Book Signing Saturday 7th July 1pm

If you haven't noticed, I'm book signing with fellow romantic novelist (and good friend), Fay Keenan this Saturday at our local Waterstones in Weston-super-Mare!

Please come say hello, we'll be in store from 1pm!

Fay will be signing her debut novel, The Second Chance Tea Shop and I'll be signing Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage. 

Both are contemporary romances. Mine's based in Cornwall, and Fay's is based more locally in Somerset. We both share the love for hunky heroes.

My Three Positives A Day

I wanted to blog an update of me. I know life can have ups and downs, I look at it like waves sometimes, that you have to ride out.

Almost a year single, at the moment, I think I'm at the happiest I've been in such a long time. Maybe last years shock of the sudden end of a relationship has helped me appreciate what I have today. It's made me focus my attention on the good stuff and the right friends. It's helped me set priorities. What's important, what matters to me?

Since that awful moment, finding myself single again, with the aid of counselling and the support of good friends, I have dusted myself off, picked myself up and I have got on with enjoying life.

At the beginning of the year, I had a blip. I was dating, and getting depressed by it all. Basically, I thought if this is the best I can do, if this is the best men I can attract, I'm staying single. I deleted the online dating account, and have been too busy to look back since.

He (who shall not be named) set me free really. The last couple of months I've been so busy, my weekends full, no longer sat in his house with his kids in-tow, hardly doing anything, and I still am busy for the next few weekends! For example, next week I'm book signing at Waterstones Weston-super-Mare! Come along and say hi!

We are half way through the year, and I feel so positive. And I think I know why.

Last year, when I was at my lowest, my counsellor suggested I wrote at the end of the day 3 positives into a notebook/diary. I found it so useful that I decided to continue this in January, using a diary I'd got given as a birthday present. It's perfect as it's a page a day, giving me plenty of room to write my positives down.

Without fail, every night I fill out this diary. Some days are harder than others to find three positives, but it can be the simple things like we ate tea in the garden or the sun was shining. Sometimes, I have so many positives to write down, I'm adding bonus ones! But each day feels positive. Every day this year, even when I've had a bad day, I can look back on the good stuff. I'm focusing on positivity.

I've been lucky. This year hasn't sent me any curve balls - yet. But by focusing on priorities - keeping fit, my writing, my friends and family - I'm in a good place. I'm trying to worry less about those that don't wish to be in touch. I've done as much as I can now, I'm not forcing my friendship on to anyone anymore. I'm focusing on those that focus on me, making regular dates with my good friends.

The best thing about this is: I'm too busy to date. 😁

I'm writing a series of books now, which will feature happy ever afters. Not sure if I'll get mine... not sure I'm bothered anymore...

So, my advice to you: Focus on the things and people who make you happy, write down those 3 positives a day, and have a Pornstar Martini! (This is my new favourite cocktail).

Life is good.

Come Fly With Me!

My favourite cocktail; Pornstar Martini

And I'm still neglecting my blog, aren't I?

Last night, after writing up my 3 positives for the day - something I really do need to blog about - I turned off my bedside lamp and thought about my blog. I've got ideas about what I want to write about, but to be honest, the reason I've not been blogging is because I'm editing and writing.

I turned the light back on and emailed myself, deciding that if I made a note of it I would just ignore it. The email is more nagging. And it worked because I'm here blogging.

As you know I work part time and I'm full time mum to two boys too, and although they're growing fast they still need my attention. In the three days I get to write, I try to use as much of that time as possible to write and edit - and not let real life get in the way too much! (Currently I'm editing the first book of what I hope will be a 3 books series). Therefore, the blog is getting neglected, as I'm concentrating my time on the big stuff.

However, what I wanted to say was, I do check into Twitter and Facebook daily, and I could do with more followers, so while I'm quiet over here... please follow me on Twitter I'm @Teresa_Morgan10 and Facebook - Teresa F Morgan! Come fly with me there 😉

Right, back to it then.... oh, but before I go, I will be book signing at Waterstones, Weston-super-Mare on Saturday 7th July.... if you're interested?

