So far this year I have mostly sulked, fretted, refreshed my inbox and wondered what on earth I keep punishing myself for. I have not done much writing or actually had any enthusiasm to do any. The spreadsheets that I downloaded at the end of last year, ready to fill with my wonderful daily totals, are there in Excel but other than share them with my Minxy friends I haven't done a thing with them.
Something occurred to me after we Minxes had one of our wonderful Skyping sessions, during which I was given several gentle kicks up the rear. For the last couple of years at least I've worked so hard at writing within the boxes that category romance requires. I've tried to venture out of the box a few times, or at least bend the sides a little, but that didn't seem to work.
But there's something I haven't done. I haven't kept going with the next ms while one is away. I've sat and found other things to occupy me. Fast tracks, pitches, contests. If I see any of those words I'm totally there. With bells on. Even if it's a genre I don't usually write. When really I need to work on a ms and see it through.
So my resolution as we are heading towards the second month of the year is to spend the next 11 months ignoring anything that promises* a shortcut to being published. I have had a long talk with myself (I do this a lot, please tell me I'm not alone) and convinced myself that by working hard and writing the stories I want to write I have a much better chance of success.
What do you do when it all seems so hard and it would be easier to quit writing and do something much easier instead?!
*these opportunities DO NOT promise a quick way to publication but somehow that's how my brain interprets them.
Showing posts with label Contests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contests. Show all posts
Monday, January 28, 2013
Friday, October 14, 2011
New Voices and moving forward
First up, congratulations to the 21 finalists in the New Voices contest. How amazing that the editors have given a chance to an extra writer because there were so many they loved?!
Also, I'd like to congratulate every single person who entered. You not only sat down and wrote something, but you were brave enough to submit your work to public view. That deserves applause.
I'd also just like to remind everyone who entered (and who didn't!) that contests are not the be-all and end-all. Not everyone who finals in a contest goes on to publich that manuscript. Not everyone who gets published gets there via a contest. In fact, your odds are probably even better through the slush pile than through a contest, where there can be only one winner.
So keep writing, and keep submitting.
Now if you're not completed contested-out, here's another you might want to look at:
Author Nicola Marsh is running a pitch contest on her blog until Sunday, with critiques from both herself and the senior editor of Entangled Publishing as a prize.
Talking about Entangled, keep an eye on their blog for updated submission calls each month. This month they're looking for contemporary novellas.
And more submission calls ....
Carina Press is looking for winter-themed sci fi novellas, and Avon Romance is looking for soldier homecoming short stories.
Also, I'd like to congratulate every single person who entered. You not only sat down and wrote something, but you were brave enough to submit your work to public view. That deserves applause.
I'd also just like to remind everyone who entered (and who didn't!) that contests are not the be-all and end-all. Not everyone who finals in a contest goes on to publich that manuscript. Not everyone who gets published gets there via a contest. In fact, your odds are probably even better through the slush pile than through a contest, where there can be only one winner.
So keep writing, and keep submitting.
Now if you're not completed contested-out, here's another you might want to look at:
Author Nicola Marsh is running a pitch contest on her blog until Sunday, with critiques from both herself and the senior editor of Entangled Publishing as a prize.
Talking about Entangled, keep an eye on their blog for updated submission calls each month. This month they're looking for contemporary novellas.
And more submission calls ....
Carina Press is looking for winter-themed sci fi novellas, and Avon Romance is looking for soldier homecoming short stories.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Competitions!
Here's a roundup of some recent competitions we've found - just the thing to get everyone ready for summer! Click on the titles to see more...
1. Brava's Writing with the Stars Competition.
This year, we’re looking for original romance novellas of 15,000 – 20,000 words rather than full-length books. Submissions in any sub- genre will be accepted, providing they’ve never been published in print or ebook form and have a sensuality level suitable for our Brava imprint. (You know just how hot that is, because you’re our most loyal readers.) So that means historical romance, contemporary, paranormal or romantic suspense. We need your submission by midnight of August 15, 2011 – plenty of time for you to write the winning novella or polish up one you’ve already begun.
Once again, Brava authors and editors will narrow down the entries to our top eight contestants, and each of the writers selected will be given a Brava mentor to help her navigate the four challenges ahead. Romantic Times readers will be voting each month to narrow the field, and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony of the RT convention in April, 2012. Here’s your chance to work with professional writers, publicize your story and win a contract with a New York publisher.
