Author Spotlight - Samantha Birch

For possibly the first time ever, we're featuring a non-fiction book on The Minxes of Romance. Today's spotlight book is The High Street Bride's Guide, a one-stop, design-your-own-wedding (affordably) book from Samantha Birch.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
Well, I’m a twenty-eight-year-old writer from Derby, and I live in Hertfordshire with my husband. We finally got married last November after being engaged for four years – two years and eight months of which we spent in his childhood bedroom! We’re now renting a two-bedroom flat with a kitchen in the living room while we save up the deposit for a house.

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
This is my first published book! I’m so excited! I have no idea what to expect, but I’ve worked really hard so I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for the best!

3. What inspired this book?
It was a mixture of planning our wedding, chatting to my friends and the jobs I’ve had: I’ve worked in-house at You & Your Wedding and Cosmopolitan Bride and freelanced for Brides. One day I gave a work colleague advice on her wedding and she told me I should write a book, which I took a bit literally! I realised me and my now-husband weren’t the only ones struggling to save up for our wedding and really wanting it to be as beautiful as our better-off friends’ big days. I wrote down all the ways we could make it happen for less, I did a lot of research into the most affordable brands and I put it all together into The High-Street Bride’s Guide.

4. Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
Funny you should mention that; I’m actually writing a novel at the moment. Writing fiction has always been a dream of mine, and I’ve finished two manuscripts in the past, but I wrote them both when I was a teenager and they lacked the maturity of my old age! The book I’m writing now is a steampunk fantasy, so a bit of a switch from a non-fiction guidebook, but I love the change of pace, and it appeals to my nerdy side.

5. What was the most fun part of writing this book?
The intros to each section; I could just have fun with them. I decided not to hold back, but just to write what I thought was funny, even if it wasn’t all cakes and flowers. After all, my readers aren’t only brides, they’re people; they have a whole life going on besides their wedding, same as I did. So I threw in bits like Dylan Moran’s wisdom on women and shoes and a parody of those White Fang-type movies, you know where the kid tells the wolf or whatever that he hates it so it’ll go off and be free…

6. Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?
Yes, I write every day, but not always on my work in progress. Having spent four years commuting in and out of London I’m now a freelance writer for titles like GLAMOUR, so I write articles as well as books. I’ll at least look at the book I’m working on every day – preferably in the morning, which tends to be my best time for inspiration – and I’ll play with some ideas and mull it over, but some days I’ll toy with new words and they just won’t feel right. I know that sounds crazy and I wish I had more control over it, but I’ve realised those days are more about thinking, letting my brain work on the story in the back of my mind or maybe working on a character board or something. It’s taken me a long time to get to a point where I’m okay with counting that as work; I can be impatient and I used to think words on the page were the only thing that mattered, but now I know sometimes they don’t come if you haven’t given yourself the headspace find them.

7. How long does it take you to complete a book?
Non-fiction is quicker than fiction for me. The first edition of The High-Street Bride’s Guide took a month flat, then I spent a week or two revising and extending it for Harper Impulse. Fiction tends to take more like a year, and because of the complexity of the novel I’m writing at the moment, I think it could take closer to a year and a half.

8. Are your family and real-life friends supportive? If so, in what ways? If not, do you have another support network for your writing?
Yes, my husband, my family and my friends have always been really supportive of my writing; I’m so lucky to be surrounded by so many encouraging people. My poor husband has to listen to excerpts of whatever I’m working on at random intervals; I’ll just run into the living room with my laptop and go: “Read this please!” then make him a coffee and disappear so I don’t have to be in the room while he does. Sometimes I want his feedback on where a scene is going wrong or whether it feels truthful, or I’ll be having an attack of self-doubt and I need him to tell me whether it’s founded. Others I’ll just be really excited that it feels like a scene has gone well and I’ll want to show it to him in the hope that he thinks it’s as funny as I do!

Recently I’ve found another support network for my writing too: the lovely authors at Harper Impulse! I hit a writer’s block in my current novel that made me nervous about going back to the manuscript, but they were quick to reassure me that I hadn’t gone mad and that most writers feel the same sometimes, and to fill me in on lots of tried and tested tips that got me back on the page again. At times like that it’s good to have people in the same industry to make you feel like you’re not alone; I’m now back on track and heading for the 20,000-word mark!

The High -Street Bride's Guide

Brides-to-be, this one’s for you!
You can say your vows in a catwalk gown so beautiful it reduces your mum to tears (and not because she paid for it).
You can style a reception so stunning your guests won’t believe you didn’t hire an A-list planner.
And you can sprinkle the day with personal touches that make everyone feel like you gave them special attention before they even got there. Without spending a house deposit on it. Honest.
Samantha Birch has written for GLAMOUR, Brides, You & Your Wedding and Cosmopolitan Bride. She knows a thing or two about planning a wedding on a budget, how much you can expect to pay for everything and where to go to get it for less. And she’s put it all down here.

The High-Street Bride's Guide is available from Amazon, Amazon UK, and iTunes.
You can chat to Samantha on Twitter or on Facebook.

Author Spotlight - Nikki Moore

Hello to Nikki, author of Crazy, Undercover, Love into the Minxy spotlight.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I live in beautiful Dorset not too far from the sea. By day I'm a Human Resources professional and by night I turn into an author... though I'm not sure my brain ever really switches off from the writing lol

I have two kids and love spending time with my family and friends. I'm definitely an extrovert and I love meeting new people and trying new experiences. I'm also a devoted reader, when time allows! I'll read anything covered in words – my reading tastes are very eclectic :)

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
I've had three short stories published in the last few months but Crazy, Undercover, Love is my first full length book. I'm very excited!! And I hope this is the first book of many :)

3. What inspired this book?
This will probably sound a bit weird but I had a dream one night about a couple stranded in a cabin somewhere up north, arguing about career versus love ... I woke up with the characters in my head, begging for their story to be told. I started the book a few days later - almost four years ago now - and the storyline has grown and evolved loads since then, with the book undergoing an unmentionable number of rewrites (unfortunately I'm a total perfectionist). It's also now mostly set in a hotel over a weekend in Barcelona, a city I love. I feel - and hope - I've done justice to those characters (Alex and Charley) and their story.

4. Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
I read quite a lot of Harlequin Mills & Boon romances in my early teens (so it's a thrill that one of my short stories A Night to Remember has been published in the HM&B / Romantic Novelists Association anthology Truly, Madly, Deeply) and my favourite type of hero tended to be Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director/business men. I think there's something about dynamic men in suits that's very attractive! So it was no real surprise to me when this story emerged that the hero is a CEO but I wanted him to be a bit different to the more traditional arrogant, driven, obstinate CEO types I've read before. So Alex is a fairly down to earth, relaxed guy when he lets his guard down, who actually would rather not be a CEO if given the choice!