Teresa x 

Summer Holidays Recap

Mijas

I thought I would take a look back at the summer holidays, which seem to come round quickly, just like Christmas, and then when they arrive, have flown by.

Apex Park

Every year I make plans how to fill my time with the kids, and depending on the weather, I never quite get to do half of it.

Admittedly, the boys are with their dad the first two weeks at the start of the holidays which allowed me this year to jet off to Spain for a few days. When they returned, I had four weeks to entertain them.


Well, this is the list of things we have done:

It's been parks, bike rides, the Cheddar Gorge, walking, climbing, zorb fighting, Slimbridge - feeding the swans and ducks, meeting/making new friends...

Zorbs - Apex Park

Costa coffees, hot chocolates, museums, train rides...

1 of 70 Shaun's - Dolly

Hungry Horses for tea...

Tytensfield with Dad for his 70th

More train rides to Bristol, Shaun The Sheep hunting, selfies, a visit to Nanny Sylvie's (where they did cinema and more parks), castles, steam trains, National Trust houses, 70th birthdays...

Board games, lunch at Za Za Bazaar, and a book signing...

The last Shaun - Starstruck! 

And ending with the theme park Devon Crealy, adding roller-coasters, log flumes, water chutes and drop slides, and Glamping, where we've cooked on a wood-burning stove and made camp fires, roasting marshmallows, and played football with newly made friends until dark.


Sadly, I couldn't put all of the photos on my blog...

Glamping

Yeah, I think I'm ready for the boys to go back to school.

Waterstone's Book Signing

I guess you're all dying to know how well the book signing in Waterstone's Weston-super-Mare went. Well, other than having problems tweeting and sharing photos to social media whilst in Waterstone's - I so wanted to post this first picture to say I was set up and ready to go! - it was a huge success.

I have uploaded all the pictures so far received from friends to my Facebook page and my website if you fancy a nose around.

Old school friends, Karen and Suzanne

I had a huge amount of support from friends old and new. Two school friends drove from Surrey to reach me, too. All bar one copy of One Fine Day were sold. But I quite liked that it got to be put on the shelf. And there were about ten copies of Plus One is a Lucky Number left. I've signed all the remaining books, so a lucky reader can still pick up a signed copy of Plus One is a Lucky Number in store.

As you can see from the photos I had my sweets out, which is great if readers bring children. I also had a small notepad handy for checking the spelling of names. Nothing worse than spelling a name incorrectly. I made sure I had plenty of pens too, and gave out my book marks.

Weston's Waterstone's has a Costa Coffee shop tucked inside it. So I was supplied with coffee to keep me going.

The bit that made me nervous the most about the book signing was approaching people - I am not very good at sales as past failed jobs have proved - but as my writery friend, June Bastable advised, you do get a real buzz when they become interested in you and your books, and ask for a signed copy.

Because it was a bank holiday weekend, and the weather wasn't too bad on the Saturday, the shop did quieten down during the afternoon, but otherwise, all in all, it was a fun experience and a great success!

To mark being a published author - a professional writer - for two whole years yesterday, I signed every copy of my books with a star, just like Rachel Berry. 

I want to thank everybody who turned up on the day to support me and all those who bought my books. And thank you to all those that couldn't make it but sent me kind messages to show they were thinking of me. It really did a mean the world to me.

Need Cheering Up Saturday?

If you're in Weston-super-Mare on Saturday and you need cheering up after walking around the Banksy Dismaland, then why not pop into Waterstones, Weston-super-Mare, inside the Sovereign Centre and meet a local romance author. Romance authors are much more positive, and far from dismal. We write books with Happy Ever Afters for a start!

I'll be signing copies of both my books, One Fine Day and Plus One is a Lucky Number from 2pm.

