Weekend Book Club: Girl Saves Boy

I'm blown away that this book was written by a 16 yo teenager.

Not because of the language or the way it was written but for the subject matter and the realistic way it is explored.

Here's the blurb:

The first time we met, Jewel Valentine saved my life.

Isn’t it enough having your very own terminal disease, without your mother dying? Or your father dating your Art teacher? No wonder Sacha Thomas ends up in the lake that Saturday evening…But the real question is: how does he end up in love with Jewel Valentine?
With the help of quirky teenage prodigies Little Al and True Grisham, Sacha and Jewel have a crazy adventure, with a little lobster emancipation along the way.
But Sacha’s running out of time, and Jewel has secrets of her own.
Girl Saves Boy is a hugely talented debut novel, funny and sad, silly and wise. It’s a story of life, death, love… and garden gnomes.

Melburnian Steph Bowe takes a heavy subject and injects it with just enough humour to have you turning pages in her wonderful YA debut.

Her very real characters explore a complex range of emotions in a beautiful, poignant, readable way.

What are you reading this week?

Exciting reading experience

Entangled Publishing (who are releasing my Bollywood book in December!) have just announced an exciting partnership with Kobo.

Read all about it here.

Montlake romance

You may have heard Amazon recently launched its Montlake Romance imprint, with bestselling author Connie Brockway's title The Other Guy's Bride.

Now the imprint is open to agented submissions.

For full details, see here.

What's your writing mantra?

While I recover from the intensity of completing revisions on WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE? here's a gem from Larry Brooks at StoryFix.

What happens in the story is driven by what the characters are feeling, where more often it is the other way around.

I love finding snippets like this, snippets that make us think and look at our writing in a new and positive way.

Do you have a favourite writing snippet or mantra?

Weekend Book Club: Call Me Irresistible

My life is manic.
I rush around all week, school runs, taekwando, swimming, basketball...this week throw in orthodontist, doc and surgeon, and you get an idea of how hectic I am.

I also have 4 deadlines in 3 months.

So when I say I read Susan Elizabeth Phillips CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE in 2 days, you know I've sacrificed precious sleep to do it.

Like all her books, I couldn't put this down.
She is the queen of small town romantic comedies, her characters so real you feel like you know them personally and are still thinking about them long after you've finished the book.

Here's what Publishers Weekly had to say:

Phillips crafts a laugh-out-loud and romantic story with panache that mostly makes up for some gaping plot holes. Onetime PGA star and smalltown mayor Ted Beaudine (met in 2005's Fancy Pants) is about to marry Lucy Jorik, the daughter of a former president, when she's persuaded to break it off by her best friend, Meg Koranda (2008's Glitter Baby), the aimless daughter of Hollywood royalty. Everyone in Wynette, Tex., loves Ted, but Meg feels Lucy deserves a passionate partner, not a god of self-control. After the disaster of calling off the wedding at the last minute, Meg's parents cut her off, stranding her in the hostile town. As Meg finds her own path and helps Ted discover his heart, the townspeople stoutly (and hilariously) defend their golden boy. However, some readers may not appreciate that Meg's good deed is punished so often and severely en route to happiness.

If you're a fan of SEP, you'll adore this book.
If you're not, read this book and become one!

What are you reading this week?

By request

I have a few favourite books I've written and THE BOSS'S BEDROOM AGENDA is one of them.

Beth is the least likely person to work at Melbourne Museum but the sparks she creates with Aidan, the CEO archaeologist...!

This story is currently reprinted in a 'By Request' anthology, out now in the UK.

Or available here almost half price!

Release day in OZ & NZ

If you're in Australia or New Zealand, SEX, GOSSIP AND ROCK & ROLL is out now!
This is quite possibly my favourite book I've written so go check out why.

Here's a snippet:

Two sharp honks on a horn behind them had her cursing and shoving him away before she returned her hand to the gear stick and slid into first.
“Care to explain what that was about?”
Her tone had resumed its frostiness while he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face.
“Not that I usually need to explain why I kiss a beautiful woman but we couldn’t shake on the deal so I did the next best thing. Why, did I offend you?”
His silky tone garnered a snort in response. Better than an f-off.
“News flash. That out of line kiss rendered the deal null and void. New deal. We don’t talk for the next fortnight. Capish?”
Oh yeah, that kiss had got to her.
“Where’s the fun in that?”
“You’re here to manage the finances, not have fun.”
“Surely the two aren’t mutually exclusive?”
She screeched into a side street, giving him momentary whiplash, before cutting the engine and turning to face him.
“Another news flash. I’m not one of your bimbos. I work for your grandfather. I take my job seriously. And I don’t need some goof-off blow-in making trouble for me. Got it?”
She stopped just short of jabbing him in the chest. Pity, he would’ve liked to feel her hands on him again.
“Loud and clear.”
Her shoulders sagged in relief, before he added, “Doesn’t mean I’ll play nice.”
“You’re a pain in the—”
“With all this talk of work, doesn’t sound like you have much time for fun?”
“I have plenty of fun.”
His snort deepened her indignant frown. “When’s the last time you had a date?”
She clamped her lips shut.
“Had sex?”
Her legs followed suit and he laughed.
“Look, we can do this the hard way or the fun way. My mouth? Has a life of its own. Runs away all the time. I’ll compliment you constantly. I’ll tease you incessantly. I may even kiss you several times but it’s harmless. All good, clean fun.”
It was her turn to snort but not before he’d caught the gleam of excitement making the gold flecks in her green eyes glow.
“No kissing.”
He paused for a moment, pretended to think. “Sorry, can’t promise that.”
“You’re impossible!”
“But you like me anyway.”
Their gazes locked and the car’s tight confines shrunk further. He could smell her light floral perfume, could see the indecision warring with excitement in her eyes, could sense her capitulation as her shoulders relaxed and she leaned forward a fraction.
For once, he kept his big mouth shut, enjoying the electricity buzzing between them, savouring the promise of sparring, sparks and sex.
And there would be sex, he had no doubt. They had some serious chemistry going on, the kind you couldn’t ignore.
Throw in the fact they’d be together twenty-four-seven and it was inevitable.
He could hardly wait.
“There’s nothing I can say that’ll make you back off, is there?”
“No.”
With an exasperated sigh, she shook her head. “Having you tag along on this tour goes way beyond the call of duty. And I have to put up with grief to boot?”
She revved the engine, the firing cylinders a joy to a guy’s heart.
“Go on, admit it.”
“What?”
“You’re having fun already.”
With another neck twisting wrench on the steering wheel she pulled back onto the road.
“Does it look like I’m having fun?”
“Either you’re trialling for the Grand Prix or you’re driving like a maniac because you’re ticked off.”
She threw in another wheelie for good measure.
“Okay, got the message loud and clear. I’ll shut up ‘til we get to Ballarat.”
Her hands instantly relaxed on the steering wheel.
“How long?”
“An hour, maybe ninety minutes in this traffic,” she said, her tone smug.
He let her have her little victory for now.
She’d soon learn he didn’t always do as he said.

