Kill You Available.

My lovely publisher, Choc Lit, is offering 50 Kindle copies of my latest novel, What Doesn’t Kill You, in exchange for an honest review.

To request a copy, email Choc Lit at: info@choc-lit.co.uk. Please insert ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Offer’ into the Subject heading. If you claim a copy, you will need to read the book and write an Amazon review for it.

What Doesn’t Kill You is the first title in Choc Lit’s new Dark imprint – compelling, emotional, hard-hitting novels. Not your typical romance story. An intense, emotional, heartbreaking story.

Blurb:

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger – but how strong can one person be?
Griff Hendry knows what it is to be strong. After a turbulent past, he’s dedicated himself to saving lives, working as a coastguard along the breath-taking shores of Dorset. It’s Griff’s belief that everyone is worth saving – which is why he can’t forgive his father, Logan, for what he did.
Griff’s future is plunged into uncertainty when his wife, Evie, tells him she wants a separation. The revelation is a shock and leads Griff to question what Evie could possibly be hiding – and she isn’t the only one holding back. Griff’s troubled stepdaughter, Tess, also harbours a dark secret.
As the truth is uncovered, Griff is forced to accept that perhaps he’s never understood what real strength is.

Today I’m in Choc Lit Corner defending book covers. Is it a crime to judge a book by its cover? I state my case …

Laura x

Rabbit, Bunny, Jabber, Yap, Rabbit. Romaniacs On Tour. Chi Library Talk.

Romaniacs On Tour.

This Thursday, 25th February 2016, I and two fellow Romaniacs, Sue Fortin and Catherine Miller, are giving a talk at Chichester Library. It’s the first we’ve done as a group since being published, and we are looking forward to it immensely.

Chi Library Talk

We will be chatting about our different approaches to achieving publication and what lies beyond the signing of a contract. With light refreshments, a Q&A session, and three Romaniacs in the house, it promises to be a fun, lively and entertaining evening. We would be delighted to see you there. Tickets are £3, available from the library, and are selling well.

If you would like The Romaniacs to visit a library near you, please do let us know and we shall see what we can do … 😀

Take care.

Laura.

I Have a Date on Valentine’s Day …

This Sunday, 14th February, 2016, I’m appearing at the Purbeck Literary Festival with two of my Littoralis buddies, Kate Kelly and Kathy Sharp. Our books are published by well-respected, independent publishers, and we are bringing our experiences to the festival and holding a discussion on choosing the independent publisher route.

It is free entry to our talk, but please check out the Festival website for further information. There will be books for sale, writerly chat and events for all ages over the two weeks.

We would love to see you there.

Taking The Small Publisher Route

The small publisher option for your fiction.

In an informative and lively ninety-minute discussion, Littoralis, a group of Dorset authors, share their diverse experiences in achieving publication with small, independent publishers.

Topics include:

The advantages of being an author with a small publisher.

Knowing your audience and choosing a publisher.

Preparing to submit your manuscript.

Building your online profile.

Marketing and promotion.

The importance of support networks.

Finishing with a question and answer session, we aim to encourage writers looking to achieve publication to consider the small publisher option as the first step of an exciting journey.

Laura

The Purr-fect Writing Companions

Daisy, Dr Livingstone the doorstop, and Rascal

I enjoy working from home with its many advantages.

Preferring a quiet and still working environment, I rarely turn down offers of coffee from Gajitman, plot analysis from my daughter and the chance to laugh with my son at his wordplay jokes, but during the day in the school term, I have six hours in which to write, blog, complete tax returns and process admin.

My cats, Daisy and Rascal, are my quiet companions at these times. Their coffee skills could use a little polishing, and the only plot they’re concerned about is their territory in the garden, but they do make me smile and laugh and provide excellent cover when I’m talking to myself – ‘That? Oh, I was just talking to Rascal.’

As I write this, Rascal is tearing through the house. I don’t know why. Possibly to do with the rain and wind outside. It would be easy to believe a herd of elephants have charged upstairs …

Daisy is more refined, prim and proper, and she saves most of her affection for my daughter. However, if I’m the only one home, I’ll do …

We are huge cat lovers in the James household – they bring so much love and laughter to our lives, and they are as much a part of our family as our flesh and blood relatives.

Now to teach them how to make a decent cup of coffee …

For more photos of refined Daisy and SplatCat Rascal in all sorts of weird and wonderful poses, please check out my Facebook and Twitter pages.

Take care.

Laura x

If It’s Monday, It Must Be Dorset

Celia, Vanessa, Jan and Laura. 4 of 9 Romaniacs

If it’s Monday, it must be Dorset.

My goodness! What a busy few days. How on earth do touring pop stars know what day of the week it is?

I’m taking a breather after four days of travel, fun and learning.

On Thursday, I was in London, at the Romantic Novelists’ Association Summer Party, where the Romantic Novel of the Year was announced, as was the winner of the Joan Hessayon Award. The room was packed with writers, agents, publishers, and plentiful canapés, which I had to turn down, as with two of my fellow Romaniacs, I had eaten earlier.

I made a fashion choice that day; I opted to wear my Wonder Woman GoGo boots.

Friday, I returned home.

Saturday, I was up and out of the house by seven, and on my way to Reading for another of Julie Cohen’s fabulous writing courses. I could tell you what I learned, but if you’re a writer, you really need to experience Julie’s workshops for yourself. They are insightful, interesting, helpful and fun. Amazing, actually. After ten hours in the company of new and established writers, I drove home, my head full of ideas, and my hands itching to swap the steering wheel for a pen and notebook.

