Saturday, June 30, 2012

Easy books and voucher giveaways with Kerri Williams

  I'm celebrating my achievement of making June's 50k in 30day challenge through July by offering free books in your choice of digital format to three random sharers and a bonus 
$10.00 Amazon voucher to another winner. 
All you have to do is click on the covers here and  then click like on the Amazon like and share.
Easy as that!

Now if you buy anyone of these books there is another great contest next week, so keep your eyes open for that one too, keep your receipt whether it be amazon, fishpond, mobipocket, whatever for your chance but for now help me celebrate with a couple of clicks and share, share, share!.
Kez

50k in 30 Days..I DID IT!


That's right my fellow writers and readers, I did it!
I believed and so I did it.
11:55pm day 29 and I looked at my count and realized for the first time I finished the 50k challenge in time and one day spare.
50,216

It has been one hell of an awesome month, I was able to type the end on book two of my WIP series and start book three and this would never have been done without the pressure of a deadline. 
Thanks Romance Writers of Australia for once again helping me achieve a goal, you guys rock!
Congrats to all who achieved theirs too, keep typing for those who haven't yet and for those whose goal was just too big this month or life got in the way again, I can relate and don't feel bad. I bet you wrote more than you would have if you hadn't joined the challenge.

Anyways, I deserve sleep now.
Happy writing and reading 
kez


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Author under the spotlight with Linda Hays Gibbs


I'd like to welcome Linda Hays-Gibbs, multi published author, Anthropologist and lover of the supernatural.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a writer. 
 I have always had a bunch of stories running around inside my brain. I used to make up songs and I told a few that way then I made up poems with my stories. I had some crazy short stories and told some in the student paper but that wasn't enough. I started writing them down but would lose them because we moved all over the US and things get left behind.
Later, I started a journal and kept up with a few of the old stories like:
"My Cousins and the Swinging Trees"
Or " How We Dressed Up Bessie the Cow" etc. like I said I had a big imagination. This was when I was 10.
Now I like Paranormal and love stories with horror or SciFi but all love stories.

I know you write different genres like myself but do you have a certain theme or trademark to your stories?
My heroines are all young and innocent but they grow up into strong minded women. I like the prospect of many different men and choices for her but she has to decide what her life will be.
I call them "Innocent Hearts" on my blog but I want them to become strong and capable women even in Regency England. I also want them to tame the werewolves, vampires, ghosts and men of their acquaintance. 

Do you have an agent and how important do you think they are in the publication world
I do not have an agent. I have Kim Richards and Sally, why would I need anyone else? These people are super intelligent and give me great advice.
I have to say, I love those gals too.

How do your stories come to life, from fiction or fantasy?
Oh, I have some truth in my tales. When I was younger I ran into a few ghosts and some people like some of my characters. I mix fact with fiction.
It's amazing how many authors I have spoken to that have a story about ghosts.

Are you a ‘go with the flow’ writer or do you have structure?
I sometimes write an outline but then I go with the flow. My characters start leading me after awhile, taking over the plot because they come alive to me.

Have you always wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?
I wanted to write and be a singer and an actress. My Mom wanted a doctor but she died when I was very young so I got married. The thing about writing is that you can do it in your head anytime so you just keep making up stories. The problem is writing it down. Once I start on a story it all comes back to me.

What groups are you affiliated with and how have they helped you through your journey of publication?
I became an Anthropologist and it helped me understand people more but I don't think being a member of AAA really helps me write the stories I want to write. All my teachers wanted were facts and I wanted fantasy. I am also a Genealogist and that fueled my imagination when I found out I was Daniel Boone's great great great  great grand daughter. I am also kin to several Native Americans that were well known but my Irish ancestors spur my imagination more than any.
Suddenly my daughter became very interested in you as she pictures you as Bones and I'm picturing booth. Mmmm...Booth.  

How much marketing do you involve yourself in and with the mass consumption of social media, does this play a part in your marketing choice?
Oh my goodness, I had no idea how much work goes to marketing your own book! Yes, the social media plays a big part in it.

