I'm going to start by wishing each and every one of you a Happy New Year. I did debate writing this post a few days ago as 2013 chimed in but as I was at a party and a teensy weensy bit tiddled, I forgot all about it.
So much happened for me and so many of my lovely writing buddies during 2012 that it's still hard for me to get my head around it all. Here's an excerpt of my post written on the 1st January 2012:
And so we come to the dreaded New Year's Resolution. I've never been one for
making resolutions just because I'm supposed to and this year will be no
different. My goals haven't changed. I love, love, love writing and the dream is
still to be published by M&B. If the book with them (no, I haven't heard
anything but thanks for asking) is ultimately rejected then so be it - I will
simply bombard them with the next one. And the next. And the next. And the...
you get my drift.
Well the book in questions was rejected (after three rounds of revisions). That same book, now entitled Tempted by Trouble, subsequently sold to Entangled and will be published in March. I also embarked on a new book for M&B, working under the close guidance of my lovely editor there. Finally, on the 19th September, I received The Call. That book, entitled The Rings That Bind, will be published in August. After dreaming and trying and persevering for year and years, 2013 will finally see my name in print. Who knows, maybe book two of my M&B contract will be published this year too... I've got to finish writing it first!
So what have I learnt over the past year? Number one, the year reiterated the need for perseverance. That, to me, is the greatest lesson any wannabe writer can learn. Take the knocks on the chin because you and your writing will come back stronger for them. The second lesson I have learned is that a good editor who is on your side is worth more than all the tea in China. In the past twelve months I have worked under four editors - both my original M&B and Entangled editors moved on to pastures new. Charlotte, my new M&B editor, is a diamond whose patience knows no limits. Keyren, my new Entangled editor, is so on-the-ball it's scary. I have no doubt whatsoever that both Charlotte and Keyren believe in me and my writing, and I adore them both.
On the flip side, an editor who is not on your side can totally destroy your confidence - a writer's relationship with an editor is unique in that you are dependent on them, not just for their guidance in making your book the best it can be, but also to act as your advocate within the publishing house. Because of that dependency, some writers feel they have to swallow behaviour they would never accept from anyone else, either personally or professionally. I would write more about this but I can see it turning into a full-length post on it's own so shall save it for another day!
Before I sign off, I would like to wish Tara Pammi, Victoria Parker, Jennifer Drogell and Jennifer Faye all the best with their debut HMB releases this year. I would also like to wish Aimee Duffy and Lindsay Pryor all the best with their follow-ups - these ladies have a busy year ahead for them! Finally, I wish you all the luck in the world on your own unique journey and hope 2013 brings you much peace, love and happiness.
Take care, xxx
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Getting to Know... Lindsay. J. Pryor!
Today I am welcoming the lovely Lindsay. J. Pryor to my blog. Lindsay's debut, Blood Shadows, is already making waves in the book world and deservedly so. For those of you who haven't heard anything about it, it's a paranormal romance that breaks so many cliches it's in a class of its own. Before I move on to the interview, I wanted to write a little something about the book.
Lindsay has created a world set in the city of Blackthorn, a city divided by species. Although we are introduced to a variety of the species that inhabit this dark, wet city, Blood Shadows focuses mainly on the vampires - in this case, Kane Malloy, a Master Vampire. Tasked with hunting him is the human Caitlin Parish a Shadow Reader and a member of the VCU (Vampire Control Unit). In a nutshell, Vampires do not have souls - they have shadows. I'll give a special Brownie Point to anyone who can guess what special talent a Shadow Reader has...
I loathe reviews that give too many plot points away, so plot-wise, the only thing I will add is that although natural enemies, Kane and Caitlin need each other for their own personal - and deadly - reasons.
Blood Shadows is a wonderful book - for a debut author it is first class. There were moments when I was reading it that I could smell the oil on Kane's hands and swear I heard the rain dripping against the window pane. Lindsay sucks you into Blackthorn so you're right there with them, living this deadly moment with them, and she keeps the suspense and atmosphere going right to the very last page.
Blood Shadows is available to purchase via Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk
And now for the most exciting part of the blog - the interview! As Lindsay has written such a dark, atmospheric book, I thought I should ask questions that perfectly encapsulates Blackthorn. And then I thought, 'nah', that would be boring!
Q) If you won the lottery (and we're talking mega-money, not a trifling million), what would you spend it on? And don't say anything worthy about 'sharing it with my family' or 'donating a portion to charity'. Unless that charity is the Michelle Smart Hardship Fund.