Inspiration wise physically? Ooohh... yes, please! I never miss a chance to drool over hot men! Originally Alex was a cross between the actor Ryan Reynolds and David Boreanaz from the TV series Bones. More recently he's less Ryan and mainly David but with hints of Henry Cavill. What can I say... the man (HC) is beautiful!

5. Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
In a word – yes! I would love, love, love to write a New Adult book. It's a great age, when you're transitioning into an adult, and there's loads of material to be written about in terms of the experiences people tend to have at that age. I'll be emailing my editor at some point about it (watch out Charlotte!) Lol

6. In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?
I'm not sure yet as I've not been published very long and I don't yet know what the response to Crazy, Undercover, Love is going to be. But I suppose what I hadn't really anticipated is that weird time when you're promoting one book while writing another. It's difficult to juggle two different books and the practical aspect of promo versus the creative flow of writing. It's right versus left part of brain. But I'm not complaining! I've worked hard to be published, am disciplined about juggling everything and am mega-excited about finally being a published author :)

7. Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?
Sadly I don't write every day even though I'd love to, but I do try and do something writing related every day. It may be connecting with people through social media or writing blog posts or preparing posts for other authors to appear on my blog.

When I do write, especially a first draft, it's in the evenings and it's fast and furious. I can be quite productive late at night. To be honest I can write pretty much any time, anywhere and on anything, be it a laptop, tablet, notepad or a scrap piece of paper!

8. Are your family and real-life friends supportive? If so, in what ways? If not, do you have another support network for your writing?
My family and friends are very supportive. I'm soooo lucky in that no-one ever said to me I wouldn't get published or that writing was a waste of time. Quite the opposite – they know how much I enjoy writing and how passionate I am about it and all pushed me to keep going. They've been very excited about my publication credits! My work colleagues have also been very supportive, which is lovely.

I also have a support network through my membership of the Romantic Novelists Association. It's an amazing organisation full of tireless, warm and encouraging people including authors, publishers, agents. Being on the New Writers Scheme for the last few years definitely helped me on my journey to publication. I can't rate the RNA highly enough and would thoroughly recommend it for any aspiring romance author, no matter what genre they write in, be it historical, contemporary, saga's, rom-coms or anything else that comes under the romance/women's fiction umbrella.

9. Do you connect with your readers at all, and if so which is your favourite platform for reaching them?
I try and connect with readers through a variety of social media including Facebook (I have both a personal and author page), Goodreads, my blog, Google+ etc I have to say that Twitter is my absolute favourite although it's so quick its easy to miss a lot. But I do like the speed and ease of it and that you can RT and 'favourite' interesting articles, reviews etc and also thank people for their support very easily :)

BLURB

Uber-feisty career girl Charley Caswell-Wright travels to Barcelona for a weekend assignment as PA to the gorgeous Alex Demetrio, CEO of Demetrio International.But she's there under entirely false pretenses: to get her life back on track. Having lost the job she worked so hard to earn, she’s determined not to give it up so easily, especially when she didn’t deserve to lose it in the first place.Mr Dreamy CEO is her only chance of clawing back her career – and her reputation. So she has to keep things strictly professional… boy, is she in trouble!

Crazy, Undercover, Love is available from Amazon, Google Play, iTunes and Sainsbury's.

Author Spotlight - Jane Linfoot

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I’m Jane Linfoot, and I write fun, flirty fiction, with feisty heroines and a bit of an edge.
I live in a mountain kingdom in Derbyshire, England, which is less remote than it sounds, but is very muddy. When I write romance it’s the one time I get to wear pretty shoes instead of wellies. I love hearts, flowers, happy endings, all things vintage, most things french. I enjoy walking and gardening, and on days when I want to be really scared, I ride a tandem.

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
This is number 2 for Harper Impulse, but I had a co-written paperback out with Snowbooks back in 2006.

3. What inspired this book?
I grab my inspiration from anywhere and everywhere, then fuse the different strands together. With The Right Side Of Mr Wrong the heroine, Shea, was inspired by someone I met at a hen party, and Brando grew out of an article in a Sunday paper about a lonely rock star. The plot came from a TV programme I saw, where a playboy had a neglected castle he never visited, and the presenter suggested he needed a wife to help him with the project. It was a fabulous location, which looked perfect to use in a novel, and when I went on the website to find out where it was I discovered that lots of women had left messages on the website offering to marry the guy! Awesome! So The Right Side Of Mr Wrong grew from that!

4. Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
Although I didn’t write Brando with Henry Cavill in mind, they’re not far apart.

5. In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?
Wow! Good question! I kind of imagined being a published writer would be about hiding away, writing books, but it couldn’t be more different from that. These days self-promotion is be a huge part of being an author, and keeping a high profile on social media is crucial. The promo side is much bigger than I’d anticipated.

6. What was the most fun part of writing this book?
Some books are a struggle, but The Right Side of Mr Wrong was a blast to write. I loved every bit of it, because I had such fun hanging out with Shea and Brando. You’d think it would be great to get to the part where you write “The End”, but by the time I got to that bit I had tears rolling down my face, both because of the emotion (even though it does have a happy ending!), and because I was so sad that my time with Shea and Brando had come to an end.

7. Which of your characters would you most like to be?
I’d like to be Shea from The Right Side Of Mr Wrong, because I’m totally in love with Brando (from the same book)!

8. Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?
I try to write every day – my favourite time to write is late at night, when the writing’s going so well I don’t want to stop.

9. How long does it take you to complete a book?
A book can take anything from six weeks to six months!

10. Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?
I always head off into the woods with the dog, onto a circuit that takes in an abandoned ice house. Usually by the time I’m a couple of hundred yards along the path ideas and solutions are popping into my head.

11. Where do you write?
I’ve always written in the room between the kitchen and the rest of the house – that way I see everyone as they pass, and I can easily dip in and out as the family needs me.

The Right Side Of Mr Wrong

One-off, moving on sex wasn’t meant to be this hot…
When determined singleton Shea Summers is persuaded to become the “wife” of the Lord of Edgerton Manor, the last thing she wants to do is play house with a stranger.

Brooding playboy Brando Marshall, is far from happy when Shea turns up at his sprawling estate with production crew in tow. Surely she’s just another woman after his wallet? And if she’s looking for Mr Right, she’s definitely hitting on the wrong guy. Then again, after catching an unscheduled glimpse of her knickers, perhaps Brando needs to teach this “gold-digger” a lesson!

She’s seizing the moment, he’s breaking the rules, and when bad boys can be so much fun, who can resist getting on the right side of Mr. Wrong...


