Womens'_Fiction Archives - Page 5 of 6

Weymouth and Writing on Publication Day

The Smugglers Inn, Osmington Mills, Weymouth, where Gaitman and I had our wedding reception. Declan and Kate spend the night here. — The Smugglers Inn, where Gajitman and I had our wedding reception.
Declan and Kate spend the night here.

Weymouth and writing go together like fish and chips, the sea and sand, and Portland Bill and the red and white lighthouse. I love using scenery from my home town, and Chesil Beach features in both Truth or Dare? and Follow Me, but leading up to the release this week of my debut, Truth or Dare?, I would like to share with you an insight into my life, in fact and fiction.

Truth or Dare? begins in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, where I bought my first house. In the late eighties and early nineties, it was a small market town, a fifteen minute drive from the big shops in Central Milton Keynes. I moved there from Watford, primarily because property was cheaper, but also for my job. I was an insurance claims assessor, and Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire were part of my area.

Weymouth Harbour. I love sitting here on a sunny day, with my family, eating fish and chips, watching the world sail by.

My parents lived in Weymouth, and I visited whenever work, social life, and Rotaract permitted, rising early so during my drive I would see the sun drift over Salisbury Cathedral, and arrive in Weymouth in time to watch the dedicated dog-walkers set their hounds free on the beach. I would reach my parents’ house ready to sit at the family table for breakfast. Sometimes I told my mum I was coming, other times, I’d just pitch up.

I’ve lived in Weymouth for twenty years, on three separate occasions, this latest spell being the longest. I cannot imagine leaving. It holds many precious memories – marriage, births, deaths, friendships.

Chesil Beach. Rosie and Josh have a ‘moment’ here.

I love the scenery, the drama, the cry of the gulls. The sea.

It is no wonder Weymouth and Portland feature in my novels. I hope I can do it justice.

And I hope you enjoy reading Truth or Dare? It’s published today, and is available on Kindle.

Laura x

Truth or Dare? http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00G3I4PHM

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?

Choc Lit Lite.

Truth or Dare? Cover Reveal

It’s here! My first-ever novel cover. And it is gorgeous.

Truth or Dare? is due for an October release, under the Choc Lit Lite imprint.

Choc Lit have an excellent reputation, not only for quality reads, but for their incredible covers.

The very talented Berni Stevens has done it again, capturing the essence of Truth or Dare?.

So, without further ado, I give you Truth or Dare? – the cover.

Scroll slowly …

It is beautiful.

Thank you so much, Berni, and Choc Lit.

Laura x

Truly, Madly, Deeply

Truly, madly, deeply excited to announce my short story, Bitter Sweet, which achieved runner-up position in Choc Lit’s first short story competition, 2012, has been selected for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Anthology, due for publication, by Harlequin, February 2014. The anthology is entitled Truly, Madly, Deeply. You can find out more here.

The week I first heard it had been accepted was the same week as I signed Truth or Dare? to Choc Lit. I lived on adrenalin. And I smiled lots.

I’m still having a few ‘shaking head’ moments. On both counts. How lucky am I?

The RNA’s anthology, Loves Me, Loves Me Not, was a great success and I am thrilled to be contributing to Truly, Madly, Deeply, and I am completely overwhelmed with the line-up of authors.

Thank you to the RNA, its members, and its New Writers’ Scheme for the time and effort put into guiding and advising new writers, and for helping me fulfil a dream.

And thank you to Choc Lit, without whom, Bitter Sweet would not exist.

Take care.

Laura x

It’s Official!

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.

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

I Have News

Good morning. I have news.

I am delighted to tell you my first novel, ‘Truth or Dare?’ has been accepted for publication by the marvellous Choc Lit, under their new Choc Lit Lite imprint, and I couldn’t be happier.

Choc Lit are a well-respected, award-winning, independent publisher, with great work ethics and fantastic authors, and one with whom I feel honoured to be linked.

I’m quite sure none of this would have happened had I not joined my local writing group, Off The Cuff, or the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme, and owe everyone involved my thanks. If you are an unpublished writer of romance, the NWS is the scheme for you. Find out about it here.

Through both groups, I have learned such a lot about writing, and life, but best of all, I made enduring, solid writing friendships, including my online support group, The Romaniacs.

Then there are those wonderful friends and family at home, who for the last six years have listened to me without glazing over, and encouraged me to keep going.

You are all stars, and not once have I found writing a lonely experience 🙂

Thank you.

And thank you, Mum.

Take care.