A) No family or charity at all? Hmmm. I’d probably indulge in books, lingerie and chocolate. And not necessarily in that order. Maybe a tree house. Oh, and a car – my husband just wrote off my last one so I don’t have one anymore. I’d have a black Audi convertible with the Blackthorn logo somewhere. Hang on, mega money? Ah, let’s just go for a Batmobile. In fact, I’m going to buy Wayne Manor. Bruce can stay if he likes…
Q) What was your favourite book as a child, and why?
A) The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I read it countless times during childhood (accompanied with regular visits inside my wardrobe – I even had a schedule to increase my chances of getting to Narnia). I loved the story because of the adventure, the talking animals and all the scary stuff with the queen turning characters into stone, let alone the idea of a parallel world being that accessible. And all that snow! I love snow.
Q) What was your favourite TV show as a child and why?
A) The Little Vampire (I should have guessed ha ha ha!). I was fascinated by another world co-existing furtively alongside ours. I adored the costumes and the setting. It was so beautifully gothic. I’d probably look back at it now and cringe because it wasn’t exactly a high-budget show, but I loved it at the time.
Hmmm, the other-wordly thing is becoming a theme here…
Q) If you were stranded on a desert island and were allowed only one book, what would it be and why?
A) I’d take Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian * (an update of Dracula), quite simply because its been on my TBR pile for about three years. I keep putting it off until I have some time to indulge in it properly. I’d hate to think how many books I’ve read in-between – I should have just got on with it! It’s either that or Calvin and Hobbes. They crack me up.
*Lindsay originally wanted to take a note pad. Tut tut. The cheat.
Q) You're still on the island - what is the one music record you would want and why?
A) It would depend on what mood I’m in. Am I on my own? That means I can sing at the top of my voice. I’ll go for My Chemical Romance’s Black Parade in that case.
Q) You're still on the island - if you could have one fictional man there with you, who would it be and why (and he has to be a character from a book)?
A) Still on the island? This is turning into an episode of Lost. A book that’s been published already… Kane! * Surely I don’t need to tell you why.
* She cheated again! Going for her own character is against the rules so I'm taking Kane away from the island and sending Hurley from Lost in his place.
Q) What's your favourite smell?
A) Do I go with soothing smells, sexy smells, invigorating smells…? I like cinnamon. And pomegranate. Oh, and woodburners. Old paper – I love the smell of old bookshops. Okay, we’ll go with the latter. Excellent choice Lindsay!
Q) What's your one money weakness?
A) Eating out. I LOVE eating out. I’m obscenely cautious with money but will eat out at the drop of a hat. Italian (my favourite!), Chinese, Indian, Mexican… any excuse.
Q) What's your favourite joke?
A) A vampire bat returned to his cave late one night, covered in fresh blood. He was just settling down in the roof to get some sleep when all the other bats smelled the blood on him. Soon they were all pestering him about where he got it from.
He told them to leave him alone and let him get some sleep, but they kept on at him. Eventually, he gave in.
‘OK, follow me, he said, and flew out of the cave with hundreds of his fellow bats behind him.
Down through a valley they went, across a river and into a forest full of trees.
Finally he slowed down and all the other bats excitedly milled around him.
‘Now, do you see that tree over there?’ he asked.
‘Yes, yes, yes!’ the bats all squeaked in a frenzy.
‘Good,’ he said. ‘Because I didn’t.’
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lindsay for agreeing to the interview (even though she did cheat more than once - did I mention she tried to get out of doing the joke?). Lindsay, it's been an absolute pleasure and I wish you and Blood Shadows and your wonderful publisher Bookouture every success in the world.
Take care all xxx
Lindsay has created a world set in the city of Blackthorn, a city divided by species. Although we are introduced to a variety of the species that inhabit this dark, wet city, Blood Shadows focuses mainly on the vampires - in this case, Kane Malloy, a Master Vampire. Tasked with hunting him is the human Caitlin Parish a Shadow Reader and a member of the VCU (Vampire Control Unit). In a nutshell, Vampires do not have souls - they have shadows. I'll give a special Brownie Point to anyone who can guess what special talent a Shadow Reader has...
I loathe reviews that give too many plot points away, so plot-wise, the only thing I will add is that although natural enemies, Kane and Caitlin need each other for their own personal - and deadly - reasons.
Blood Shadows is a wonderful book - for a debut author it is first class. There were moments when I was reading it that I could smell the oil on Kane's hands and swear I heard the rain dripping against the window pane. Lindsay sucks you into Blackthorn so you're right there with them, living this deadly moment with them, and she keeps the suspense and atmosphere going right to the very last page.