The Right Side of Mr Wrong is available from Amazon and Amazon UK.

You can chat to Jane on Facebook, Twitter or her website.

Author Spotlight - Hannah Emery

Welcome to new Harper Impulse author, Hannah Emery, talking about her debut novel, Secrets in the Shadows.

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I have written stories for as long as I can remember. I love writing about how fragile the present is and how so much of it depends on chance events that took place years ago. I studied English at the University of Chester, and I now work in a college where I mentor higher education students. The most important things in my life are my family, my friends, books, baking on a Saturday afternoon, getting glammed up to go out for champagne and dinner and having cosy weekends away. I live in Blackpool with my husband and our little girl.

What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
It’s my second book, but the first to be published. I learnt a lot from writing my first, but I felt I could do better!

What inspired this book?
Lots of things: Blackpool, my fascination with twins, my obsession with family history and the amazing way that one decision can affect future generations for hundreds of years.

Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
There are two heroes in Secrets in the Shadows, and my inspiration for them is my years of chatting to friends, watching things like Sex and the City and wondering why some people go for Eliots, and other people go for Noels…

Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
I adore the YA genre so I would love to try that. I’d also like to try and write a children’s book. Reading to my daughter is one of my favourite things to do, and her favourite books are amazing and inspiring. Julia Donaldson is a genius.

What was the most fun part of writing this book?
I loved researching Blackpool. It’s changed a lot in the last hundred years or so, and it was fascinating to learn about its history and incorporate what I found into my book. The event that sparks the main story of Secrets in the Shadows is a fire that actually happened on North Pier in September 1921. Reading a newspaper article about the fire was amazing - I love old newspapers.

Which of your characters would you most like to be?
I would like to be Grace. Although she is troubled, she’s strong, gifted and likes to have fun. And she owns a book shop!

Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?
I read. My favourite authors always inspire me again!

Where do you write?
Ooh - well at the moment, I write on my laptop on the sofa or sitting on the bed - normally with coffee. But we’ve recently moved, so I will soon have an office space! I’m going to be doing a blog post about my office soon, so look out for it on my blog!

Blurb:
A must-read for fans of Kate Morton!

In 1920s Blackpool, eleven year old Rose wanders away from her parents and has a unique gift bestowed upon her. This gift will leave a haunting legacy, seeping down through the generations…
Decades later, Louisa has a vision of her mother walking into the sea. This isn’t the first time it happens and it won’t be the last, but what she sees isn’t always what she wants. The rest of her life is spent trying to change the future that haunts her.

In present day Blackpool, Grace is going to be married someday. She knows this because she’s seen it; a vision of a white dress, daisies embroidered on the sleeves, the groom by her side, vowing to love her forever. Except the man in her premonition doesn’t belong to her- he belongs to her twin sister, Elsie.

Haunted by what they know and what they are afraid to find out, all three women must make a choice: in the face of certain destiny should you chase the outcome that’s “meant to be”, or throw away fate and choose your own future?

Twitter: @hannahcemery
Blog: http://hannahcemery.wordpress.com

Secrets in the Shadows is available from Amazon, Amazon UK and all other major eBook retailers.

Author Spotlight - Zara Stoneley

We here at the Minxes of Romance love good bit of erotica. So we are delighted to have erotica author Zara Stoneley in our Spotlight today. Welcome Zara.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I’ve has been writing stories for just about as long as I’ve been reading them. I sold my first erotic novel to Xcite Books in 2012, and since then have had hot romances accepted by several publishers. My stories have featured on romance and erotic bestseller lists in the US and UK.
I divide my time between a country cottage in the UK and a Barcelona apartment, and love my family, sexy high heels, sunshine, good food and wine, coffee, cats, horses, dogs, music, writing and reading - but not necessarily in that order! I like my heroes just how I like my coffee – hot, strong and moreish.
Find out more at: www.zarastoneley.com

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
Sadly, I am no Nora! My first release was in April 2012, and I’ve now had two erotic novels published with Xcite Books, one of which is being published in paperback by a New York publisher soon (more news when I can!), Xcite have also published two of my novellas. I’ve also self-published a series of three books, and had a few short stories published in anthologies. ‘Love Is A Four Letter Word’ was published by HarperImpulse (Harper Collins) on 27th February, and is my second erotic romance with them.

3. What inspired this book?
I do love a bad boy, and the whole idea of rich girl/poor boy rather than the other way round really appeals to me. I think, quite often, independent sassy women are drawn to that ‘wild streak’… although of course appearances can be deceptive and the ‘bad’ bit can just be skin deep! Human nature is fascinating, and the whole opposites attract idea is irresistible… and then if you throw in the idealistic ‘love has no price’...

4. Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
Well, I’m going to show my age a bit here! Back when I was a teenager I was in love with David Essex, the original bad boy.

Image courtesy of http://geordiebiker.wordpress.com/category/80s/

David (for those younger than me) is a singer and actor. He was in a film called ‘That’ll be the Day’ in the 70’s, as a real bad boy, and also in ‘Silver Dream Racer’ as a motorcycle racer. And he was exactly what I had in mind for Jake. But I’m afraid (please forgive me gorgeous David), I did also ogle this man quite a bit (a more up to date version!)

5. Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
I’ve been lucky enough to have erotic and contemporary romance published, but I’ve also hankered after writing a ‘bonkbuster’ for years. My lovely editor has given me a nudge in that direction, so I’m thrilled. And after that? I’d love to write a thriller/suspense.

6. In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?
I spend far too much time on promo – I’d love to just sit in an exotic location (preferably hot and sunny), with a glass of wine and write beautiful prose, whilst somebody else did my marketing! Unfortunately the reality is sitting anywhere I can find to grab the odd hour or writing in between the other bits of life.

7. What was the most fun part of writing this book?
Day dreaming about Jake! No, seriously this pair have some serious chemistry and some great banter going on. I loved the teasing and the way they provoked each other. This was one couple I’d like to hang around for longer.

8. Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?
I aim to write at least 5 days a week, but sometimes it’s 7 days, sometimes 2! I aim to write around the 10-12k mark each week, but some weeks I can spend most of the time wrestling with planning if I think the story is losing its pace. As long as I get to the end of the month with 30k written then I’m happy, any less and I panic. My day kicks off with coffee and social networking, emails etc. and then I will have a quick read through the last few pages I’ve written before starting properly for the day. Unfortunately my muse often kicks in at 10pm which isn’t always ideal! If you’re serious about writing though, I think you do need to see it as a job and make sure you have some goals and discipline – and aim for a routine, even if it doesn’t always work out!

9. Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?
Pause, read the last couple of chapters, have a dig into the characters and try and find out why they’re doing what they are. Then set a word challenge – as has been said many times before, you can’t edit a blank page.

‘Love Is A Four Letter Word’ by Zara Stoneley, published by HarperImpulse


Sometimes being bad can be too good to miss...

Take one rich girl who has a thing for the bad boys.
Take one tough guy who thinks possession is nine-tenths of the misery law.
Mix generously with a land dispute and a whole lotta lust…. And what have you got?
Sometimes being bad can be just too good to miss...

Love is a Four Letter Word is available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sainburys and Google Play.

Author Spotlight - Eve Devon

Into today's spotlight we welcome author Eve Devon. Eve hails from the UK and is published by both Entangled Publishing and Harper Impulse. She's here today to talk about her Harper Impulse novel, Her Best Laid Plans.


1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
Hello Lovely Readers, I’m Eve and I love writing about sexy heroes, sassy heroines and happy ever afters!

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
LOL – on the ‘Nora-stat’. If only. I’m incredibly privileged to write romantic suspense for Entangled Publishing and contemporary romance for HarperImpulse. My debut romantic suspense The Waiting Game came out last year and this, Her Best Laid Plans, my second published book, is my debut contemporary romance with HarperImpulse and it releases today *happy dances*

3. What inspired this book?
I’ve always been fascinated by two particular approaches to life: the planned approach and the wing-it approach! Of course the best approach is probably a combination of the two, but then I started wondering…If you’re an extreme version of either planning or winging-it through life, what—or, who, is going to show you why changing things up might not be such a scary thing? It would take someone pretty special…

4. Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
My hero Jared King is an ex bad-boy-turned-businessman. Ten years ago he deviated from the plans set out for him at birth and as a result life is now measured; planned. Two words: Tom Welling! I love that he looks so rock-solid…but with a delicious hint of rebelliousness.

5. Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
I’m so lucky that I get to write romantic suspense as well. Being from the UK I like to think I have a touch of the Agatha Christie about me (!) and growing up I was always re-writing my own TV police procedurals to ensure the protagonists got together EVERY time. But sitting in a drawer is a Superheroes manuscript I would love to take out and dust-off and re-write. I love all things superhero (as you can probably tell from my photo of Tom Welling as Clark Kent!)

6. Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?
I try to write a minimum 1000 words a day. Sometimes those 1000 words can be done in a couple of hours and then I do promo/admin work—sometimes those 1000 words take all day, and some of the evening! Now I’m writing to contract, I try to leave weekends free so that I get a little downtime and don’t burnout. For some reason I’m always most productive right before I have to start dinner!

7. Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?
I think I’ve learnt that sometimes you really have to push on through when you reach a road-block because sometimes you really haven’t reached a roadblock, what you’ve actually done is back-off of writing something difficult. If I keep writing but then end up getting myself into even more of a tangle, I tend to start walking around the house muttering darkly until Hubby finally tells me to “cut myself some slack and go do some craft”! He knows me so well! Craft—not tea, is the panacea of life. That break I give my brain usually lets me unravel where I’ve gone wrong in my plot and allows me to get back into it.

8. Where do you write?
I write in my garret – the technical term I use for the tiny room at the top of our stairs. I write with my back to the window to avoid distraction and when I can’t write because I need a distraction I plod downstairs to write at the dining-room table. There I have a wonderful view of all the jobs I haven’t got around to doing in the garden!

9. Do you connect with your readers at all, and if so which is your favourite platform for reaching them?
I love chatting with readers and I’m on Twitter, Facebook or my website most days, so please feel free to drop by for a chat 

Book Blurb: Her Best Laid Plan

Love is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans…

The Totally Perfect Life Plan of Amanda Gray:
Step 1 – Take control of own destiny and avoid getting too caught up in the details.
Step 2 – Definitely do NOT kiss gorgeous bad-boy businessman who doesn’t know how to live life without scheduling it six months in advance, even if he is absolutely irresistible.
Step 3 – Don’t even THINK of accompanying him to London as his PA to enjoy steamy encounters in a metropolitan paradise.
Step 4 – Absolutely, positively, whatever you do – do NOT fall in love with him…

Her Best Laid Plans is available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, iBookstore and Kobo.

Author Spotlight - Caroline Storer

Caroline Storer has long been an active supporter of this blog, so we are super delighted to have here in our Spotlight today with her debut Roman romance, The Roman.

* * *

Firstly, thank you Minxes for having me here. I’ve been a fan of this Blog for years now, and it’s lovely to be here amongst so many of my cyber friends.

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
Hi, my name is Caroline Storer, and I live on the beautiful (if slightly windy) island of Anglesey in North Wales. (Anglesey, you may recall was recently the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – William and Kate. I did invite them over for tea, but unfortunately they were too busy!) I’m happily married to my own Alpha Hero, Colin, and have one step-son and grandson. By day I’m an Environmental Health Officer for the local Council. My work can be quite challenging to say the least, and no one day is the same. I find escaping into a good book (either reading or writing one) a great way of relaxing once I’ve finished work. I am a voracious reader of anything “romantic” and have been since I “borrowed” one of my gran's Mills and Boons when I was around 13!

What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
“The Roman” is my debut book for HarperImpulse. (I’m still at the pinching myself stage BTW at the thought of being published!) When I recently got the cover for my book I nearly swooned in delight. He’s absolutely gorgeous and just what I imagined my hunky Roman would look like. I hope you agree.

What inspired this book?
My love of Roman history, which has been with me since childhood and the film’s The Gladiator and Ben Hur. I also loved the mini-series Spartacus. The late Andy Whitfied was born in Amlwch, about 10 miles
from where I live (((sigh))).

Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
General Maximus Decimus Meridius – a.k.a Russell Crowe in The Gladiator. I’ve watched this film about 10 tens now and I’m still bowled over by his gorgeousness! He is the typical alpha male Roman hero IMHO.

Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
Yes! As well as writing Roman historicals, I’ve recently finished writing a “Viking romance”. I’m plotting a “Regency romance” at the moment and I’m toying with a romantic suspense. I’ve also got a futuristic romance on my hard-drive waiting to be written, along with several contemporary romances. Sometimes it’s a fight as to which one will get written next! So far the “Romans” have won.

In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?
Having a contract and deadlines tend to focus the mind somewhat. Also, having revisions from my editor was a steep learning curve. Thankfully, there weren’t a lot of them and my editor liked what I sent to her. But the one week turnaround in getting them back meant burning the midnight oil. Publicity is another big learning curve. Having to get yourself, and your book “out there” is something I hadn’t really thought about before I became published.

Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?
I’m always in awe of the productivity of some writers, and wish I could be as disciplined at they are. But I’m not. I do try to write every day except Wednesdays when I have other commitments. I find the weekends and evenings work best for me. Not having young children around means I’m not as constrained by the hustle and bustle of life as some writers are. I have learned by trial and error as to what works for me productivity wise. I did try the “get up at 5am to write” scenario before I went to work to try and increase the word-count but that was a disaster – Facebook and Candy Crush - but no writing! I’m definitely more productive the late afternoons and early evenings.

Are your family and real-life friends supportive? If so, in what ways? If not, do you have another support network for your writing?
On January the 1st 2007 my husband said he was “popping out for a bit”. Three hours later he returned with a laptop he bought for me in the January sales. As he handed me the box he said, “Now there’s no excuse for you not to write that book you’ve been going on about.” So yes, my husband has been hugely influential in supporting (and starting) my writing career. I’ve also been blessed by having huge support from my two best friends I met at university over (gasp) 30 years ago. They have been fabulous. And it goes without saying that other writers, (Minxy ladies you know who you are!), out there in blogland, and on Facebook, have been so helpful and supportive.

Where do you write?
I’ve actually got 3 writing places. One, sitting in my arm chair in the living room with the laptop on a small laptop table and with a footstool elevating my feet. The second, is a recliner chair that sits in the corner of our bedroom (with another footstool), and thirdly, the spare bedroom where I’ve got my own little office with desk and computer chair. But I seem more productive in the bedroom (that sound rude doesn’t it!) as I can type away quite happily for hours while hubby watches what he like on the TV in bed. The only thing I need to block out interruptions are my earplugs, then I can pretty much tap away to my heart’s content!

Thanks again for having me, Minxy’s! Caroline x

The Roman

Famous charioteer, Aulus Epidius Marsallas wants revenge against Justina Philipus - the only woman he’s ever loved, but who’d betrayed him by becoming his uncle’s mistress. Forced to meet Marsallas for the first time in six years, Justina is shocked at the changes she sees in him. Gone is the carefree youth she once loved, now replaced by a hard muscular stranger. But there is no denying the attraction that still flows between them, and when his uncle dies, Marsallas offers sculptress Justina a challenge – a bronze stature of himself, and his four horse chariot, to be displayed at the Circus Maximus. Justina knows that this commission is just what she needs to make a name for herself, and give her the freedom she covets, so she accepts Marsallas’s challenge. However, Justina is unprepared when Marsallas states one further condition – she must become his mistress. But Justina has a secret, she’s still a virgin, she just hasn’t told Marsallas yet…

The Roman is available from Amazon, Amazon UK and all other eBook retailers.

You can find Caroline on her blog, on Facebook and on Twitter.

Author Spotlight - Lori Connelly

Today's author in the spotlight is Harper Impulse author Lori Connelly, whose second western historical is now available.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I’m a new grandma who wishes the transporter from Star Trek were a reality so I could visit her everyday. As a tomboy, country girl I unfortunately live in a small town but I am out in the woods, walking, rock hounding, berry picking, as often as possible . At home, I’m writing, reading, and pointing the laser dot for the dog to chase.

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
The Lawman of Silver Creek is my second book, a novella in my Men of Fir Mountain series.

3. What inspired this book?
I like exploring what if’s to existing relationships. I’ve known couples who survived a trauma, most of them broke up sometime afterwards. A few of the pairs worked through the aftermath and developed a stronger bond. I wanted to show a glimpse into the lives of a couple who love each other but their individual responses to a traumatic event has put their relationship in jeopardy.

4. Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
They say a picture is worth a thousand words so without further ado, this image of Hugh Jackson inspired Sheriff Matthew Marston.

5. Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
Many genres fascinate me, which may be obvious to anyone following the Written Fireside tales. Before I signed a three-book deal with Harper Impulse, I had a fantasy story/ series I was working on and would be excited to complete. I also would like a stab at straight fiction, a shifter story, customary romance and urban fantasy. I love storytelling.

6. In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?
When I signed my contract I thought I knew what would come next after all I’d watched every episode of Murder, She Wrote and now Castle. People worldwide would magically know they should buy and review my books. Reality is authors need to do a lot of promotion to go from an unknown, debut author to their name and work being widely recognized. I’m still learning about how to promote my books, working on gaining more exposure as an author. However, I feel awkward asking for reviews, to date rarely have, and have only done a handful of interviews. Often I feel as though I’m stumbling through a dark room, hoping to shuffle through without bruising my shins badly.

7. Where do you write?
Most often, I write in a comfortable chair in the living room, laptop on my lap, dreaming of someday having an office where sons and dogs aren’t able to run in and out at will however I write anywhere, anytime I can grab a moment. I usually take my laptop and/or Nexus with me wherever I go and I carry a notebook in my purse because I never know when inspiration might strike. I discovered the joy of Google Drive last year and absolutely love it because now I can access my works in progress wherever I am as long as there is Wi-Fi, which most recently was the dentist’s waiting room.

8. Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?
I’m not certain I have a typical writing day yet, finding a balance between writing, life, family, and other responsibilities is still a work in progress. Usually I write for an hour or so as soon as I crawl out of bed. My New Year’s resolution is to write at least 500 words before going online to check email and social media for fifteen minutes then return to writing for another 500 words. By the time that is achieved the dogs are looking at me with big, brown, sorrowful eyes certain that they are starving to death. I get up; feed them, the fish and myself. For the rest of the daylight hours I write if I can grab a moment. As the day winds down, I settle back in that comfortable, living room chair I mentioned before, and write until the need for sleep outweighs the need for just a few more words.

9. Do you connect with your readers at all, and if so which is your favourite platform for reaching them?
I get a rush whenever a reader contacts me and I don’t believe that will ever change. Being able to interact with reader is beyond words amazing. I’m most familiar with facebook so I’d have to say it’s my favorite but, although I’ve only joined Twitter last year, it has fast become my second go to platform.

The Lawman of Silver Creek, a novella in the Men of Fir Mountain series:

As sheriff of Silver Creek County, Matthew Marson’s job is to look after his town. But when he fails to protect the most important person in his life, Claire, from an attack, Matt feels as though he will never be able to forgive himself.

Her husband-to-be’s newly found overprotectiveness drives the headstrong Claire from his arms. She can’t see a future with a man who won’t allow her to follow her dreams.

In a small town where everybody knows your name and your business, it’s impossible for the pair to stay apart, especially as Claire finds that she can’t completely turn her back on the lawman that she loves.


The Lawman of Silver Creek is on sale at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo and All Romance eBooks.

You can find out more about Lori on her website, or chat to her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.

