Another bestseller!

Hot on the heels of my first Harlequin Presents, PURCHASED FOR PLEASURE hitting the Nielson National Bestseller list last month, I've discovered my current release, MISTRESS TO THE TYCOON, has done the same!

Yay!

That's about all I have the energy to post today...took preschooler to a Shrek the Third stage show today and while it was fun, having over a hundred screaming kids is a little tiring.

Or maybe that's due to the fact my other darling little boy is probably teething and I didn't get to bed last night till 3.30am!!!

'night...see you in the morning...

Hot cover!

Oh my...

Isn't this one super scorching hot cover?

There is a sizzling scene in the book which starts on the beach (in the waves to be precise!) before Judd and Abby make a run for her hotel room to continue the action and this cover encapsulates the passion, the heat, of that scene perfectly.

I love it!
The book hits UK shelves in June.

In other Modern Heat news, Kelly Hunter and Heidi Rice have finalled in the RITAs with Sleeping Partner and The Mile High Club respectively. Fabulous!
And fellow Romance author Natasha Oakley has finalled too, with The Tycoon's Princess Bride, my favourite category read of 07. Yay Natasha!!

North and South

Right, my thoughts on North and South.

It's a BBC mini-series based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell, set in the 1850s, in the industrial town (whose livelihood depends on cotton mills) of Milton (actually Manchester.)

Wonderfully poignant and emotional, it's well worth watching. I'm so glad I purchased my DVD, for not only do you get the brilliant acting of Richard Armitage as John Thornton but you also get to see an interview with Richard.

I've never seen such a modest, self-deprecating actor...and

when he gives a slightly goofy grin and chuckles...well, he really is something and has a new fan in me.

I'm not going to rave on about the plot or the story itself.

Do yourself a favour, see it for yourself.

And I've just found another rather lovely picture of Richard I'll save for another day :)

My questionable craft prowess

You asked for it.
Here is a pic of my first ever Easter bonnet.

My initial brilliant idea, to stick the chicks and rabbits on the glitter hat underneath didn't quite work...cos glue, even craft glue, won't stick to glitter I discovered. So dug up some tissue wrapping paper, a ribbon (from a Lindt chocolate gift box my fabulous publisher Harlequin sent on Valentine's Day) and a roll of sticky tape which worked much more effectively than the glue.

Voila! Rabbits front and back, chicks galore on top and one very happy little preschooler (who was supposed to help but got tired of it after sticking the first chick. He's a boy, what can I say?)

It was so gorgeous picking him up today, seeing him walk proudly towards me in his bonnet. So, so cute!

Now, I'm wondering if I can recycle it for next year ;)
As much fun (!) as I had making it, I think I'd rather stick to writing...

Slacking off

Now Bryce is just kicking around having fun at the beach...

Well, no, he's not actually doing that in THE DATING DILEMMA, but he looks like he's slacking off in this pic so thought I'd throw it in just for fun.

This is the first chance I've had to log on all day.

Busy making Easter bonnets and baby food and running around doing a host of stuff.

The Easter bonnet was rather spectacular, even if I do say so myself. I'm having too much fun with this kinder caper! :)

Will post a pic so you can all laugh at my craft prowess...

Meet Robyn Grady

Want to win a signed copy of this fabulous book? Plus books from Fiona Lowe and moi?

Check out our competition running via our websites! In the meantime, here's short interview with the fabulous Robyn Grady.

So...what event/situation inspired this book?

An unmarried friend of my eldest daughter had just fallen pregnant. It inspired me to write a marriage of convenience story with an ultra modern twist. There is, of course, a happily-ever- after, but the HEA a 21st century mother-to-be deserves, not merely feels she needs to accept.

Was it a book that flew from your fingers or gave you grief?

It did fly from my fingers! In about three weeks, actually. The characters were very real to me, and I was barracking for the heroine, Sophie Gruebella 100% all the way. The ending, when I wrote it, seemed so right for them both.

Who inspired the hero?

The latest James Bond...although Cooper Smith doesn’t look at all like Daniel Craig. However, he does possess the same “I’m dangerous but too sexy to resist” air about him.

Has it had more than one title?

It started out “Accidentally In Love”. But this title, well, it really says it all!

Where has it been released and where might it be released?

In the UK in April – available now. In Australia/NZ in June, and in US as a Presents, ‘The Australian Millionaire’s Love Child’, in July .

How did you celebrate the sale?