And I love that I'm in a duo with Heidi Rice's 'Cupcakes and Killer Heels', a book I've heard raves about and can't wait to read.

Savvy Authors

If you're a writer, there is an abundance of resources available these days.

Some stand out more than others and I was lucky enough to stumble across SAVVY AUTHORS a few weeks ago and instantly joined up.

Basic membership is free, premium is US$30/year (AU$28 with current exchange rate, bargain!)

Go check out the website, you won't be disappointed.

The information available is amazing, as are their frequent online courses.

I'm currently doing a course on witchcraft which has been immensely helpful for my upcoming YA revisions.

But the website is worth a visit for the articles alone.

THE WRITE WHISPER: Free writing craft books!

Thanks to the fab folk at WRITER'S DIGEST, I stumbled across 5 free books for writers.

Yes, that's right, free!

1. 70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer.

A fabulous resource from an experienced novelist.

2. 279 Days to Overnight Success by Chris Guillebeau.

If you dream of being a full-time writer, this is the e-book for you! About 11,000 words of fabulous advice.

3. How to Write a Great Query Letter by literary agent Noah Lukeman.

Lukeman is the author of several fabulous how-to books, including The First Five Pages. This free one on queries will not disappoint.

4. What Publishers Want: An Author's Guide by Greenleaf Book Group.

The good people at Greenleaf have made this brief guide available to beginning writers who are just getting into the writing and publishing game.

5. Smashwords Book Marketing Guide: How to Market Any Book for Free.

This gem just came out this past month. An excellent starting resource.

(Note: I couldn't download the last one because I don't have a Kindle. It's via Amazon.)

Download the books via Writer's Digest here.

You can thank me later :)

Weekend Book Club: Before I Fall

Warning: this is one of those books that will stay with you long after you've finished.

Lauren Oliver's YA BEFORE I FALL weaves a powerful story around a popular girl you can't help but dislike, yet you empathise with totally.

Here's the blurb:

What if you only had one day to live?
What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot.
Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last.
Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing

The character development in this story is brilliant.
The characters, particularly Sam, really 'talk' to you.
You won't want to put this down.

(As an aside, Fox 2000 has optioned the rights to this book. It's Oliver's second novel to be optioned for film, after her January 2011 release, Delirium, was picked up in June.)

What are you reading this weekend?

Never give up

Just spotted this in the New York Times: a 74 year old author who never gave up.

He submitted his novel for 25 years and gathered 162 rejections before finally having his book published.

That's persistence!

Encouraging words

If you're a writer, you have to check out the post over at StoryFix today.

These two gems are worth it alone:

'The Help", the novel that spent a year at #1 on NYT bestsellers list and is being released as a movie this August was rejected by 45 agents.

Yep, you read that right. 45!
(Moral of the story: hang in there & don't give up!)

Gem no. 2:
"Write something worth writing."

It'll make sense if you go read the full post here.

How to avoid over-writing

Here's a brilliant list of 15 steps to avoid overwriting by author/agent Lois Winston over at The Five Scribes.

Well worth reading.

New POV

I have a new editor at Mills and Boon.
She rang me last week and we had a lovely chat about expectations and favourite books of mine she's worked on and what's next.

What's next is revisions for the Harlequin Romance I recently handed in, WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE?
They landed Saturday morning and as usual I printed them out, did a quick scan and left them on my desk while pretending not to mull for the next 24 hours.

Sunday, I re-read and my thoughts clarified and I'm now ready to tackle revisions.

The fact this guy is the inspiration behind my hero Rory should make the process entirely enjoyable.

Weekend Book Club: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

I read this on the recommendation by my agent, who has great taste in books.

Here's a snapshot of NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST:

So you're a guy; you're at a band show and your ex, the girl who dumped you, walks in with the new guy. Looking for a safe exit, you ask the girl you happen to sitting with to be your girlfriend for five minutes.
You're a girl; you're at a get-together and your least favorite female strolls in. The stranger sitting next to you asks you to be his five-minute date. So what do you? You lock lips.
Nick and Norah's instant connect begins a roller-coaster "first date" that takes them through Manhattan and into themselves.

I found this book edgy, fast-paced and frank , a page-turning YA written by 2 authors.
Loved the concept and the individual voices.
Loved how the story flowed.
Loved how they brought NYC and music alive.

What are you reading this week?

Trends in YA

If you're writing young adult or middle grade, you absolutely must read this post by agent/author Mandy Hubbard.

She just returned from a trip to NYC where she met with editors at major publishing houses and here's her take on what's trending in YA & MG at the moment.

Bollywood book has sold!

I'm excited to announce my mainstream Bollywood book has sold!

Entangled Publishing will be releasing it this December: 'Sex and the City' meets 'Eat, Pray, Love.'

How totally cool is that high concept?

