I’ve got a problem with pets. It’s not that I don’t like them—I love animals, and we’ve had pets in the past. But all my memories of pets are linked to the pain of loss. It began when I was four. Following a major family crisis, my mother, siblings, and I were staying with my […]
We Don’t Talk About That Story…
Some months ago, Jaycee Weaver wrote a blog post about the love-hate relationships authors have with their first books. Along with other InspyRomance authors, I shared with Jaycee about my first ever published book which, while flawed, still has a special place in my heart, and I love it despite its awkwardness. There is, however, […]
The Best Opening Chapters & A Giveaway
First lines are a big deal. Novel writers spend inordinate amounts of time painstakingly crafting the perfect opening sentence. While I do like a good first line, the first chapter is way more important to me. I always read a novel’s opening chapter via the online bookstore’s “preview” feature. I’ll buy the book only if […]
Back to the 90s
I’m currently writing a short book set about 25 years ago. It’s a prequel to my Seasons of Faith series about couples who are in their 40s. My work-in-progress tells the story of how one of the couples fell in love when they were in their 20s. Writing a book set in 1998 seemed like […]
When Books Imitate Headlines + A Giveaway
One story is currently dominating the news headlines in the UK. A member of the Royal Family has been exposing all manner of dirty laundry—including unmentionables—in the runup to his new memoir, which was a bestselling book even before it was released. An early reviewer of my latest book, Within the Storm, asked whether I’d […]
Don’t Give Up the Day Job
Whenever I’m filling in an official form, my pen (or cursor) hesitates over one question: “occupation.” I could put a few things in that space, and they’d all be true. I’m an author. But I’m also a stay-at-home mother, a homeschooler, and an audio typist. Like the vast majority of authors, writing isn’t the only […]
When Books Don’t Quite Hit
There’s a lovely and ultra-successful romance author who amuses me by referring to her books as being racehorses or donkeys. Her “racehorses” are the titles that sell many copies, while the “donkeys” perform far less well. The author I refer to has written hundreds of books, some of which have been tremendously successful, giving her […]
Would You Rather…?
My children and I love “Would You Rather” quizzes. We try our best to throw dilemmas at each other where you’re only allowed one choice. Each option is either wonderful but with a big downside, or else both options have major drawbacks. So, I thought it would be fun to share a bookish “would you […]
Haven’t I Seen Your Face Before?
I adore pretty book covers. Getting them made for my books is one of my favourite parts of the publishing process. My design skills are rudimentary, so I commission a cover artist to give my books a face. These talented artists need me to give them a design brief before they can work, so I […]
When Troubles Brew After “I Do”
Most romance novels end either with the couple on the threshold of marriage, with the wedding itself, or while the lovebirds are in newlywed bliss. We close the book with a happy sigh, knowing that this couple are going to grow old together, along with all the joys that married life brings. But, far too […]
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