Wisteria Cottage makes Amazon Summer Sale

Such exciting news! Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage has made it into Amazon's Kindle summer sale! The ebook is 99p and because most price match, it means that it's not only 99p in Amazon but across all the ebook retailers.

So you can get it from iTunes/ Kobo / Google Play / Amazon UK

It is available at Amazon US or Barnes & Noble but not yet at the sale price. (You'll have to pay $2.99)

And if you would prefer the paperback, Amazon UK is still selling it for a bargain of £2.99 or look out for it in The Works. It should be in stores from mid July.

I can't tell you how thrilled I am at how well this book is being received. 29 FIVE STAR reviews on Amazon! But it could certainly do with some more. So please feel free to leave a review on Amazon or wherever you bought the book. (It could do with reviews on the other retailers too).

Loved it from its very first line until its very last - 5 STAR Amazon review

Blurb: 

'A striking example of two pasts threatening a joint future…A great read' Sue Moorcroft, bestselling author of Just for the Holidays

‘Warm, funny…a wonderful read’ International bestselling author Nicola Cornick

A Cornish Escape

After her house is set on fire and her love life is left in tatters, Maddy Hart can’t believe her luck when a friend offers her the temporary haven of Wisteria Cottage. Overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the Cornish coast, the fresh air feels like a fresh start for her and her broken heart.

Peeking out of the cosy cottage windows, Maddy’s surprised to see her gorgeous but insufferable neighbour Harry Tudor has been employed to landscape the garden. But as the wisteria winding its way around the cottage begins to bloom, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom…

Fake Friday With Lisa Hill #TuesNews

Today I have the lovely author Lisa Hill on my blog. Her debut novel, Meet Me at Number Five is published by Choc Lit on the 20th June 2017. 

Lisa and I first met, way back in 2011 at the RNA Conference as wannabe authors and have been friends since. We have quite a lot in common, especially both being mothers to boys. (Lisa has three, I stuck at two). 

I am thrilled to have Lisa on my blog as a published author! And I can't wait to read her book. 

Hello Lisa. Tell me, which of your characters is your favourite, and why?

So, Meet Me at Number Five is about heroine, Grace, who is desperate to have a baby but four days before she is due to start her first round of IVF her husband, Charlie, announces he’s got another woman pregnant and also heroine, Hennie, who is Grace’s cousin and is a single mum who has renounced men because all the hot ones take one look at the children and look away and those who aren’t frightened off by the children are dull. Hennie lives with Grace and Hennie’s Nana, Clara, who is the matriarch of the family; a septuagenarian racehorse owner who likes to live the high life. Clara is by far my favourite character; she is glamourous, forthright, kind and loves to be the puppeteer and meddle in everyone’s affairs (nothing like me, of course).

Did you manage to get the first book you wrote published, or is it tucked in a drawer somewhere?

No, the first book I ever wrote was called Meant to Be. I was a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme and it received a fantastic critique report but after going on a writing retreat with Julie Cohen I could see why it didn’t work so I rewrote it entirely and entitled it Heart in the Right Place. It’s set in Yorkshire and is about a heroine called Lottie who is the daughter-in-law in a family of estate agents and is desperate to have more than a part-time role whilst looking after her three kids. When the famous period drama actor, Tom Thorpe, arrives on the scene and offers Lottie the opportunity to act as a Relocation Agent for celebrity friends of his, it drives a big wedge between Lottie and her husband Drew and they go on a journey to overcome their differences. Heart was shortlisted in the 2015 Choc Lit Search for a Star competition and, having edited it some more, is currently under review with Choc Lit again so hopefully my original heroine, Lottie, will have her time in the limelight very soon.

Do you have a favourite author?

Yes and she knows how much I love her! I started reading Jill Mansell when I finished my A-Levels in 1998 and pretty much spent the entire summer reading her back catalogue. I think she is an inspiring author; I love her ability to make her stories about some quite serious subjects but with a light hearted tone too. She’s extremely talented. My favourite novel is Head Over Heels and it eventually inspired me to try and write a novel of my own.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee! I never drink tea; if you cut me open I swear caffeine would spurt forward!

I think this is why we get on so well. Our love for coffee! 

Starbucks or Costa?