And now for the most exciting part of the blog - the interview! As Lindsay has written such a dark, atmospheric book, I thought I should ask questions that perfectly encapsulates Blackthorn. And then I thought, 'nah', that would be boring!
Q) If you won the lottery (and we're talking mega-money, not a trifling million), what would you spend it on? And don't say anything worthy about 'sharing it with my family' or 'donating a portion to charity'. Unless that charity is the Michelle Smart Hardship Fund.
A) No family or charity at all? Hmmm. I’d probably indulge in books, lingerie and chocolate. And not necessarily in that order. Maybe a tree house. Oh, and a car – my husband just wrote off my last one so I don’t have one anymore. I’d have a black Audi convertible with the Blackthorn logo somewhere. Hang on, mega money? Ah, let’s just go for a Batmobile. In fact, I’m going to buy Wayne Manor. Bruce can stay if he likes…
Q) What was your favourite book as a child, and why?
A) The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I read it countless times during childhood (accompanied with regular visits inside my wardrobe – I even had a schedule to increase my chances of getting to Narnia). I loved the story because of the adventure, the talking animals and all the scary stuff with the queen turning characters into stone, let alone the idea of a parallel world being that accessible. And all that snow! I love snow.
Q) What was your favourite TV show as a child and why?
A) The Little Vampire (I should have guessed ha ha ha!). I was fascinated by another world co-existing furtively alongside ours. I adored the costumes and the setting. It was so beautifully gothic. I’d probably look back at it now and cringe because it wasn’t exactly a high-budget show, but I loved it at the time.
Hmmm, the other-wordly thing is becoming a theme here…
Q) If you were stranded on a desert island and were allowed only one book, what would it be and why?
A) I’d take Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian * (an update of Dracula), quite simply because its been on my TBR pile for about three years. I keep putting it off until I have some time to indulge in it properly. I’d hate to think how many books I’ve read in-between – I should have just got on with it! It’s either that or Calvin and Hobbes. They crack me up.
*Lindsay originally wanted to take a note pad. Tut tut. The cheat.
Q) You're still on the island - what is the one music record you would want and why?
A) It would depend on what mood I’m in. Am I on my own? That means I can sing at the top of my voice. I’ll go for My Chemical Romance’s Black Parade in that case.
Q) You're still on the island - if you could have one fictional man there with you, who would it be and why (and he has to be a character from a book)?
A) Still on the island? This is turning into an episode of Lost. A book that’s been published already… Kane! * Surely I don’t need to tell you why.
* She cheated again! Going for her own character is against the rules so I'm taking Kane away from the island and sending Hurley from Lost in his place.
Q) What's your favourite smell?
A) Do I go with soothing smells, sexy smells, invigorating smells…? I like cinnamon. And pomegranate. Oh, and woodburners. Old paper – I love the smell of old bookshops. Okay, we’ll go with the latter. Excellent choice Lindsay!
Q) What's your one money weakness?
A) Eating out. I LOVE eating out. I’m obscenely cautious with money but will eat out at the drop of a hat. Italian (my favourite!), Chinese, Indian, Mexican… any excuse.
Q) What's your favourite joke?
A) A vampire bat returned to his cave late one night, covered in fresh blood. He was just settling down in the roof to get some sleep when all the other bats smelled the blood on him. Soon they were all pestering him about where he got it from.
He told them to leave him alone and let him get some sleep, but they kept on at him. Eventually, he gave in.
‘OK, follow me, he said, and flew out of the cave with hundreds of his fellow bats behind him.
Down through a valley they went, across a river and into a forest full of trees.
Finally he slowed down and all the other bats excitedly milled around him.
‘Now, do you see that tree over there?’ he asked.
‘Yes, yes, yes!’ the bats all squeaked in a frenzy.
‘Good,’ he said. ‘Because I didn’t.’
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lindsay for agreeing to the interview (even though she did cheat more than once - did I mention she tried to get out of doing the joke?). Lindsay, it's been an absolute pleasure and I wish you and Blood Shadows and your wonderful publisher Bookouture every success in the world.
Take care all xxx
Friday, 30 November 2012
Titles & Congratulations
Looks like I've been a bad blogger again - so bad, even my husband has been nagging at me for the past fortnight to write another post (I have no idea why as he never reads them!).
Since my last post and that wonderful visit to Richmond, life has been rather busy, to say the least. November is always a busy month for me but this year it has been busier than normal - having half-term during the first week didn't help. Still, it has been fun.
