New Writers' Scheme

I have been busy in recent weeks finishing my latest story to submit to the New Writers' Scheme orgainised by The Romantic Novelists' Association. It's a brilliant scheme whereby aspiring romance writers can submit a book for critiquing by a published author. This is my fifth submission and I find the comments and advice given by the readers invaluable.

So, what's next? I have a heroine ready and waiting along with her Venetian hero to have their story told.

Writing in Tuscany

This time last week I was enjoying the warm sun of Tuscany at The Watermill, Posara whilst on a romance writing course with Sharon Kendrick. The place is amazingly quiet and secluded and each morning I woke to this view from my room.

I met some wonderful women and we laughed our way through the whole week, sharing gorgeous food, days out and of course talking and learning about writing romance.

On Tuesday morning we all walked to the local market town of Fivizzano, enjoyed a coffee and time at the market before heading back for more writing. This photo shows the view from Fivizzano and the small village of Posara behind me.

The highlight of the week is the fantastic train journey to Lucca. The single track train goes through some stunning scenery before arriving at the walled city of Lucca. Here we all are enjoying lunch.

From the left, Helene, Pippa, Jen, myself, Jo, Sharon and Lesa who took some amazing photographs of our week. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and some serious shopping!

All too soon it was the last day and Lesa took this photo of the group - Amanda, Helene, Jen, Louise, Alison, Jo, myself, Bill who owns the Watermill, Kerstin who looks after your every need whilst there, Pippa, Sue and of course Sharon.

As I flew out of Pisa, I caught one last glimpse of the tower, glad to be on the way home after a big airport delay, but sad to have said goodbye to so many new friends. Thanks girls, it was a wonderful week.



Pisa from the air, the tower just visible at the top centre of the photo.

In Pisa

I'm in Pisa. I spent yesterday afternoon sat in the sun by the tower. It's a very busy place, full of tourists from all over the world, but I love being there.

This morning I'm off to The Watermill in Posara for a course on writing romance with Sharon Kendrick. Those of you who know me, know I've been before. Attending courses is a brilliant way to relax and focus on my writing.
I'll tell you all about it when I get back.

Summer's Return

The sun is shinning and as the swallows have returned it feels like summer has arrived. These sunny little birds spend all day swooping around the farm yard, chattering all the while and later in the summer my garden fence is used as a flight school for fledgling swallows. The parents line their young up and encourage them to take to the sky. This is a picture I took last year when their lessons distracted me from writing.

Once again I find the promise of a bright sunny day distractaing, but I'm going to be firm and continue to prepare my recently completed manuscript for submission to the New Writers' Scheme which is part of Romantic Novelists' Association. This story is about Dimitri and Lisa and opens on the snowy moors of Exmoor. As the story unfolds they go to St Petersburg where Lisa discovers the truth about the man she has fallen in love with.

Little Gems

Last week I had the results back from a competition I entered with Romance Writers of Australia. It was their Little Gems short story contest. This year the theme was garnet. It was my first ever entry and I was thrilled when my three judges gave me a combined score or 86% for  my story Garnet's Glow. I also had feedback on the score sheets, something well worth having.

If you are a budding romance writer why not have a look at all that RWA can offer.

Summer Sun, Summer Fun

That's the title of a brand new competition which has been launched by Cwrtnewydd Scribblers. I have been a member of the group for nearly ten years. Last year we published our second anthology and are now preparing for our third. This time we thought we'd invite all budding writers to enter our competition. So what are you waiting for!
Here are some sunny summer pictures to inspire you.

Authors for Japan

This a great opportunity to help those in Japan and obtain anything from a signed book to a critique. Details can be found at Authors for Japan. Bidding closes on Sunday at 8pm - so hurry!