Not fussy, especially if someone else is paying ;) Cappuccino every time which is a bit strange seeing I only every drink black coffee at home.

Thanks so much, Lisa, for popping over to my blog. Congratulations with the publication of your debut novel and good luck with the sales and reviews! 

Author Bio:

Lisa grew up in the village of Bussage, near Stroud, in the Cotswolds until she returned to Cheltenham as a teenager. She is married to her very own hero, Matt, and has three sons, Hamish, Archie and Laurence. Her first encounter of a romance author was chats over the garden wall between her father, Godfrey, and Mrs Cooper from the neighbouring village of Bisley. It came as quite a surprise in later life to find that Mrs Cooper was in fact Jilly Cooper! Lisa’s writing inspiration now comes from other Cotswolds authors including Jill Mansell and Katie Fforde.

Lisa writes contemporary romance with a light-hearted tone. What interests her most is people, their interactions, emotions and relationships. It’s probably why her career to date has been based in property; she confesses herself that she is ‘naturally curious’.

When she’s not busy writing, helping Matt run his electrical empire, or being her sons’ taxi service Lisa enjoys running with her gun dog, Sparky. They are both currently training for the Stroud half-marathon although Sparky’s motivation lies much more in chasing bunny rabbits.

Lisa is a graduate of the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme and attributes this supportive and informative scheme to her winning the Choc Lit Search for a Star competition 2016 with her debut novel, Meet Me at Number Five.

Blurb:

What if finding happiness was a race against time?

Grace Cavendish knows a thing or two about horses – but what she doesn’t know is that her husband, top horse racing trainer Charlie Carrisbrook, is having a literal ‘roll in the hay’ right under her nose.

When the painful truth is revealed Grace has no choice but to move in with her highly-strung grandmother Clara and cousin Hennie; a single mum who has renounced men (at least that’s what she says!)

Determined to start again, Grace takes a job at the local restaurant, Number Five. And whilst serving up coffee and cake is a far cry from the stables, she enjoys it – especially as she gets to work alongside the rather scrumptious Sam Whittaker.

But the past is racing to catch up with Grace. Can her life still be a romp to victory or will a devastating secret stop her dead in her tracks?

Amazon UK: goo.gl/xc4Dxd
Amazon: goo.gl/cnirgC
Kobo: goo.gl/XHd8dC
iBooks: goo.gl/16tMWo
Choc Lit: goo.gl/FYD8kF

Author Links:

Twitter: @lisahillie
Facebook: goo.gl/bcjhE1
Website: www.lisahillwriter.wordpress.com

Book Review: The Second Chance Tea Shop by Fay Keenan

I don't leave book reviews on my blog any more... but I wanted to leave you this one. Fay and I met over a year ago on Twitter, and have become writing buddies, helping each other brainstorm our books. I was delighted to read Fay's book finally, and it really is a treat! Enjoy.

The Second Chance Tea Shop by Fay Keenan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

This is Fay Keenan's debut novel, and what a treat! Great characterisation, lovely little details, enchanting setting and an emotional journey for the characters and the reader.

With Matthew being the brooding hero and having concentrated most of his energy into the family business before his head gets turned by Anna, this was like a modern day version of North and South, only set in Somerset around the cider industry.

Knowing the area that Little Somerby is based on, and the landmarks described in Somerset, this was such a delight to read. I can’t wait to read the next book set in this charming village.


View all my reviews

Blog Guest Fay Keenan

Today I have Fay Keenan on my blog talking about writing and her debut novel, The Second Chance Tea Shop. 

Fay and I met on Twitter, and living locally to one another meet regularly to discuss the voices in our heads. It's great to have someone close by to talk writing with over a Costa. 

Fay, have you always wanted to be a writer?

Always – from the moment I could pick up a pen.

Did you manage to get the first book you wrote published, or is it tucked in a drawer somewhere?

My first ‘book’ was 70,000 words of Quantum Leap fanfiction, written in the summer after my A Levels! Other people went on holiday; I wrote a book! The only copy I still have (signed by Dean ‘Al Calavicci’ Stockwell) is in the attic.

My Twitter style question: Describe your hero in 140 characters.

Tall, dark, brooding, cautious Somerset cider maker with a huge heart and a lovely daughter.