This one is for unpublished authors only, and 15,000-20,000 is pretty do-able by mid-August, do keep us posted if you enter!
2. The Fish Short Story Prize.
This prestigious Irish competition is open from 1st August. Here's the details:
The Fish Short Story Prize welcomes stories on any theme written in English, with a maximum of 5,000 words. The Anthology will be launched during the West Cork Literary Festival, July 2011.
The winner and nine runners-up will be published in the 2012 Fish Anthology.
First Prize - €3,000 - (of which €1,000 is for travel expenses to the launch of the Anthology.)
Second Prize - a week at the Anam Cara Writers' & Artists' Retreat in West Cork's Beara Peninsula, with €300 traveling expenses.
Third Prize - €300. All those who are published in the Anthology will receive five complementary copies.
3. Stephie Smith's Contest List - lots for romance!
Check out this link for lots of romance competitions, mostly in the US, but many open internationally.
4. Mslexia 2011 Women's Novel Competition
The competition is open to unpublished women novelists writing in any genre for adults, including literary fiction, women’s fiction, young adult fiction, science fiction, fantasy, chick-lit, crime fiction, thriller, historical fiction... but not nonfiction or fiction for under 13s. To constitute a novel, your book must total at least 50,000 words.
Closing date: 30 September - Entry fee: £25
Send up to 5,000 words – which must be the first 5,000 words of your novel. Please make sure you have finished the novel before you send your entry.
Who is the competition aimed at?
•Women with an unfinished manuscript languishing in a bottom drawer. (Could this be the impetus you need to finish it?)
•Women who took up the write-a-novel-in-a-month challenge with NaNoWriMo and have a rough first draft. (Why not polish it up and send it to Mslexia?)
•Women who’ve submitted their completed novels over and over, and have despaired of finding an agent. (If you reach our shortlist, they’ll all sit up and take notice.)
•Women who’ve always wanted to write a novel, but could never find the time.
Get your book noticed
Because publishers specialise in different genres, we cannot guarantee a publishing contract at this stage. But we can guarantee that agents and editors will be falling over themselves for a first read of the winning manuscript. And the prize is £5,000!
There are plenty more out there, if anyone knows of a great competition we've missed, do share it in the comments box! Good luck!
1. Brava's Writing with the Stars Competition.
This year, we’re looking for original romance novellas of 15,000 – 20,000 words rather than full-length books. Submissions in any sub- genre will be accepted, providing they’ve never been published in print or ebook form and have a sensuality level suitable for our Brava imprint. (You know just how hot that is, because you’re our most loyal readers.) So that means historical romance, contemporary, paranormal or romantic suspense. We need your submission by midnight of August 15, 2011 – plenty of time for you to write the winning novella or polish up one you’ve already begun.
Once again, Brava authors and editors will narrow down the entries to our top eight contestants, and each of the writers selected will be given a Brava mentor to help her navigate the four challenges ahead. Romantic Times readers will be voting each month to narrow the field, and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony of the RT convention in April, 2012. Here’s your chance to work with professional writers, publicize your story and win a contract with a New York publisher.
This one is for unpublished authors only, and 15,000-20,000 is pretty do-able by mid-August, do keep us posted if you enter!
2. The Fish Short Story Prize.
This prestigious Irish competition is open from 1st August. Here's the details:
The Fish Short Story Prize welcomes stories on any theme written in English, with a maximum of 5,000 words. The Anthology will be launched during the West Cork Literary Festival, July 2011.
The winner and nine runners-up will be published in the 2012 Fish Anthology.
First Prize - €3,000 - (of which €1,000 is for travel expenses to the launch of the Anthology.)
Second Prize - a week at the Anam Cara Writers' & Artists' Retreat in West Cork's Beara Peninsula, with €300 traveling expenses.
Third Prize - €300. All those who are published in the Anthology will receive five complementary copies.
3. Stephie Smith's Contest List - lots for romance!
Check out this link for lots of romance competitions, mostly in the US, but many open internationally.
4. Mslexia 2011 Women's Novel Competition
The competition is open to unpublished women novelists writing in any genre for adults, including literary fiction, women’s fiction, young adult fiction, science fiction, fantasy, chick-lit, crime fiction, thriller, historical fiction... but not nonfiction or fiction for under 13s. To constitute a novel, your book must total at least 50,000 words.
