I have some exciting news for both Truth or Dare? and Follow Me Follow You.
‘Thank god for amazon and my kindle, if it wasn’t for these I would never get to read great books like this.’ Amazon Reviewer.
Truth or Dare? has been selected for Amazon’s Kindle Valentine Deal, and is currently 99p only to download. If you enjoy reading romance without the soft edges, this could be the book for you. It’s received great reviews, and it’s a thrill knowing readers really enjoyed a different type of romance novel – my type of romance novel.
Follow Me Follow Youis now available as an audio book, which is a first for me. I would love to hear from you if you listen to Chris and Victoria’s story.
Also with Follow Me Follow You, I am delighted to say I have my first Waterstones book signing on Valentine’s Day, Saturday 14th February, in the Dorchester branch. I’ll be there from 11-1, signing copies of my paperback, and would love for you to come and say hello, and of course, buy a book 😀 Follow Me already has twenty 5* reviews.
‘I loved it – a cleverly created world, a beautiful love story, and enough dark and light to make it a really original read.’ Welsh Annie
Waterstones are running an entire day of romance related events and it’s going to be brilliant.
That’s my news for today. I still have my head down, getting on with book 3, What Doesn’t Kill You, and it’s rattling along at a fair speed now as everything is coming together for the big finish. I’m also thinking about book 4 and have a title and an idea for that, so as soon as I’ve submitted WDKY …
Have a great week, and take care in this cold, icy weather.
It’s Tuesday and I need to make up a shortfall of 1000 words – words I should have written yesterday, but allowed myself to be distracted by Sunday’s episode of Last Tango in Halifax.
Like a good book, this programme, expertly written by Sally Wainwright, and exquisitely performed by the cast, has yet to leave my thoughts.
But I need to focus on my hero, Griff. Although he’s written in third person, I’m going to write a chapter in first, as an experiment, to see if he still has a few surprises up his Watch Officer sleeves.
As a pure aside, I’m over with my friends, The Romaniacs today, as we introduce our new weekly series, The Life Cycle of a Writer.
Happy New Year! I hope 2015 started on a positive note for you, and continues in the same way.
My year has begun with the determination to hit my March deadline for book 3, which means a daily word count of 2000, plus a rewrite. I’m not a fast first draft writer, often agonising over every word, but this does mean the second draft is usually less painful and less time consuming.
In the meantime and at the time of writing this post … the RNA anthology, Truly, Madly, Deeplyis currently 59p only, as a download from Amazon. My short story, Bitter Sweet, is in this extended addition, along with 34 stories written by romantic novelists. It’s a varied, interesting and wonderful collection of stories, showcasing the many types of romance and romance writing.
I couldn’t leave this mini-series without mentioning one of the most important means of refilling my creative well, especially not at this time of year – being with friends and family – in the case, The Romaniacs.
Last weekend six out of the eight Romaniacs gathered in Church Stretton for a weekend of writing, workshops, planning, laughter and fun. We chatted about our work-in-progress, discussed plot problems, ran ideas passed each other, ate, drank, laughed, and took a cultural trip into Shrewsbury.
Lucie, Vanessa & Debbie
On the second and final night, we opened our secret Santa gifts, ate even more food, sipped Prosecco, and enjoyed spending some rare and quality time together. Our two fellow Romaniacs, Celia and Jan were very much missed, and we hope they will be able to make the next Sparkle Weekend, as it became known.
Being with other writers and sharing in a creative process is a great way to refill that well. I returned home fired up and focused, and keen to complete the first draft of book 3.
On that note, I should get my head down and get Griff, my hero, out of a sticky situation …
I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2015, filled with friendship and fun, and maybe just a few books.
In my third and final part of The Creative Well, I’m sharing my love and enthusiasm for The Fall. BBC 2 Thursdays.
I came to this drama late, having read positive comments about it on Facebook. It’s a police thriller, starring Gillian Anderson as DSI Stella Gibson, and the man who is to play Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades film, Jamie Dornan, as the serial killer, Paul Spector.
As viewers, we are shown the murderer from the first scene. We are treated to watching DSI Gibson and her team unravel the clues that hopefully will lead to an arrest. We are yet to see if she catches her man.
It is an absorbing drama, excellently acted and superbly written. Gillian Anderson has very little dialogue, yet I’m certain I know what’s going through her mind, such is her skill.
I’m drawn in by the intensity. I’m totally focused on the visuals, and listen to every single word spoken. There is no stuffing – no padding – everything in the script is there to move the story forward, create suspense or explain motives. I’m watching every action and reaction, as each expression and every tiny movement has meaning. I find myself wondering how the writer, Allan Cubbitt, describes this within the script.
It’s a master class in how to write, act and portray great characters and plotlines, and I find it hugely inspiring.
Which TV shows or films have topped up your creative well?