My Twitter style question: Describe your heroine in 140 characters.

Kind, widowed cake maker with a three-year-old daughter and a weakness for cider.

What’s so special about your hero that makes your heroine fall in love with him?

He represents the safety of home but also the excitement of a new love. Once won, his heart is yours forever, and she adores that. He’s also tall, dark and handsome (of course!!).

Why do you like writing romance?

Because I love not just happy endings but the journey to the happy ending. There’s something wonderful about how characters get to the point where they’ll live happily ever after.

Which of your characters is your favourite, and why?

Meredith, my hero’s daughter, without a doubt. She’s a lovely teenager who’s remarkably undamaged by her experiences.

What do you read while you write, or don’t you?

I read constantly; old favourites and new novels. Anything from Stephen King to Elizabeth Gaskell.

Do you have a favourite author? Jilly Cooper!

What’s the best bit of writing advice you’ve ever received or read?

Don’t force it. Let your characters speak for themselves.

What things inspire you to write? Location, music, film or even in a book?

I’m inspired by places (my books are set in Somerset) but music can get me thinking of scenes I’d like to write, and films and books have always inspired me, too. In short, anything!

Are you nervous about friends reading your book?

A lot of them read it at the drafting stage, so not as nervous as I could be!

How would your best friend describe you in 140 characters? (Another Twitter question).

Dreamy, forgetful and mostly good natured. But terrible in the mornings!

Do you love or hate Facebook?  I like it, within reason! I see it as a good place to write comedy.

Tea or coffee? Tea first thing, coffee after.

Starbucks or Costa? Costa – it’s where Teresa and I first met in real life!

I remember it well, Fay :D

The Second Chance Tea Shop Blurb: 

Following the tragic death of her beloved husband, Anna Hemingway decides it's time for a fresh start. So Anna and her three-year-old daughter Ellie move to a picture-perfect cottage in the beautiful village of Little Somerby, and when she takes over the running of the village tea shop, Ellie and Anna start to find happiness again. 

But things get complicated when Matthew Carter, the owner of the local cider farm, enters their lives. Throughout a whirlwind year of village fetes and ancient wassails, love, laughter, apple pie and new memories, life slowly blossoms again. But when tragedy strikes and history seems to be repeating itself, Anna must find the strength to hold onto the new life she has built.

This beautiful, life-affirming debut novel marks the beginning of the Little Somerby series, and promises to make you smile, cry, reach for a cream tea, and long for a life in the perfect English countryside.

Bio:

Fay Keenan was born in Surrey and raised in Hampshire, before finally settling in the West Country. When Fay is not chasing her children around or writing, she teaches English at a local secondary school. She lives with her husband of fourteen years, two daughters, a cat, two chickens and a Weimaraner called Bertie in a village in Somerset, which may or may not have provided the inspiration for Little Somerby.


Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2l0gGtn
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2l0pnnn
iBooks: http://apple.co/2l0rdF3
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2ly3YQC
Twitter: @faykeenan
Blog: www.faykeenan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/faykeenanauthor

The Next Project

And so, while I await the launch of my third book, (Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage - 6th April 2017) I am cracking on with the writing of my fourth novel. This one is going to be based around online dating as I have plenty of material from my own personal experiences to use.

It's a shame I can't actually take my heroine through the last four years of my life; she's going to have a mini squashed down version of my experiences.

Today, though, while writing Maya (that's my new heroine's name), I realised this character is the closest based on me. All my others have been younger, single women, with no children, searching for their one true love. Maya is on a different journey. I didn't want to make her a divorcee, so I've made her a widow. She is in her late thirties, but the dreaded forties (which we all know when we reach them isn't so bad after all) are on the horizon.

When her husband died she was very much still in love with him, so her journey is going to be harder, haunted a little by the ghost of her husband, having him high on a pedal stool in her memory.

I've chosen children that are of similar age to my own too. Only because I'm not sure how teenagers properly act yet - having not got one (yet) - and although I remember my children younger, they're better as research at this age, because I can see what they're doing. Maybe I can even blackmail them... "do that and it'll go in a book!"