Here’s a random one for you. If you could be one animal, which would it be and why? 
I would be a wolf. My tribe's Echota Cherokee of the wolf clan. 
 But I love the red tailed hawk and feel a connection to it somehow.
What would you say is your inspiration to write in general or writing  a 
particular scene?
My inspiration to writing in general is my daughter and grand daughter as to writing a particular scene, I try to involve the senses like what would I feel, hear, smell, see, and touch?

With your titles and covers, did you get much of a say in this matter and how important is it to you to have input?
 Oh yes, I had no problem with that. Eternal press let me keep my title and approve my cover. 
Do you have any tips for other aspiring writers or authors out there?Read, read, read and write, write, write and keep doing it.
 And what an awesome cover it is!

So, I think we’ve gotten to know you a little now. How’s about we step it up a notch. Are you panicking? Lol. Do you have any dirty little secrets or confessions you’d like to share with us- what’s on the blog stays on the blog, right guys. (wink)
"Dirty little secrets, hum, let me see?"blush" "Well, I have been married 4 times but only loved one man and still do. I will love him till I die. I am single now. I fed my second husband mash potatoes that fell into the dishwater one night while he was raising cane with me over dinner being late. I didn't eat any, he ate the whole bowl.
I once made my hubby fairy bread for work lunch because he complained about something, I don't remember what now. But I could picture him pulling it out in front of his mates. It was very amusing all round and he learnt his lesson. I'd say your husband did too.

Where’s your favourite place to write?
I like to write on the couch or in bed.

Tell us of your releases- where and when can we buy them?
 My newest release is: "My Angel, My Light As Darkness Falls"
 It was released Feb. 7, 2012
You can buy it at: 
I just remembered our release date was the same day at eternal.

In one word, how would you best describe yourself? 
Lovable

Now that we’re all friends, tell us your most embarrassing moment? 
I was visiting a local church for the first time and after service I wanted to speak privately with the preacher. My young son of 18 months. Was squirming and fidgeting but I just reminded him we were in God's house and must behave.  He kept pulling on my sleeve as I spoke to the preacher and I cautioned him that he should wait a minute. He pulled on my sleeve again and I told him " God is watching you, so you must behave. He pulled on my sleeve again and I was very upset with him and told him he had to hold his horses till we were outside and I was finished or he'd be in hot water. As I wanted the best impression on the preacher, when our conversation was over I politely turned to my son and said, "Now please tell me son what was so important?" he rolled his eyes looked at the preacher and said."God  I'm sorry, I waited a minute, I tried to hold my horses but it's too late now cause I done shit my britches and I needs the hot water."
I was mortified to say the least.

Do you have any upcoming signings or author appearances you would like to share?
I am trying to book a book signing at Barnes and Nobles' in Tuscaloosa next month
I wish we had a B&N here so I could do book signings there.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?
Yes, read my book. It is a wonderful story:
Here's a review by Marilyn Rondeau
On the eve of the battle of Waterloo, Lady Pru was led out to the ballroom by her fraternal twin brother Michael David Densington White, sixth Earl of White. Even though Pru had not been formerly brought out yet, the stress of being shut up waiting for Bonaparte’s army to initiate the battle led to those waiting to let off steam, find joy and celebrate before the battle.  Michael, ever protective did not like the attention Pru was getting from his friend Fearghass MacDonald, the Duke of Somerled  but allowed Fearghass one dance with his sister, one dance and one stolen kiss that was enough for Fearghass to proclaim he wished to make Pru his Duchess once the battle was over.
When the battle ended and Michael did not return for her, Pru could not be persuaded to leave until she found Michael and went to the battlefield, a sea of blood and carnage where she walked, stumbled and searched for her brother’s body.  When found just before nightfall, she sank down and cradled her brothers body and screamed and raged throughout the night.  However, a French soldier saw her and rather than flee as he should have – as the night grew colder he drew her into his arms as she finally slept – keeping Pru warm and safe from the evil that stalked the night.
***  This short novella was a most unusual paranormal regency romance with vampires and ghosts. I picked this up on a whim, because of the mention of ghosts and found it to be an utterly and totally engrossing story.  The title of MY ANGEL, MY LIGHT AS DARKNESS FALLS was unusual to say the least but from the first few pages I was hooked.
Pru and her brother were orphaned and being twins they had a special bond – the author put that to excellent use in later showing how much love there was between the two. Describing Pru’s heartache and devastation so extreme for a young girl who had never had to fend for herself.  Michael had protected and provided for her every need.  Pru was delicate, dainty and so beautiful it took most peoples breath away – beautiful and pure.  With this in mind the author was able to portray, how such a fragile young woman survived, with the help of a few new friends, including a devoted heart-sick French soldier; a huge protective dog; a confused ghost; and help from the great beyond as goodness versus evil in a most wonderful and provocative tale with an ending I found to be FANTASTIC.  Talk about a nice twist!
I don’t want to spoil the surprises of this marvelous tale by giving any more spoilers away, but the bottom line is that I was moved, emotionally and spiritually by the prose and beautiful imagery this author was able to convey.   I strongly suggest and highly recommend that most readers of both historical and paranormal will find a lot to love in this beautifully rendered story.