Nice to hear

It's always nice to hear a good review, especially from a 'new to me' reader.

Here's an excerpt from a review for DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX! via Twitter:

This was a really fun book to read and it had some great elements to it. I really liked the character of Kristi she had real moxy with her snappy dialogue, ambition and style, yet she also had a caring side with a deep desire to love and be loved in return (I didn't like Jared as much). I really loved the inclusion of the characters blog posts and twitter updates while they were on the island. This was interesting as it gave insight into the two characters thoughts and experiences in a more conversational way then the usual internal monologue type narrative allows, it was also very 'now'!
I would have liked to have had more of the actual events on the island included, I was imagining a Lost-meets-The-Apprentice-meets-romcom style story (somebody has to make that show!). I did enjoy the focus on the two characters relationship and their attempt to work through the issues that drove them apart previously and also to work through their own internal issues. Both characters were able to grow and move on, which is something I always like to see in a good romance novel.

What I particularly liked about this review is the reader's balance.
She states what she likes and what she doesn't with honesty and not snark.
Nice.

You can read the full review here.

Weekend Book Club: The Good Daughter

I met Amra when I first started writing and we were in the same critique group so I was thrilled to read her first YA novel.

Here's the blurb from Text Publishing:

Fifteen-year-old Sabiha has a lot to deal with: her mother’s mental health issues, her interfering aunt, her mother’s new boyfriend, her live-in grandfather and his chess buddy, not to mention her arrogant cousin Adnan. They all want to marry her off, have her become a strict Muslim and speak Bosnian. And Sabiha’s friends are not always friendly. She gets bullied by girlfriends and is anxious about boyfriends, when she just wants to fit in. But two boys, Brian and Jesse, become the allies of this fierce and funny girl.

The Good Daughter is a coming-of-age novel written with sensitivity and humour. It confronts head-on the problems of cultural identity in the day-to-day lives of teenagers. Amra Pajalic has a wonderful ear for idiomatic dialogue and the dramatic moment.

This book isn't flowery. It's refreshingly honest and you can empathise as you see Sammie battle adolesence while handling her mother's bi-polar.

Also loved the twist on a classic love triangle.

And I'm always a sucker for a book set in my home city of Melbourne.

Thoroughly enjoyed.

What are you reading this weekend?

Sex, gossip, rock & roll, cupcakes & killer heels!

If you're in OZ & NZ, the Modern Heats/Rivas/Sexy Sensations are now being released in a Sexy duo each month.

And I'm up in June with the delightful Heidi Rice!

Thankfully, the cover can apply to scenes in both our books, how lucky is that?
And aren't the titles fab?
I can't wait to read Heidi's book, have heard rave reviews about it.

Weekend Book Club: Love You More

Lisa Gardner is an autobuy for me.
She's the only author who has given me nightmares (while reading The Perfect Husband.)

Her latest, LOVE YOU MORE, depicts every parents' nightmare.

Here's the official synopsis:

WHO DO YOU LOVE?

One question, a split-second decision, and Brian Darby lies dead on the kitchen floor. His wife, state police trooper Tessa Leoni, claims to have shot him in self-defense, and bears the bruises to back up her tale. For veteran detective D. D. Warren it should be an open-and-shut case. But where is their six-year-old daughter?

AND HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO . . .

As the homicide investigation ratchets into a frantic statewide search for a missing child, D. D. Warren must partner with former lover Bobby Dodge to break through the blue wall of police brotherhood, seeking to understand the inner workings of a trooper’s mind while also unearthing family secrets. Would a trained police officer truly shoot her own husband? And would a mother harm her own child?

. . . TO SAVE HER?

For Tessa Leoni, the worst has not yet happened. She is walking a tightrope, with nowhere to turn, no one to trust, as the clock ticks down to a terrifying deadline. She has one goal in sight, and she will use every ounce of her training, every trick at her disposal, to do what must be done. No sacrifice is too great, no action unthinkable. A mother knows who she loves. And all others will be made to pay.
Love you more . . .

I couldn't put this book down.
The author's voice, her multi-layered themes and constant plot twists make this a superb page turner.

For a busy mum running around with kids' kinder concerts and cross country events and a birthday and a tight deadline...well, to say I read this in a day, you know how much I could NOT put it down!

What are you reading this week?

(considering I have 2 releases out, hope it's one of mine!)

'How I Write' series

In the lead up to his book release, Nathan Bransford is running a 'How I Write' series on his blog all week.

If you're a writer, you absolutely must check it out.

Gold, I tell you, gold!

And another...

I don't like shouting 'me, me, me' all the time but I've got 3 releases in May so you'll have to bear with me during release week.

Today, quite possibly the favourite book I've written hits shelves in the UK: SEX, GOSSIP AND ROCK & ROLL.

I love Luca and Charli. I hope you do too.

Once again, free worldwide postage at the BookDepository here.

Release day!

Want to discover how Rhys and Jade steam up in Alaska?
Then buy HER BAD, BAD BOSS, out now in the USA.

Or here, at the Bookdepository, with free worldwide shipping!

*This book has been released in the UK & Aust/NZ under the title WILD NIGHTS WITH HER WICKED BOSS*

And for those lovely readers who read OVERTIME IN THE BOSS'S BED and asked if Rhys would have his own story...this is it!

Popular professions for romance novel heroes

Two neuroscientists have studied 15000 Harlequin novels looking for clues about social expectations.

During their studies, they came up with the top 10 professions for romance novel heroes.

Care to guess what they are?

Before peeking at the list, pop your own list in the comments section here.

Great cause

Brenda Novak's auction to raise funds for childhood diabetes is on again this year and the Harlequin Romance authors have banded together to donate a Kindle packed with our latest releases.

You know you want this!

Go bid here.
It's for a good cause.

Harlan Coben rocks

Harlan Coben is one of my favourite authors.

I love this frank interview posted yesterday at Writer's Digest.