This morning was a trying day with my kids, I'd lost the plot... the will to live... And the emotions of an intelligent single mother, fed up with the nagging and mundane repetitiveness of the day to day stuff rubbed off onto Maya. She drinks wine, too. Maya's story is coming easily to me.

I've got the hero in mind, and I will need to weave some online dating adventures of his own in. Luckily I've been given some male perspective on this too. At the moment I just can't decide what he does as a job but the good thing about writing is, I can weave it in later. In the meantime, I'll just try to write 3000 words a week, and aim for this first draft to be finished by the summer.

Cover Reveal: Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage

Yesterday was the cover reveal of my third contemporary romance, Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage.

It's a available for pre-order, and will be released 6th April 2017.

Excited! Much!

Meet Me at Wisteria Cottage ebook: http://amzn.to/2kZkE2h

or paperback : http://amzn.to/2kUTi1b

And Relax.... Sort Of.

Tuesday evening, I slogged away and managed to send my third manuscript/novel off to my agent - whoo hooo! (Although it's the first book I've sent to my agent). So the past couple of days, I've not been writing as I've taken a break. I am hoping to have a few days, maybe a week or two respite. So, what have I done the past couple of days?

I have caught up with housework. I have cleaned.

Not shopping, or catching up with friends for coffee, lunch... no, I've cleaned. (I did have a massage and my hair cut but they were already in the diary - after Tuesday evening being hunched over my keyboard, the massage was needed).

Today, I gave my lounge a good dust down, and then I cleaned the tops of my kitchen cupboards.... and washed everything that sits on there. I haven't done that in four years (January) I've lived in this house. :-O Today I've tackled some of the bigger jobs I've had to put off because I needed to write.

I wanted to get the book off my desk (so to speak) before next week as I knew I wouldn't get to work on it.

Because...

Next week is my birthday week, so I doubt very much I'll be doing anything, including housework. I have my mum visiting, too.

Maybe, next week, I should start every day with a glass of champagne...

Now there's a thought...

1st Birthday for One Fine Day #competition

Doesn't a year come around fast? A year ago today, my second eBook, One Fine Day was published by HarperImpulse. I can't believe it's one!

The book will have another birthday for when it came out in paperback on the 12th March. But I see this date as its official birthday. But like the Queen, my books have two birthdays :) (I really like that idea). 

To celebrate One Fine Day's birthday, I am giving away a signed paperback copy of One Fine Day. 

If you haven't already, I'd really appreciate a like my Facebook page, a follow on Twitter, and a share of this blog post, but most importantly, please leave a comment on my blog below.

I will only ask for the address of the winner to post the book (so please make sure you follow the comments). I am not interested in gathering details.

The competition will close midnight (UK time) Sunday 17th January 2016, and all names gathered from the comments, will be put into a hat (or something similar) and pulled out by one of my delightful children. (There will probably be fights as I have one winner and two children!)

Although Bradley Cooper was my inspiration for Steve Mason, can you guess my love for which Superhero that influenced this story?

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?

Fake Friday with Nikki Moore

Fake Friday is here again with Nikki Moore. Nikki and I feature in a Harper Impulse anthology Be My Valentine. I am delighted to have Nikki on my blog to talk about her debut novel with Harper Impulse, Crazy, Undercover, Love.

Take it away, Nikki!

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes! Pretty much for as long as I can remember … since I could read really. The thought of building worlds and creating characters seemed very cool when I was young and it still does :) If I can make a living from it one day, even better. For now, my colleagues in the day job are stuck with me!

Did you manage to get the first book you wrote published, or is it tucked in a drawer somewhere?

The partial manuscript of the first book I wrote 'Learning How to Fall,' was taken off the slush pile at Mills & Boon and they then requested a full MS, sending a very nice rejection after quite a long wait. Tessa Shapcott, who was a lovely senior editor at the time, encouraged me over the years and I continued writing, knocking on doors until I got the answer I wanted! That book is languishing in a box up in my loft somewhere. Funnily enough I never thought of pulling it out again and trying to do something with it. I think I'm too scared of how bad it might actually be! Lol.

What’s so special about your heroine that makes your hero fall in love with her?