Linda has also written 3 other books that are published by publish America.
"Sailing in My Sunshine" poetry
"He Would Make Her Pay" a romance novel written in the turbulent 60's
"Escape into Magic" about romance, Druids, magicians and a young girl with magical powers.
You can find Linda @
www.facebook.com/rosedru
www.twitter.com/rosedr63

Thank you Linda for sharing a piece of your life with us today, it's always amazing to learn more about other authors across the globe.
Happy reading and writing
Kez

 

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Reader under the scope in 13 questions.


I love this blog piece, getting to know our readers is a rare opportunity so I want to thank Jess Thompson for taking the time out of her young life to answer a few questions for us. 

1.       Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a 20 year old female from Port Macquarie. I am a travel consultant; I love my job and can’t wait to explore every part of the world.

2.       What kind of reading material do you read?
I mostly enjoy fantasy novels, but have recently been enjoying other genres such as romance, crime and thrillers.
Me too!

3.       Where do purchase your books?
I usually purchase my books from big w or target, but recently I have been buying my books on my iphone kindle from amazon.com.
Me too, me too! Kindle on the iphone is so convenient.

4.       Do you have a favourite book and or author?
My favourite book is ‘Wizards First Rule’ written by Terry Goodkind. It is the first book in a series called ‘The Sword of Truth’ that I discovered when I was younger. All of the books in the series are amazing but the first one is definitely my favourite.
I also love ‘The Southern Vampire Mysteries’ by Charlaine Harris.

5.       What do you look for when you purchase your reading material?
I usually purchase books because they have been recommended to me by someone who reads similar genres to me. Or otherwise they are part of a series that I have already been reading. I very rarely go out and buy a book without already knowing that I will love it. If I don’t have anything to read and I want to try something different, I usually go to the library.
Jess, make sure I tell you about free samples on your kindle.

6.       Do you think book trailers are a good marketing tool?
Jess left this one blank and I'm assuming that she along with many other readers dont know much if anything about book trailers so I'm adding one of mine so you can see what they're about.


7.       Have you found your favourite authors on facebook, goodreads, twitter, google+, etc  and other social media and if so do you interact?
Actually, I haven’t really thought about it. But I think I might go and see if I can find them because I’m always interested in hearing updates about books that I am looking forward to.
I LOVE facebook and twitter for this reason. I have 'met' some fantastic authors whom I never would have without it.

8.       Have you joined any book clubs or reading associations, if not does this interest you?
I would love to join a book club, unfortunately I work 6 days a week and don’t know when I would fit it in. I also don’t know of any book clubs in the area. But it certainly does appeal to me, one of my favourite things about reading is discussing the book after I’ve finished with someone else who loved it.
Again Jess, we need to have a chat.

9.       What is your pet peeve in a story?
My pet peeve in a story is when a good book gets repetitive. When this happens I find myself skimming over the repetitive parts and it just makes me lose interest.

10.   Are you reading anything at the moment?
I am reading Kerri's WIP. She wanted a readers perspective and since we love the same stuff she asked me. :)
I'm nervously awaiting her judgment. lol

11.   What do you think of it so far?
I am really enjoying it. I love the mixture of romance and mystery, and I love the fact that I can relate to the book (Only because it is sort of set in Port Macquarie). I find myself imagining the characters running down the streets where I live, it’s pretty cool.
Awesome!