Thrown against the wall

Nathan Bransford has a great post about 'spaghetti' agents on his blog.

The kind of agents who take on a lot of clients and throw manuscripts out there to publishers hoping some will stick.

If you're a writer on the hunt for an agent or hope to be some day, please read.

MOVIE MUSE: The Lincoln Lawyer

Writing is the best job in the world.
Where else can you watch movies and read books, all in the name of research!

While I don't get to the movies very often these days, I've decided to launch 'Movie Muse' to compliment my Weekend Book Club, where I'll review movies I see.

Starting with THE LINCOLN LAWYER.

In a word? Wow!

Matthew McConaughey nails the role of lawyer Mickey Haller (from Michael Connelly's novel) perfectly.

I recently reviewed the book THE BRASS VERDICT, a follow up to The Lincoln Lawyer, and seeing the film makes me want to read the book all the more.

Ryan Phillipe gives a great portrayal of the villain: chilling. And the support cast are excellent.

I can't review the plot without major spoilers but suffice to say, there are twists and turns galore.

My only lament? Matthew doesn't get his shirt off enough :)

The muse rates this 8/10.

New titles!

I've had word from London that my December RIVA release featuring this man has a title.

INTERVIEW WITH THE DAREDEVIL.

Considering that's exactly what the heroine, Ava, gets to do at the fabulous Palazzo Versace, the title is rather apt.

And the book I've just started writing is already scheduled and titled:

WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE? will be a Jan Riva/Harlequin Romance release.

Guess I better write Rory and Gemma's story pronto!

Bracing

My 7 yo is having so much dental work at the moment my head is spinning.
Fillings, root canals, you name it, he's having it.

And yesterday was his first orthodontic visit, where I learned he'll need to wear braces on his top teeth for a year.

At 7!

He had the most beautifully straight baby teeth and lost his first 4 over summer.
Unfortunately, due to crowding, the top 2 are crooked and not leaving much room for the rest when they come down.
So we need spacing and straightening.

I know it won't hurt much and I know he'll cope admirably but he's pretty sensitive and the thought of him going through teasing so early...

Hey, I'm a mum.
It's my job to worry :)

Querying agents

Read this interesting post by agent Rachelle Gardner on 13 Ways to Screw up your Query.

I'm truly left shaking my head over some of the ways people approach agents...

Snail mail

I love receiving letters, always have. In high school, my best friend and I used to trade notes almost daily. In uni over summers, my best friend and I used to write long, elaborate letters, detailing our lives. These days, email is quick and convenient but I miss those days of letter writing, so it's always a thrill when a reader takes the time to write me a letter. That said, responding by email is so much easier so please, if you're taking the time to write to me, include your email address. If you don't have one and that's why you're writing, please enclose that in your letter. So for Ann Bailey, who took the time to write to say she enjoyed Wild Nights with her Wicked Boss and wondered if there were connecting stories...yes, Ann, Callum has his own story in Overtime in the Boss's Bed. Enjoy!

No time to fear the blank page

Finished writing my YA novel last week, 60K in 4 weeks, and planned on taking a week off before starting my Harlequin Romance due end of May. Not to be. Discovered the book is scheduled for Jan 2012 which means I need to write it NOW. I've made a start and enjoying the change between genres immensely. You've already met my hero, Rory Devlin. First scene is in his POV. In fact, I think much of this book is going to be his POV, surprising for a Romance. Interesting developments ahead! And another month of intensive writing...

Weekend Book Club: The Brass Verdict

I was first introduced to Michael Connelly through his cop character Harry Bosch and was hooked! THE BRASS VERDICT is a legal thriller, featuring lawyer Mickey Haller. I bought it a while ago and have had it on my TBR pile, so when I picked it up this week I didn't realise it was book 2 of the Mickey Haller series, the first being THE LINCOLN LAWYER, currently a movie starring Matthew McConaughey. (I don't get to the movies much these days. Only movie I've seen in the last few years is Toy Story 3 but I'm definitely making time for The Lincoln Lawyer, for many reasons!) As a character, Mickey Haller is intelligent, quick-witted and human, with enough vulnerabilities to stop him from straying into cocky territory. This is a real skill by the author, to keep us from disliking him. I adore thrillers and this one had great twists at the end. And having Harry Bosch as a secondary character throughout made things interesting too. Anyone seen The Lincoln Lawyer? Thoughts? Do you recommend it? Or should I wait for DVD? What are you reading this week?

Cover love

Last week, I revealed the UK Riva cover for GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS. Without further ado, here's the USA cover. I love, love, love the fact she's vintage from head to toe and looks exactly how I pictured my heroine: dress, hair, make-up, fab! (and thanks to Donna Alward for working magic on the PDF copy so I could post here!)

Agent blogs

Think I've mentioned before, if you're interested in finding an agent, GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS is a great blog to follow. Today, they list their choices for Best Agent blogs 2010. Check it out (the sidebar has fabulous links to loads of agent blogs too.)

How to Craft Compelling Characters

There's a fabulous article on HOW TO CRAFT COMPELLING CHARACTERS by David Corbett over at Writer's Digest today. He elaborates on: CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPELLING CHARACTERS: A driving need, desire, goal, ambition, A secret, A contradiction, Vulnerability METHODS FOR DEEPENING CHARACTERISATION Real-life characters, Emotional triggers

Borders Trueromance

One of my good Twitter buddies, Joan Swan, is celebrating the release of her debut novel, Fever, with a giveaway of Borders Gift Cards over at the Borders True Romance blog. If you enjoy crosswords, you'll love this!

Weekend Book Club: Harlequin Romance

It's no secret how much I love the Harlequin Romance series. Yes, I'm biased, as they are the first series that bought me but my love affair with the series has developed over time. I love the varied voices in the series. I love the locations. Most of all I love the varied plots. There's a lot of scope within Harlequin Romance and that's one of the greatest pleasures, picking up a book guaranteed to surprise. The fabulous Wendy Crutcher, RWA's Librarian of the Year, has posted a great blog today at HEROES & HEARTBREAKERS. She outlines why she loves Harlequin Romance and gives some recommendations, including this.