Charley – aka Charlotte Caswell-Wright – is feisty and honest yet professional and driven. She's on a quest to right the wrongs done to her, and that makes her both determined and passionate. Alex admires those traits and finds the candid way she speaks to him refreshing. She makes him feel normal, not isolated, which is how he feels as a mega-wealthy CEO in the public spotlight. Charley also has a natural warmth that he finds attractive, especially compared to some of the women he mixes with in his social group. I think the most special thing about her, for Alex, is that she makes him feel like there might another life out there; that anything is possible if you want it enough and don't mind fighting for it.

Why do you like writing romance?

I love writing about love and sex! It's that simple. I guess I'm a big romantic :)

What do you read while you write, or don’t you?

I read most days and over a wide range of different genres including thrillers, romance and crime/police procedurals. I try not to read anything too similar to my own style if I can help it whilst I'm writing the first draft of a new book. Once I'm at the editing stage I read whatever I want!

What is next on your agenda after publishing your (first) book?

Once I've done the initial promo for Crazy, Undercover, Love I'll be finishing off the first draft of my second full length contemporary romance for HarperImpulse. After that I want to go back and work on a book that's very close to my heart, which has a different feel to it and is probably more women's fiction than specifically romance. I have ideas for three or four more books after that so I'm planning to busy for the next few years :)

Are you nervous about friends reading your book?

Yes and no. Yes, because being published and knowing that people (especially those who know me) are reading my stories makes me feel a bit exposed - like venturing out into the snow with no clothes on! No, because my friends love me and have always been massively supportive of my writing.

Do you love or hate Facebook?

I love the interaction and the concept of it, but hate the amount of time I can get drawn in to spending on it when I should be doing other things … like writing the next book or editing the current one!

Cocktail or shot? If so, what one?

Cocktail please – a Cosmo would be great!

Tea or coffee?

Tea, definitely. A perfect start to the day.

Chocolate or ice cream?

Chocolate. A large Galaxy bar with a glass of white wine. Mmmmm....

Dogs or cats?

Both! Neither! We have two cats and a dog!

Crazy, Undercover, Love – Blurb

Uber-feisty career girl Charley Caswell-Wright travels to Barcelona for a weekend assignment as PA to the gorgeous Alex Demetrio, CEO of Demetrio International.

But she's there under entirely false pretenses: to get her life back on track. Having lost the job she worked so hard to earn, she’s determined not to give it up so easily, especially when she didn’t deserve to lose it in the first place.

Mr Dreamy CEO is her only chance of clawing back her career – and her reputation. So she has to keep things strictly professional… boy, is she in trouble!

About Nikki Moore

Nikki Moore lives in beautiful Dorset and writes short stories and sexy contemporary romances. A finalist in several writing competitions including Novelicious Undiscovered 2012, she graduated from the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers' Scheme after four years and and has contributed to their magazine Romance Matters. She has far too much fun attending the annual RNA conference and has previously chaired a panel and taken part in a workshop at the Festival of Romance.

She blogs about some of her favourite things – Writing, Work and Wine – at www.nikkimooreauthor.wordpress.com and believes in supporting other writers as part of a friendly, talented and diverse community.

You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NikkiMooreAuthor or on Twitter @NikkiMoore_Auth and she invites you to pop in for chats about love, life, reading or writing!

The first chapter of her book Crazy, Undercover, Love can be read for free in the HI sampler at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Loving-Year-Love-Romance-HarperImpulse-ebook/dp/B00GWG5EEI

Two of her short stories are in the 4 and 5 * amazon reviewed Be My Valentine short story collection for 99p at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Be-My-Valentine-HarperImpulse-Collection-ebook/dp/B00I0GYSFO

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/be-my-valentine-harperimpulse/id806177169

She is also a contributor to the RNA/Mills and Boon Anthology Truly, Madly, Deeply  available to buy at:

Mills & Boon
http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/truly-madly-deeply

Amazon
Paperback - http://amzn.to/1e3zwBo
eBook - http://amzn.to/1gembbZ

iBooks
http://bit.ly/1f9D4YW

Google Play
http://bit.ly/1fdIMaH

Kobo
http://bit.ly/1gemlAe

Thank you, Nikki, for popping by! Good luck with Crazy, Undercover, Love.

There Could Be Tears

Tears of joy or maybe just tears.