I am a huge Paloma Faith fan and there have been many times I’ve turned to her music for inspiration. On occasion, lyrics have triggered thoughts that led to me solving plot problems in my novels, and I’ll quite often play particular songs from her albums to set the mood and tone of the scene I’m writing.
Paloma is one of the artists I would travel miles to see and hear perform live.
Our trip to Bath at the end of November was built around a Paloma gig at the wonderful art deco Bath Forum. As soon as my friend and I arrived and parked the car, we went in search of the Forum, only to discover the car park was right next door. The crew was unloading the lorry with the instruments and set and there was a part of me that wondered if we’d see Paloma enter the building.
The Forum Seats 1800
The gig was outstanding – beautifully crafted, with endless energy and excellent musicianship from Paloma and the band, delivered with humour, passion and emotion, all of which drew me in. I admire Paloma’s creativity and her ability to connect. For me, she achieves in the music world all that I strive to achieve in the writing world.
Once again, a plot problem I’ve been struggling with was resolved by listening to Paloma, only this time it wasn’t through the lyrics of a song, but in her funny and chatty link to Ready For The Good Life. I’m trying to work out why this happens. Is it because we both write about romance and relationships?
How have your plot problems been resolved?
We didn’t see Paloma enter the building, but I live in hope that I will one day meet her to thank her for helping keep my creative well topped up.
Did I mention I’m a huge Paloma faith fan?
In my final part of the mini series, I’ll be taking a look at a recent TV drama that has my mind buzzing.
Welcome to the first in my mini series about The Creative Well.
Bath, preparing for its Christmas markets.
This is a term I first came across having joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and it was quite possibly one of my fellow Choc Lit authors who drew the phrase to my attention.
Having spent an intense few months nurturing Follow Me Follow You, writing short stories for anthologies, and attempting to complete the first draft of book 3, I reached a point where my creative well needed refilling. Normally I would turn to books for that injection of inspiration, but I’m so deep into my draft and so fully invested in that fictional world, I’m avoiding entering others.
Last week, a friend and I took a trip to Bath, a beautiful Somerset city, full of history, grace and elegance. I had never visited before and was keen to look around.
On our search for the Roman Baths, and much to our delight, we discovered lots of stationery stores. I wondered if this was down to Bath’s literary connections, but didn’t question it beyond that, enjoying ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the glorious array of pens, notebooks and pencil cases.
We struggled to locate the Baths, expecting signposts to point our way and for the entrance to be obvious. A kind cyclist took pity on us and gave clear and precise directions. Once we reached the building, we were told all the signposts had been taken down … We didn’t feel quite as daft after that.
The Baths are fascinating and inspirational, and if you ask me what a strigil is, I can tell you. I learned the difference between Turkish and Roman Baths, that the water in the main bath is warm, and that you shouldn’t touch the water in the main bath …
I did wash my hands thoroughly, especially as I was told a grim story from 1979 about a person dying from the bugs in the water.
It was a wonderful day, full of history, exploration and discovery, and like the baths, a natural spring – in this case of ideas rather than water – started to refill my creative well.
Next week I’ll be reporting on what we did in the evening in Bath, but in the meantime, I’d like to know what fills your creative well.
What’s another year? I remember it as a 1980 Eurovision Contest winning song from Johnny Logan. It gave me shivers at the time.
Another year this time round sees the first anniversary of the publication of my debut novel, Truth or Dare?,book 1 in the Chesil Series. Plenty has happened in those twelve months.
The book had a cover makeover for a start.
ToD was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction’s Best Romantic eBook, my short story, Mulled Wine and Cupcakes, was accepted by Choc Lit and published in the Love Match Selection anthology, I was invited to and attended Weymouth’s SandWorld to celebrate their Books and Author theme for 2014, and my second book, Follow Me, Follow You, book 2 in the Chesil Series, went into print – my first paperback, which I’m thrilled and relieved to say has been exceedingly well-received.
The Romaniacs, of whom I’m a member, went digital, forming Romaniac Press, and publishing our first anthology, Romaniac Shorts, with proceeds donated to the Romantic Novelists’ Association and Dyslexia Action. It’s a collection of twenty-two stories, some dark, others quirky or funny, which has received lovely reviews.
My short story, Bitter Sweet, was selected for the RNA anthology, Truly, Madly, Deeply, appearing in the extended digital edition, and last week saw my first foray into the world of judging, as I attended the Bridport Story Slam.
It’s been busy.
And I managed to feed my children! Although on occasion, they kept my engine running smoothly, particularly following my wrist surgery at Christmas. My daughter made a delicious gluten-free, vegetarian pie for my Christmas lunch, and my son took care of my scar, rubbing Bio Oil in at every opportunity.
Gajitman kept the supplies of coffee and chocolate coming. No mean feat, I can tell you.
And, in time for the RNA’s summer conference, I made gluten-free gin and tonic cupcakes. Oh yes.
Looking ahead, I shall be at SandWorld for the third and final time this season as an attending author on Wednesday 29th October 2014, signing copies of FMFY and enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the staff. It’s been an absolute pleasure spending time there, and I highly recommend it for a trip out. The sand sculptures are incredible.