Ok, onto my news. I am currently at the tail-end of my last few revisions for my debut Harlequin Mills & Boon. These revisions are just a case of adding a few sentences here and there to clarify certain things. The best bit of news though, is I have a title for it. Yep - my very first HMB Modern/Presents book will be called The Rings That Bind. I am over the moon with it - it is perfect for the story. It has been scheduled for release in August 2013. I have to admit to releasing a few (alright, a good dozen) squeals when my lovely editor told me. Two and a half months on from receiving The Call, it still feels as if I'm having an out-of-body experience. Having a title and release date makes it feel slightly more real - a little more solid.
Another person who will be experiencing these very same emotions is the hugely talented Jennifer Drogell, who was announced yesterday as the winner of this year's So You Think You Can Write competition. Eagle-eyed blog readers will recall I named The Divorce Party, her winning entry, as one of my personal favourites in the first round. Yes, I will take some of the credit (it's all about me!!!). So, huge congratulations Jennifer - I am delighted for you.
Another writer I am full of pride for is the wonderful Lindsay. J. Pryor, whose debut book Blood Shadows released this week. I've already brought and read it and cannot recommend it highly enough. I'll be reviewing it properly in the coming weeks when I interview Lindsay for this blog.
That's all from me - as I seem to promise every time I write a post, I'll do my best to be more frequent with my updates!
Take care all xxx
Since my last post and that wonderful visit to Richmond, life has been rather busy, to say the least. November is always a busy month for me but this year it has been busier than normal - having half-term during the first week didn't help. Still, it has been fun.
Ok, onto my news. I am currently at the tail-end of my last few revisions for my debut Harlequin Mills & Boon. These revisions are just a case of adding a few sentences here and there to clarify certain things. The best bit of news though, is I have a title for it. Yep - my very first HMB Modern/Presents book will be called The Rings That Bind. I am over the moon with it - it is perfect for the story. It has been scheduled for release in August 2013. I have to admit to releasing a few (alright, a good dozen) squeals when my lovely editor told me. Two and a half months on from receiving The Call, it still feels as if I'm having an out-of-body experience. Having a title and release date makes it feel slightly more real - a little more solid.
Another person who will be experiencing these very same emotions is the hugely talented Jennifer Drogell, who was announced yesterday as the winner of this year's So You Think You Can Write competition. Eagle-eyed blog readers will recall I named The Divorce Party, her winning entry, as one of my personal favourites in the first round. Yes, I will take some of the credit (it's all about me!!!). So, huge congratulations Jennifer - I am delighted for you.
Another writer I am full of pride for is the wonderful Lindsay. J. Pryor, whose debut book Blood Shadows released this week. I've already brought and read it and cannot recommend it highly enough. I'll be reviewing it properly in the coming weeks when I interview Lindsay for this blog.
That's all from me - as I seem to promise every time I write a post, I'll do my best to be more frequent with my updates!
Take care all xxx
Saturday, 20 October 2012
Meeting the Editors!
Yesterday, on Friday 19th October, exactly one month to the day that I received The Call, I went to Rom HQ in Richmond. When I reached HQ, I admit to feeling a teensy bit of disappointment. In my head I'd imagined a bright pink building with glitter on the doormat! Instead it was just an ordinary meeting.
I was nearly half an hour early and caught them on the hop (oops) but they were wonderful about it. Honestly, I never noticed the boxes on the floor they had intended to put away before I arrived...
Inside, I met my editor (the lovely Charlotte Ledger) and the rest of the editorial team (pictured below is Carly Byrne, Joanne Grant, Charlotte, me, Lucy Gilmore and Sally Williamson). I couldn't believe how tall and beautiful they all were - I'm really glad I wore my heels!
This picture may show the six of us, but all the other editors and marketing staff welcomed me too, including Linda Fildew and Tessa Shapcott, the latter of whom has just celebrated twenty five years at Mills & Boon. I was given the grand tour of the editorial office (it's open plan for those who like to know these things) and then they opened a couple of bottles of champagne.
After that, I was whisked off to a purple room with Ali from Marketing and Charlotte to do a podcast about being a new Modern/Presents author. If the podcast ever sees the light of day I shall apologise now - I'm a giggler and completely incapable of showing professionalism. I dread to think what the finished article will look like (poor Ali has some serious editing to do).
Charlotte then took me up to the Library. All I can say about the library was 'Wow'. Every category and single title book produced by Harlequin over the past five years or so were on those shelves (once the shelves are full the books are archived, freeing space for the next generation of books). Honestly, it was a romance junkie's idea of heaven.
