Choc_Lit Archives - Page 2 of 6

What Doesn’t Kill You.

I am thrilled, delighted and honoured to bring you the news that my third book, What Doesn’t Kill You, is the first to be published under Choc Lit’s newest imprint!

Dark Choc Lit is the new imprint for ‘… compelling, emotional, hard-hitting novels. Not your typical romance story.’

My author tag is ‘romance without the soft edges’, and with Truth or Dare? being quoted on Amazon as ‘hard-hitting‘ (wood_beez48), ‘romance but so much more‘ (Happy reader), and ‘For those who like their romance/love stories a bit tougher, then Truth or Dare? is it.‘ (Book reviews), and Follow Me Follow You, being ‘very emotionally affecting‘ (Welsh Annie) and ‘a mature romance with it’s feet set firmly in reality‘ (Shani), I feel very at home with Dark Choc Lit.

It is most definitely the home for the third in the Chesil Series, What Doesn’t Kill You, and I’d like to take this time to thank my amazing publisher for this opportunity.

So … are you ready to see the beautiful Berni Stevens cover? I have no idea how Berni does it, but she captures the essence of the entire story with her stunning covers.

Scroll down …

It’s a beauty …

The 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.

From Dark Choc Lit – compelling, emotional, hard-hitting novels. Not your typical romance story.

Available for pre-order from Amazon.

I am so excited!

Set for publication on the 26th November.

I really hope you enjoy the read.

Take care.

Laura x

Emergence …

Confession: Not all of the editing took place in the cave ..

Emergence … It sounds like the final part in a Veronica Roth series. It’s not, as far as I’m aware. It’s a reference to the time I’ve spent in the edits cave with my third novel, What Doesn’t Kill You, and the fact I’m out and enjoying the October sunshine.

I’m hoping to have more information about the book soon and will let you know the minute I hear. In the meantime, I’m taking full advantage of my time outside by attending a number of writing-related events, starting with the Bridport Story Slam this Tuesday 13th October 2015, at the Beach and Barnicott in Bridport. I was honoured to be a judge last year, and this time I’m returning as the MC. It’s a fantastic evening and I urge you to come along.

Each contestant has a five-minute slot in which to read aloud their short story. If the story exceeds the time limit, the reader is dinged out. I’m not in charge of the bell.

It’s not only about writing, but the performance, too.

I will be there with copies of Follow Me Follow You for sale and would be delighted to talk books and writing during the breaks. It starts at 19:30.

On Saturday 24th October 2015, I shall be at the Redbridge Central Library, Ilford, with three of my fellow ChocLiteers, talking about writing romance. It’s excellent value at £3, and here are the details.

And make a note in your diary for the Dorset Writers Network day on Saturday 14th November.

Along with two of my Littoralis friends, Kathy Sharp and Kate Kelly, I will be presenting a panel on the advantages of being with an independent publisher. There are many events planned for that day, including writing workshops. Really worth checking out and booking in advance.

For further updates about my trips out, please go to my News and Events page.

I look forward to seeing you.

Take care,

Laura x

Happy Sixth Birthday, Choc Lit!

Today, we ChocLiteers are celebrating Choc Lit’s sixth birthday!

Choc Lit publish books ‘with romance at the heart’, so six is a very special number, as not only does it represent the Lover card in Tarot, but six is the symbol of Venus, the goddess of love.

When my children turned six it meant lots of little people running through our house, paper cups daringly filled to the rim with lemonade, tiny triangular sandwiches the adults ended up eating, and a zillion orange fingerprints on the woodwork, for which the eating of Wotsits was blamed.

I see no reason why partying in this way should cease …

So, put your Wotsit on the table, raise your glass of lemonade, and join me in wishing Choc Lit a very happy sixth birthday. And here’s to another wonderful six years of love and romance.

Who’s for a game of Twister?

Be sure to follow the Choc Lit blog, Facebook page and Twitter feed (#ChocLitparty) for birthday treats.

Laura x

Midsummer Dreams

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…

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

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.

Kobo Deal: Follow Me Follow You.

My second Choc Lit novel, Follow Me Follow You, is available to download for your Kobo at 99p/99c until the 17th March 2015, in their Mother’s Day Deal.

To go to the link, click here.

Alongside the romance between the heroine, Victoria Noble, and the Hollywood action movie star, Chris, the story looks at child attachment disorder, and the strained relationship between Victoria and her four-year-old son, Seth, with whom she struggled to bond at birth.

An uplifting read, it’s perfect for Mother’s Day.

Have a great day.

Laura x

The Creative Well: Part 1. Bath.

The Creative Well: Part 1

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.

Take care.

Laura x

An Irish Promise: Isabella Connor

On Sunday 2nd November 2014, my daughter and I attended the launch of Isabella Connor’s second Choc Lit novel, An Irish Promise.