Today, when I wasn't soaking up the sun in my garden and listening to the Starling chicks tweet from their nest (they are getting louder, hence this must mean bigger), I managed to visit the Post Office to send off my manuscript, The Wedding Favour, to the RNA New Writers' Scheme. Eek!

Admittedly, it did receive positive feedback from publishers, (although no success stories otherwise I wouldn't be sending it to the RNA!) so I'm hoping I won't be crying over the comments too much. I know I should receive some constructive criticism (that maybe the publishers couldn't quite give me the time to feedback) to help me work on it, strengthen it, whatever. And something that might boost my confidence... please... to give me the push I need. But it is done, so there is no point in fretting. Now I need to concentrate on writing.

I know I can edit it for one publisher, although I fear they may no longer be interested in it - it's been nearly a year. But the thought of editing either The Wedding Favour or Perfect Isn't An Option just feels too tough in getting back into writing. I need to actually write, get the voices talking to me. At the moment I seem to be milling over things that are happening in my life, and the voices are quiet in the corner, worried I'm going to bite their heads off if they try to speak up. I'm not even hearing a whisper.

This is my plan to get back into writing! There's a short story competition that runs locally. My three local writery friends (June, Jacquie and Liz) and I went along last year to the awards evening, and it was really good fun. They had all entered and had been short-listed - which gave two a real boost to their writing confidence as they'd never won anything, and deservedly so. All the stories that are short-listed go into an anthology, but there is prize money for first, second and third, so it's worth entering. I also like this year's theme, too: Lost. I'm sure I can come up with something for that... my days of writing Quick Picks for Fanfic should help me. The hero may look a little bit like Sawyer, and the heroine could be a Kate lookalike but hey! Time to start brainstorming. Closing date is August 31st, 2013.

From now on, must walk around with a notepad in my hand at all times.

In the meantime, in between writing/brainstorming, I'll have to sit back and wait to hear from the RNA, and what my reader will think of my story. Good job I'm not a nail biter.

How Quick Does A Week Go?

It feels faster than seven days, that's for sure!

I don't know if it's my house and garden taking up my time amongst the day to day routines of getting kids too/from school, and work, and the housework (I only do the bare minimal!), but here it is again, Thursday! Friday tomorrow - eek!

So, I have printed off my manuscript, The Wedding Favour, and it's Synopsis. I just need to fill in the forms and buy a jiffy envelope. (Forgot to do that this morning, dammit!). Then, I can send it off to the RNA New Writers' Scheme. Yay!

It will take some pressure off me trying to write and edit another novel by August, and the feedback I get back might be useful. Or will make me give up and throw in the towel! (No never! I'll write till I die!)

I have written a couple of short pieces which I do need to consider extending... or looking for a place to send. But at the moment, finding time for writing is proving really difficult.

However, my garden is coming along nicely, and if you've been following me on Facebook or Twitter you'll have seen the transformation. I will do a blog post shortly to show you it. But for now, it being Thursday, it means it's Shirtless Thursday...

Makes us wish summer would arrive and we can all hit the beach... if only it was filled with men looking like this!

Another Draft Down...

This is a great feeling, one that almost makes me want to crack open that Champagne bottle.

A finished novel.

But not yet, I tell myself. I'm saving that damn bottle chilling in the fridge for when I get my first signed contract, or sell my first piece of writing. Anything from a short story or article to a novel. (It will more than likely be a novel as that's what I'm working on most though - I just hope Champagne doesn't go off, I could be waiting a while yet).

So yes, I'm elated! *whoop whoop* *does happy dance* Perfect Isn't An Option is finished, and printed, and waiting in a padded envelope for me to take to the Post Office early tomorrow morning. It will be winging its way by snail mail (not Owl Post) to the RNA New Writers' Scheme.

And the palaver* I've had getting this darn thing printed today! I tell you, it's a relief! (*See Facebook or Twitter)

But I know it's not finished finished. One, because I've already received some feedback through my writing group, and two, I know I will get some feedback from the RNA NWS which will mean another editing session.

It is also sitting around 68,000 words and that is not long enough for a contemporary romance. I need over 70,000 words for the publishers I want to approach. However, I believe the feedback I will receive will help in the increase of wordage. Liz, from my 'underground' writing group (as we jokily call it) has given me some good feedback which certainly would mean expanding the storyline a little. 