By that point it was time for lunch, so Charlotte and I said our goodbyes and headed off to a restaurant called Rock & Rose. I swear the owners of this restaurant knew there was a building full of romance junkies around the corner when they opened it. I would go so far as to say it was exactly how I picture Rom HQ itself (I'm seriously considering taking a can of pink spray paint and a suitcase of glitter if I'm ever invited there again!).
The food was wonderful, the cocktails were divine and Charlotte was... I don't think there are enough superlatives to describe how lovely she is.
All in all, it was a fantastic day. The Mills & Boon staff are a fantastic bunch - all incredibly welcoming and lovely, and so enthusiastic about the books they produce. I can never thank them enough for making me feel so spoiled and wanted.
Take care all xxx
I was nearly half an hour early and caught them on the hop (oops) but they were wonderful about it. Honestly, I never noticed the boxes on the floor they had intended to put away before I arrived...
Inside, I met my editor (the lovely Charlotte Ledger) and the rest of the editorial team (pictured below is Carly Byrne, Joanne Grant, Charlotte, me, Lucy Gilmore and Sally Williamson). I couldn't believe how tall and beautiful they all were - I'm really glad I wore my heels!
This picture may show the six of us, but all the other editors and marketing staff welcomed me too, including Linda Fildew and Tessa Shapcott, the latter of whom has just celebrated twenty five years at Mills & Boon. I was given the grand tour of the editorial office (it's open plan for those who like to know these things) and then they opened a couple of bottles of champagne.
After that, I was whisked off to a purple room with Ali from Marketing and Charlotte to do a podcast about being a new Modern/Presents author. If the podcast ever sees the light of day I shall apologise now - I'm a giggler and completely incapable of showing professionalism. I dread to think what the finished article will look like (poor Ali has some serious editing to do).
Charlotte then took me up to the Library. All I can say about the library was 'Wow'. Every category and single title book produced by Harlequin over the past five years or so were on those shelves (once the shelves are full the books are archived, freeing space for the next generation of books). Honestly, it was a romance junkie's idea of heaven.
By that point it was time for lunch, so Charlotte and I said our goodbyes and headed off to a restaurant called Rock & Rose. I swear the owners of this restaurant knew there was a building full of romance junkies around the corner when they opened it. I would go so far as to say it was exactly how I picture Rom HQ itself (I'm seriously considering taking a can of pink spray paint and a suitcase of glitter if I'm ever invited there again!).
The food was wonderful, the cocktails were divine and Charlotte was... I don't think there are enough superlatives to describe how lovely she is.
All in all, it was a fantastic day. The Mills & Boon staff are a fantastic bunch - all incredibly welcoming and lovely, and so enthusiastic about the books they produce. I can never thank them enough for making me feel so spoiled and wanted.
Take care all xxx
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Getting to Know You.
In all the time I've been doing this blog I have rarely strayed from the topic of me. Me, me, me, me, me! Well not anymore. Today I would like to introduce you to a debut author who I am certain will soon be a tour de force in the romance industry. She also happens to be a good friend of mine, so, without any further ado, allow me to introduce you to Aimee Duffy, author of The Monster of Fame.
Now, for those of you expecting an in-depth interview on the writing process blah, blah, blah, I apologise. I'm only interested in the, well, interesting stuff!
Q) How many pairs of shoes do you own?
A) I have a cupboard for my shoes, a shelf at my front door and I have shoes in boxes. If I was to hazard a guess, I’d say somewhere around 30 pairs. Funny thing is, I don’t own trainers!
Q) If you were stuck on a desert island and could only choose one book, one film and one album, what would they be and why? Also, what fictional man would you want there with you (he must come from a book) and why?A) One book. Really? Okay, I’d probably choose something really erotic (since I’m gonna be there with a hot guy. We could try out the scenes). The film would be Lord of the Rings, the second one. Orlando Bloom is lush as a blond! I’d have to take U2’s Joshua Tree, cause I can’t go any length of time without Bono. I’m in love with that man’s voice! The guy would have to be Gideon Cross from Bared To You. I love a tortured hero and he’s way hotter than Christian Grey.
Q) If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
A) Is x-ray vision a perverted answer? I’d like to have the ability to change the weather, like Storm from X-men. Then I could be warm all year round without moving ;)
Q) Does it always rain in Scotland?
A) For the most part. It also snows and you get big hailstones. This is why I want the ability to change the weather.
Q) What was your dream job when you were five years old? (personally, I wanted to work on a till in a shop!).
A) I wanted to be a vet, then realised animal blood makes my stomach churn. Plus I don’t think I could cope with watching anything die, so doctor and nurse was ruled out quickly.