Closing date: 30 September - Entry fee: £25
Send up to 5,000 words – which must be the first 5,000 words of your novel. Please make sure you have finished the novel before you send your entry.
Who is the competition aimed at?
•Women with an unfinished manuscript languishing in a bottom drawer. (Could this be the impetus you need to finish it?)
•Women who took up the write-a-novel-in-a-month challenge with NaNoWriMo and have a rough first draft. (Why not polish it up and send it to Mslexia?)
•Women who’ve submitted their completed novels over and over, and have despaired of finding an agent. (If you reach our shortlist, they’ll all sit up and take notice.)
•Women who’ve always wanted to write a novel, but could never find the time.
Get your book noticed
Because publishers specialise in different genres, we cannot guarantee a publishing contract at this stage. But we can guarantee that agents and editors will be falling over themselves for a first read of the winning manuscript. And the prize is £5,000!
There are plenty more out there, if anyone knows of a great competition we've missed, do share it in the comments box! Good luck!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Final Winner Announcements
Thank you so much to everyone who supported our May Minxy Birthday Bash. It was so much fun, and my only wish is that we could have given everyone prizes!
The winners of last week's contests are: Joanne R, who has won the Riva bag from Lorraine Minx, and April Vine, who has won a copy of Catch Me A Catch from Sally Minx.
And now for the big one that everyone's been waiting for ... ta da ...
The Grand Prix winner is Teresa Ashby, with Nas Dean as runner-up. You can email your contact details / addresses to minxesofromance@yahoo.co.uk
Congratulations to all of you!
Apologies to all of who who struggled to login or comment with Blogger this month (as I did!). If you're still struggling, there's some helpful advice on how to fix the problem here: http://blogging.nitecruzr.net/
The winners of last week's contests are: Joanne R, who has won the Riva bag from Lorraine Minx, and April Vine, who has won a copy of Catch Me A Catch from Sally Minx.
And now for the big one that everyone's been waiting for ... ta da ...
The Grand Prix winner is Teresa Ashby, with Nas Dean as runner-up. You can email your contact details / addresses to minxesofromance@yahoo.co.uk
Congratulations to all of you!
Apologies to all of who who struggled to login or comment with Blogger this month (as I did!). If you're still struggling, there's some helpful advice on how to fix the problem here: http://blogging.nitecruzr.net/
Monday, May 23, 2011
What’s the word? Win the bag that won Mills & Boon’s comp
The first prize this week is an exclusive giveaway: the wonderful Riva bag made by Lorraine Minx, which won the M&B bag contest recently!
You type in the word you overuse and want an alternative of, and this is what you get…
***
Check in on Wednesday to see our second weekly prize!
Here’s a picture:
This week’s competition question is:
How many minxes are there in the Minxes of Romance?
Leave your answer in the comments box, and we’ll pick a winner on Friday!
***
In this post, I’d like to share one of my ‘secret weapons’ called Visual Thesaurus. I’m a very visual person, I like to mindmap stories, and find straightforward thesauruses sort of dull, so when I discovered this one, I was in heaven!
You type in the word you overuse and want an alternative of, and this is what you get…
A box comes up over all the dots and words when you hover over them, and you can click on another word and it will create a lovely expanded word map to see even more alternatives.
***
Check in on Wednesday to see our second weekly prize!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Winners and the Grand Prize Contest
The winners of last week's prizes are:
As part of our First Birthday Bash, we are running an amazing Grand Prix contest. In order to enter, you'll need to be a follower of this Blog, and the question you need to answer is simple: How old is Minxes of Romance?
The first prize includes:
- Winner of the scarf from The RainForest Site is Scarlet Wilson.
- Winner of an ebook from Maya Minx is Karen.
Grand Prix Contest
As part of our First Birthday Bash, we are running an amazing Grand Prix contest. In order to enter, you'll need to be a follower of this Blog, and the question you need to answer is simple: How old is Minxes of Romance?
