Busier than a Bee

The last few months have been hectic. The lovely summer we've had has meant lots of work on the farm as harvests were brought in. After the previous wet summers it was so much easier to be able to do this when the sun was shinning. It also seemed a busy time with lots of cows calving, adding to the already full days.

My daughter was sitting her A levels this year. A tense time for all. So when the results were finally in we were all thrilled with her results, which meant she could go to Bristol University to study Physiology. In between all that we managed to squeeze in 18th Birthday celebrations.

So with all this going on you might think I haven't had much time for writing, but somehow I have managed it. After receiving a really encouraging feedback from the editor appointment at the RNA conference in July I knuckled down and wrote the remainder of the book. Then in a spur of the moment  decision, entered it into So You Think You Can Write.

 

 

So if you fancy a read of my first chapter of Behind the Scandalous Façade! You can also leave a comment and even tweet and facebook like it. I'd love to know what you think!

RNA Conference

It's hard to believe that this time last week the RNA Conference was just beginning in Sheffield. A whole weekend of talks, workshops, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. And of course the food and wine!

The digital revolution seemed to be one of the hottest topics, with loads of opportunities in this fast expanding market. It's amazing how the industry has changed since I joined the RNA and attended my first conference in 2008.

The good news announcements at the start of the conference weekend featured so many more first books. And as for the goody bags, they were positively bulging this year and helping to pack all 180 was quite a job.

There were workshops and talks all weekend on everything from beating procrastination to writing hot scenes. The sun shone all weekend and the air conditioning failed, which left me wilting by Saturday afternoon, but I rallied in time for the gala dinner!

Finally on Sunday afternoon, feeling revived and full of enthusiasm it was time to make the long drive home. During which I just had to stop to take this shot of 'the long road home'.

Can't wait for next year's conference!

Another Badge of Honour

Well, I've just received my latest badge of honour - my latest rejection that is.

I'm sure that every writer, both published and unpublished knows how I feel right now. When I started submitting my work I was told I'd eventually paper a wall or two with rejections. So I've got some way to go!

I suppose it's like riding a horse. Sometimes you fall off. Another feeling I know all about. Just when you think you're going well, you get chucked out the side door to land with a thud on the floor. Only this time I held onto the reins and managed to scramble back on board.



I just need to become tough and fearless, like these stunt riders I saw at Aberaeron's Festival of  Welsh Cobs last summer. So dusted off and back in the saddle I've started on my next story, because even if previous ones have been rejected, I just can't stop. I have to write.

Mountaineering

I've never actually climbed a mountain, but I know it's not an easy thing to do. Lots of preparation and hard work happens before the top is reached. I spent many of my childhood years walking up the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire and I know how it feels to push on, thinking you've reached the top, only to find you haven't, that more hard work is required.

A few weeks ago I received the reader's report from my New Writers' Scheme submission. It was good, full of brilliant advice, but I knew I hadn't reached the top. I hoped I was getting close, but I'm not quite there yet. Like the above photo of Switzerland, I know that whilst everything below is small and the clouds are seemingly close, the peak I really want to reach still requires lots of hard work.

So onwards and upwards I go. I so want to reach the top of that mountain, which for me is becoming a Mills and Boon author. It's hard work and may take some time, but I'm determined to keep trying - and have fun in the process!

My Name on a Book

Seeing your name on a book must be a wonderful feeling and that's just what I did during my weekend away. The only problem - this book was edible!

I arrived in Fishguard on Valentine's Day, and my birthday, for a weekend course with Kate Walker on writing romance. Whilst other diners where having quiet moments the early arrivals to the course were singing Happy Birthday to me. It was a lovely and unexpected surprise.

I saved the cake to share with the other romance writers in the group and on Saturday afternoon we had enjoyed a piece of the book.

 

 

It was an intensive weekend, with all aspects of romance writing covered. The group was fantastic and it was lovely to meet new writers as well as catch up with friends. Going to The Fishguard Bay Hotel and taking a course with Kate Walker each February has become something of an annual event. One I always learn from and enjoy immensely, but this year it had that extra special feeling. So thank you Kate for such a lovely cake, all your hard work to make such a fantastic course and thank you everyone who was on the course for making it the best weekend course so far!

 

Finally a big thanks to Writers' Holiday for organising the weekend. Can't wait for next year!



Spring

Finally hints or spring are around. Snowdrops are flowering and the daffodils are pushing their way up with the promise of sunny yellow flowers.



As for me, I feel like I've been hibernating over the winter months. I may have been quiet, but I haven't been asleep - honest! My latest story has just been completed and submitted to the New Writers' Scheme, run by the Romantic Novelists' Association.

So with the beginnings of spring I'm ready to start a new story, but first I have my annual trip to Fishguard, where I'll be attending Kate Walker's romance writing course at the weekend. I'm so looking forward to catching up with friends and meeting new writers.

A Toast to Success

Those of you who have been following So You Think You Can Write will know that the winner was announced last week. Seeing someone achieve their dream is great, but to know that person and to have been with them on at least part of their journey just makes it all the more wonderful.


Jennifer and I met two years ago in The Watermill whislt on a Romance Writing course run by Sharon Kendrick. It was one of the best weeks ever, the group was fantastic - and of course we were in Tuscany!

Here's Jen's call.




So all that's left for me to say is..

 Good Luck Jen!