I've read some cracker Harlequin Romances over the years, too many to mention (though Liz Fielding's THE MARRIAGE MIRACLE, her RITA winner featuring a wheelchair bound heroine, is a standout.)

What have been your favourite Harlequin Romances over the years? Recommendations?

Romantic Times winners

I've been lucky enough to be nominated 2 years in a row for a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. With the RT convention currently running in LA, the winners of each section have now been announced and the full list is here. Congrats to the winners!

From assistant to agent

Here's the story how my fab agent, Suzie Townsend, went from assistant at FinePrint Literary Management to full time agent. I still don't know how she manages to do all her work and sleep...

By request

More cover love. This will be my 4th book to hit shelves in May, a reprint of THE BOSS'S BEDROOM AGENDA in a By Request anthology. That's some boss!

Girl in a Vintage Dress cover alert

The first time I see a new cover, I'm always a little nervy. Will it stand out on shelves? Will it capture the essence of the story? Will it intrigue busy, discerning readers long enough to pick up and scan the back blurb? Here's the brand-spanking new cover for my Harlequin Riva release in July, GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS. What do you think?

Launched into the world

Can't wait until SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL hits the shelves in May in the UK?

Well, you can grab it online right now!

I'm often asked which is the favourite book I've ever written and while I have a few that stand out from a personal point of view, I think this one edges ahead of the field.

You'll have to read it to find out why :)

Weekend Book Club: Category romance

Though I write category romance, I'm ashamed to say I don't read a lot of it these days. When I do, I'm highly selective. These last few weeks, I've been lucky to read 3 crackers. Most recently, Barbara Hannay's 'MOLLY COOPER'S DREAM DATE', which blew me away because almost the entire book is written in diary and email format! Remember the old rule 'hero and heroine must get together on the page ASAP'? Nix that! Barbara has written a lovely romance in a refreshing format. Next up is Ally Blake's THE WEDDING DATE. Ally's books are auto-buys for me, because of her fun, flirty voice and characters that are delightfully real. And I love the heat between her Bradley and Hannah in this book! Very, very sexy!

Fiona Lowe's 'THE MOST MAGICAL GIFT OF ALL' was the first category romance I'd read in a while and it didn't disappoint. I love Fiona's small outback towns. If you want a taste of Australiana, grab her books. I don't read a lot of Meds and I like how this one focussed more on the relationship between Jack and Sophie rather than the medical stuff.

And Jack is a fabulous bad-boy doc!

So there you have it, 3 great category reads.

What are you reading this week?

Handy characterisation checklist

Agent Rachelle Gardner has a great post on what fiction editors look for, which can be used as a handy checklist to ensure your characters are leaping off the page. Check it out here.

Which will make you more money?

Self publishing or traditional publishing? Nathan Bransford does a great breakdown of the figures here.

The latest self-publishing goss

Hot on the heels of the news last week about Barry Eisler turning down $500 000 with St. Martin's Press, self-publishing giant Amanda Hocking has accepted a 2 million advance for 4 books with...you guessed it, St Martin's Press. Those 4 books will be new books, a YA series called 'Watersong'. Interesting times we live in, huh? And here's news of another well known author, Connie Brockway, going the self-publishing route, in her interview with All About Romance. Read the comments too. Interesting to see many people like me, who don't own e-readers and have no intention of buying one (I just love the feel and smell of books too much!) express their concerns about not having access to these books. But as someone points out, you can read on your PC. Something I could never do but hey, I'm just addicted to the feel and smell of paper. :)

Weekend Book Club can pick 'em!

I'm absolutely thrilled to hear Kelly Hunter has finalled in the RITAs with Red-Hot Renegade.
(You can find my rave review for her here)

Kelly's books are fab but this one is my favourite. (I'm biased and proud of it!)

And another huge shout-out to Marion Lennox, a lovely lady and fab writer for her nomination, along with the gorgeous Melissa McClone (yay, Harlequin Romance!)

Congrats to all the RITA and GH nominees.
Enjoy the ride!

Book 28 sold!

The book set at Palazzo Versace and courtesy of some strenuous first-hand research 2 months ago, has sold!

Roman and Ava's story will be released in the UK as a Harlequin Riva in Dec this year, with USA release date to follow.
Title unknown...will let you know as soon as my editor passes it on!

Editing tips

Great article over at Larry Brooks STORYFIX about editing your manuscript.

Love the right brain/left brain pic!

Would you turn down half a million?

Today I woke to the news that author Barry Eisler has turned down a $500 000 contract with St. Martin's Press to self publish.

Wow. Simply wow.

Read about it here, in his chat with Joe Konrath.

Art of the page turner

Check out this great article by Hallie Ephron over at Writer's Digest, where she discusses tools to keep your readers hooked.

Weekend Book Club: Dead in the Family

I must be the last person on the planet to have read a Sookie Stackhouse novel.

DEAD IN THE FAMILY is the 10th in the Sookie series and rather than go back to the start and read the lot, I delved in.

Despite not knowing the characters (and there were a lot of them!) I was sucked into the story courtesy of the author's voice.

Charlaine Harris has a way of weaving words together that make you want to turn the pages, despite not knowing much of the background already woven into this popular series.

A brief rundown of the book:

Sookie is a telepath.
Her lover, Eric, is a big-shot vampire.
Her cousin Claude is a fairy.
Her brother Jason is a were-panther.
And the cast just gets bigger and better from there!

I've never watched Trueblood either, inspired by this book series. Would be interesting viewing...

What are you reading this week?

Why some self-published books fail

I'm a member of NINC (Novelists INC.) a wonderful organisation of authors from various genres.

Here's a great post on their blog, 7 Reasons why Self-Published E-books fail.

Myth busting

Rachelle Gardner has been doing some agent myth busting over the last few days.