Q) What was your favourite childhood book and why?
A) I loved the Goosebumps books, especially Welcome to Dead House by R.L. Stine. It freaked me out, but I couldn’t get enough of it. I was obsessed with ghost stories, and as a result slept with the light on. Drove my mum nuts.
Q)) If you won the lottery (and we're talking squillions not a paltry million or two), what would be the first thing you would buy after a magnum of champagne?
A) The first ticket out of Scotland. Seriously. I want to travel the world and after handing out a big chunk to all my family and friends, I’d be off. Preferably Vegas first, but I’m not fussy ;).
Q) What's your favourite drink?
A) It’s a toss up between vodka with diet cola or Jagerbombs.
Q) What's your favourite joke (be as rude as you like)? *
A) How do you make a potato puff?
Chase it round the garden.
Q) If you could go back in time and talk to your ten year old self, what advice would you give and why?
Thank you Aimee! And all the best of luck with your debut book, The Monster of Fame.
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Can the voice of an angel heal a tortured soul?
As a general rule I do not write reviews. If I like a book I shout about it from the rooftops but reviews? Nope. Quite frankly I am pants at them, so I will try to keep this one short but sweet.
The Monster of Fame is a love story set around the ficitional reality show Do You have What It Takes? Think X-Factor meets The Voice featuring a sexy Simon Cowell without the Botox or moobs, and with an actual personality. And a heart (although this is kept well hidden from the world).This would be Miles, our gorgeous tortured hero.
Then we have our heroine, Anna, a sweet Scottish girl with the voice of an angel and the self-confidence of a dustpan.
I'm not going to tell you what happens or give any spoilers (you'll have to read it for yourselves to find out!), but suffice it to say, I adored this book. Aimee's writing is so fluid you get sucked right into the story and right into a showbiz world that rarely has substance behind the floss - The Monster of Fame has substance aplenty. There were moments when I laughed out loud and, I am not ashamed to say, moments of despair that made me cry.
All-in-all, this is a cracking debut and a book I will gladly shout about from the rooftops.
(The Monster of Fame can be purchased via Amazon.co.uk , Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble
Take care all xxx
Now, for those of you expecting an in-depth interview on the writing process blah, blah, blah, I apologise. I'm only interested in the, well, interesting stuff!
Q) How many pairs of shoes do you own?
A) I have a cupboard for my shoes, a shelf at my front door and I have shoes in boxes. If I was to hazard a guess, I’d say somewhere around 30 pairs. Funny thing is, I don’t own trainers!
Q) If you were stuck on a desert island and could only choose one book, one film and one album, what would they be and why? Also, what fictional man would you want there with you (he must come from a book) and why?A) One book. Really? Okay, I’d probably choose something really erotic (since I’m gonna be there with a hot guy. We could try out the scenes). The film would be Lord of the Rings, the second one. Orlando Bloom is lush as a blond! I’d have to take U2’s Joshua Tree, cause I can’t go any length of time without Bono. I’m in love with that man’s voice! The guy would have to be Gideon Cross from Bared To You. I love a tortured hero and he’s way hotter than Christian Grey.
Q) If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
A) Is x-ray vision a perverted answer? I’d like to have the ability to change the weather, like Storm from X-men. Then I could be warm all year round without moving ;)
Q) Does it always rain in Scotland?
A) For the most part. It also snows and you get big hailstones. This is why I want the ability to change the weather.
Q) What was your dream job when you were five years old? (personally, I wanted to work on a till in a shop!).
A) I wanted to be a vet, then realised animal blood makes my stomach churn. Plus I don’t think I could cope with watching anything die, so doctor and nurse was ruled out quickly.
Q) What was your favourite childhood book and why?
A) I loved the Goosebumps books, especially Welcome to Dead House by R.L. Stine. It freaked me out, but I couldn’t get enough of it. I was obsessed with ghost stories, and as a result slept with the light on. Drove my mum nuts.
Q)) If you won the lottery (and we're talking squillions not a paltry million or two), what would be the first thing you would buy after a magnum of champagne?
A) The first ticket out of Scotland. Seriously. I want to travel the world and after handing out a big chunk to all my family and friends, I’d be off. Preferably Vegas first, but I’m not fussy ;).
Q) What's your favourite drink?
A) It’s a toss up between vodka with diet cola or Jagerbombs.
Q) What's your favourite joke (be as rude as you like)? *
A) How do you make a potato puff?
Chase it round the garden.
