Six Months On

I can't believe that it was only six months ago that I got 'the call' from Harlequin Mills and Boon offering me a two book contract. Those six months have flown by and during that time I've learnt so much.The biggest excitement was seeing the cover of my debut A Deal Before The Altar for the first time.

My second book was the hardest book I've ever written. When I started it during the So You Think You Can Write competition I never thought for one moment it would become the second book of a contract! Suddenly the pressure was on, but after several rounds of revisions, during which I learnt so much working with my editor, it now has a fabulous title. Claimed by the Sheikh will be available next year.

I attended the RNA summer party in London and the annual conference in Telford, no longer as a New Writers' Scheme member, which is such a brilliant feeling after seven years of submitting to NWS.

I was so thrilled with my first cover that I organised postcards to go into the goody bags at the conference. Here's a photo of me with the postcard.

I'm currently working towards a deadline with my third book and this time I can honestly say I've loved writing the story more than any other.

The excitement of seeing my book on the shelves and holding it in my hands is still to come and I can't wait!

A Deal Before The Altar is available for pre-order on amazon, which still seems unreal. It will also be on the Mills and Boon website and in the shops during October.

My Conference Weekend

It's hard to believe that this time last week the fabulous RNA conference, held at Harper Adams University in Telford, was just beginning. A whole weekend of talking writing romance with friends, making new friends and attending the sessions which kept us inspired all weekend.

There was a little bit of doubt as to whether I'd get there, as my travel companion Melissa Morgan explains on her blog.

The sessions I enjoyed most were Nikki Logan on The Chemistry of Reading, Janet Gover on Location, Location, Location and Clare Mackintosh on Write to Sell Yourself. As ever, there were the toss up moments, which session to go to, but that's where friends help out by exchanging notes or handouts.

Nikki Logan - The Chemistry of Reading

The Gala dinner, held on the Saturday evening, was a chance for me to drag out my heels and party dress. It was a fantastic evening, with wonderful food and much laughter.

Me and Melissa Morgan

It was also an extra special conference for me, as I attended as a soon to be published author, which after about seven years as a member of the New Writers' Scheme is a wonderful feeling. Then just to add a bit more fun, Harper Adams is an agriculture campus, complete with livestock, which was like home from home for me and I couldn't resist a peek at the calves and cows. The pigs and their smell was a bit too much - even for me!