Check it out here.

Operation Auction

I'm saddened to hear the tragic news of Fatin's (an eharlequin member and avid reviewer) loss and the senseless, horrific way she lost her husband.

Friends are putting together a series of auctions to raise money for her and her kids.



Please check it out.

THE WRITE WHISPER: Limbo land

Limbo land is that strange place writers visit between books.

When we've just finished writing a story and are eager to jump into the next.

When we're waiting to hear from an editor/agent on a query or submission.

When we know what we want to write next but we're too scared to start.

Limbo land is a tempting place to be.

We get to catch up on reading and experience the joy of plucking the next must-read off our TBR pile.

We get to swim and go to the park and spend hours in the museum, hours we wouldn't have while on deadline.

We get to watch mindless TV just because we can.

Limbo land is an essential part of being a writer. Refilling the well is a must. Clearing the mind of our old characters to allow the new to jump in there and demand their story.

I love the possibilities of limbo land, love the excited tingle of new stories begging to be written.

But limbo land can also be a scary place.

Limbo land can sap your confidence as you wait to hear from your editor/agent.

It can tempt you with the aforementioned TV/books/etc...so you'd rather be doing that than thinking about your next story.

It can allow the self-doubt you usually ignore by writing 2000 words a day to rise up and make you question if you have it in you to write another book...and another...and another after that.

Yes, I'm in limbo land at the moment.

It has been a fun place to be over the weekend when I've refilled the well with loads of family fun and swimming and reading.

But come today, when I'm back to work on Monday, those self-doubts are niggling.

The solution?

Write.

Something.

Anything.

Because writing soothes and sweeps away those doubts.

Because writing makes everything simpler and feel right.

Goodbye limbo land, hello sparkly new idea!

The lowdown on self-publishing

I keep abreast of publishing developments.

I'm a member of several writing organisations, I'm on loops for these organisations, I read the digests.

I don't think I've been living under a rock but I hadn't heard the name Amanda Hocking until recently.

Self-publishing talk is exploding all over the Net in a big way.

Here are 2 posts you have to read.

The first, by Nathan Bransford (read 'Amanda Hocking & the 99 cent kindle millionaires', including the comments.)

Next, read Donna Ball, where she gives her real figures on self-publishing.

We live in interesting times...

Bag a bargain

If you haven't discovered the wonderful BOOK DEPOSITORY yet, do yourself a favour and check it out.

Fab books, great prices, free shipping worldwide!

And my upcoming May releases, SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL + HER BAD, BAD BOSS are available for pre-order at 25% off!
Bargain.

Goals for writers

Guest blogger Mary Demuth had a great post on agent Rachelle Gardner's blog last week, about 3 Goals for Writers.

1. Writers should create 2 teams

2. As writers we should consider ourselves assets

3. We should resolve catastrophic thinking

Read the post here.
Much of it resonated with me.

High school French good for something

I love the French covers and this one is no exception.

THREE TIMES A BRIDESMAID...is out now in France and from my Year 10 high school French, I'm guessing the title is 'Fiance for a day.'

And what's even cooler, it's a duo with my Irish buddy Trish Wylie (who needs to stop going to RWA conferences in the US and come to an Aussie conference one day soon! Trish, you listening?)

Pickled

OVERTIME IN THE BOSS'S BED is out now in Germany.

I'm no translator, but when I first glanced at the title I chuckled, because it looks like 'So Pickled with Champagne'!!

Hot nights revisited

Have learned that my book being reprinted for the PASSIONATE PLAYBOYS anthology is HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY.

Remember Judd, Abby and a Whitsunday island?

This book didn't get a USA release so if you missed it first time around, here's your chance to snaffle it, along with fab stories by Ally Blake & Kim Lawrence.

It hits UK shelves in May but you can pre-order at the Book Depository, which currently has it at 25% off with free postage worldwide!
Grab it here.

A new fan

It's always lovely to get a glowing review and here's one from a new-to-me reader for this book.

Here's a snippet from Danielle's review:

Although I’m not a big fan of the reunited lovers theme, Ms. Marsh handles it well.
Also, I love seeing heroines who are successful in their careers, and financially independent, on equal to the heroes.
Ms. Marsh did a great job of showing me who Nick was, revealing his emotional vulnerabilities in a way that I wish was done more often in the Harlequin Presents books. Instead of Brittany being the only one who seemed emotionally at risk, it was clear that Nick had a lot at stake on that level as well. I liked that Nick and Brittany had been friends since childhood, and their love grew out of their bond. It must have made their separation that much more painful. I appreciated that time was taken to show the rebuilding of Brittany and Nick’s relationship outside of the sexual aspect. That would have been way too easy to show them jumping into intimacy when they had to work to rebuild the trust between them that was lost when they parted.
This was a good, quick Saturday read, and I’m glad to know I have more of Nicola Marsh’s books in my tbr pile to read. She has a way with words and writes a very good romance.

You can read the rest here.
And she's kindly posted her review on Goodreads, which is a huge bonus, as it stimulates discussion and recommendations to other readers.
Good stuff.

Immersion therapy

Currently immersed in revisions for THE HIGH LIFE.

One of the changes involves removing my fictitious Greek island for the last 20% of the story and concentrating the entire book here, at the Palazzo Versace, where I recently researched the book before writing it.

I took loads of pics while I was there (I only posted 2 here not to bore you!) and flicking back through them really helps at this layering stage.

Can't you see how hard I worked during the research phase of this book?

Reunions

My 21st physio reunion was over the weekend.

I love events like these, seeing people you haven't seen in yonks (usually since the last reunion 10 years ago!) and catching up with friends you'd like to see more often but don't.

This one was particularly interesting for me.

At the 10 year reunion, I was still a physio. I hadn't written a word. Wasn't contemplating it either.

Fast forward 11 years and people were extremely curious as to how I'd turned author!