Q) If you could go back in time and talk to your ten year old self, what advice would you give and why?
A) I wouldn’t know where to start. I was a terror. I used to climb trees and my friends and I spent our summers in the woods, breaking things (mostly bones from falling out of trees), getting hurt after pinching hammers and nails to build tree-houses (I have the scars to prove it!) and when it rained, we weren’t discouraged. I’d have probably said to listen to my mum and look after my clothes because I always came in covered in mud. Oh, and I’d have said to stay away from the River Forth. Falling in was the most unpleasant experience of my life. I’d have taken a broken leg over that any day!
* I would like to point out that Aimee was a nightmare to get a joke out of as she only knows rude jokes and refused to share one of those beauties in case of offending anyone. I'm very disappointed in her quality of joke and if anyone out there has a better one please leave it as a comment.Thank you Aimee! And all the best of luck with your debut book, The Monster of Fame.
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Can the voice of an angel heal a tortured soul?
As a general rule I do not write reviews. If I like a book I shout about it from the rooftops but reviews? Nope. Quite frankly I am pants at them, so I will try to keep this one short but sweet.
The Monster of Fame is a love story set around the ficitional reality show Do You have What It Takes? Think X-Factor meets The Voice featuring a sexy Simon Cowell without the Botox or moobs, and with an actual personality. And a heart (although this is kept well hidden from the world).This would be Miles, our gorgeous tortured hero.
Then we have our heroine, Anna, a sweet Scottish girl with the voice of an angel and the self-confidence of a dustpan.
I'm not going to tell you what happens or give any spoilers (you'll have to read it for yourselves to find out!), but suffice it to say, I adored this book. Aimee's writing is so fluid you get sucked right into the story and right into a showbiz world that rarely has substance behind the floss - The Monster of Fame has substance aplenty. There were moments when I laughed out loud and, I am not ashamed to say, moments of despair that made me cry.
All-in-all, this is a cracking debut and a book I will gladly shout about from the rooftops.
(The Monster of Fame can be purchased via Amazon.co.uk , Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble
Take care all xxx
Saturday, 29 September 2012
So Much Talent (SYTYCW 2012)
(scroll down for update)
Approximately ten days ago I was doing my best to fight off flu. I was working on the book I wanted to enter So You Think You Can Write, Harlequin Mills & Boons competition where the winner gets a book contract with them. I am now ineligible! (I'm sorry, I'm still struggling to come to terms with being a bona-fide HMB author and keep squealing at random intervals). Having entered New Voices in 2010 and 2011, I know all about the craziness that can take you when entering a competition of this magnitude, and while I am relieved I can no longer enter, a part of me is jealous that I'm missing out on all the camaraderie that occurs between the contestants. At least it means I can read the entries without constantly comparing the writing and storyline with my own and trying to second guess the judges. I can read them simply for the pleasure of reading, and it really has been a pleasure. For me, the only disappointment with the competition is the lack of facility to leave comments on the entries - there are some fantastic entries out there and I would have loved to shout it out to the world what I loved about them. Instead, I am providing the links to the ones I particularly enjoyed.
So, without any further ado, here are my recommended reads:
Joanne Cleary (Catherine Coles): The Midwife's Reluctant Family
Aimee Duffy: Flirting With Trouble
Amalie Berlin: Mountain Man MD
Joanne Ryves (Jo Fereday): The Sweetest Gig of All
Fiona Marsden: After the Funeral
Jennifer Drogell: The Divorce Party
Incy Black: Sins of the Fathers
Jennifer Stroka (Jennifer Faye): Her Cowboy Hero
Update 2nd October 2012:
Unfortunately I have not had the time to read many more entries but here are a couple more of my recommended reads:
Jennifer Satterfield (Edie Danford): Maid by Day
Jane O'Reilly: Once a Bad Girl
I really wish I had more time to read some more - unfortunately stupid life keeps getting in the way of my reading pleasure! There's a few I want to read tomorrow but I can't guarantee I'll be able to put any more recs up. If anyone wants to post the link to their entry in the comments below then please feel free and hopefully your chapters should find some new readers.
To those of you who don't make it into the top 28, please, try not to be too dejected (it's hard, I know). I entered New Voices 2010 and 2011 and got nowhere. Nada. The slush pile worked for me and it can work for you too.
