Archive for May, 2010

May 20, 2010

Where are the days going to? It feels as if my feet haven’t touched the ground for the past few weeks.

The Writers Workshop in Wombourne went really well! Despite the FA Cup final and warm weather, we had a great turnout of enthusiatic writers and would be writers. Liz, nell and I enjoyed it so much that we’re almost definitely going to run some more workshops – maybe for longer than 2 hours next time as we were almost literally thrown out of the library, and the discussions continued for a while in the car park.

Some of you know that when I’m not writing a novel, I write commercially. I write features for newspapers and magazines and also copy for companies. I’ve run my own business for a squillion years now and after a quiet spell during the recession, I’ve hit a feast of writing – and you have to grab work with both hands while you can! Luckily, I love writing copy, all the jobs I do are commissioned, you see the results fast and I get to work with lots of enthusiastic clients.

Those of you who know me, will also know we had a bit of drama here the weekend before last. I don’t want to go on about it on the web but we’re all fine.

I’m afarid I’ve been escaping from reality by watching Strike Back on Sky. Apart from the violence, it’s really rather good – and very gripping Any any excuse to show those biceps…

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May 14, 2010

Well, I’m back down to Earth after a lovely evening in London at the RNA Summer Party. Nell Dixon, Liz Hanbury and I all caught the train together. Now, contrary to what we posted on Facebook en route, I’m afraid we weren’t really ‘quaffing Champagne’ but we were guzzling meat Malt Loaf. Next time, we will take the champers.

After heading straight to House Of Fraser in Victoria to refuel and change into our party gear, we got a cab to Birdcage Walk to the IMechE library.

By coincidence, the RNA party clashed with two other publishing events so editor and agent numbers were slightly down, which turned out to be a golden opportunity for writers to gossip with each other (rather than agents or eds.) Oh you editors, if you knew what you’d all missed…we do share, you know.

The 2010 Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers was presented to Lucy King for her Mills and Boon novel, Bought: Damsel in Distress. Congratulations to Lucy who couldn’t be at the party as she’s in Spain, awaiting a new arrival. Congratulations too, to the other contenders, Georgia Hill and Monique deVere. Last year’s winner, Allie Spencer, gave a lovely, heart-felt speech about how much the New Writers scheme and award means to those who take part in it.

Then it was back home to the Midlands on the Virgin Night Rider (which sounds like the title of an erotic romance but believe me, it wasn’t…)

I hope to have some photos soon, courtesy of Elizabeth Hanbury.

Now I must get ready for the Writers Talk and Workshop I’m hosting with Nell and Liz tomorrow (Saturday) at Wombourne Library, West Midalnds. It’s from 2pm-4pm and the theme is setting the scene. You don’t need a ticket – just turn up!

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May 11, 2010

Yes, I know I said I wouldn’t blog but for this news I have to make an exception.

The contenders for the Joan Hessayon Award 2010 have been announced on the RNA blog. The award will be made at the RNA Summer Party on Thursday. I can’t wait to go along and give all the authors a huge cheer. And yes, I couldn’t let the moment go by without saying what wonderful memories it brings back of 2007…

Good luck to all the writers and ‘hello’ to Monique and Lucy.

Can I also give a special hurrah for Georgia – she’s another member of the North & South fan and literary site, C19 – and the fifth author to go through the NWS and be published! There are also another three who are RNA members and have been published since joining the site. That Richard Armitage has a lot to answer for.

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May 10, 2010

Slightly traumatic weekend

+ more copywriting than I’ve had for months and months…
+ RNA party on Thurs
+ workshop on Sat
= no blogging or facebook from me until who knows when!

Off to make a coffee and shriek!

Oh, and I almost forgot. Better late than never, here’s Mr May from 12 Men of Christmas:

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May 7, 2010

A ‘friend’ has lent me an incredible and controversial new romance by an unknown author called Expedia Westminster!

VIRGIN FOR SALE – TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER

Here’s the blurb!

Beautiful virgin Nickerless Cleggia is in an impossible dilemma!

Having suffered a cruel and unexpected rejection,the ravishing Nickerless is being pursued by two powerful and ruthless men who both want her stripped of all dignity – and in their beds!

Merciless Billionaire David is determined to tame Nickerless and willing to go to any lengths to have his way. Wealthy, privileged and suave, David could offer Nickerless everything she desires – but there could be a terrible price to pay!

Disgraced Scottish bad boy Gordon plans to make Nickerless his love slave – and he won’t take no for an answer! This passionate and chiseled son of a preacher man offers a way out for Nickerless – but will her sales plummet if she opts for an imperfect British hero with no Mediterranean or US connections?

One thing’s for sure. There’s no hope of a Greek billionaire coming to her rescue.

Nickerless is trembling, exposed and on her own – and there’s no way out! Either way, it lookes like she’s going to get st*ffed.

Nickerless, David and Gordon all modelled by Fabio.

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