The first prize includes:
- A signed copy of Sally Clements' Bound to Love
- A "Careful or you'll end up in my novel" t-shirt
- A personalised Minxy notebook courtesy of Minx Jo P
- An Amazon gift voucher valued at $10 courtesy of Minx Sri
- Claire Robyns' historical novel Betrayed
- An Amazon gift voucher valued at $10 courtesy of Minx Maya
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Author Spotlight - Jan Jones
Jan is a leading light in the RNA (Romantic Novelists Association) and we are honoured to have her here with us today.
The Fortunate Wager and The Kydd Inheritance are both published by Robert Hale. You can find Jan at her website and on her blog, where there are links to all her books, and you can follow her on Twitter.
Today's Minxy book give-away comes courtesy of Minx Maya. To stand a chance to win, just leave a comment on this blog post. The winner will be announced at the end of the week.
1. Where were you in your writing career 5 years ago?
I was already a published writer of short stories and my debut romantic comedy novel Stage by Stage had been published the year before and had won the RNA Joan Hessayon Award. Since then, the publisher has discontinued the imprint, so I’ve moved into Regency territory. I have continued to write short stories for women’s magazines.
2. Where did you get the idea from for this particular book?
Fortunate Wager came from the character of my nearest town, Newmarket, in Regency times, and from Caroline, who was a secondary character in Fair Deception but who wanted a book of her own! She is the daughter of a gentleman trainer, who would like to train racehorses herself. Unfortunately, this is not allowed in 1817 Newmarket.
3. Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?
Still writing. Still being published. I’d like to move into contemporary-with-laughs territory
4. Which was the last book you read that you wish you'd written?
I recently re-read Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones. I wish I’d written most of her books, but this one most of all as it is my favourite
5. Was there any particular author or book that made you want to be a writer?
I don’t think so. I always knew I was a storyteller.
6. Do you find writing love scenes giggle-worthy or cringe-worthy – or neither?
Neither. I love them. When they are right for the moment in the story, I find the right words.
7. What's the most romantic moment of your life so far?
That first kiss. That’s always the most romantic moment.
8. What do you wish you'd known about being an author before you were pubbed?
Nothing, really. I went into it without preconceptions.
9. What's the best writing advice you've ever been given?
To go with my own voice. My own advice would be to never give up.
10. Tell us about your latest release.
The Kydd Inheritance is the prequel to my Newmarket Regencies. It stars Nell Kydd, desperate to hold together the family estate in the light of her brother’s disappearance and her evil uncle’s machinations. When Hugo Derringer shows up, she would like him to be friend rather than foe, but she is unsure what his motivation is for helping her.
11. What’s next for you?
I’m currently writing the third of my Penny Plain gentle mystery serials for People’s Friend, I’m also writing an atmospheric serial for Woman’s Weekly and the 4th Regency. Also polishing up a contemporary. And I have a sheaf of short stories waiting for a moment to write them. I’m sure there used to be more hours in the day…The Fortunate Wager and The Kydd Inheritance are both published by Robert Hale. You can find Jan at her website and on her blog, where there are links to all her books, and you can follow her on Twitter.
* * *
Today's Minxy book give-away comes courtesy of Minx Maya. To stand a chance to win, just leave a comment on this blog post. The winner will be announced at the end of the week.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Contests Extended
Due to the problems with Blogger this week, we are extending all this week's contests to the end of day on Sunday. Winners will be announced on Monday 16th May.
If you left a comment in order to win please check it's still there, as Blogger ate a lot of comments made between Wednesday and Friday.
To win the Minxy necklace, enter here.
To win a copy of Rae Summers' hot historical novella, enter here.
If you left a comment in order to win please check it's still there, as Blogger ate a lot of comments made between Wednesday and Friday.
To win the Minxy necklace, enter here.
To win a copy of Rae Summers' hot historical novella, enter here.
Monday, May 9, 2011
More chances to win (and Release Valves)
Writing just for fun
During the April Challenge, when I was supposed to be re-writing Innocent Abroad, I found myself starting a new story which is now at nearly 6,000 words. This new story started out as nothing more than a bit of self-indulgent fun. It doesn't fit into any of my current plans, and I have absolutely no idea where the story is headed, but it's turned out to be a great release valve.
Whenever I'm feeling stuck or stressed about the WIP, I switch over to this new story and write a scene. Because it has no plot and no direction, I can write anything I want. So far I have a jumble of scenes which bear absolutely no relation to each other. But they make me feel like I'm achieving something, get the creative juices flowing, and I'm able to go back to the WIP in a much happier frame of mine.