Author Spotlight - Erin Lawless

Today we welcome Harper Impulse author Erin Lawless into the spotlight to talk about her debut novel, The Best Thing I Never Had.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I’m your average twenty-something Brit (although I have been able to say “twenty-something for a long time now…). A Londoner heart and soul, but living in the middle of the countryside at the moment, I spend most of my time writing (when I’m not reading… or working at my day job… or wedding planning… or sleeping in).

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
Although I have a self-published anthology of short stories, I do consider The Best Thing I Never Had as my first “book” as it is the first novel.

3. What inspired this book?
I always wanted to write a love story set at university, because it was such an important time for me (and it’s where I met my future husband). My close friends are still those I met when I was a student, and all the time I am reminded of the hundred ways we change as people throughout our twenties, as well as the thousand ways we stay the same. University on a small campus – like the one I went to – is like living in a bubble. Everything is magnified, everything seems so much more than it actually is. It seemed like just the right pressure cooker to throw some love triangles into!

4. Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?
I’m a firm believer in letting the reader picture the characters (especially the hero!) as they wish to. Attractiveness is so subjective. I try to make my characters attractive through the way that they act, rather than constantly describing them and their oiled muscles (and let’s be honest, how many 20 year old students/25 year old insurance brokers are built like wrestlers anyway?). Having said that, I simply can’t help but picture (now real life!) couple Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin as Adam and Harriet!

5. Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?
Before I was picked up by Harper Impulse on a two-book deal, I was shin-deep in a historical novella, which I had to side-line, as it was not and could never be worked into a romance. I’d love to get back to grips with it, and one day get to do a series of epic paranormal/fantasy/history/romance books – totally over-egg the genre pudding!!

6. How long does it take you to complete a book?
It took me almost two years to finish The Best Thing I Never Had – six months mulling the story over in my head and eighteen months of actual writing, editing, writing, editing, writing. I was very slow and tentative and Book 2 is coming along much faster, but I do still like to turn things over and have a really good handle on who my characters are before I start writing. And I edit as I go, which slows the process down in the short-term.

7. Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?
I go back and re-read and edit what I’ve already written. Or I take myself off and write something completely different – usually a non-fiction historical blog post for my website – or I sit and just simply talk out the plot holes with my other half (not my target audience but tells things to me very straight) or my chief beta (a wonderful writer in her own right and so really helpful practically).

8. Where do you write?
I write anywhere I can. I have a Chromebook and use GoogleDrive for my files, so I can access my manuscript document and all my research material wherever I am (as long as that place has internet!). During the working day, if inspiration strikes, I tend to email myself long rambling ‘notes’ with scenes and images to revisit later. I’m sure if someone was to read all these little emails in my Inbox, they’d think I was mildly insane..!

9. Do you connect with your readers at all, and if so which is your favourite platform for reaching them?
I absolutely love connecting with readers and I think that it’s an important part of being a modern-day writer. Obviously Twitter is absolutely fantastic and I am semi-addicted to it! I’ve tweeted at so many authors in my time telling them that I loved their book, so when I get those sorts of tweets from others, it feels like a dream. Outside of Twitter I also love Goodreads. Although I tend to engage with it more as a reader than as a writer, I think it’s an invaluable resource for both.

THE BEST THING I NEVER HAD

If you’re a fan of Mhairi McFarlane’s You Had Me at Hello or David Nicholls’ One Day, then you will love our new acquisition from contemporary romance author Erin Lawless!

Miles and Nicky are getting married. Unfortunately, their wedding party is a tangle of ex-housemates, ex-friends and ex-lovers. So this wedding isn’t just a wedding, it’s a reunion. Can anything be salvaged from the past? And what really happened between them all, back at university?

Find out in this wonderful contemporary romance.


The Best Thing I Never Had is available from Amazon, Amazon UK and all other major online eBook retailers.

Erin also has a linked free novella called The Making of Us available here on Amazon, and here on Amazon UK.

Author Spotlight - Lynn Marie Hulsman

Welcome to our first Author Spotlight of 2014! Yes, our Spotlights usually happen on a Thursday, and yes, today is Friday. The delay is entirely my fault. My baby started grade one yesterday and I took my eye right off the blog ball and focussed it on the family ball. [I'm sure you all understand, though!]

So, cracking on... today's spotlight author is a fellow Harper Impulse author. She hails from New York, keeps pet rats, is a stand-up comedienne, and has agreed to be a guinea pig to test out our new and improved set of interview questions.

Take it away, Lynn Marie.

* * *

First of all, thank you for hosting me! It’s really nice when more established authors drag fellow authors up with them! I love it when women help women. It proves that there’s enough to go around, and the women really aren’t grown-up “mean girls” competing for scraps. For me, I feel that promoting popular fiction elevates and helps all women writers. Jennifer Weiner, one of my favourite authors, and a personal hero of mine, is a great living example of this practice.

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.

I was born in the southern United States, home of tall tales and the art of storytelling. I’ve now lived in New York City longer than anywhere else, which practically makes me a native. My job history qualifies me as either colourful and creative or “not a very serious person,” depending on your take. I’ve worked at an independent bookstore (Pages & Pages, fave job of all time), a Wine and Cheese shop (yes, I sampled…a LOT), a direct marketing firm specializing in cheesy casinos (We have the loosest slots!), as an Ideation Agent for major international corporations, (I helped invent a dial-your-color foundation makeup package), as a stand-up comic (Caroline’s/Don’t Tell Mama, etc.), as a pharmaceutical editor and proofreader (ask me anything about the prostate: I know), and as a non-fiction writer — ghosting, co-writing, and penning my own cookbook.

My two kids are the most fascinating creatures I’ve ever met, but I wish they’d go be fascinating somewhere else when I’m trying to write. Together with my husband, we like to go to Central Park, play with our Dumbo-eared rats (think Ratatouille, not Scabbers), make up song parodies, and go to water parks.

I love dogs, and have two elderly boys: Mo, my Schnoodle (blind and deaf), and Piglet, my Bedlington Terrier (bath dodger/pizza thief).

I live on the 26th floor of a midtown-Manhattan apartment building, and the view of the Times Square Jumbotron and the Hudson River almost makes up for the lack of square footage.

I love Downton Abbey as much as I love Arrested Development, I like to cook but cannot peel a mango, I don’t believe in white chocolate, and sleep is the object of my deepest desires.

What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)

This is my debut novel. I’ve been wanting to write a full-on book since I was 11. I suppose nothing happens before the time is right. Now that I’ve done it once, I’m raring to do it again.

What inspired this book?