With minimal sleep, I was up just after seven on Sunday morning, preparing for a trip to Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire to visit family. It was a long, but lovely day.

As Gajitman drove home, and the children played on their electronic devices, I closed my eyes and ran through all the things that had happened since setting out to Waterloo on Thursday morning – trains, meetings, laughs (lots of those), conversations, hugs, kisses, challenges, sleep deprivation – and I smiled.

Take care.

Laura x

Literally Making Sense.

I’m reading Sue Moorcroft’s ‘Dream A Little Dream’, a romance where narcolepsy is central to the story. I will review the book once I’ve read it in it’s entirety, but will say I am thoroughly enjoying it. That’s no surprise to me, as I rate the author, both as a writer and a tutor. In July, I’m leaving Gajitman here to hold the fort, whilst I jet off to Italy for a week-long course at Arte Umbria, to be taught by Sue.

The reason for posting today is that ‘Dream A Little Dream‘, with its theme of narcolepsy, is a timely read for me. The hero, Dominic, is dealing with a recent diagnosis of the disorder. This not only includes coming to terms with a life-long medical issue, but taking on board all the other areas of his life that are affected by the sleep disorder. He is unable to continue with his job, not allowed to drive, and is concerned the diagnosis ended his previous relationship.

Why is this timely?

Last week, a close member of my family was diagnosed with epilepsy. Whilst I had reached this conclusion myself, it still winded me to hear the words spoken by the specialist. It’s early days, and, as a family, we are busy researching and learning about the condition, appreciating knowledge is power. I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis since I was eighteen. It can be frustrating at times, but I’ve had long enough to work out my limitations, and know to focus on the positives; what I can achieve, not what I cannot. It’s important that I retain my independence, but ask for help when necessary. But that’s life, isn’t it?

I don’t know how Dominic’s story will pan out, but his journey has been so well researched, thought out and portrayed, I have found comfort in reading it and relating it to my family circumstances. I think it is wonderful that well-written fiction can help people understand and deal with real problems.

Which authors and books have helped you make sense of the world?

Laura x

Lucky 13

Happy New Year. I hope Christmas and your entry into 2013 was everything you wished it to be.

Christmas Day was different without my mother here, but I focused on the children and their excitement carried me through the day. We broke with tradition the next day and went to The Big Shops, to look for high beds, and had lunch at a certain pizza house. Our usual Boxing Day lunch consists of home made chips, cold pickles, and meat/vegetarian alternatives. It was right to do something a little different.

We had a great New Year’s Eve, which we spent with some good friends, and the children stayed up to see in 2013. It felt right. It felt as if it was time to consider moving on. Memories are portable.

13 is a great number. Our daughter was born on the 13th of the month, and in another year, I won a singing competition as number 13. I have high hopes for 2013. I have a writing course to attend in Italy, a day’s course in Reading, the RNA Conference and Summer and Winter parties, a work-in-progress to complete, friends to hug, and a family to nurture.

I have an entire year in which to create new memories.

Have a good one, and stay warm.

Laura x

My Christmas List

This is what I’ve learned:

Life throws curve-balls
The buck stops here
Life is short, no matter how long it is
Writing from the male point of view is fascinating
Life is fascinating
I tussle with hyphenated words
Lifeblood is not a hyphenated word
My family relationships, and my friendships fulfil me
Family and friends are the stone pillars that support me
What doesn’t kill you, does indeed, make you stronger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn676-fLq7I Kelly Clarkson. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) My song of the year.

I am touched you take the time to read and comment on my posts. Thank you so much. Truly, it is appreciated.

2012 was a challenging year for many of us, so I wish you all a peaceful Christmas, and a prosperous 2013, filled with love and laughter.

See you the other side.

Take care.

Laura x

Taxi!

It’s a week after my PIP fusion – the middle joint of my index finger – and I’m pleased to report none of my fears have been realised.

I did not cause a major national shortage of taxis or a traffic jam/ cab situation in Dorset in the first seventy hours as I wandered around with my arm raised and finger pointing heavenwards.

I have not completed an electrical circuit. Anywhere.

I have not been struck by lightning.

I have not poked out anyone’s eye.

My son thinks I’m part robot.

It’s going well.

More soon.

Laura x

Save Our Heroes to Save Our Souls.

I love Dorset. My stories are set around the beautiful towns, villages and coastline. If you have never been, I encourage you to visit, even if it’s raining…

In a move to cut spending and claw back some of the country’s deficit, our Portland Coastguard service is being closed down. What this action tells me is saving money has greater value than human life. Can this be right?

Our Coastguards are true heroes who risk their lives to rescue hundreds of others every year.

I don’t want my stories to tell tales of those lost at sea. I have no desire to write about the lone youth, stranded on a rock who never again will feel the comfort of his mother’s arms. And I don’t want to read headlines that, on a daily basis, shout tragedy. We live by the coast and we acknowledge these terrible and sad accidents happen, so why take away our life savers?

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/30225

Please sign our petition to keep a very important, life-saving service, even if you’re not a resident of the South West, please consider supporting our cause – it’s a wonderful part of the country to visit and we’d like to know we have the capability to help all those in peril on the sea or stranded in beautiful, but remote spots. Please, please sign so London HAS to take note.
And please share.

Thank you very much.

Laura x

Laura E. James

Truth in Fiction

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