My husband brought home a bottle of imported champagne. He knows me so well :)

Thanks Robyn. Can' wait to read it! (and I drool over that cover every time I see it!)

Can I still do this?

It's the same every book.

I may have just finished one book, may have just finished revisions, taken a bit of time off to wind down/relax/whatever...then comes the time to start the next book.

Time to write something fresh.

And this is when the inevitable question pops up: can I still do this?

It's the weirdest thing but that little question can put a major dent in one's self confidence. What's even stranger this time around is that I'd already started THE DATING DILEMMA. I'd written the first chapter before revisions on 2 books came in so I went into hiatus.

So you'd think I wouldn't feel nervous, right?

Wrong!

Over the weekend I immersed myself in the characters, jotted down a few key scenes on paper, got a feel for Bryce and Eve again.

Then it happened.

The buzz. The flicker of excitement that accompanies a new book, any book really, when I feel the urge to sit at the keyboard and let those words flow.

So I did. Sat down last night and wrote 3000 words without realising it. Felt the immense satisfaction, the rush that accompanies those words and the knowledge I can still do this.

I love a new book. And I promise to share the low down on Bryce and Eve every step of the way.

Here's their collage for a start.

Do you get a feel for what they're like from the pics?

Win more books!

No, I'm not giving away a stack of books this high this time (though come later in the year, stay tuned for another monster book giveaway!)

Starting Monday, I'm teaming up with the talented duo of Fiona Lowe (Harlequin Medical) and Robyn Grady (Harlequin Modern Heat & Silhouette Desire) in a competition to win our latest releases. So pop back then and join the fun :)

Oh, and I'm guest blogging over at Lucy Monroe's blog this weekend.

Number 16 sold!

Beth and Aidan's story has sold!

The BOSS'S BEDROOM AGENDA, featuring archaeologist Aidan Voss (who does a stint as CEO of Melbourne Museum) and metal sculptor Beth Walker, is my 5th Modern Heat title and will be released later this year (will confirm the dates tomorrow.)

Beth is one of my new favourite heroines! She's fun, flirty and has a serious shoe obsession! Throw in the fact she makes a mean lasagne (about the only thing she can cook), draws a mean bath (Aidan's first bath ever and boy, does it get steamy in there...) and hums an appropriate song for every occasion (Madonna's Immaculate Collection, Abba Gold, Prince and Pink all get a good workout in the book) and you can get an inkling of why I love her :)

Aidan is...well, Aidan is just seriously sexy.

My mouse batteries are about to die so I'll upload the brand new excerpt and all the behind the scenes 'Under the Cover' action to my website tonight.

Now, I have to attend to one very cute baby who has woken up at 6am today!

COVER TO COVER: Keeping the faith

Yes, the COVER TO COVER series is still going, following COURTING CUPID from its inception hopefully to its sale!

For a quick recap, this is a Harlequin Romance. I finished it last year, handed in to my editor but have had a few editor changes since so it was recently read.
My editor loved Blane, my laid back hero, but thought Camryn, my cynical heroine, needed some work!

So what did I do?
Revamped the whole story!

I went back to my original title, WISH UPON A VALENTINE and changed it back to a Valentine's Day story.
Not only that, I changed the whole plot!
From 2 strangers meeting, it became a second-chance marriage story.
Blane is still utterly gorgeous and now, Camryn is a softer heroine willing to take a chance on love again.

I worked really hard at this story and finished it Friday. I am thrilled with the results and I hope my editor is too!
So why am I rambling on about this?
To encourage you to keep the faith.

If a story isn't working for you, don't be afraid to change it. Maybe a character, maybe the whole plot! It's often difficult to slash words/scenes/chapters but if the story is stronger as a result, go for it!

If a character isn't working as you'd like, perhaps reconsider their motivation.
Are they behaving to type?
Are they truly likeable?
Will a reader want to support this person no matter what?
If their motivation is true, all their actions will be believable so don't be afraid to shake things up a little if your character isn't doing what you want.

If you can see the end of the story but the scenes leading up to it are a blur, resort to my old favourite: plotting on paper. Even a single sentence outlining the next scene/chapter can work wonders.

And as with any revisions, jot down the key points to look out for. I do this before I start the revisions, after the first read through, even the second, because it's amazing the things you miss.

So that's Blane and Camryn's rewrite.
I'll keep you posted!