12.   What’s your most favourite part?
I haven’t finished yet (I am about 250 pages in), But so far I like every part! I love when they’re on the run, I love the romance scenes and I love when they’re hatching plans and fighting the bad guys J
Oooh, I'm giddy :)

13.   Who would you recommend this book to?
I would recommend this book to females, probably anywhere between the ages of 18 to 50.

Thank you Jess, you rock!

If anyone has some questions for Jess, I'll pass them on and answer as soon as possible.
Happy reading and writing
kez

Sunday, June 17, 2012

How I wrote over 40,000 words in 18 days

Just keep writing, just keep writing, just keep writing. 

Dory, you're a genius!

It's one of those things that writers dream of and for a change the universe is smiling upon my writing as the words flow with ease and at a pace I've never experienced before. Does this mean it's a great story?
 I freaking hope so! 
During this 50k in 30day challenge a few things have come to light in my career, 
  1. I work well under a deadline (surprisingly well considering my work load in my day job and family commitments)
  2. I've found if I actually follow my own advice (ie; the 'write a beautiful mess' blog I did not long ago) the story keeps flowing.
  3. And thirdly, ??? means come back later and hopefully then you will find the right word. lol
I started the 50k challenge with book one of my YA trilogy finished and book two started, I had an outline of the three book synopsis and now over two thousand words into the third and I'm feeling the high of success before I've even pitched it. 
Sure, book two still needs to be edited as will book three but right now, while the words are flowing I dare not stop. I see the accomplishments of my fellow writers and I feel the joy they are sharing, and for those who may be struggling, I empathize (I've been there too.)
But at the end of the day, if there is any advice I can pass on to help others, it is to keep writing and don't stop, not even to edit or search for that perfect word/phrase. Read my 'write a beautiful mess' blog, and hopefully it will help you too.
And lastly, reward yourself with a break. Right now I am about to read a favourite book that come in the mail last week by an awesome author.
Happy writing and reading.
Kez

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Author Spotlight with Sue Moorcroft

It's a true delight to introduce Best Romantic Read Winner 2011, Sue Moorcroft.
Thank you Sue for popping over today and participating my spotlight  interview, you're actually my second last . So let's dive in:


Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a writer.
Writing was what I was good at, at school. I had a horrible teacher when I was ten, a real Tazmanian Devil. But he told me that I could write and that one day there would be novels on the shelf with ‘Sue Moorcroft’ on the spine. I never stopped writing, but it wasn’t until my children were small that I began to try for publication. After a couple of novels had been rejected at lightspeed, I decided my education was incomplete, and did a correspondence course. At around the same time, I read that if I could get twenty short stories in national newsstand magazines, a publisher of novels would look at me and see somebody with an audience. I used the course to further this aim and had three short stories published by the end of it. But it took eighty-seven and a serial, before I sold the first novel!
As my children grew, I was able to expand my writing hours, and my success rate, so that I never had to go back to a full-time ‘proper job’ like the one I’d had in a bank. I did work part-time, often in the evenings, for Motor Cycle News and a typesetter, but I’ve been able to leave that behind. As well as writing, I do writing-related stuff like tutoring and judging.
Wow, on the short stories. I can't stop once I start a story, it's a talent to do what you do. Taz devil-lol.

I know you write different genres like myself but do you have a certain theme or trademark to your stories?
I think of myself as writing in different areas, rather than different genres. My writing career has included short stories, serials, articles, courses, ‘how to’ and novels. If you read one of my serials – which you can, because I self-publish them as ebook novellas, in response to reader requests – you’ll know it’s me writing it, I think, but magazine serials have to be wholesome, so you won’t find the bedroom scenes that you will in my novels. It’s the same with most of my short stories. They were written for the weekly magazine market and they’re not all romantic. For example, I had a lot of fun writing about two old men arguing over a ladder, a little girl learning to swim, or a young guy writing a song for his mother’s birthday because he couldn’t afford a present. I write what I think I can sell.
My Choc Lit novels, Starting Over, All That Mullarkey, Want to Know a Secret?, Love & Freedom, come directly from my heart, though. They’re the real deal, the real me, and where my priority lies.
That's awesome! P.s, I love the bedroom scenes ;)