Had a ball, talked so much I lost my voice, and my best buddy from uni stayed the night, just like our slumber parties of old. Was so much fun.

Except the part where we used to be able to stay up all night and feel fresh the next day. 20 years on, I seem to have lost that rebounding ability...

At least we look the same :)

Weekend Book Club: Mockingjay

My RITA judging duties are done so I've resumed normal reading.

As you know, I've already raved about HUNGER GAMES & CATCHING FIRE, the first two books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

When Mockingjay was released I grabbed it, but in an extreme show of willpower planned on saving it to read over my Christmas holidays.

Then I went away and wanted something 'lighter' as a beach read.

All the while, the book was on top of my TBR pile, calling me...beckoning me...and this week I succumbed and read it in 2 days.

It lived up to my expectations, rounding out the trilogy nicely.

Yes, it's super violent.

Yes, loads of people get killed.

Yes, it's disturbing in that kind of 'I want to look away but can't' way.

Yes, after the 3 book build up of the triangle between Peeta, Katniss and Gale, I would've liked a little more rounding out when she finally chooses.

But wow, what a page turner!

I've loved every word of this series and am sad to say goodbye to Katniss Everdeen.

What are you reading this week?

Pizazz

I can't begin to describe the fabulous time I had last night.

I love Michael Buble's voice. I play his music constantly. I watch his DVDs.

I love his pizazz and charisma and cheekiness and showmanship.

Last night at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne he brought all that and more to the stage.

For an awesome few hours I tuned out to my everyday stressors and let the music fill me.

I sang and danced and clapped and woo-hoo'd. A lot.

Today I'm more relaxed than I've been in ages.

It really is so important to refill the well.

Sometimes in the rush of our lives we forget to; at least, I do.

Note to self: chill out with Michael more often :)

Harlequin Teen

Interesting article on Harlequin Teen in Publisher's Weekly.

Words of wisdom

The incredibly talented & knowledgeable Stephanie Laurens (who has been on the NYT Bestseller list with her last 25 books!) has started a blog.

She'll be posting weekly, on a Friday, discussing the nitty-gritties of publishing.

Well worth a look.

Free e-books

I'm guessing you all know about this but just in case you don't, you can download 16 free Harlequin books here.

Give me strength

Yesterday wasn't great.

When I lost a filling last week it reminded me to make an appointment for kidlet's dental check up.

News at the check up was horrific: I heard her mention kid's root canal and silver capping and 2 other fillings...then there was the braces he'll need later and I almost passed out.
Plus she made me feel like a bad mum, with a mini lecture on 'hidden' sugars. Hel-lo. I know all about that. My kids have a super healthy diet with minimal treats. Sweetest thing they would have all day is their cereal, which I'm changing!
When she mentioned saliva problems being a possible cause and seeing an ENT specialist, my eyes almost rolled back in my head.

Then I came home to continuing dramas with finding missing tax documents, only to be told if I can't find then it'll cost me hundreds of dollars.

On top of PC keyboard packing up and unable to connect new screen, I was ready to curl up in a ball last night.

Hopefully today is a better day!

Passionate Playboys

I have no idea which book of mine is being reprinted in this anthology in May yet.

But with a cover like that, at the moment, I don't really care.

Mm-mmm...

Doing the rounds

DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX is doing the world rounds at the moment.

Now it's in Italy!

Release day in OZ

If you're in OZ & NZ, DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX! is out now on shelves.

We've just finished the OZ Tennis Open here in Melbourne so hot tennis pro hero is very timely.

Go check out my version!

Killer story ideas

Love, love, love this post by Larry Brooks at StoryFix, ATTACK OF THE KILLER STORY IDEAS.

Every writer will relate.
And it'll make you smile.

Jazmin release

DESERTED ISLAND DREAMY EX out in Spain now!

Weekend Book Club: How to Bake a Perfect Life

I'm preloading this as I rush out the door for a weekend at the beach so am going to keep it brief.

Barbara O'Neal is my favourite women's fiction author.

Her books are lush, evocative and so beautifully written the pages turn themselves.
She has an incredible gift for tapping into human emotion, then bringing that alive between the pages of her books.

Her latest, HOW TO BAKE A PERFECT LIFE, is no exception.

Filled with food and recipes and real characters and romance, you absolutely must read it.

She's the only author who is guaranteed to make me cry and I never, ever cry when I read.

Do yourself a favour and read this book.
Then glom her backlist.

You'll thank me.

What are you reading this week?

Finding time to write

I've extolled the virtues of speed writing and ways to do it in another post so today, I'm focussing on something different.

How do you find the time to write?

For me, it's making the opportunity the write.

If preschooler is playing at my feet, I write.

If he's blowing bubbles out the back, I write.

If he's watching Playschool, I write.

Do I feel guilty at times? Sure do. Surely I should be interacting with him all the time?

Yet I spend every day with my kids for the bulk of the day, I'm very hands-on so I guess these few snatched half hours here and there aren't too bad.

And I need them.

I have deadlines, some that fluctuate, like my current one.

I need to write 35K in a week.

In school holidays.

So far, I've managed 20 pages the first day, 26 yesterday and the bulk of those were written while the kids played around me.

We do what we have to do to find the time to write.

Here's a great post on ways to find that time.

I'm back!

Arrived back from hols yesterday and really need to hit the ground running.

Must write about 35K words in the next week.

Plus school starts end of this week.

And I'm going away to the beach over the weekend.

Plus another million and one other things that must be done.

Promise to fill you in on all the holiday goss...when I get a minute to breathe!

Twitter buddies

Most of you know about my Twitter addiction.

I love the briefness of it.
I love the immediacy.
I love it so much I wrote a book featuring it.

But most of all I love how I've connected with so many people world-wide I would never have known otherwise.

Joan Swan is one of those people and I was thrilled when I received an email from her, including me in her mega New Year book giveaway.

For every day in January, she's giving away latest releases by writers who've enriched her writing life.

To find out the whole list and how to win a copy of my book today, visit here.