What inspired the action of writing this book was my mother’s death. Having a concrete reminder that our time on earth is precious spurred me to start the process, and keep running until I crossed the finish line. It freed me from a lot of my fear. I think one thing most humans dread most is the loss of their mother. Once that happened, I was able to frame things in more perspective. If I could survive that, and adjust to it, I knew I could survive a random stranger telling me that my book isn’t their cup of tea.

Luckily, I was acquired by the perfect publisher for this story. Fate dealt me a kind hand in the form of my wonderful editor, Charlotte Ledger. I can’t imagine having made a better match, at a better time. From the public, I’ve gotten lots of warm response.

The important point, though is this: While the response has been lovely, writing the book was what mattered. I hope to continue to connect with readers, and to find my tribe. No matter what, though, I now know I need to write consistently for the rest of my time on earth in order to feel fulfilled.

Who or what was the inspiration for your hero?

My novel features more than one love interest, though I’m not sure they could both be strictly defined as heroes. Jasper Roth, an alpha-male investment banker, was inspired by a famous figure in the international financial world. I won’t name him here, because my inside glimpse into his daily life comes from a combination of information fed to me by someone who crosses paths with him in real life and my obsessive stalking of him in the news. I’ve come to find out that he’s the inspiration for at least one other fictional character. As in most fiction, the character has precious little to do with the real-life man. Still, when I hear tales of his daily life, I imagine the flesh-and-blood man to be like my creation.

Another love interest in my book, who is definitely not a hero, was inspired by an ex-love. The character’s name is Stephen. The man’s name is Stephen. The character wrote a novel, lived in Paris, and collects Warner Brothers cartoon cells. The man also did and does. The character is kind of an asshat. The man, well…Have I mentioned that it’s fun to be a fiction writer?

Have you any burning ambitions to write a story in a different genre?

While this book, and the second for which I’m contracted by HarperImpulse, is a Romantic Comedy, I have a healthy start on a historical women’s fiction book based on my grandmother’s experiences as a beautician around the time of the Great Depression. I spent years as a stand-up comic, and I own a comedy improv company. I know how to quip, be funny, and see the humor in situations. Still, the somber side of me wants to have its say. The jumping-off points of my grandmother’s stories were hilarious, but she had a dark lining in her life. I’d like to borrow her voice, and share some of what I believe she confided in me, only.

Do you have a writing routine? Do you write every day, and is there a time of day that works best for you in terms of being productive?

I’m a morning person, and I am most productive when I get out of bed, have a (ginormous) cup of coffee, and get down to business. My worst habit is editing as I go. I can fool myself into thinking I’m working, when in reality doing this is a procrastination technique. I think my personal issue is that writing straight through and seeing what I end up with is scary. The nagging question is: What if it’s not good? I have to constantly remind myself that no one writes a first draft that’s worth publishing. Pushing through that fear is what gets words on the page. As they say, “The editing is where the girls get separated from the women.” The other kiss of death for me is putting down a work in progress for too many days. I need to stay in the world, and keep the shape of the characters’ dialogue in my mouth. If I don’t stay on top of what I’m writing, it’s like a nightmarish game of “Mother May I?” in which I’m sent all the way back to the beginning to start all over. In short, I’ve found that while writing is joyful and fulfilling, it’s a job that requires discipline and commitment.

Are your friends supportive?

I never would have completed my first novel if not for my dear friend Kate, who never stopped asking me for more completed pages, and who never stopped telling me how much she liked what was developing. She is a brilliant theatre director, and dramaturg. She gave me an amazing gift by offering her feedback and suggestions. It helped so much, having someone aware of my progress. Ideally, I’d like a writer’s group. Finding and forming one that meets your needs, however, isn’t the easiest thing. I’d venture to say it’s more tricky and delicate than dating. You need the right chemistry, and mutual respect and trust is mandatory. Now that I’ve published, I have some wonderful author friends who are supporting me. It’s great to bounce problems and ideas off of other women in the same boat. With them, I can moan about my fears, ask for help when I’m stuck, and brag when I’m very impressed with myself or when I get a good review.

Mostly, I write at home, seated on my bed, which is terrible for my back and shoulders. I’m looking into getting a “standing desk.” They strike me as a little goofy, though, in the manner of a bean bag chair or yoga ball. When my family are around, I head out to The Center for Fiction. It’s so comforting to be surrounded by books and book lovers in that historic midtown-Manhattan building. In nice weather, I go to Bryant Park. They have free wifi and some of the most pleasant public restrooms in New York City.

* * *

Thanks for joining us here today Lynn Marie. Though I had to stop reading at "26th floor apartment" as my vertigo kicked in.

For the record, her hero Jasper Roth is to die for. He was definitely my Best Book Boyfriend of the holiday season. Any chance I can get some more of him, Lynn Marie?

You can dowload Christmas at Thornton Hall from Amazon, Amazon UK, and all other major online retailers. Lynn Marie is available to chat on Facebook, Twitter and via her website.

Christmas at Thornton Hall

When Juliet Hill unwittingly discovers a most-definitely-not-hers-rhinestone-studded lace thong in her high-flying lawyer boyfriend's apartment, this usually feisty chef is suddenly single and facing a very blue Christmas - with only a ready meal for one to keep her company!

So when she's personally requested to cater for the family at Thornton Hall three days before Christmas, it's not long before Juliet's standing at the (back) door of the impossibly grand ancestral pile.

The halls are decked, the guests are titled, those below the stairs are delightfully catty, and all-American Juliet sets to work cooking up a glorious British Christmas with all the trimmings.

But other flames are burning besides those on the stove... Sparks fly with Edward, the gorgeous ex-soldier turned resident chef, and are those sidelong looks Juliet's getting from her boss, the American tycoon Jasper Roth?

As the snow starts to fall on the idyllic Cotswolds countryside, so does the veneer of genteel high society and there are more than a few ancient skeletons rattling out of the Hall's numerous dark cupboards!

CHRISTMAS AT THORNTON HALL is a country house romance for the modern age, a must-read for fans of the scandals and drama of Downton Abbey and the charm and wit of Helen Fielding.

Author Spotlight - Sue Fortin

Today we welcome Harper Impulse author Sue Fortin into our Minxy Spotlight. Welcome Sue!

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
Hi, I live in West Sussex in the UK, right on the south coast and when not writing, I’m mum to four children, although my eldest moved into his own place earlier this year. I work part-time at a local higher education college where I support the students in their learning.

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
United States of Love is my debut novel and I’ve just finished writing my second novel. Book Three is plotted out.

3. Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?
I give myself short time frames for writing. For example, an hour to write 500 words or half an hour to write a particular scene. I work better under pressure and deadlines so this method suits me.

4. What is your top promo tip for other authors?
For myself, I prefer in-direct promo. I like to talk around my book, maybe about setting and share some photos or talk about the research. I think it engages readers without being pushy.