Do any of you have writing 'release valves'? Pleased share with us how you get over feeling stuck by a story.
Congratulations to last week's winners, Rachael Johns and Gaelikaa. This week we have another two contests, and we're announcing our Grand Prix contest.
First up this week is a chance to win this stunning necklace, courtesy of Minx Suzanne in Scotland.
Since yesterday was Mother's Day in most of the world (apart from the UK who celebrated the event before Easter already!), all you need to do to enter is leave a comment below telling us why Mothers are special people.
On Wednesday, you'll have a chance to win a Minxy ebook, and at the end of the week we'll announce both winners.
For the rest of the month of May we'll be running a Grand Prix contest. In order to enter, you'll need to be a follower of this blog, either here on the blog itself or on Facebook's Networked Blogs. And the question you need to answer is simple: How old is Minxes of Romance?
The first prize will include:
Good luck!
During the April Challenge, when I was supposed to be re-writing Innocent Abroad, I found myself starting a new story which is now at nearly 6,000 words. This new story started out as nothing more than a bit of self-indulgent fun. It doesn't fit into any of my current plans, and I have absolutely no idea where the story is headed, but it's turned out to be a great release valve.
Whenever I'm feeling stuck or stressed about the WIP, I switch over to this new story and write a scene. Because it has no plot and no direction, I can write anything I want. So far I have a jumble of scenes which bear absolutely no relation to each other. But they make me feel like I'm achieving something, get the creative juices flowing, and I'm able to go back to the WIP in a much happier frame of mine.
Do any of you have writing 'release valves'? Pleased share with us how you get over feeling stuck by a story.
* * *
Minxy Birthday ContestsCongratulations to last week's winners, Rachael Johns and Gaelikaa. This week we have another two contests, and we're announcing our Grand Prix contest.
First up this week is a chance to win this stunning necklace, courtesy of Minx Suzanne in Scotland.
On Wednesday, you'll have a chance to win a Minxy ebook, and at the end of the week we'll announce both winners.
* * *
The Grand Prix
For the rest of the month of May we'll be running a Grand Prix contest. In order to enter, you'll need to be a follower of this blog, either here on the blog itself or on Facebook's Networked Blogs. And the question you need to answer is simple: How old is Minxes of Romance?
The first prize will include:
- A signed copy of Sally Clements' Bound to Love
- A "Careful or you'll end up in my novel" t-shirt
- A personalised Minxy notebook courtesy of Minx Jo P
- An Amazon gift voucher valued at $10 courtesy of Minx Sri
- Claire Robyns' historical novel Betrayed
- An Amazon gift voucher valued at $10 courtesy of Minx Maya
Good luck!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Winner Announcement
Jo C has done the draw for the cute little meerkat from Etsy, and will post the annouoncement shortly.
The winner of Cherie Le Clare's novel is Gaelikaa. Congratulations, and please contact us on minxesofromance@yahoo.co.uk with your email address so we can send you the prize.
Thank you to everyone who entered. If you didn't win, don't forget that there are two more contests coming next week, as well as the announcement of our Grand Prix Contest, so stay tuned.
The winner of Cherie Le Clare's novel is Gaelikaa. Congratulations, and please contact us on minxesofromance@yahoo.co.uk with your email address so we can send you the prize.
Thank you to everyone who entered. If you didn't win, don't forget that there are two more contests coming next week, as well as the announcement of our Grand Prix Contest, so stay tuned.
Monday, May 2, 2011
April Challenge and May Celebration
Congratulations to everyone who took up our April Challenge. I hope you did way better than I did! Sadly not many of us Minxes achieved our stated goals, but at least we all got writing again, and have more words than we started the month with.
A loud cheer goes to Lacey Minx and Gaelikaa who both did a terrific job in April.
On 10th May this blog celebrates its first birthday. In order to celebrate this grand occasion, the whole month of May will be one big party on the blog.
Each Monday in May we’ll pose a question. Leave the answer in the comments section and we’ll choose one correct answer to win a prize. Each Wednesday we’ll also be giving away a book to one lucky commenter.
Finally, we’ll be giving away a Grand Prize at the end of the month. Details of the Big Birthday Contest will be posted on Monday 9th May.