Whetting your appetite

Here's a new review for MISTRESS TO THE TYCOON just in!

ROMANCE READER AT HEART'S THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

MISTRESS TO THE TYCOON by Nicola Marsh is a great sizzling romance from beginning to end.

Gallery owner Ariel Wallace has promised her aunt that she will keep the gallery afloat, one way or another. If that includes painting nudes, then so be it. But when Cooper Vance, a property developer, walks into the studio, she's not certain she can go through with the plan. Ariel brews tea while Cooper undresses. Thus, the two embark on a journey that has its share of paintable moments.

I thought Ariel and Cooper were a perfect match, despite their worlds being so dissimilar. Beneath the surface of the artist and below the money belt they were just two people who deserve love. I especially liked the way Ariel's emotions were a source for her painting. I could see the brushstrokes on canvas as she worked through her issues with Cooper and the gallery. And Cooper, despite his repeatedly telling himself that his connection to Ariel was only business, became more endearing with each kiss.

4 roses for this one. Nice :)

Characterisation

I've had a lovely review for EXECUTIVE MOTHER-TO-BE which I want to discuss further once you've read it.

One Night in Singapore leads to a career girl's nightmare...but will it also lead to love?
Kristen Lewis TV producer sits in a Singapore bar, stood up by a co-worker buddy in favor of a young temp worker. Hard working to the max and driven, Kristen knows the loneliness of hotels and bars. When she eyes the handsome Nate, dark and morose but ever so sexy, she feels like she has met a kindred soul. As the CEO for his own company, Nate seems to understand her long hours and her passion for work. Together they share a fabulous night. Months later, Kristen walks into her first day of work at a new job. Called in to meet her new boss, Nathan boyd, Kristen is shocked to see the face of her Singapore Nate, the man she cannot get out of her heart. Both driven professionals, Kristen and Nate decide to keep things on a professional level --- but their decision chafes at their very hearts. Then the worst thing possible happens to this sigle-minded, focused career girl --- not only is she pregnant but she is pregnant with Nate's baby!
This is my first Nicola Marsh read. Besides being a wonderful light read, interspersed with some tense moments, several areas drew my attention. Nicola Marsh has a lot of skill in setting a scene so that when she writes about the characters, the reader is drawn to them and understands them behind the exterior. Her style is quick, sharp and focused --- in just a few well-chosen descriptions, the reader is right there on the scene an in the hearts of her characters. I also very much enjoyed the way she wrote dialogue --- fun, witty and dynamic. But more, as Nate and Kristen encounter each other and spend time together in Australia, one feels them become more and more comfortable with one another through their dialogue. Interesting hero. As with most HR heroes, a good guy with past hurts. I really do love the way these HR authors write their heroes.
In general and on a personal level, I am less of a fan of baby romances than other kinds of romances but I was very impressed with how Nicola Marsh wrote this one. She added several very done well details that made me understand her and how she could end up in the situation she did and still be an intelligent woman. I grew up when women's lib was gaining ground and the one thing parents drove into their children was don't get pregnant and work hard to be successful in your own right. Some dramatic moments here, especially towards the end. She writes drama well --- quick plot with precise details, allowing the story itself to tell the drama.

Pros: excellent characterization and scene setting, humorous and dramatic
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: A great choice in short light romance reads. Brilliant characterization and scene setting. Emotionally moving

A huge thanks to Merri from Merrimon Book Reviews for this insightful review. (Check out her website, she has loads of fabulous reviews!)

Now, I'm not just saying that because she loved me book :) I'm saying it's insightful because she really understood what I was trying to do with Nate and Kristen's story.

While I was writing the book I wanted to show the character development of Nate, how he struggles with his past grief and is finally able to open his heart again. And with Kris, how a 35 year old career woman comes to terms with impending motherhood, something she never dreamed possible for her. I really concentrated on developing the emotion with both these rather intense characters and I'm absolutely thrilled it came through.

Speaking of emotion, I sniffled for the first time ever writing one of my own books last night.
The Harlequin Romance I'm revising (which ended up having a fairly major rewrite) is a story of second chance love and the hero Blane is to die for.
He's the one who made me cry just a little...how can Camryn resist? :)

Bookscan Top 100!!!

I'm doing a little happy dance around the house.

PURCHASED FOR PLEASURE has made Bookscan's Top 100 in its first 5 days on the shelf. Woo hoo!!!!!