Do you have an agent and how important do you think they are in the publication world?
I never know how to answer that question because some writers do brilliantly with their agent, some don’t. Some do brilliantly without an agent and some don’t! I used to have an agent and she sold my first two books, Uphill All the Way (now out of print but still an ebook) and Family Matters (which was only ever a hardback and I rewrote it for Choc Lit as Want to Know a Secret?). After a life-changing event, I left my agent’s flock because I’d been commissioned by Accent Press to write Love Writing – How to Make Money Writing Romantic or Erotic Fiction, I was writing short stories and serials and honestly didn’t think I would ever write a novel again. Then the Choc Lit opportunity came along and they wanted two books that she had come within a squeak of selling, so, obviously, I grabbed the opportunity. Love & Freedom is a landmark book, because, by writing it, I proved that I could still write novels (if I’m offered a contract so to do).
I’m still friends with my erstwhile agent and I think the door may still be open should I want to approach her again. But my current publisher distributes me in various countries and sells me into others, and puts my work out electronically, so I don’t currently have a reason to mess with that.

How do your stories come to life, from fiction or fantasy?
I don’t know. Does anyone really know? Stuff comes into my head. Sometimes it comes from a real life situation that begins a chain of thought; sometimes it’s nothing more than a daydream that, ditto. I was always a big daydreamer and I’d like to point out to various teachers that daydreaming is not a waste of time. (Although I accept that it may not get your maths paper completed in timely fashion.)
Hence, I was really, really terrible at math.

Are you a ‘go with the flow’ writer or do you have structure?
Some of each. I used to just begin a story and see where it took me, but I discovered it could take me to some pretty rambling, rubbishy stories. I don’t think that it’s a coincidence that the first book I really planned, Uphill All the Way, is the first book I sold. The more I write, the more I plan ahead. My planning may not be the most organised, though. I usually know the beginning of my book and, quite possibly, the end. I know some of the major conflicts. I get to know my characters by writing, longhand, about them. (Longhand has a special place in creativity for me. I have to have a pen in my hand to unlock answers. I can’t possibly work out a crossword clue if I’m not holding the pen.) I begin by writing third person and looking at major characters from various points of view – my hero might be regarded in one light by his ex-lover and a completely different way by his mother, for example. Somewhere in this process, I stop writing third person and begin writing first person. It’s unconscious and rather like method acting. Part of me becomes the character. So my ‘plan’ often consists of a lot of scribble and some sticky notes, and I’m a big fan of mind maps, because they’re not linear, they allow me to see possibilities in a plot rather than get tunnel vision and perceive only one route through it. I call it compost heap planning.
All that said, I hardly planned at all for Dream a Little Dream, which will be published at the end of 2012 in the UK and the beginning of 2013 in Australia and the US. It was an extraordinary book to write as it took off on its own and I rode along. I knew it would either be good or be awful, but wasn’t sure which. My publisher loves it, so I’m going with good.

Have you always wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?
Always. But I let myself be dissuaded. The only type of writing that seemed perceived as a real job, when I was a teen, was journalism. A careers advisor told me that to become a journalist I would have to complete a further six years of education, so I said, ‘I won’t do that, then.’ I didn’t like school. I went to college to do secretarial stuff, because I could do it in a year. On the first day of the course, I learned that some kids from other schools had joined a local paper as cub reporters, and the paper would put them through their training. I was furious with my careers advisor, but didn’t (then) have the push to contact the local paper and ask to be interviewed for the next year, promising to get my typing and shorthand qualifications meantime. I just decided I’d missed the boat. I would NEVER do that, now. Sometime later, I found my push and developed a ‘can do’ attitude that has stood me in good stead.
My secretarial qualifications have helped me in my writing career, though, and when people ask me what they should do to help in their quest to be a professional writer, I tell them to learn to touch type. They look at me as if to say, ‘That is not a good answer.’

What groups are you affiliated with and how have they helped you through your journey of publication?
The Romantic Novelists’ Association, in the UK, is top of my list. They helped with the ‘can do’ attitude, I mentioned. They’re friendly and supportive and I love going to events and meeting so many writers. I also joined the Romance Writers of Australia when my books went into Australia, which helped me understand the industry on the other side of the planet, and the wonderful Australian Romance Readers Association. I’m a member of the Society of Authors, which I use mainly for professional support with contracts or like issues. I’m a member of several email forums, which I find valuable for the industry information that floats through them. I’m also a member of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists, which doesn’t really need an explanation.