To start the ball rolling, here is the first week’s question: Whose marriage did the UK (and most of the western world) celebrate last week?
A - The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall
B - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
C - The Duke and Duchess of Kent
The prize is one of these cute Minxy Meerkats, courtesy of Minx Jo C. (Personally I just adore the Star Trek ones!). Jo will announce the winner on Friday, when she posts the new Hottie poll contenders for May.
The April poll (English Hotties) was a clear victory for Daniel Craig from start to finish, though I was interested to see that Colin Firth rallied towards the end.
And on this happy note I will leave you with these completely gratuitous images of our winner.
A loud cheer goes to Lacey Minx and Gaelikaa who both did a terrific job in April.
On 10th May this blog celebrates its first birthday. In order to celebrate this grand occasion, the whole month of May will be one big party on the blog.
Each Monday in May we’ll pose a question. Leave the answer in the comments section and we’ll choose one correct answer to win a prize. Each Wednesday we’ll also be giving away a book to one lucky commenter.
Finally, we’ll be giving away a Grand Prize at the end of the month. Details of the Big Birthday Contest will be posted on Monday 9th May.
To start the ball rolling, here is the first week’s question: Whose marriage did the UK (and most of the western world) celebrate last week?
A - The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall
B - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
C - The Duke and Duchess of Kent
The prize is one of these cute Minxy Meerkats, courtesy of Minx Jo C. (Personally I just adore the Star Trek ones!). Jo will announce the winner on Friday, when she posts the new Hottie poll contenders for May.
The April poll (English Hotties) was a clear victory for Daniel Craig from start to finish, though I was interested to see that Colin Firth rallied towards the end.
And on this happy note I will leave you with these completely gratuitous images of our winner.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Author Spotlight - Christina Courtenay
Today we have historical romantic novelist Christina Courtenay joining us on the minxes. Christina's books are lush and exotic, and she'll be giving away a signed copy of her book to one lucky commenter, so leave a comment if you'd like it!
1. Where were you in your writing career 5 years ago?
I think I’d just had my first Regency novella, ‘Marry in Haste’, accepted for publication by DC Thomson’s ‘My Weekly Pocket Novel’ series, which felt like a huge step in the right direction!
2. Where did you get the idea from for this particular book?
When I was a teenager, I lived in Japan for a few years and I fell in love with all things Japanese – the culture, food, people and places. Later I started to read more about the country and its history and it seemed natural to set a story there. Since I write historicals, I decided to go back to when Europeans first ventured that far. The English were a bit slow in that respect (the Portuguese and the Spanish were there much earlier), but that helped my story so it didn’t really matter. As far as I know, no foreign women ever went to Japan though, and that got me thinking “what if ...”
3. Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?
Still being published! The publishing industry seems very uncertain right now, so I’ll be happy if I can just continue to write and sell novels. If my books sell well, that would be a bonus of course. I want to continue to write historicals, but I would also like to branch out into time slips and YA stories if possible.
4. Which was the last book you read that you wish you'd written?
The “Wicked Lovely” series by Melissa Marr (I just finished the last one, “Darkest Mercy”, at the weekend). She’s created the most wonderful (and scary!) faery world, and I love it, and there is lots of romance at the same time.
5. Was there any particular author or book that made you want to be a writer?
No, I decided I wanted to be a writer because I wanted to stay at home with my older daughter when she was a baby while earning some money at the same time. My writing is influenced by lots of different authors – everything I read in fact, but some of my favourite authors are Georgette Heyer, Barbara Erskine, Susanna Kearsley, Elizabeth Chadwick, Ellis Peters and Steve Berry.
6. Do you find writing love scenes giggle-worthy or cringe-worthy?
Neither, they’re only cringe-worthy when I think about close relatives reading them, but in a brilliant workshop fellow RNA author Julie Cohen told us we have to “turn off our inner mother” when writing love scenes, and that’s great advice. I just try and see it from the characters’ point of view, tapping into their emotions.
7. What's the most romantic moment of your life so far?
The day I got married I think. I had just the kind of wedding I wanted, in an old-fashioned Swedish church, with a Victorian style dress complete with bustle and with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage afterwards to get to the reception. It was perfect!