It's an absolute buzz to be alongside names like Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber, Susan Wiggs, Jayne Ann Krentz, Fern Michaels, Christina Dodd, Stephanie Laurens...I could go on but I think you understand how stoked I am :)

Thanks to everyone who has bought my Navy SEAL Tyler James. I knew I loved this guy for a reason :)

I've just sent out my Feb newsletter late last night so if you're interested in entering the exclusive newsletter-only comp, drop me an email and I'll subscribe you.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. La-la-la, I'm off to do some more dancing :)

To finish your manuscript...or not?

Yesterday I trotted off for another library talk and I was absolutely thrilled to have a few writers in the audience, in particular a lovely lady who is targetting Mills and Boon Modern Heat! (Waving madly to Joanne!!!)

During question time, Joanne asked a really interesting question: should you finish the manuscript you're working on before submitting the partial?

I know most people would answer a resounding yes. Why? It's easier to edit and tighten once you know where the story is going, your story may not fit the synopsis and change as you go along and if you're like me when I first started writing, you can get caught out, thinking it's going to take months and months to hear back let alone get a request for a full manuscript only to find it all happens a lot quicker than you anticipated!

So I answered Joanne's question in the affirmative. Before I remembered what it was like with my first manuscript.

The absolute rush of getting words down.
The sheer joy of actually writing rather than thinking about it forever.
The thrill of completing those magical first three chapters.
The buzz from sending that partial in the post and all the accompanying excitement/angst/nail biting that goes with it.

And I changed my response to Joanne!
I advised her to go for it! Send that baby off with a kiss on the envelope and write like mad while waiting for a response.

I've just handed in my 16th manuscript and the nail-biting doesn't end, let me tell you. How do I cope? By getting stuck into the next! After some much needed down-time tonight, that is :)

Now, check this out!
This is my next Harlequin Presents cover in a special Modern Love series which goes direct to US readers.
Gorgeous, huh?

Blind date

No, I'm not trying to play matchmaker with my friends.

This is further to my goss on library talks. The fabulous librarian at Dandenong, as part of Library Lovers month in Feb, used a great concept to introduce people to the wonderful world of romance: Blind

Date with a book!

She'd wrapped up romance novels in snazzy gold and silver paper, tied them with lovely coloured ribbons and laid them out with the displays.

The idea is you take home the book, unwrap and enjoy. Cool, huh?

In other book news, I hit the shelves in France and Germany again this month. Nice covers, huh?

Very romantic...

COVER TO COVER: Out with the old, in with the new

I could title this post Revisions: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, for it's a follow-on to my last revision post.
Which was all good.
This one will be brutally honest.

Remember how I said revisions tighten the story, make it so much better, make the book really sparkle and shine?
Well, all that still stands. But what if the revisions seem so huge you have nowhere to go? What if the story you wrote needs a total revamp and not just the occasional tweak here and there?

With my Modern Heat TOYING WITH THE BILLIONAIRE BOSS I revised all of last week, the revisions were clear. I could see exactly what needed to be done. Here's a brief summary:

The plot device bringing Beth and Aidan into contact wasn't wholly believable. She's standing in for a her cousin as curator at Melbourne Museum. This had to be tweaked. Easy.

Aidan had to struggle more with getting involved with an employee. Done.

Beth needed to tone down her personality. She was coming across as a bit too confident, too flirty. Done.

Plus, as what usually happens, once a few changes are made here and there, I ended up layering in a few more lovely dialogue exchanges, ramping up the sexual tension in one scene in particular.

So that was Beth and Aidan done and dusted.

Now, onto COURTING CUPID, my Harlequin Romance.
These revisions aren't so easy.
My lovely new ed adores the hero Blane. He's delish.
But the heroine Camryn is another matter entirely!

She's cynical. I deliberately wrote her like that. But in trying to create a character so opposite to the hero, I've gone too far. I've made the reader wonder why Blane persists with someone like her. Ouch!

In order to make this story work, it will require some major changes.
Camryn's personality stems from her conflict...which also requires major changes.

So I sat down and posed the 'What if' question.
What if Camryn does A instead of B?
What if Camryn had A happen to her in the past instead of B?

The first scenarios I came up with were close to my original plot...and my ed said they still weren't working. She posed loads of questions of her own which made me realise the plot as I had it wouldn't work.
Or more specifically, the heroine as I had her wouldn't work.

