My Writing Process

Thank you to Marie Dry for inviting me to join The Blog Tour. Her debut novel, Alien Mine, will be available soon. Find out more about Marie at www.mariedry.com

Also, thanks to Judith Arnopp, who invited me last month, when I was deep in the writing cave! Her latest release, The kiss of the Concubine, is available now. Find out more about Judith at www.juditharnopp.com


My Writing Process

What am I working on?

I have almost finished my second book, which will submitted next week to my editor.

How does my story differ from others of its genre?

Over the last seven years, as I've chased my dream of publication, one bit of advice has stuck. To write my story. By using my voice and telling the story my way is how it differs.

Why do I write?

This is a question I asked myself after my last rejection. And the answer - I write because I have to. I can't imagine a life where I don't write and how else am I going to deal with those characters who fill my head, clamouring to tell me their story?

How does my writing process work?

I have always had to fit writing in around a family and life on a busy farm. Basically I write when I can. I'd prefer to write first thing in the morning, but will always grasp every opportunity. I'm also lucky that I have a lovely room in which to write. Often I have the company of my dog, Tara.


My debut book, A Deal Before the Altar, will be available later this year. More information can be found on my website: www.rachaelthomas.co.uk

Next week, the following authors will be participating.
Julie Heslington, a fellow member of The Write Romantics and member of RNA. Visit Julie's blog.

Sue Moules, a poet and fellow member of my local writing group. Her latest book The Moth Box is available now. Visit Sue's blog.

Joanne Dannon, a member of Romance Writers of Australia. We met online when we became critique partners. Visit Joanne's blog.

A Short Day

Today is the shortest day here in the UK. The day when you wonder if it will ever get light, then before you know it the darkness is back. The good thing of course is it can only get better from now on!

The last few months have been hard and writing has taken a back seat. The loss of my father-in-law in October left a big gap in our lives and writing anything was extremely hard. But now, with a new year fast approaching I'm getting myself back on track.

I did manage to enter two contests over the last few months. The first being the High Five with Romance Writers of Australia. The competition was fierce with only points of a percent separating contestants, so I was happy with my 87% awarded by my judges, as well as the helpful comments given in the feedback.

So You Think You Can Write is the other contest I entered and I'm waiting on that one along with many others! Good luck to anyone who has entered.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

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.

Australia Day

In Australia today - although the day is almost over there, it is Australia Day. It commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in1788. The First Fleet consisted of eleven ships which had set sail from Britain on 13th May 1787 with about 1487 people on board. I just can't imagine spending that long on board a ship all those years ago.

As it is Australia Day I thought it was an appropriate day to mention the RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal. Even just a few books would help and if you are the author you could sign them or simply send a few good condition books you've read and enjoyed.
Here's the details.
What is wanted.
FICTION BOOKS! Romance books, children's books, young adult books, genre books, whatever – either new or in sparkling condition.


Please send them to:
RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal
PO Box 1717
Noosaville Post Office
Noosaville BC
Queensland
Australia 4566

When to send them?
Now! And any time over the next few months. The books will be boxed and delivered to the appropriate libraries/schools/neighbourhood centres/community centres in batches as soon as the communities are ready to receive them. We’ll be liaising with councils, libraries and schools to ensure this is done appropriately. Feel free to pop a note inside, or if you're an author, sign it.

I have a small parcel to post off today.