I wish you all the very best of luck.
xxx
Approximately ten days ago I was doing my best to fight off flu. I was working on the book I wanted to enter So You Think You Can Write, Harlequin Mills & Boons competition where the winner gets a book contract with them. I am now ineligible! (I'm sorry, I'm still struggling to come to terms with being a bona-fide HMB author and keep squealing at random intervals). Having entered New Voices in 2010 and 2011, I know all about the craziness that can take you when entering a competition of this magnitude, and while I am relieved I can no longer enter, a part of me is jealous that I'm missing out on all the camaraderie that occurs between the contestants. At least it means I can read the entries without constantly comparing the writing and storyline with my own and trying to second guess the judges. I can read them simply for the pleasure of reading, and it really has been a pleasure. For me, the only disappointment with the competition is the lack of facility to leave comments on the entries - there are some fantastic entries out there and I would have loved to shout it out to the world what I loved about them. Instead, I am providing the links to the ones I particularly enjoyed.
So, without any further ado, here are my recommended reads:
Joanne Cleary (Catherine Coles): The Midwife's Reluctant Family
Aimee Duffy: Flirting With Trouble
Amalie Berlin: Mountain Man MD
Joanne Ryves (Jo Fereday): The Sweetest Gig of All
Fiona Marsden: After the Funeral
Jennifer Drogell: The Divorce Party
Incy Black: Sins of the Fathers
Jennifer Stroka (Jennifer Faye): Her Cowboy Hero
Update 2nd October 2012:
Unfortunately I have not had the time to read many more entries but here are a couple more of my recommended reads:
Jennifer Satterfield (Edie Danford): Maid by Day
Jane O'Reilly: Once a Bad Girl
I really wish I had more time to read some more - unfortunately stupid life keeps getting in the way of my reading pleasure! There's a few I want to read tomorrow but I can't guarantee I'll be able to put any more recs up. If anyone wants to post the link to their entry in the comments below then please feel free and hopefully your chapters should find some new readers.
To those of you who don't make it into the top 28, please, try not to be too dejected (it's hard, I know). I entered New Voices 2010 and 2011 and got nowhere. Nada. The slush pile worked for me and it can work for you too.
I wish you all the very best of luck.
xxx
Thursday, 20 September 2012
The Call!!!
As I'm sure the whole world and its cat knows by now, yesterday I received The Call. Yes, Harlequin Mills & Boon want to give me a two book contract for the Presents/Modern line. Naturally, I turned it down... Not!
I am over the moon! I have wanted to write for them since I was fifteen years old, and have spent the past five years actively trying to get published with them. This really is a dream come true.
The actual call came out of the blue. I knew my editor there was moving on to a different position and would no longer be my editor. When she emailed me last Friday to confirm this, she said she would be in touch early this week with her thoughts on my ms and promised I wouldn't be left stranded. I was gutted at the news but delighted for her. I sent her a card to congratulate her and to say thank you for everything she had done for me. Then, yesterday just after 5pm (I so wish I'd looked at my watch) she called me. First of all she said thank you for the card. Just as was thinking how sweet she was to call me about a card, she followed it with "and I want to offer you a contract." At least I think that's what she said. It's all a bit of a blur!
Suffice it to say, I've been offered a two book contract and appointed a new editor to work with, who everyone tells me is lovely. If you want to read more details of The Call, you can find it on the eHarlequin site - go into forums, then writers circle. There you will find the party thread.
This really means the world to me and to my family (my kids are already asking for iPads the cheeky sods). Thank you all for your support and I promise (again!!!) to keep this blog updated more frequently. I'll certainly try my best to share my journey through to publication with you all.
Take care, xxx
I am over the moon! I have wanted to write for them since I was fifteen years old, and have spent the past five years actively trying to get published with them. This really is a dream come true.
The actual call came out of the blue. I knew my editor there was moving on to a different position and would no longer be my editor. When she emailed me last Friday to confirm this, she said she would be in touch early this week with her thoughts on my ms and promised I wouldn't be left stranded. I was gutted at the news but delighted for her. I sent her a card to congratulate her and to say thank you for everything she had done for me. Then, yesterday just after 5pm (I so wish I'd looked at my watch) she called me. First of all she said thank you for the card. Just as was thinking how sweet she was to call me about a card, she followed it with "and I want to offer you a contract." At least I think that's what she said. It's all a bit of a blur!
Suffice it to say, I've been offered a two book contract and appointed a new editor to work with, who everyone tells me is lovely. If you want to read more details of The Call, you can find it on the eHarlequin site - go into forums, then writers circle. There you will find the party thread.
This really means the world to me and to my family (my kids are already asking for iPads the cheeky sods). Thank you all for your support and I promise (again!!!) to keep this blog updated more frequently. I'll certainly try my best to share my journey through to publication with you all.
Take care, xxx
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