Archive for October, 2009

Cute 12 men actor – even cuter rescue dog!

October 30, 2009 | 4 Comments

I was feeling a bit down until someone sent me this fab picture of what I think must be a ‘calendar’ shot from 12 men of Christmas.

I wish I could show it you but it’s locked. Please take a look!

I immediately thought of Emma, when she’s pitching the idea to the mountain rescue team and the sweet Jason pipes up in support:

Emma pictured him au naturel, cuddling one of the rescue dogs.

Well, the actor’s not au naturel, because I’m not sure a family audience could cope with that but I still love the shot.

The actual Lake District Rescue Dogs association is SARDA – you can read about their work here.

More news on the movie and the charity auction to raise money for the Langdale & Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team next month.

Graduation Weekend

October 26, 2009 | 5 Comments

As usual of late I’ve been a bad blogger but my excuse is (partly) I’ve been away for the weekend helping Ms Bennet celebrate her graduation.

It rained all morning but luckily, the sun came out during the ceremony so that afterwards it was glorious for the photos. I didn’t cry – but only because I deliberately put on mascara beforehand so I wouldn’t be able to! It almost worked and by biting my lip, I managed not to disgrace her too much! But inside, I was ready to burst with pride. Ms B has worked so hard for so many years and like most young people, she’s experienced her ups and downs including a bout of glandular fever in her second term and a tragedy involving her tutor, poor man, in her third year.

Then there were all the exams, the revision, the job hunting, more interviews, parties, committees, hustings, balls, stolen bikes etc etc etc

All part of normal student life I suppose.

She’s studying at a another uni now and I miss her terribly – but I’m totally thrilled she’s doing something she’s passionate about.

The perfect covering letter to agents

October 21, 2009 | 1 Comment

Here you are then. Strictly Writing’s own expert, Miss Deluded Nutter, tells us How to write the perfect covering letter to agents.

Post-production is still taking place on 12 Men of Christmas and they even had a re-shoot day last week. Blimey, they cut things a lot finer than in publishing! With a publication date of December 5th, a book would ready to ship to stores by now and Ithe author would have had an advance copy. But once they do go ahead, I’ve realised movies happen very quickly indeed.

Later this week, I should be hearing more details about the publication of Decent Exposure in the US – it will be in stores later next year. That shows you the difference in pace between movie and novel.

Other than that, no news from me because I Am Writing and after a week’s breather to really think about where the characters/conflicts are leading, this is a good thing!

And I’m really looking forward to my daghter’s graduation this weekend. I can’t believe I have a graduate daughter but I’m very proud of her.

Coming attractions… unique signed 12 Men goodies!

October 13, 2009 | 4 Comments

This morning I’ve taken a little time out from the wip, to start the ball rolling for a very special event at the end of next month.

I’m going to be running a charity auction to raise funds for the Langdale & Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team. They helped me with some of the research for DECENT EXPOSURE – and now I’d love to return the favour.

These guys are all volunteers and they’ve saved hundreds of lives, rescuing people from the mountains of the English Lake District. Their funding comes solely from public donation and yet they give up many hours of time, often in dangerous conditions, to help other people.

In 2007 I did a charity abseil for them and this November, I’m hosting an online auction, featuring some one-off signed souvenirs from 12 MEN OF CHRISTMAS. While I was in Canada, visiting the set, I told Kristin Chenoweth about their work. She was thrilled to help and she kindly signed an LAMRT T-shirt and a copy of Decent Exposure for the auction

I’m also hoping to have some goodies signed by the gorgeous Josh Hopkins, who is co-starring as Will, the hero of the novel. And yes, I don’t know how I’ll bear to part with those – but some will find their way to the auction!

For readers and writers, there will also be signed books and maybe even an author/agent critique or two up for grabs as prizes on this site.

So please visit the blog, add me on Facebook and keep a look out for more details over the coming weeks. If you can help me publicise the auction when it happens, I’d be delighted.

The LAMRT need your support!

Thanks

Phillipa x

PS The movie of 12 MEN OF CHRISTMAS premieres in the US on the Lifetime channel at 9pm on December 5 2009

Introducing… my new US publisher

October 10, 2009 | 8 Comments

This morning I woke to a lovely email. My US publisher, Sourcebooks, emailed to tell me they’ve started the ball rolling ready for the launch of Decent Exposure in the US in 2010!

I’m thrilled to be published by Sourcebooks who are a fast growing independent publisher. They’re known for being very enthusiastic and proactive about what they do and for their exceptional support for their authors.

It’s also great to join other RNA authors who are published by Sourcebooks – like Jill Mansell, Elizabeth Chadwick, Amanda Grange and Monica Fairview.

While I have US readers already (thanks largely to the C19) the thought of my books actually being on the shelves in America is fantastic.