Archive for March, 2009

March 19, 2009

I have to thank Rosy Thornton for pointing me in the direction of Nathan Bransford’s blog and to the post on Ten Commandments for the Happy Writer.

IMO, Nathan is not only wise, he’s gorgeous. His post has helped me put a few things in perspective and focus on what really matters to me.

My daugher is back from uni and I’m sorry but going to have an Absurdly Proud Mum Moment. She’s managed to get a very sought after (and funded!) Phd place to do scientific research. God knows how I bred a scientist as technically, I probably fall below Gov’t numeracy standards! Mr B can add up though.

Most important, just having Miss B back here at home for a few weeks has helped me get things into perspective.

Take particular note of commandment 4 – and drool over Nathan while you’re at it.

PS No. I still haven’t finished the book.

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March 16, 2009

A welcome slew of copywriting has arrived but I worked on my current wip over the weekend and hope to do some more later. I feel very motivated because I’m collecting Miss Bennet and her worldly goods from uni on Wednesday and I’m really looking forward to having her company for a while.

I’m also planning our summer holiday. This year due to the er… economic situation, we have decided to minimise our carbon footprint (cough) and vacation in Cornwall and the Lake District. We’re grateful to be vacationing at all and we’ve been drooling over some of the stunning cottages available to rent – but blimey, we’re almost too late already, most places are already taken.

Just looking at holiday websites does me good, especially as the next couple of months are going to be a crucial time for our whole family, probably the most significant for a good few years. I’ll let you know how we get on!

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March 11, 2009

My first emotional welly post disappeared but the upshot is I’m doing some more edits on my book. If you want book launches, you er…have to finish one first. So I’m piling in even more emotional punch, more drama and more tension. I’m exhausted already.

Update: I’ve also turned to Self Editing for Fiction Writers. I should know all of this stuff already – I do know all this stuff already so why haven’t I used it on the first (and second) draft? Because I need to be reminded to show not tell in every single word and line. Fantastic book. I’m editing the final crucial ,whizz bang, ASAD scene. I keep closing my eyes, really trying to feel what the characters are feeling and the punchiest, gutsiest way of showing it. I’ll let you know if it works!

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March 8, 2009

The launch was absolutely brilliant. We had readers from as far away as London, North Wales, Leicester and Hereford – and really appreciated everyone who came along to support us – as well as our families and friends. There are lots of LBD fans out there!

I forgot the camera so I’ve borrowed these pics from Nell. I hope she doesn’t mind. You can see more on her blog.

Josie, Waterstones manager, she and her staff did us so proud. Thanks to her and everyone at Waterstones.

With Jess, fellow writer, RNA member, friend and Nell’s critique partner.

The fab display arranged by Waterstones. They couldn’t get my third book Just Say Yes because (they said) it is being reprinted! TWO lots of press came – we felt like real celebs (well, I can dream.)

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March 5, 2009

Today is official Publication Day but I know that quite a few people have already got their copies so I await the verdict.

I’ve got to get the house sorted today (it’s such a total tip, my mum’s coming round to help me) as we’ve got friends coming for a launch night dinner on Saturday after the Merry Hill event.

But this morning, I’ve been grilled by Strictly Writing for their Quick Fire Questions feature. Hope my mum doesn’t read what I’d really like to write.

I’m thrilled that one of my absolute favourite authors, Christina Jones, has sent us a lovely good luck message. I’ve read Chris’s last two books, Heaven Sent and Happy Birthday and adored them. Here’s her message.

I’ve got ISHBM ear-marked as my summer hols reading (going off on our little van jaunt – so it’ll be really appropriate) and don’t want to spoil it! But HUGE congratulations – it’s absolutely wonderful! Oh, and before I forget – I’ll be with you and Nell in spirit at the launch party – have a great time and sell EVERY SINGLE copy. So – have a brilliant publication week. I really hope the whole week is one big party – and here’s to the mega success you deserve with ISHBM!

Here’s a happy but very fuzzy (!) pic of me with LBD author, Kate Lace, and Christina after she had won the Pure Passion award last year.

Last but not least, Nell’s blog has lots of excerpts and guest visitors so do pay her a visit. Otherwise, we hope to see you on Saturday at Waterstones Merry Hill – 12-2pm. Can’t wait!

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