Entering So You Think You Can Write

It's hard to believe that this time last month I was in New York and one of the best moments was finally meeting fellow So You Think You Can Write contestants. After two years of emails, tweets and Facebook, it was so nice to meet face to face.

It's even harder to believe that almost two years ago I'd submitted my entry to So You Think You Can Write 2013, which to be honest I had done on previous years without any success. However 2013 proved to be a lucky year for me and I made it to the Top 10. I didn't win, but I did have my winning moment when in January 2014, my revised entry sold to Harlequin Presents.

Whether you've entered before and wonder if it's worth it this time, or this is the first time you've thought of entering a competition, all I can say is do it! This video on the Harlequin blog might just help convince you. 

Two years ago I was just another hopeful in SYTYCW. Now my fourth book, From One Night to Wife is out and I'm about to submit my seventh book. It's been an amazing two years, I've learnt so much and met some wonderful people, but the best bit - my books are out there, being enjoyed by readers!

If you want more details on entering click here.

Good luck!

New York New York

All I can say is New York really does deserve to be named twice! I had the most amazing time

attending Romance Writers' of America's 35th conference in New York.


Having arrived on Monday there was time for a bit of sightseeing before the conference got under way and I got to walk in Central Park, which was at the top of my list of things to do. After the crowds in Times Square it was great to be in the calm of the park and with three fabulous friends, Jennifer Hayward, Bella Francis and Chantelle Shaw. Here we all are taking a break from our exploring.

Afterwards we took to the water and a boat ride to see the Statue of Liberty and fantastic views of New York. Later we had the most amazing dinner in a fabulous restaurant, Tao, which was just the start of all our eating out!

Wednesday saw the start of the conference with the Literacy signing and with excitement and a few nerves I took my place among over 480 authors. I've since learnt that a staggering $48,789 was raised in those two hours.

One of the best parts of the conference was meeting with other authors, authors whose books I've read and enjoyed so many times. I've made new friendships and was also excited to meet up with other SYTYCW contestants from the last few years, including 2014's winner, Amanda Cinelli.




The highlight was of course the Harlequin Black and White Ball and here I am with other Harlequin authors all set to go to the Ball.

Then came the RITA and Golden Heart Awards and it was really wonderful to be there to see Susan Stephens give the most amazing speech for Carole Mortimer who was being presented with RWA Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sadly the last day arrived so we spent it sight seeing once again and we headed up to the 86th floor of The Empire State Building to enjoy the amazing views of New York and a walk on the High Line.

Now, with a deadline on the horizon, it's time to get back to work!

Romantic Novelists' Association Conference

I've just returned from London, where this year the RNA held their annual conference at The Queen Mary University.


In the warmth of the sun on Saturday morning I enjoyed a walk along the canal before breakfast. A great way to start off the day!

The talks and workshops were great, especially Hazel Gaynor's talk on promotion and Julie Cohen's workshop on the art of rewriting, which much to the delight of everyone there, involved post it notes!


The highlight of the weekend is the Gala Dinner, which was set in the stunning Ocatgon Library. The tables were so glamorously set and it was a great night with friends.

The Gala Dinner is a time for dressing up and this year I actually remembered to get on the other side of the camera and have a photo taken.

The best part of the conference is always meeting up with friends, making new ones and talking writing, writing, writing.


So, that's my weekend of fun. I'm back at my desk working on revisions for a story I'm really excited about.

The Countdown Begins

Today it’s four weeks until I will be leaving Wales and heading for New York and my first Romance Writers’ of America conference. I’m so excited to be able to catch up with friends and meet writers and readers.

I’m looking forward to seeing New York. There is going to be so many new and exciting experiences waiting for me and can’t wait to go to Central Park, a place I’ve always wanted to go to. 

Image from Fotolia

I’m going to be signing copies of my books at the ‘Readers for Life’ Literacy Autographing along with a long list of other fabulous writers. I’m also looking forward to attending the workshops and talks as well as a bit of partying!

Writing Companions

Most writers I know have writing companions, from cats who sit stubbornly on the keyboard to dogs who lie contentedly beside the desk. Sadly, last weekend I had to say goodbye to my writing companion, Tara.

When I took over the dining room and made it my writing room Tara decided that her place would be next to my chair whilst I was writing. She was great company and taking her for walks was often a time to think about where my story was going. As she got older, the walks became shorter and the pace slower, but she always looked forward to them.


Missing you Tara. Xx

Fun Filled Days in London

Last Thursday I travelled to London for the RNA's summer party.

What made it more exciting this year was meeting up with some of the members of The Write Romantics for afternoon tea in The Wolseley, where we had a celebrity spotting moment having noticed Annie Lennox!
Afterwards we headed to the party where Write Romantic, Lynne Pardoe was a contender for the Joan Hessayon Award. As usual there was a fabulous line up of newly published writers who'd come through the RNA's New Writer's Scheme. You can see all the official RNA Summer Party photos here.

The Award Line Up

On Friday, I woke up to a sunny rooftop view of London and the knowledge I had the whole day to

Kew Palace

myself. After a leisurely breakfast in Covent Garden I made my way to Kew Gardens, a place I've always wanted to visit. I walked so far that day, but really enjoyed it. I wandered around Kew Palace, but my favourite was Queen Charlotte's cottage, nestled in woodland.

Queen Charlotte's Cottage

After all that walking I settled down by the lake for a spot of reading and very quickly found I had a captive audience of ducks. They were somewhat disappointed I didn't have anything for them to eat and soon waddled off.

It was a great few days away and I'm looking forward to the RNA Conference in July. Another chance to catch up with friends.

Latest News

I'm thrilled to say my fifth book has been accepted.  Xavier and Tilly's story, New Year at the Boss's Bidding will be out at the beginning of 2016.

I have also now have a gorgeous Presents cover to share with you for my September release, From One Night to Wife.

And don't forget, Charlotte and Sandro's story, Craving Her Enemy's Touch is out now!

UK edition