I am 30,000 words into book 3 in the Chesil Series, provisionally titled, What Doesn’t Kill You, and have set a new deadline of 24th December 2014 to get the first draft completed. My intention is to sign up to NaNoWriMo this year to encourage me to push through to the end of the novel.
A teaser photo for ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’
Towards the end of November, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society are kindly running a giveaway of FMFY. I wrote an article which appeared in February’s magazine reflecting on how I achieved a life-long dream of becoming a published author. It’s a great organisation, which is currently running a Remission Mission. I’m on the wall. I wonder if you can tell what my remission mission is …
My mission for today is to thank everyone who has made my writing dream come true, and salute those who have been kind enough to buy, read and review the books.
What an honour it was to be at last night’s Bridport Story Slam, attending as a judge – my first time in this role as a writer.
Part of the Bridport Open Book, the event was held at the Beach & Barnicott, a wonderful, intimate grade II listed bar and restaurant in the centre of Bridport, Dorset. Supported by The Dorset Writers Network, the slam was organised by the lovely Frances Colville, and compared by Declan Duffy, a charming and humorous MC who ensured the proceedings were seamless.
Twelve brave souls entered the fray, and when their name was pulled from the hat, they stepped onto the stage and entertained us with stories no longer than five minutes each.
From the foreboding tale of Hide and Seek, to a plum fedora, and ending with the death of Cock Robin as told by the sparrow, I was delighted with the diversity of the new writers.
Kate Kelly, Penny Deacon & Laura James
With my two colleagues, Kate Kelly and Penny Deacon, I retired to the Judges Chambers to consider the verdict.
The winning story was A French Tale, a glorious, witty, well-observed account of a seven-nearly-eight-year-old girl’s burgeoning curiosity about the world around her. It was written and read by Wendy Breckon.
Writing for a slam is a different art form to that of writing for a mail-in competition. There has to be a performance at a slam. The reader has to put the physical energy and life into his or her words, get up in front of a room of waiting listeners, and entertain them. There’s something very traditional about that. Something familial. As if we’re snuggled around the fire in the warmest room in the house, holding our breath as our grandparents, mothers, or fathers tell us their greatest tales.
Wendy achieved this. Her descriptions put me right in the middle of her scenes and I could visualise the story from start to finish, and her delivery was divine. But had I received her tale to read for myself, it would still have worked – proof she had written a great story.
Many thanks to the organisers, performers, my able assistant, my daughter, who handled book sales, the venue and my fellow judges. It was an excellent evening and I hope a positive experience for everyone who took part.
Off The Cuff is my local, friendly, supportive writing group. We meet once a week and write off the cuff. Sometimes we’re given a title, sometimes we’re presented with specific words to include within our piece, and sometimes we’re prompted by a hash tag on a text …
It’s a great way to flex the writing muscle.
I have a number of notebooks filled with short stories, flash fictions, poems and possible beginnings to new novels, all written at Off The Cuff. I was looking through my most recent one and thought I’d share my cowboy short with you.
Gunfight at the Not OK Corral.
Swaggering down the street, gun in hand, Gabe’s eyes flicked left to right as he scanned the path ahead. Five minutes had passed since his tussle with Jed behind the old church and neither gunslinger was about to leave town. This was a fight to the death. Turning the corner, Gabe squinted. The low summer sun was reflecting off the rear window of a large, black four-by-four, blinding him to what lay ahead. Right now, he was vulnerable. Right now, Jed could shoot him down.
Gabe stopped and listened. A scuffing and shuffling of boots carried on the breeze and drew his attention to the front of the vehicle. He raised a hand to his brow, and searched the dusty road for signs of life. There. A brim of a hat. A shadow.
Exposed and with nowhere to hide, Gabe checked his gun for ammo – one more shot. He had to make it count.
‘Jed,’ he called. ‘I know you’re there. Show yourself.’ He tucked his gun into the front pocket of his jeans, thrust his thumbs into his waistband, and waited.
With a hand secured to his hip, Jed emerged from in front of the car. ‘What’s it to be, Gabe?’ he said, his fingers hovering over his holster. ‘One on one?’
Gabe nodded. ‘Yep. Just you and me. We end it. Now.’ He indicated for Jed to turn around, stood with his back to his, and started a count to ten as both cowboys strode in opposite directions.
‘Turn and draw?’ Jed asked at step eight.
‘Yep.’ Gabe’s nerves rolled like tumble weed around his gut. He could take Jed. He just needed to keep his focus. ‘Nine. Ten.’ He wheeled round, lifted his gun and squeezed the trigger. ‘Prepare to get wet, Jed!’ he yelled, laughing as the water spurted from his pistol.
I’m thrilled to have been asked to be a judge at Bridport’s Story Slam on Tuesday 14th October 2015. If you’re in the area, please do come along and listen to the local talent.
