Tag: Alison_May

Midsummer Dreams

Alison May MIDSUMMER_FRONT (2)

In celebration of the e-launch day for Alison May’s brand new romantic comedy, Midsummer Dreams, I’m posting today on the theme of all things dream-related. Be sure to check out Alison’s blog today, and see how many other dream-related posts you can find floating in the midsummer air.

I had a dream…

These are almost the lyrics to a song by the first band with whom I fell in love. (And yes, I have just watched the video, I did sing along, and I did come over all emotional.) I was ten years old when my friend introduced me to ABBA.She played Mamma Mia on her cassette player. You know the sort of machine? You had to set up the skinny microphone, balance it precariously on its Y stand, place it next to the radio, and press down the play and record buttons together to tape the Top 40 … One of those.

A long, long time ago ...
A long, long time ago …

With ABBA, it was love at first hearing, and for the next few Christmasses, I was guaranteed the newest album and accompanying poster. I knew every word of every song – even the B sides to the singles. I painstakingly handwrote the lyrics, lifting the arm on my record player to pause the song while I copied down the next couple of phrases.

I’d sit at my desk, staring through my window, listening to Abba, singing along, imagining I was on stage performing Fernando and Super Trouper, and I’d dream of meeting Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Frida.

Alas, I never met the four people who dominated the walls of my bedroom, but I have been on stage singing their songs, and enjoyed every moment of living that particular dream.

 

I had a nightmare…

… finding jeans that fit the small of my back.

 

My dream for the future…IMG_2592

That my children live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives, and that they know their dreams can come true. As Walt Disney said; All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

 

 

 Wishing you much success, Alison.

Laura x

You can download the kindle edition of Midsummer Dreams here: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00XJOEJTM

 

Alison May MIDSUMMER_FRONT (2)About Midsummer Dreams

 

Four people. Four messy lives. One party that changes everything … Emily is obsessed with ending her father’s new relationship – but is blind to the fact that her own is far from perfect.  Dominic has spent so long making other people happy that he’s hardly noticed he’s not happy himself.  Helen has loved the same man, unrequitedly, for ten years. Now she may have to face up to the fact that he will never be hers.  Alex has always played the field. But when he finally meets a girl he wants to commit to, she is just out of his reach.  At a midsummer wedding party, the bonds that tie the four friends together begin to unravel and show them that, sometimes, the sensible choice is not always the right one.

Meeting My Main Character

Thank you so much to friend and fellow Romaniac, Celia J Anderson, for inviting me to take part in the Meeting My Main Character blog hop.

Celia introduced us to Mab, from her debut novel, Sweet Proposal, and you can meet both ladies here.

FM_hirespackshot copy

What is the name of the main character? Is she real or fictitious?

Victoria Noble is a fictitious thirty-five-year-old. Known as Vicky Paveley in her youth, the divorced mother is the director of the highly successful EweSpeak.

 

When and where is the story set?

The story begins in London, but swiftly moves to Weymouth and Portland, in Dorset, my beautiful home county. Chesil Beach plays a major role in my character’s life, as it does in mine.

 

What should we know about her?

Having been let down and betrayed twice by the male of the species, Victoria has pulled the plug on romance. She wrestles with the work-life balance, throwing most of her energy into maintaining her business, and her relationship with her four-year-old son, Seth, is at breaking point.

 

What is the main conflict? What messes up her life?

Left to raise a child with whom she has little connection, everyday life is a struggle for Victoria. There is huge conflict between her and Seth, and simple tasks such as giving him a bath and putting him to bed create anxiety and tension. He is resistant, belligerent, and on occasion, violent. Victoria believes she provides well for him, but realises it’s not enough when the draw of her EweSpeak office is greater than his cry for love.

If the men in her life had kept their promises, she wouldn’t be caught in the vicious circle of daily battles with her son. She holds one man in particular responsible ‒ Chris Frampton, Victoria’s first love.

 

What is Victoria’s goal?

To let go of the past, stop blaming others for her mistakes, and heal the damaged bond between her and Seth.

 

What is the book’s title?

Follow Me, Follow You.

Paperback due out September 2014, published by Choc Lit. 

 

Thanks so much for tagging me, Celia – I’m now passing the baton to my friend and fellow ChocLiteer, Alison May – find out about her main character here – http://alison-may.co.uk/blog/ and also the lovely Christine Stovell, whose new release, Follow A Star, is available for pre-order http://homethoughtsweekly.blogspot.co.uk/

I’m looking forward to reading about their main characters.

Enjoy.

Laura x

It’s Official!

Helen Ellis Photography
Helen Ellis Photography

It’s official! I have most definitely signed with award-winning publisher, Choc Lit.

I say that as if it wasn’t official before, but to see it written in black and white in Book Trade Announcements is thrilling. And I am so pleased for my friends, Alison May and Rhoda Baxter – we’re all in it together, ladies.

I’ve had my head down writing book 2, Follow Me, and I’m aware the first round of edits are imminent for Truth or Dare?, hence the relative radio silence. I’ve also been training my voice back into shape for a couple of singing outings coming up. Loving Caro Emerald at the moment. It’s fair to say I’m going to be rather occupied for the next few weeks.

Thank you for all your support, good wishes and for continuing to read my posts. I truly appreciate it. My previous post, Dear Mum: A Letter to the Skies reached a phenomenal number of readers last month. It will be a great honour to dedicate Truth or Dare? to my mum.

The Dorset Flag
The Dorset Flag

I’m off now to complete a pivotal scene before lunch, followed by hanging the duvet out to dry. I lead a glamorous life 🙂

Have a great day, and take care.

Laura x