There's also a Costa, so if it's raining, even better for an excuse to come in from the lovely weather we're having. Have no fear, it will be scorching hot by about Wednesday, because the kids are due back to school.

Considering the amount of coverage Banksy is getting, today, I was lucky enough to make it into the local newspaper - The Mercury.  A few facts about my books are a bit skewy, but hey ho. All publicity is good publicity, right?

I went to the shops and picked up my copy today! (And my Google Alert alerted me to the online article - Yay Google Alert actually works!)

On Saturday, it will be the 2nd Book birthday of Plus One is a Lucky Number, which was first published in eBook on the 29th August, 2013. That means I've been a "professional" writer for two years...












I have sweets and bookmarks to give away, and a very friendly smile, so come along and say hi! I'll be signing my books with a star, just like Rachel Berry.

Oh, and if you spot Brad Pitt wandering around Dismaland, drag him in too, won't you? He'll need cheering up after Dismaland, too.

Book Signing in Waterstones

Début book signing in 2014

I'm so excited to announce that I will be doing another book signing in Waterstone's, Weston-super-Mare on Saturday 29th August at 2pm.

There will be copies of both of my books available (due to a little bit of a muddle from last year I believe, and 20 copies of Plus One is a Lucky Number arriving at their store in February - boy, were they pleased to see me).

So if you can make it, please come along! I will appreciate the support.

What I have learnt from last time is to have a pad, to check spellings of names if they want the book personalised, and have plenty of sweets!

I feel really lucky, because I know some Waterstone's stores are unable to allow book signings, but my store have been so supportive. Put the Saturday, 29th August in your diary!

Blurb: One Fine Day

Just a boy standing in front of a girl…

Actor Steve Mason has it all … gorgeous looks, the perfect starlet girlfriend hanging on his arm and his name on every Hollywood producer’s lips. That is, until it turns out the ‘perfect girl’ is actually a perfect PR stunt! Dumped and with his name plastered across every tabloid headline, Steve decides to head home to England, questioning if he’ll ever find a woman who genuinely loves him for who he is, and not just his place on the Sexiest Man Alive list.

It’s been fifteen long years since Ruby last saw her big brother – but the new LA version of Steve complete with designer wardrobe, California tan and an American accent is too much to bear – Ruby hardly recognises him and decides it’s time to get her brother back!

With Ruby’s help, Steve goes undercover as he plays the part of a regular guy who leads a regular life. And then one perfectly fine, ordinary day he meets lovely, funny, down-to-earth Lydia. But when Hollywood comes calling, will Steve be able to leave both Lydia and his little sister behind?

Buy Links:

Amazon UK Paperback ~ Amazon UK Ebook ~ Amazon US ~ Waterstone's ~ Kobo ~ Add On Goodreads ~ Harper Impulse

Blurb: Plus One is a Lucky Number

The wedding favour...

Sophie’s going to a wedding where the invite is strictly plus one… but with her single girl status not exactly fitting in with the bridesmaid dress code, and the best man being none other than the ex she would rather forget, Sophie needs a favour and she needs it fast!

Luckily for Sophie, her dreamy but distant co-worker Adam Reid owes their mutual friend James big time…and his gorgeousness more than fills the role of the ‘Perfect Boyfriend’!

As they take off to the sunny shores of Cornwall for the wedding weekend, it’s not long before pretence leads to passion and Sophie and Adam must decide; is their relationship real or is it all for show?

Buy Links:

Amazon UK Paperback ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ Waterstone's ~ Harper Impulse ~ Add on Goodreads ~ Kobo

Happy 1st Birthday, Plus One is a Lucky Number

On this day, one year ago, I fulfilled my dream of becoming a published author.

Plus One is a Lucky Number (aka its working title The Wedding Favour) was released as an eBook with Harper Collins' imprint, Harper Impulse on Thursday 29th August 2013. They placed it in their Rom Com/Chick Lit category, and I remember worriedly asking my new editor, Charlotte Ledger, "Is it funny enough?"



