My Manuscript Has Left The Building

So could we please have all fingers and toes crossed! 

I've resent my manuscript off to two publishers with some edits suggested by one of the editors. 

I've weaved in more of the post office and the scandal - that's another blog post - as well as changed the prologue. 

But I'm still not confident it's enough. 

This story is not different to the style of my other six, but I'm struggling to get the attention of a publisher (or an agent.)

I write warm, fun, and uplifting romances. I try to keep it real for the reader within reason. It's escapism but I like my heroes to be in real situations, so the reader can feel like they'd bump into them on the street. 

I love all the heroes I write, but this one may well be my favourite. So it's frustrating that I can't get him out in the world! 

Actually, all the heroes I've written are always my favourite at the time of writing them, and if I had to choose which was my favourite book I'd written, I don't think I could actually choose.

Plus One is one of my favourite tropes. One Fine Day has Superman references, and is inspired by Bradley Cooper, and whilst writing Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage I was picturing the gorgeous Henry Cavill who I had a huge crush at the time. (Still have, it if truth be told.) 

But this particular hero is not as traditional as the ones I usually write. He's a little darker, distant, rough around the edges. Yet, he's got such a kind heart. He's looks a complete mess, covered in oil as a motor mechanic, but scrubs up hot hot hot! I can't even imagine telling you who my inspiration is for this hero, or what show he comes from as it is far from romantic. 

Anyway, my out of office is on. I'm going to bury my head in cocktails and Cypriot food for the next week. I have decided, as this book has been two years in the constant writing and editing, I may well self-publish it, just to get it out there, while I find a publishing home for it. 

Watch this space. 

Plus One is a Lucky Number - Book Birthday!

You know how your first child makes you a mum (or dad). Well, my first book made me officially an author. 

Obviously, you're always a writer if you write. 

But it's not until you're holding that book in your hand (if you're lucky enough to get it into paperback) or seeing it on a good ebook seller site - published! - that you don't really feel like an author. (Well, I didn't, anyway.) 

Plus One is a Lucky Number was published on the 29th August 2013. (Yes, I know I'm a day late.)

And I became an author! 

The paperback came out on the 8th May 2014 - which was the best feeling ever too! To hold your paperback! 

This is my FAVOURITE romance trope. I love the whole fake dating, pretending to be a relationship. My favourite rom coms are The Wedding Date and Just Go With It and even The Proposal. 

Plus One is a Lucky Number had a new book cover last year. 

Here's the blurb: 

A swoon-worthy, fake dating romance perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and The Proposal!

Sophie Trewyn is going to a wedding where the invite is strictly Plus One.

But with her single-girl status not quite complying with the dress code, and the best man being none other than the shady ex she would rather forget, Sophie needs a wedding favour and she needs it fast…

Enter dreamy co-worker, Adam Reid. But after the wedding weekend, on the sunny Cornish coast, Sophie must decide… is their relationship real or is it all for show?

Buy here :)  and at all other great eBook sites. 

Me holding my paperback for the 1st time!

Happy birthday, Plus One is a Lucky Number! 

Happy Paperback Birthday!

Plus One is a Lucky Number first came out in eBook on the 29th August 2013 - which officially made me an author. 

It's like having your first child, and you're officially a mum. There's no going back! 

Anyway, you can imagine our surprise when, as newly made authors, we turned up at HarperCollins HO for a party, to see our paperbacks out on display. 

(In the photo is Jane Lark, Lorraine Wilson and Charlotte Phillips.)

Plus One is a Lucky Number came out in paperback on this day - 8th May - 9 years ago in 2014. Different cover back then. It's had a makeover now and is free in Kindle Unlimited if you want a warm, uplifting, fun romance. 

This is one of my favourite romance tropes, the whole pretending to be in a relationship. Films like The Wedding Date, The Proposal and Just Go With It are favourites of mine. 

When Adam kisses Sophie, is it for real, or is it for show? 

Buy here on Amazon

Want a free eBook?

Currently all of my books are available for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. 

So if you fancy a fun, flirty, warm and uplifting romance, go check them out here on Amazon. 

I write super hot heroes; escapism for women. 

Plus One is a Lucky Number, Sophie needs a wedding favour... 

One Fine Day is a romantic tale of love, loss and Clark Kent disguises, as Steve Mason sheds the trappings of his success and enlists his sister Ruby in finding The One. 

Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage provides Picture perfect scenery, a self-possessed and feisty heroine and a brooding, handsome hero in the form of one Harry Tudor all combine to make this the perfect holiday read!

And then there is my Kittiwake Cove Series... 

Remember, if you enjoyed the book, please leave me a review! Thank you x 

Firmly In My Fifties

It was my birthday at the weekend, and I went for a National Trust adventure at Stourhead. 

I had been toying with getting a bus into Bristol for some day drinking, and being home by 8pm and in bed ha ha! 

However, we opted for some exercise and fresh air, as only the middle-aged will appreciate. 

Therefore, my birthday involved plenty of walking with a cream tea for lunch. Perfect. 

I went with one of my friends who I've been visiting a lot of National Trust places with this year.

For the middle of October we were very lucky with the weather, it only got a little chilly when the sun went in. But we were starting to see the changes in the trees, and what I love about National Trust is they'll always have a good display on. Everywhere we went there were pumpkins and the reminder of Autumn. 

Then, in the evening we went out with the 'kids' - who are not so small now at 17 & 19 - for dinner, and a well deserved bottle of pink prosecco - or two! 

Thanks to everyone who sent cards, gifts, and messages. All very appreciated 😍

I know I've been quiet on the blogging front, but I've been working on my next novel, editing and polishing to resubmit to a publisher, and submit to some agents... Wish me luck! 

10 Years Published

On Tuesday, I celebrated ten years published as an author. 

Plus One is a Lucky Number, my debut novel, was published on the 29th August 2013.

Can you believe that's ten years and how they've flown! 

I can remember the day the email dropped into my inbox by HarperCollins' imprint One More Chapter (HarperImpulse back then) and offered me a two book deal. It was a good job I was sitting down! 

I now have six books traditionally published, 3 of which are in Audible.

I'm a bit slower than some of my author colleagues but as we say in UW and the personal development that I do, don't compare your journey to others.

Rachel Brimble & Jane Lark

We are all in our own race - if you want to call it that.

Anyway, a massive thank you to all the lovely ladies who could join me on Tuesday. And to those that sent messages. I knew not everyone could come as it was a work day. 

Unfortunately we couldn't go out in the garden as hoped, due to the great British weather. 

It's glorious sunshine today and over 23 degrees.... Of course, the schools go back tomorrow. 

Anyway, here are a couple of photos from the day! But if you head over to my Facebook page, you'll see more. 

3-Book Contract With Sapere Books

I've had to keep this a secret for a couple of weeks now, and hold in all my excitement by sitting on my hands, and not posting on social media.

But yes, finally I can reveal why I was drinking Champagne at the weekend!

I've signed a 3 book contract with Sapere Books!

Mega EXCITEMENT!

And I'd been saving this bottle for a long time! I have been dying to open it - let me tell you!

It's been three years since I last had a book published and I was starting to doubt myself and my writing. This really couldn't have come at a better time for me.

I can't wait to be working with Sapere's team and starting sharing my Kittiwake Cove series.

I've found that my favourite Italian restaurant in Weston is delivering. So this weekend, I might just have to treat myself to a slap-up Italian meal! I have plenty of prosecco so I think this calls for another bottle of bubbly.

You will need to be a little patient, as the first of the Kittiwake Cove series won't be out until Spring 2021. But all good things come to those who wait, huh?

Right, I'm off, I have a book to write...