So can't quite crack the champagne open yet, but I will, however, have a celebratory glass of wine!

And now the exciting stuff, I get to start writing something new. I'm wondering to write my Vampire, but then I do have a fireman... hmmm...  Although, hang on a minute, there is that little novel called The Wedding Favour begging for some attention. Oh, yeah.

I'm off to my Mum's with the boys at the end of the week, and spending the last week of the summer holidays with her. I think, knowing how hard it is to concentrate on writing with the kids home, I'm going to take a two week break, use the time to hopefully catch up on some reading, and September, when the kids are back at school, start on my revise and resubmit to the publisher who contacted me in June. 

Does that sound like a plan, or does that sound like a plan?

I can still brainstorm my next story.... (I'm eager to write again), right, now where's that glass of wine?

(You know what this means - I've written two, yes TWO, novels now.) *squee*

celebratory "Magic Mike" picture - yum!

Slogging Away At Editing And Additing

For the last two nights I've sat at my computer editing and it feels good. No longer do I feel like a little lost lamb in my writery world.

The first draft was some 90,500 words, so I need to get it down to about 81,000. Hmmmm ...

At the moment I am editing, taking words away, but very poorly. Only lost 200 words so far. But to be honest, I'm just whizzing through it, reformatting, taking out obvious words like 'just' and trying to fix the bigger issues. But my brain works chronologically. I know that something needs fixing at say around chapter 20, but I have to read through and fix minor things on the way.

I've been noting down stuff too. Something recommended by Sophie King in Writing Magaznie a few issues back in her 'How To Write A Novel' section. Like if one of the characters mentions or does something, and I need it to appear earlier, or later, I'm making a note of it, so that I keep up the consistency ... making sure the gun that appears in chapter one, does get fired in chapter ten sort of thing.  (Yes, I know I'm writing romance and there is no gun, but you know what I mean!)

I read it through via my Kindle initially and that was good to see pace and realise what I'm repeating. (Throw it all at the wall in first draft!). So I know there is plenty of words than can come out.

Not sure if there is a right or wrong way, but this is how I feel comfortable doing my editing. It took me a while to get into it, wasn't sure where to start, but I'm chugging along nicely now.

It will get another read through, another nit pick to reduce words - I think it will be easier to do one word at a time, too (that's how my brain works). So at the moment I'm editing and additing (where I add stuff in).

Additing is a word I created for NaNoWriMo 2006 - I completed the novel, but knew it would need more stuff, to back up the consistency of the story and I called it additing, and it stuck. And that's my word for Morton Gray's Word Challenge!

At least one person can back me up that I've used this word, and created it from NaNoWriMo 2006 - she knows who she is!

Not sure how the editing and additing will come along this weekend as I have to work, however, I might make time to do some reading or even tackle assignment 12 (2nd fiction).

Editing Is Creative!

Look what I've created via Wordle! Thanks to Morton Gray for recommending this site!  Guess the names of my hero and heroine. 

I copied and pasted my whole manuscript into the text part and pressed go. Then fiddled with the colours etc and limited it to 50 words (it's default is 150 words) and here they are. My most used 50 words in the novel. Some are obviously going to remain the same (Adam and Sophie), but some like 'just' and 'felt' I will need to go filter out.

I didn't put it on the gallery, yet I did copy and paste (print screen, then paste into paint, then crop) it so I could keep the result and show you guys here. I have also printed it off (plus the 150 word version), which it gives you the option on the website.

I finished reading it through last night, and was chuckling at places (you're supposed to chuckle at). Hubby asked me if I was supposed to be laughing at my own novel. Now means working through some notes a friend has given me and going from there. I don't know whether to work on the big stuff first, or the small stuff. Help!

I've also got to crack the two space after a sentence habit. Something my new 'fiction' tutor has advised. Gah, it's going to be like trying to give up smoking or something, impossible (not that I actually smoke, or know what it's like to give it up) - only they don't give out patches. But I'm trying to do it with my blog even now. I have to pause after every full stop. Crazy. It just feels weird hitting the space bar once.