Apparently it does have gentle humour throughout. And with 28 reviews on Amazon, the majority of them being four or five stars, I've hopefully done something right. I've had mums in the playground stop and tell me they couldn't put my book down.

Me, Jane, Lorraine & Charlotte - Oct '13 Harper Impulse Party

The lovely thing is that I've joined Harper Impulse with three other members from my Bath & Wiltshire RNA chapter meeting - Lorraine Wilson, Jane Lark and Charlotte Phillips. So I haven't gone in it alone, and they're good sounding boards when I'm not sure about something.

First book signing - 9th Aug 2014

Only recently I actually held my first book signing at Waterstones in Weston-super-Mare. It was a fabulous afternoon with a lot of support from fellow writers and good friends. I blogged about it on the Harper Impulse blog here.

In this year, I have obsessed over reviews and Amazon rankings, even though we're told not to. I've seen it released in paperback (8th May 2014), I've attended the RNA Summer party as a contender for the Joan Hessayon Award.  I've even had cocktails at the Ritz!

Joan Hessayon Contenders - RNA Summer Party May 2014

I have also learnt I will never tire of these two words said together: My editor.

Plus One is a Lucky Number is dedicated to Elizabeth Charles and Star Ostgard. These two women, way back in 2006, encouraged me to start writing. If they hadn't, I wouldn't be here. I'd be somewhere, frustrated and bored... Now I know the voices in my head are normal.

Thank you x

Summer Holiday Antics and Book Signings

In between Jill Mansell & Lindsey Kelk :)

Dear Lord! I'm neglecting my blog again.

In my defence, it is the school holidays!

And there is only a week left then they are back to school.

I'm not sure if I've got the uniform ready or what. I'm not even sure if they need new school uniform. Tough if they do. I've spent all my money entertaining them.

The boys were with their dad for the first couple of weeks, and in that time I did manage to do my book signing. I wrote the experience up and posted it on the Harper Impulse blog. So check that out too!

It was great! I sold out. I had lots of support from friends. The hardest part was knowing what to write inside the book when signing it.

Below are some of the photos - proof I have been entertaining the kids!

Fact's The Way To Do It, Lad!

I have lots more but I haven't had a chance to download them from my camera yet. But you can see we've been fairly busy. We've seen steam trains, a Victorian home, fairground rides, a Gromit and fed swans. We've played rounders on the beach and even paddled, albeit a bit cold (it's felt like February not August).

I know I'll be glad when the kids are back at school. I'm in need of a rest. Plus, I might actually get back into the habit of writing. All these day trips out are very tiring, and not so good when it comes to trying to write words to a story. The kids have been having late nights, and I've been following very shortly after. September I will write, honest.

GWR Steam Train Museum

Brean Leisure Park

An afternoon on the beach... albeit a bit cold

And of course, Slimbridge. 

Any Book Signing Tips For A Novice?

I am attending my very first book signing on Saturday (26th July) in Waterstones, Weston-super-Mare.

If interested, I will be there from 2pm until the shop closes (or the books are sold - let's hope, huh!).

As you know, my début novel, Plus One is a Lucky Number, came out in paperback on the 8th May this year.

Attending the conference, and listening to some of my fellow authors' complaints, made me realise what a great local store I have, because a lot of writers can't seem to get book signings in their local Waterstones - which is such a shame. So I feel really privileged and very lucky to get such great support!

I'm nervous, because I'm not really good at selling, and haven't the faintest idea how I'm going to tackle this... I am just hoping that with my natural ability to talk and socialise, I will over come this fear.

I am going to arm myself with a good pen or two (not my favourite for fear of losing it - that one never leaves the house!) and my bookmarks that I've had printed. I have even chosen the dress I want to wear... But do I need anything else?

With this blog post, I am looking for tips and ideas... anything... What have you done at your book signings? What worked? What should I avoid?

Please tell me by leaving comments below or emailing me!