How much marketing do you involve yourself in and with the mass consumption of social media, does this play a part in your marketing choice?
Choc Lit provides me access to a publicist and I try to do everything asked of me. This might be signings or radio or interviews for print, or attending events or doing blog tours and online interviews. Whatever. We’re all working together to make my books (and the books of all other Choc Lit authors) the greatest success they can be.
Regarding social media -Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. It plays a huge part in ‘getting me out there’ and I love that readers can friend or follow me and send me messages. (I’ve only ever had two freaky ones, so I think that’s quite a result.) I love that I can sometimes catch an update someone has sent via their reading device, that they’ve just bought or rated one of my books. I also use social media to make contacts and do research. It’s amazing. I can say, ‘OK, my hero is going to a halloween party and I want him to look hot. What’s hot?’ And I get a load of really helpful suggestions. The conversation about where he’d keep his phone, wallet and condom, was illuminating! Or I say that I want my hero’s social media to be hacked, and people come on telling me the likely ramifications and how he’d extricate himself. Twitter and Facebook rarely let me down.
Check out my website www.suemoorcroft.com and my blog at http://suemoorcroft.wordpress.com/ for news and writing tips. You’re welcome to befriend me on Facebook or Follow me on Twitter.
 Well, next time you need help on the hot scale, let me know. I like them hot too.

Here’s a random one for you. If you could be one animal, which would it be and why?
I think a dog, because they get stroked a lot.

What would you say is your inspiration to write in general or writing a particular scene?
I’d say it’s more a compulsion than an inspiration. I go with what ‘something inside’ is telling me. But then I apply all the craft of writing that I know, to that. I write from the heart, but I have a commercial little heart, so my plan is to write stuff that sells.

With your titles and covers, did you get much of a say in this matter and how important is it to you to have input?
It’s important. With my current publisher, I get lots of say. It’s a team effort to package the book in the most appealing way, and title and cover are massive in that. My publisher likes its writers to have lots of confidence in their books, to love them, to convey that love to others. A horrid title and cringe-making cover are not the best tools with which to create that love.
But I don’t force my opinions through. They are the marketing people. I listen hard to everything they have to say. We find solutions we can all live with. And I’m lucky that Choc Lit covers are so gorgeous.

Do you have any tips for other aspiring writers or authors out there?
1.      Persist. I truly believe that the name for a writer who doesn’t give up is ‘published’.
2.      Educate yourself. Read ‘how to’. Buy writing magazines. Go to writing events, such as conferences and conventions or library talks. Meet authors and learn from them. Meet editors and agents and hit on them.


Where’s your favourite place to write?
My study. It’s crammed, I’d like a bigger wall for sticky notes, but it’s a refuge. I have a shelf for the books/magazines containing my work, I have an iMac just for me, everything is where I want it. I also use my study as a giant handbag and lots of my possessions find their way here.
Love that analogy! 

Tell us of your releases- where and when can we buy them?
Starting Over, All That Mullarkey, Want to Know a Secret?, Love & Freedom and Love Writing you ought to be able to buy or order anywhere. They’re all in print and ebooks. Uphill All the Way, One Summer in Malta, Where the Heart is, A Place to Call Home and Between Two Worlds are ebook only (the latter four are serials/novellas).

In one word, how would you best describe yourself?
Determined.

Now that we’re all friends, tell us your most embarrassing moment?
It may not be the most embarrassing ever, but it’s the most recent. There were no vacant seats on the Tube (the London Underground Railway) so I was standing talking to a professional contact, with whom I’m friendly. Because I’m quite small, I had positioned myself next to a vertical bar to hold on to, rather than a high up horizontal one. I talk with my hands a lot, so I had let go of the bar as we travelled, but as we came into a station and the train slowed suddenly, I put my hand behind me to grab it again. I missed the bar and grabbed a fellow passenger, instead. A man. Kind of low down.
I knew what I’d touched! There must be a word a universe past ‘mortified’ for how I felt – and I’m afraid I completely chickened out of facing the guy and apologising. I ran away.
My travelling companion followed me off the train, calling, ‘It’s OK. He’s a bit red in the face but he’s smiling.’
OMGawed. No way!!!