The Editing Process Begins

I'm up to 56% through my novel, The Wedding Favour, so Kindle tells me. I've just finished reading chapter 16 - it's one of my favourite chapters.  It's still one of my favourite chapters, I fear it could even be a 'darling'.  I hope I don't have to kill that darling!

I don't think I will have to.  Might need some general editing, but I think it was pretty impressive, if I do say so myself.  It was nicely revealing for the characters, and also ups the angst between them.

I hope I'm doing this editing lark right.  It feels a bit different to editing my fan fic.  I mean, if I got the editing wrong with the fan fic, it wasn't too serious.  I might get the odd terrible review (luckily that never really happened - only strict, constructive criticism at the beta/draft stage) - but it wasn't the difference between being published and not being published.

Anyway, the process has begun.  I'm going to read through the whole story, so I have an idea of how it flows - like a true book.  Then, I'll start doing the things I know that need fixing - thanks to those that have given me some feedback - then I work on reducing the word count.  It's around 90,000 words believe it or not, so Stephen King (On Writing) says I need to lose about 10% of it.

I have noticed that I've used 'can't quite put his finger on it' a few times.  Those are going to have to go!  They stand out like sore thumbs.

I've also realised I've got Sophie swearing too much.  Not very lady like.  There are a couple of times where it's allowable, but a few times I think I could tone it down.  She's not me - who swears like a trooper!

Right, well, I can't sit around here chatting, I've got a novel to edit.

May - You Write Your Novel

April (Oh gosh that's today!) I will be editing The Wedding Favour, however, depending on how well I get on with that, I might take up Christine and Sally's challenge - 80,000 words in 80 days - May - You Write Your Novel.  Starts 1st of May if you're interested!  So keep an eye on the blog!

I've got a second novel in mind, and though it needs some research, I could definitely use this challenge to attempt to write it.   And when you think about it, it's a 1000 words a day.  That's do-able, isn't it?

Is It Me Or Is Time Flying?

Where has March gone?  Seriously.  Friday is the 1st of April.

April is when I said I'd start editing The Wedding Favour!

This week I've got to pull my finger out and get that first fiction assignment off.  I only have the second exercise to do, which I started but I think I've done the wrong way around.  I've just used the POV of someone to look at the characteristics of other people in a restaurant, where I think I'm actually supposed to do it from inside those characters' heads.  Show a brash, confident character.  I only have three characters to do, and 150 words to do it for each character - easy, right?

I've been thinking about my second novel, and looking forward to starting that.  I do think I need something else to concentrate on, to make me sit down and write.  Though, I should be concentrating on smaller projects i.e. short stories, to see if I can generate some income... so that I can give up my stifling weekend job.  (I'd rather be around my kids arguing than go there to work!)  Editing should get me working hard again - once I start focussing on something, then it's hard for me to stop.  Currently, I've been ambling around my study. 

I'm wondering whether to enter The Wedding Favour into the Yeovil Prize which was advertised in Writing Magazine (March issue).  I have until the 31st May to have polished the first three chapters and a synopsis.  I've been reading like crazy - 13/40 books so far - so ahead of schedule there, which will mean I have lots of time for editing and reading The Wedding Favour.

I still haven't heard from Woman's Weekly about a short story I sent to them in January.  It was called Life After Death, about a young woman in labour who has lost her husband.  I saw on Womagwriter's Blog that they wanted 'risky' stories, so that's what I sent them.  I'd like to think it's an emotional piece, which does end happily.  I anxiously await the post every day now for news of rejection or acceptance ... 

Now taking a leaf out of Rachel Lyndhurt's blog, I'm going to share with you Adam.  He started off inspired by the likes of Bradley Cooper (he's my new obsession) and Dirk Benedict (he's my old one) but I found this wonderful picture of Josh Holloway.  I'd described, or should I say, Sophie had described Adam with sandy blond hair.  One of my writing pals couldn't picture it, till they googled and come up with Sawyer.  Adam is a lot 'cleaner' than Sawyer, and far from a rogue but this picture really is spot on with Josh there in a suit - shame it's not in colour.

And just for those who need their Sawyer fix ... ah hem, I thank you! (see, sandy blond hair -->).

Really must make more of a habit of putting hot male inspirational pictures on my blog.