8. What do you wish you'd known about being an author before you were pubbed?
I’ve been a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association for quite a few years, so had heard about most of the “downsides” from other published authors, but I don’t think I was really prepared for how hard it is to do self-promotion. I’m having to learn to blow my own trumpet, which I find very difficult, and I’m doing talks and things as well, which I’ve never done before. I had no idea it takes up so much time!
9. What's the best writing advice you've ever been given?
Just persevere and believe in yourself and find a writing buddy, someone to share critiquing with – they’re invaluable!
10. Tell us about your latest release.
The Scarlet Kimono is the story of Hannah, a young English girl in the 17th century who envies her brother’s adventurous life. She decides to stow away on his merchant ship and ends up in Japan, but once there, she is abducted by a warlord, Taro, to whom she’s instantly attracted. He, in his turn, is fascinated by her, but there’s both a clash of cultures and wills and this of course stops them from admitting the attraction. With Hannah’s brother desperate to find her and a jealous rival equally desperate to kill her, she faces the greatest adventure of her life. And Taro has to choose between love and honour …
11. What’s next for you?
I’ve just finished writing the sequel to my novel Trade Winds – it’s called Highland Storms and will be published in November this year. It’s set in Scotland and since I love all things Scottish, I really enjoyed writing it. The only downside is that my hero wasn’t allowed to wear a kilt – the story is set in the years just after the Jacobite rebellion when they were forbidden. Still, you can’t have everything!
You can read more about Christina at her blog: http://christinacourtenay.com/
And The Scarlet Kimono is available from Amazon here
Or the Book Depository, here.
Thank you for joining us, Christina, The Scarlet Kimono looks lovely, and sounds intriguing! And thanks for the giveaway, I know our readers will be very pleased!
1. Where were you in your writing career 5 years ago?
I think I’d just had my first Regency novella, ‘Marry in Haste’, accepted for publication by DC Thomson’s ‘My Weekly Pocket Novel’ series, which felt like a huge step in the right direction!
2. Where did you get the idea from for this particular book?
When I was a teenager, I lived in Japan for a few years and I fell in love with all things Japanese – the culture, food, people and places. Later I started to read more about the country and its history and it seemed natural to set a story there. Since I write historicals, I decided to go back to when Europeans first ventured that far. The English were a bit slow in that respect (the Portuguese and the Spanish were there much earlier), but that helped my story so it didn’t really matter. As far as I know, no foreign women ever went to Japan though, and that got me thinking “what if ...”
3. Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?
Still being published! The publishing industry seems very uncertain right now, so I’ll be happy if I can just continue to write and sell novels. If my books sell well, that would be a bonus of course. I want to continue to write historicals, but I would also like to branch out into time slips and YA stories if possible.
4. Which was the last book you read that you wish you'd written?
The “Wicked Lovely” series by Melissa Marr (I just finished the last one, “Darkest Mercy”, at the weekend). She’s created the most wonderful (and scary!) faery world, and I love it, and there is lots of romance at the same time.
5. Was there any particular author or book that made you want to be a writer?
No, I decided I wanted to be a writer because I wanted to stay at home with my older daughter when she was a baby while earning some money at the same time. My writing is influenced by lots of different authors – everything I read in fact, but some of my favourite authors are Georgette Heyer, Barbara Erskine, Susanna Kearsley, Elizabeth Chadwick, Ellis Peters and Steve Berry.
6. Do you find writing love scenes giggle-worthy or cringe-worthy?
Neither, they’re only cringe-worthy when I think about close relatives reading them, but in a brilliant workshop fellow RNA author Julie Cohen told us we have to “turn off our inner mother” when writing love scenes, and that’s great advice. I just try and see it from the characters’ point of view, tapping into their emotions.
7. What's the most romantic moment of your life so far?
The day I got married I think. I had just the kind of wedding I wanted, in an old-fashioned Swedish church, with a Victorian style dress complete with bustle and with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage afterwards to get to the reception. It was perfect!
8. What do you wish you'd known about being an author before you were pubbed?
I’ve been a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association for quite a few years, so had heard about most of the “downsides” from other published authors, but I don’t think I was really prepared for how hard it is to do self-promotion. I’m having to learn to blow my own trumpet, which I find very difficult, and I’m doing talks and things as well, which I’ve never done before. I had no idea it takes up so much time!
9. What's the best writing advice you've ever been given?
Just persevere and believe in yourself and find a writing buddy, someone to share critiquing with – they’re invaluable!