Weekend Book Club: Red-Hot Renegade

If you've never read category romance before, you should start with this book.

Kelly Hunter's RED-HOT RENEGADE bears her trademark rich, vibrant, emotionally complex characters that have you turning pages at a rapid rate.

Here's the blurb:

Can she keep her hands off her super-sexy ex? In desperate need of protection, Jianne Xang-Bennett reluctantly turns to her estranged husband, martial arts expert Jacob Bennett, for help. But there are problems: they’ve been separated for twelve years and cannot be in the same room together without arguing or ripping each other’s clothes off – sometimes at the same time! But Jacob will go to extremes for those he loves, and Jianne is the only woman who can bring this honourable warrior to his knees. Can they delve beneath their red-hot desire and blazing anger to find the love that has always been hiding?

I loved everything about this book: the Singapore setting, the dojo, the hint of suspense, the secondary characters who've all had their stories told in previous books, the Asian heroine but most of all, I loved the martial arts hero.

Jake is superb. And the sexual tension between him and Ji...phew! Pages burn!

I can't recommend this book highly enough.

What are you reading this week?

But somebody's gotta do it

I know, I know, it's a tough life but somebody's gotta do it!

The bulk of my book takes place at the Gold Coast's PALAZZO VERSACE, so it's only fair I do some first hand research for authenticity's sake.

Arguably Australia's most luxurious hotel, the place looks truly amazing on the Net but not enough details for my book so I made a reservation.

I'll let you know all the details when I get back.

And guess what? They have cabanas by the pool!

Wonder if they'll have cabana boys...

It's a hard life

This is where the first scene in my current WIP, The High Life, takes place.


I had to do first hand research to check it out, swimming late at night on the 27th floor, with the incredible view.

Staying a night at the Crown Metropol in Melbourne was not a hardship.

Come back tomorrow and see where I've been staying earlier this week, all in the name of research.

New cover alert

Here's the newest cover for DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX, currently a launch title for the new M&B RIVA series in the UK.

This will hit Aussie & NZ shelves next week.
What do you think?
That island and ocean look mighty tempting...

AWOL

As of last Sunday, I'm away on a much needed, well earned holiday.
Here.
I took this pic of Queensland's sunny Gold Coast 5 years ago, the last time I had a proper holiday.

Considering the recent deluge they've had, I'm hopeful for this kind of weather. Doubtful, but hopeful.

First 2 days is research, the rest is blissful, fun family time.

I've preloaded a bunch of posts here to keep you occupied while I'm away.

Bet you won't even miss me!

Weekend Book Club: Clockwork Angel

Once I started Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel, I was extremely reluctant to put it down.

Book 1 in the Infernal Devices trilogy (a prequel to her bestselling Mortal Instruments series), I got sucked into her Victorian steampunk world so swiftly the pages practically turned themselves.

I've heard the 'steampunk' label bandied around for a while as the next 'hot' thing and with this being my first foray into steampunk it certainly won't be my last. (Eagerly awaiting the release of Clockwork Prince later this year!)

So what's it about?

Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still... When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends, and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Go ahead and enter the Downworld.
A cracking good read awaits!

What are you reading this week?

Miss Snark's new contest

If you write YA & middle grade fiction, Miss Snark is running a contest.

Full details here.

Stranded with your fantasy

Today, I'm guest blogging with fellow Riva author Liz Fielding and giving away a copy of DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX.

To be in the running, head on over and leave a comment, revealing who you'd like to be stranded on a deserted island with (and no, NOT your other half, this is fantasy land, remember?)

Agent looking for adult fiction

The fabulous Suzie Townsend has updated her submissions guidelines and is actively looking to build her adult fiction list.

For the lowdown, check here.

The company we keep

I received a New Year's email from a few friends, with loads of cute pics & captions, and one caught my eye.

May you find the perfect balance in the company you keep.

In the first week of a new year, this really hit home.

People come and go in our lives.
We can make friends in the most unlikely places and find friends we've known for years drift out of our lives for unknown reasons.

I've given up trying to analyse people's motivations (unless it's my characters!)

Instead, I prefer to surround myself with friends who want to be there: friends who make me dream and laugh and natter like there's no tomorrow.
Friends who rejoice in my success and are happy for me.
Friends who will be there for me no matter what.

And this applies doubly to my writing.

If you're a writer, surround yourself with positive people.

You'll have enough of the other sort, the ones who snicker behind your back, the ones who rubbish what you write while smiling to your face, the ones who are condescending and superior and jealous. Nix these.

Creativity needs to be nurtured and negativity is an emotional time-suck.

As one wise sporting company once promoted: "life's short, play hard."

Cool down in summer

While the summer temperatures heat up in Australia & NZ, you can cool down by visiting Alaska vicariously through WILD NIGHTS WITH HER WICKED BOSS.

Remember Rhys, who cameo'd in OVERTIME IN THE BOSS'S BED last year?
Well, the younger Cartwright brother has his own story to tell so go check it out (and yes, Callum does put in an appearance or two!)

(Also for those eagle eyes who've spotted the change on this cover, yes, the Sexy Sensations in OZ/NZ are now straight Harlequin Sexy. Now I'm Sweet & Sexy!)

New year, new releases!

Happy new year to you all!

With the new year brings a brand new series to Mills & Boon in the UK, the fun, flirty RIVA!

I'm thrilled that my DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX is one of the launch titles, alongside the fabulous Jessica Hart, Kelly Hunter & Kimberly Lang.

Go check out these wonderful books.

And to clear up any confusion, as of this month in the UK, all my books will be released under the Riva series.

So if you're a previous fan of my M&B Romances, you'll find my books in Riva.

You'll also find my Modern Heat books in Riva, which is basically my Romance voice...with sex!

If in any doubt, or if you prefer the 'sweeter' side of Nicola Marsh, check my website for clear delineation between titles.

Tomorrow, my latest OZ/NZ release...