So back to the drawing board.
This time, when I posed the 'what if' questions, I let my imagination really take flight.
And came up with a scenario I wouldn't have contemplated first time around. This plot wouldn't have entered my head but I really didn't want to ditch Blane the way he is so thought around 'what would make this heroine take a chance on a guy like this?'

Now, it's a totally new plot. Blane will remain unchanged. Many of the scenes will stay.
But boy, will they have a major overhaul.
Because now, Camryn has a whole new conflict. She will be softer. More vulnerable. More likeable.
Which will make the story fly. Hopefully :)

I guess the moral of this story is never get too attached to your plot or characters.
If they aren't working, and you want to make your story the best it can be, you may need to do some major slashing.
I'm about to.
Let's hope it works. Stay tuned...

New discoveries

Now, this is exactly why I asked that question in the last post and thankfully, Caitlyn posted a response about her favourite new crush.
The guy's name is Sakis Rouvas. I've never heard of him. So I had to do a very quick google image search and whoa...go check it out for yourself!!!
This one's definitely going in my hero folder for future inspiration.

And speaking of heroes...I'm hearing about Richard Armitage all over the place. Everywhere I turn, someone's talking about him.
I'll be honest. My fellow PHS ed Natasha Oakley has raved about this guy many times but I've either been too busy or too tired (bub, you hear that? You should be sleeping through by now!!) or too absorbed in my latest WIP to take much notice.
So with all this talk of crushes, while I was googling Savis, I plugged in Richard.
And I admit it.
He has 'something'. The word enigmatic springs to mind. I'm intrigued enough to want to know more. I've heard rave reviews about North and South so must get my hands on it.
I'm hooked.
I want to be a new recruit.
Where do I sign up for the Armitage Army?

On my first bestseller list!

Here's the thing.

I was doing revisions last night. Had made it to page 56 with eyes drooping, my bed calling out to me (alternating with bub calling out to me!) when I hear that EXECUTIVE MOTHER-TO-BE is on the Top 10 Bestsellers list for ebooks over at eharlequin.

No way! Scooted over, checked it out and there I was.
Did a little happy dance right on into the nursery before falling into bed.

So thanks to all of you who couldn't wait till this book hits the shelves to snap it up ;)

This list changes every day and I know I'll probably be gone by tomorrow but hey, I'm making the most if it today :)

As for the revisions, they're coming along nicely. Will blog further about them during the week.
For now, off to organise a feast for some friends coming over for brunch.

Reviewers' Choice Award!

Woke to lovely news that one of my Modern Extra releases last year has won a CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award!

TWO-WEEK MISTRESS was so much fun to write.

Bo Bradford was the reclusive children's author, Tahnee Lewis was the breezy heroine, and Wally the Wombat featured on his blog...loads of fun!

Rather timely, as Kristen Lewis, the last of the Lewis sisters, has her own story coming up in EXECUTIVE MOTHER-TO-BE, my Harlequin Romance out in Feb.

So thanks to all the reviewers at CataRomance :)

For a full list of winners, check here.

Pre-preparation

Margaret wants to know:

Collage, interview with characters. I'd be interested to hear how much preparation you do, Nicola, before you start to write? Do you plot your story out in detail or write into the mist? I know you write very quickly so I guess you must have some idea of how it's going to pan out.

I used to be a confirmed plotter.

Yes, I had an idea of key scenes (though not the whole book.)

Yes, I'd jot down one or two lines per chapter (though this tended to happen more when I got a bit stuck in the 'sagging middle')

And yes, I'd start with a 2 page proposal (with pics of hero and heroine) having some idea where the book was heading.

Then after a mid-07 chat with my last ed, I've changed how I work.

My books were plot driven.

She suggested I go with character, hence the change in my preparation. For my last 2 books, I started with character: did the interviews, knew them inside out before starting.

So how did that work out? Well, I'm waiting to hear back from new ed on both those books so I'll let you know ;)

The collaging is fun and gives me a 'mood' for the book, so I've done a collage for my last 4 books.

The character preparation is way more time consuming than anything I used to do (I spent hours last night, on top of previous hours!) but I now feel confident to tackle THE DATING DILEMMA, knowing Bryce and Eve are going to leap off the page.

I hope!

So do I plot in detail? No.

But rest assured, once I start this one and the thrill of the first few chapters has faded, I'll be jotting down that brief chapter by chapter outline, whether I stick to it or not. :)

So how do you do it? Are you a plotter or a pantser or a little of both?