10. Tell us about your latest release.
The Scarlet Kimono is the story of Hannah, a young English girl in the 17th century who envies her brother’s adventurous life. She decides to stow away on his merchant ship and ends up in Japan, but once there, she is abducted by a warlord, Taro, to whom she’s instantly attracted. He, in his turn, is fascinated by her, but there’s both a clash of cultures and wills and this of course stops them from admitting the attraction. With Hannah’s brother desperate to find her and a jealous rival equally desperate to kill her, she faces the greatest adventure of her life. And Taro has to choose between love and honour …
11. What’s next for you?
I’ve just finished writing the sequel to my novel Trade Winds – it’s called Highland Storms and will be published in November this year. It’s set in Scotland and since I love all things Scottish, I really enjoyed writing it. The only downside is that my hero wasn’t allowed to wear a kilt – the story is set in the years just after the Jacobite rebellion when they were forbidden. Still, you can’t have everything!
And The Scarlet Kimono is available from Amazon here
Or the Book Depository, here.
Thank you for joining us, Christina, The Scarlet Kimono looks lovely, and sounds intriguing! And thanks for the giveaway, I know our readers will be very pleased!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Anything Goes Friday
The Minxes have collected a few interesting links and bits of news to share with you today.
First up is news (courtesy of Julie Cohen) that Chick Lit Reviews is running a contest in which Little Black Dress Books is giving away 25 books. This contest is for UK residents only and closes at midnight tonight, so don't delay.
I'm a big fan of LBD's books. If you haven't discovered them yet, then you're missing out. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill chick lit; they're fun, full of sass and humour, sometimes with a touch of the paranormal, sometimes deep and thought-provoking. I recommend Julie Cohen, Nell Dixon, Lucy Broadbent and Valerie Frankel.
We heard at the RNA conference earlier this year that LBD were taking a hiatus, as they'd been knocked by the closure of their biggest distributer, but I sincerely hope this contest is the sign of a come-back, since their demise would be a huge loss to readers (and writers). If any of our blog readers has more news on this, we'd love to hear it!
Next up is the call for submissions for the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. This will be the fourth time they're running this contest, and you can find out more here.
Random House is running a Christmas contest for avid readers. Every day through December they're giving away prizes of books and eReaders. What a great Christmas gift to readers!
Last, but most certainly not least, the Minxes would like to shout out a massive "Congratulations!" to our Sassy friend, Jackie Ashenden, who has won the High Five Contest run by the Romance Writers of Australia. Well done also to runner-up Rachael Johns. We're so pleased for you ladies!
And now, just because I can, I'm going to reveal my current addiction. And yes, this is even bigger than my addiction to chocolate. Can you guess what it is? If you still don't get it, check out Lacey's blog, which is where it all started.
First up is news (courtesy of Julie Cohen) that Chick Lit Reviews is running a contest in which Little Black Dress Books is giving away 25 books. This contest is for UK residents only and closes at midnight tonight, so don't delay.
I'm a big fan of LBD's books. If you haven't discovered them yet, then you're missing out. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill chick lit; they're fun, full of sass and humour, sometimes with a touch of the paranormal, sometimes deep and thought-provoking. I recommend Julie Cohen, Nell Dixon, Lucy Broadbent and Valerie Frankel.
We heard at the RNA conference earlier this year that LBD were taking a hiatus, as they'd been knocked by the closure of their biggest distributer, but I sincerely hope this contest is the sign of a come-back, since their demise would be a huge loss to readers (and writers). If any of our blog readers has more news on this, we'd love to hear it!
Next up is the call for submissions for the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. This will be the fourth time they're running this contest, and you can find out more here.
Random House is running a Christmas contest for avid readers. Every day through December they're giving away prizes of books and eReaders. What a great Christmas gift to readers!
Last, but most certainly not least, the Minxes would like to shout out a massive "Congratulations!" to our Sassy friend, Jackie Ashenden, who has won the High Five Contest run by the Romance Writers of Australia. Well done also to runner-up Rachael Johns. We're so pleased for you ladies!
And now, just because I can, I'm going to reveal my current addiction. And yes, this is even bigger than my addiction to chocolate. Can you guess what it is? If you still don't get it, check out Lacey's blog, which is where it all started.
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