Laura xx

Blog Hopping

On the last day of the half-term holidays, whilst the children chill out in preparation for Monday, I’m hopping across to The Romanaics blog and discussing the stories that move me.

Please join me here. I’d love to know which songs, films, poems and books get right beneath your skin, and stay with you.

Have a great weekend.

Laura x

Grace

Grace is the word.

On Tuesday 5th February 2013, I took a jaunt to the Portsmouth Guildhall to watch Paloma Faith in her ‘Fall To Grace’ tour. She was outstanding not only with her stage craft and voice, but with her sense of style and her balletic moves. This photo in no way captures Paloma’s being, in the same way it cannot deliver her voice, but she was spectacular.

I’ve listened to both her albums, Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?, and Fall To Grace, pretty much back-to-back for months. I’d reverted to being my younger, teenage self, desperate to absorb every word and hang onto every note of every song.

Yes. I used to do that – the artists were different then, but the feeling was the same as it is now.

Black and Blue, the third track on the current Faith album, was playing when I resolved a plot issue in ‘Truth or Dare?’ I am truly inspired by her lyrics and admire her ability to tell a story musically, and with such depth of feeling. It’s quite an art.

The title of the second album, and the track Agony, brought to mind a poem I wrote in June 1987, entitled Grace.

I could easily go down,

So easily fall from grace,

You tease and touch and tempt me,

As you tenderly trace the depths and hollows

Of the places

Where I could easily go down.

In the softly scented room,

Where I could easily go down,

Your silent shadows soothe me,

And the secretive sound of your falling clothes,

As you ungown,

Say I will fall from grace.

I could easily go down

As you brush against my back,

You breathe and blow and blind me,

As you so deftly touch the depths and hollows

Within my soul,

As I so easily go down.

Tonight, I’ll fall from grace,

As you steal my shame away,

As together,

We go down.

Laura x

Click here for a link to my friend Sue’s account of the gig.

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

Feel The Love

The weekend of November 16th sees the start of the 2012 Festival of Romance, in Bedford.

I attended the inaugural Festival last year in Watford and had a thoroughly brilliant time. I met authors, publishers, editors and a group of ladies who, with me, were to become The Romaniacs.

The Festival format is a little different this year with Regency Romance hitting Bedford town centre and workshops and events divided between venues.

Friday night is the Festival of Romance Awards and Ball and I am thrilled to announce my current work in progress, ‘Follow Me’, has been shortlisted for the New Talent Award. Not only that, but five of my fellow Romaniacs are also on that list.

In total, twenty five new writers are in the running, so there’s plenty of great competition out there.

Many friends are up for a variety of awards and it is fantastic their hard work is being highlighted in such a positive way.

I offer my congratulations to everyone whose name has appeared on a shortlist and thank Kate Allan, Chief Organiser, and the committee for all their hard work in producing a weekend of romance.

For those who cannot make the event, I hope you enjoy your own weekend of romance.

Take care.

Laura x

Review: The Summer Of Living Dangerously. Julie Cohen.

In an attempt to leave her past behind, avid romance reader and technical journalist, Alice Woodstock spends the summer as a Historical Interpreter at Eversley Hall, a Regency stately home.

As past lives play into present day, Alice must decide on her future.

I loved this book. It is clever, witty, escapist and touching. I went to bed early so I could have quality time with the characters. I used the excuse of a bandaged finger to avoid housework so I could sit and read for an entire afternoon or two, and I consumed far too much chocolate whilst absorbed in the moment. The era.

Not only did I enjoy the romance, I learned historical facts without realising. The description of the Regency house is brilliant and I swear I’ve actually been living there for the last few days.

I know this tells you nothing of the story, but if you enjoy being moved in all directions, this is a must-read.

A beautiful tale told with warmth and affection.

In less than two weeks, I shall be attending a day’s writing course with author/tutor Julie Cohen. I am so excited. I have already set the journey on my satnav, gathered the correct stationery and printed out the first five pages of Follow Me for critiquing.

My recently fused index finger still has five weeks in its new splint, but this will not deter me from making notes or participating in the workshops.

I am ready to learn.

Laura x

You can find Julie on Facebook

The Summer Of Living Dangerously can be purchased at Amazon in paperback or downloaded for the Kindle

Laura E. James

Truth in Fiction

Tag: Womens’_Fiction

Weymouth and Writing on Publication Day

Laura x

Truth or Dare? Cover Reveal

Truly, Madly, Deeply

It’s Official!

I Have News

Blog Hopping

Grace

Literally Making Sense.

Feel The Love

Review: The Summer Of Living Dangerously. Julie Cohen.