Arriving promptly at 14:00 hours, I was jubilant at having reached our destination sixty miles from home on time, despite a long wait for a bacon bap, and a traffic jam somewhere near Lyndhurst.

It was only when I asked my daughter to check the invitation to ensure we were most definitely and absolutely at the right building, I realized we were an hour early …

What can I say? I was keen.

Isabella Connor is the pen name of Liv Thomas and Valerie Olteanu. With Val

in Canada, the launch was hosted by my lovely friend and fellow ChocLiteer, Liv, who ran a cryptic quiz, raising funds for charity, answered questions from the floor, and signed copies of An Irish Promise.

With orange, white and green bunting, food and drink-a-plenty, and live music from the excellent Kat Sinclair, it

was a fab event.

As a proud and contented owner of a signed paperback version of An Irish

Promise, and having spent the afternoon with Liv, her family and friends, other writers and my daughter, I’d say it was time well spent.

Even the spare hour between two and three.

Isabella Connor’s An Irish Promise is available now.

Laura x

Blurb:
A promise is a promise …
Art historian, Rachel Ford has returned to the Irish village of Kilbrook intent on keeping her promise to take revenge on the school bullies who ruined her childhood and destroyed her family.
Australian actor, Finn MacKenzie sets hearts fluttering when he turns up in sleepy Kilbrook to help his aunt with a school production. He seems to have a charmed life, yet his confident façade hides heartbreak and tragedy. Although Finn isn’t looking for love, when he meets the mysterious Rachel, there’s a definite spark between them.
Rachel is torn between her desire for revenge and this new love affair. She doesn’t want to deceive Finn, but can she trust him to keep her real identity a secret? And will he understand why she must keep her promise, no matter the cost?

Kindle Daily Deal: Truth or Dare?

Morning all and happy bonfire night!

My Choc Lit debut novel Truth or Dare? is a Kindle Daily Deal today, November 5th 2014.

‘Really enjoyed this book – couldn’t put it down and read it over 3 nights. There were elements of the characters I could really relate to, especially Rosie. After about 2 years of not reading anything at all it was the perfect story to get me back into books and I’m looking forward to the next one.’ – Amazon Reviewer.

TOD_FRONT large — Click on the cover to visit the Amazon page

For 99p, this first book in the Chesil Series will take you on a journey from Bedfordshire to Dorset, to the spectacular Chesil Beach, as you meet Kate Blair, Rosie Jenkins, Josh Willis and Declan O’Brien.

Would you know when to do the wrong thing for the right reason?

Truth or Dare?

Love’s a dangerous game …

Kate Blair’s sick of unrequited love. She’s quietly waited for Mickey for the past six years and finding a compass-carved heart, with their initials scratched through the middle, only strengthens her resolve: no more Mickey and no more playing it safe.

It’s time to take a chance on real love and Declan O’Brien’s the perfect risk. He’s handsome, kind, and crazy about her so it’s not long before all thoughts of Mickey come few and far between.

But old habits die-hard. Kate may have started to forget … but has Mickey?

Laura x

What’s Another Year?

What’s Another Year?

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' — 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.

Thank you.

Take care.

Laura x

And We Have Lift-Off! Follow Me, Follow You is Launched.

Click on the photo to visit the Amazon link

My second novel for Choc Lit, Follow Me Follow You, today released as a paperback, had a wonderful launch on Saturday.

The Dorset Wildlife Trust Chesil Beach Centre was the setting, the weather was gorgeous and the afternoon went without a hitch.

Thank you to my fab publisher, Choc Lit, the Chesil Beach Centre, friends, family, writers and readers in real life and online, who supported the event . I am touched and humbled by how much you put yourselves out to get behind the day. I am one lucky and very grateful writer.

Follow Me, Follow You is on tour for the next week, and I’ll be Tweeting and putting the links on Facebook for those who would like to #follow, and there is a free giveaway through the Brook Cottage Books tour.

Thank you to all the reviewers and bloggers who have invited me to their site, including my Romaniac chums, two of whom paid a visit to Dorset on Saturday.

I hope you enjoy the variety of posts and the extracts from the book.

One last thing before I go … My debut novel, Truth or Dare? is available as a free download today and tomorrow in celebration of the release of FMFY.

Have a great week.

Laura E. James

Truth in Fiction

Tag: Choc_Lit

What Doesn’t Kill You.

What Doesn’t Kill You.

Laura x

Emergence …

Emergence …

Laura x

Happy Sixth Birthday, Choc Lit!

Happy Sixth Birthday, Choc Lit!

Laura x

Midsummer Dreams

Wishing you much success, Alison.

Laura x

Kobo Deal: Follow Me Follow You.

Laura x

The Creative Well: Part 1. Bath.

An Irish Promise: Isabella Connor

Laura x

Kindle Daily Deal: Truth or Dare?

Laura x

What’s Another Year?

Laura x

And We Have Lift-Off! Follow Me, Follow You is Launched.

Laura x