Do you have any upcoming signings or author appearances you would like to share?
30 JUNE 2012 - 10am-4pm. One day workshop, 'Short Stories for Publication and Competition by Sue Moorcroft' at The Write Place, The Jagger Centre, Dartford. 22-27 JULY 2012 - Writers' Holiday, Caerleon; attending. 28-29 JULY 2012 - Kidwelly efestival, Kidwelly, Camarthenshire; speaker.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?
Whatever else that has happened in my life, I think I’m lucky to have a career that I love. I never have Monday Morning Blues, I don’t have a stress-inducing commute every day. I probably could have earned more, or more reliably, if I’d returned to the bank and worked as hard as I have at my writing career, but I wouldn’t have gained such personal satisfaction.
And every time I begin a new book, I get to fall in love with the hero. Beat that
Nice!

.
Sue Moorcroft writes romantic novels of dauntless heroines and irresistible heroes for Choc Lit. Combining that success with her experience as a creative writing tutor, she’s written a ‘how to’ book, Love Writing – How to Make Money From Writing Romantic and Erotic Fiction (Accent Press). Sue also writes short stories, serials, articles and courses and is the head judge for Writers’ Forum. Her latest book, Love & Freedom, won the Best Romantic Read Award 2011 at the Festival of Romance. She's a Katie Fforde Bursary Award winner. 



Saturday, June 9, 2012

Write a beautiful mess

I would hurl words into this darkness and wait for an echo, and if an echo sounded, no matter how faintly, I would send other words to tell, to march, to fight, to create a sense of hunger for life that gnaws in us all.  ~Richard Wright, American Hunger, 1977

Pft, I couldn't put it any better than that now could I.
But is this the reality during a challenge such as the 50k in 30day? 
I would like to think so. At the moment my plan is to just write, get the story, the guts, the heart of the story down and then I can add the putty and fluff of senses and powerful word usage that bring the story to vivid life for the reader.

I hate housework after the party but I believe this is the best analogy I can come up with, make the mess, enjoy the moment, relish in what it has to offer and then when you've drank enough, kissed the boy, made a date for the morrow and your guests all had the best time of their lives- then you can clean up. Mop the sloppy grammar, throw the rubbish (that, just, it's) in the bin and polish until it's perfect.

This is my plan for June, to write a beautiful mess and excitedly await that special kiss. lol

Happy reading and writing
kez

Monday, June 4, 2012

My top three Young Adult must read list

Everyone have favorites and I am amazed that my top three are not from traditional publishers and yet it makes me happy that these fantastic authors have done better than they ever hoped.

So here they are:

So I cheated with that one since there are actually two, but it's a series and can NEVER be left to reading just the one. This couple has faced more than anyone ever should in their lifetime and nothing could take their love away. Warning---have a box of tissues handy! Colleen Did a fantastic job here.
Not only do Lake and Cooper have you swooning, slamming and singing to the Avette Brothers but they leave you so exhausted and yet you cant help but want to go through it all again.
Thank you Colleen, you rock babe!

Next in line:
Oh I loved this journey, it's intense and delicate. I could relate from when I first dated my husband at 16. Jamie copped a lot of flack over the protective nature of Travis and his violent streak against anyone who hurt his love- Pigeon but like I said, it's intense and young and had my heart beating fast for them.
I love Travis, he is complex and flawed and needs protecting himself and that's where his pigeon 'Abby' comes in. I now want to write a YA based on my hubby and I.
Thank you Jamie.

Last one:
OMGawd, give women power! Thanks to Tammara I think there will be a whole lot of new enrollments to self defense classes after they read Easy.
I really enjoyed this one, it is as the title says 'easy' to read and I love the character development. Jacqueline and Lucas were a beautiful couple and another example of a protective nature you to fall for.

All these books are available from amazon and Barnes & Nobel at a very affordable price.
Well worth the time and money.
Share your love for reading by spreading the word, these authors don't get the backing of the big chain stores of Walmart, Kmart, Big W and Target, they have us, their fans.
Happy reading and writing 
Kez