5. How does writing fit into your day? Or does your day fit in around your writing?
As I mentioned above, I work part-time at a local college and I have three children living at home, so my writing has to fit in around my other commitments. I’ve recently started a new routine of getting up early and having an hour’s writing. So far it’s working as it means I can write every day, even on a work day.

6. Is there a book you haven't written yet that you're dying to? What genre?
The book I’m currently working on is Romantic Suspense which is a new sub-genre for me but I would also love to write a historical. I just need to make plenty of time for research first.

7. Could you be friends with any of your heroines?
I could definitely be friends with Anna from United States of Love. For a start we have a son the same age and, also, she lives local to me – plenty of opportunities for coffee and a natter. I know also she’d look out for me and be there through thick and thin, she would be the perfect best friend.

8. Have you ever written a hero you'd be happy to run off with?
I could easily run off with Tex from United States of Love, hopefully he’d take me over to Texas where we could spend time together at his family’s ranch. I think hanging out with his brothers and their wives would be great fun.

9. Do you write to music, or with the tv on in the background, or do you need complete silence?
Ideally, I like to write in silence, but with a busy household it doesn’t always happen.

10. Writing snacks – what are your favourites?
I feel I should say something healthy, like, bananas or nuts but I’m going to confess to chocolate and cake.

UNITED STATES OF LOVE

Since splitting from her husband, single mum Anna Barnes is enjoying her new found freedom and independence.

However, she didn't bank on working for Tex Garcia – or the sparks that fly between them. The gorgeous American chef is getting the locals hot under the collar and not just because of his culinary prowess!

One problem: Tex can't commit and women pass through his life like dishes going out to service! Will it be the same with Anna? One thing’s for sure, this All American man is determined to break her self-imposed rule of never mixing business with pleasure – and add some spice into the mix…


United States of Love is available from Amazon, Amazon UK and for all other suppliers through Harper Impulse.

Author Spotlight - Teresa F Morgan

Welcome to Teresa Morgan, my fellow author at Harper Impulse. I recently finished (and loved) her debut book Plus One is a Lucky Number - it's The Wedding Date plus a whole lot more, and her hero Adam is divine - I want one of him!

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I live in sunny Weston-super-Mare, trying to hold onto my Surrey accent where I was born and bred.
For years I persevered with boring jobs, until my two boys joined my nest. In an attempt to find something to work around them, and to ensure I never endured full time boredom again, I found writing.
I’m at my happiest baking cakes, putting proper home cooked dinners on the table (whether the kids eat them or not), reading a good romance, or sitting at my PC emptying my thoughts onto the screen.
I love writing contemporary romance, stories with a touch of escapism and creating heroes readers will fall in love with. Men who in reality, let’s face it, just don’t exist.

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th?(Nora only!)
Plus One is a Lucky Number is my first ever book. It started its journey entering the first chapter into the Mills and Boon New Voice competition in 2010. Although I didn’t come anywhere in the competition, I found myself wanting to write the second chapter, and in the end completing it. It’s had some interesting changes made to it.

3. Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?
Over the past year I’ve had some life dramas as I like to call them, and haven’t been writing steadily and in good habit like I used to. When I’m writing, nothing can draw me away actually. The characters can be talking to me in my head, and I need to sit and get it written. I have to set alarms so I don’t forget to pick up the kids from school. (It once happened, when my youngest was at preschool and I was mortified. From that day on I set an alarm!) I also set alarms to make sure I take regular breaks, to manage my RSI.
Editing is the hard bit. That’s where I have to set myself little rewards at times. I’ll quite easily think, oh I’ll just do this, and that... and before I know it I’ve wasted valuable time procrastinating.

4. What is your top promo tip for other authors?
I’m not sure how well I can answer this question because my book was published in August, and I haven’t even seen my first royalties yet. (Although that may have changed by the time this interview is published). All I will say is that I do hate it when I get followers on Twitter, and I follow them back and then they send me a DM to ask me to check out their book. Argh! I would love to read everybody’s book, but it is physically impossible. They immediately get unfollowed. It’s a social media site. Remember that!
The day I win the lottery I’ll buy everyone’s book... whether I get time to read it or not. Ha ha!

5. How does writing fit into your day? Or does your day fit in around your writing?
This possibly sounds awful, but I leave the stuff, i.e. the housework, to do when the kids are around, because it really doesn’t matter if I get distracted while putting the vacuum cleaner around, or emptying the dishwasher. So then, my free time, whilst the boys are at school, I try to do as much writing related activities as possible. Occasionally some housework needs to be done – like hanging out the washing – but that’s good to break up my time on the PC so that I can manage my RSI.
I want to get into a much better routine with my writing, but adjusting to a new life and home it will come with time.

6. Do you write every day?
I wish! Sadly no... maybe one day. I’m too tired usually after work on Fridays and Saturdays. I try to read instead – it’s what I call a Writing Related Activity.

7. Keeping fit: Do you have an exercise regime to counterbalance all those hours sitting at a computer?
I run four miles two to three times a week – usually. However I’ve had a problem with my hip recently, and I am feeling terribly guilty that I’m not doing much in exercise. I love running – it keeps me fit, clears the cobwebs, and gives me thinking time. It allows me to eat chocolate and drink wine guilt free.

8. Have you ever written a hero you'd be happy to run off with?
I hope all my heroes are the type that everyone would like to run off with! I think that’s the whole point isn’t it? I mean, in reality, men do just let us women down lol!

9. At what point in your career did you actually start to feel like you were a writer?
I still don’t think it’s properly sunk in that I am a writer, and I am published by HarperImpulse. Maybe when I start seeing royalties. Lol! Or I’m on my 100th book.

10. Do you write to music, or with the tv on in the background, or do you need complete silence?
I need complete silence actually. I find music even a distraction. It’s like an interference on the radio. Yet music and films do inspire me and help the plot bunnies grow.

Plus One is a Lucky Number Blurb:

Sophie’s going to a wedding where the invite is strictly plus one… but with her single girl status not exactly fitting in with the bridesmaid dress code, and the best man being none other than the ex she would rather forget, Sophie needs a date and she needs one fast!

Luckily for Sophie, her dreamy but distant co-worker Adam Reid owes their mutual friend James big time…and his gorgeousness more than fills the role of the ‘Perfect Boyfriend’!

As they take off to the sunny shores of Cornwall for the wedding weekend, it’s not long before pretence leads to passion and Sophie and Adam must decide; is their relationship real or is it all for show?


Plus One is a Lucky Number is available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and for all other suppliers through Harper Impulse.

You can chat to Teresa on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and check out her website and Goodreads page.