Hi Miriam and welcome. Can I start, as always, by asking you a little about yourself?

Hi Jo and thank you very much for having me on your blog. I was born and brought up in the UK, but have lived for over forty years in Israel, where I married and had three children, now all grown up. I began my working life as a computer programmer, transferred to technical writing and am now an author and an editor.

The other thing I should say, because it comes up below, is that I developed social anxiety as a child, mostly because of the way I was treated at school, and have lived with it ever since.

What made you decide to move from writing fiction to producing a non-fiction book?

It only seems as if that’s what I did. Actually, I wrote the non-fiction book on social anxiety in 2004 before I wrote any fiction. When I tried to get it published, I began to realise how difficult it is to become a published author and put the book aside. In the meantime, I started to write fiction and eventually got some short stories published in anthologies before being picked up by my publisher, Crooked Cat Books. When Crooked Cat ventured into non-fiction, they accepted my book from 2004, which I enhanced, and which was published in 2017.

Have you any plans to return to fictional work?

Definitely. I’m working on one work of fiction at the moment and have plans for others.

If money were no object where in the world would you love to travel to?

My husband and I have done a lot of travelling in recent years, including exotic places like India, Ethiopia and the Far East. But I’ve never crossed the equator and would love to visit anywhere in the southern hemisphere. I’d probably start with Australia and New Zealand, two places with plenty to discover and no language barrier.

Are you able to tell us a little about what you are working on at the moment?

I’m looking forward to getting back to writing when I return home from my current trip to the UK, during which, apart from visiting several lovely friends, I have given a talk on social anxiety and am about to co-lead a workshop.

In the novel I hope to finish shortly, a man who’s been socially isolated is sent to Japan to represent his company. The business trip is only short, but it has a major effect on his life.

And lastly, you are planning life on a desert island for a year. What four things would you take with you and why?

The thing that springs to mind first is the means for writing. I’m hoping that by wording it in this way, you will regard it as one thing, although it sounds like two: paper and pens. And in sufficient quantities to keep me going all year, please. That’ll keep me busy and happy.

Turning to more practical matters, I’d like a big crate of tinned and other food and drink that’ll last, to keep me alive.

Music would be nice – a wide variety of it, including songs to dance to. And maybe the playlist could include some Radio 4 programmes. I particularly like Woman’s Hour, Just a Minute and the News Quiz. Even Desert Island Discs.

And, of course, lots of books to read, starting with all those on my ever-growing to-read list.

This is beginning to sound like a welcome prospect. When can I go?

Author BIO

Miriam Drori was born and brought up in London and now lives with her husband and one of three grown up children in Jerusalem.

With a degree in Maths and following careers in computer programming and technical writing, Miriam has been writing novels and short stories for fourteen years. After some success with short stories, Miriam turned her hand to longer fictional works, publishing “Neither Here Nor There” and “The Women Friends: Selina” co-written with Emma Rose Millar.

Miriam’s latest publication is non-fiction and explores the common but little-known disorder called social anxiety, which has been her companion for most of her life. It looks at social anxiety from different points of view, with the help of many quotes from ‘sufferers’ who agreed for their words to be used anonymously. The book has been highly recommended by ‘sufferers’ as well as professionals in this field.

When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, hiking, dancing and travelling.

Miriam Drori can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, Wattpad and on her website/blog and social anxiety blog.

Books

Neither Here Nor There, a romance set in Jerusalem.

The Women Friends: Selina, historical fiction based on a painting by Klimt.

Social Anxiety Revealed

As a huge fan of Sheryl’s I’m super excited to be joining this blog blitz…

The Babysitter: A gripping psychological thriller with edge of your seat suspense
myBook.to/TBSSocial

You trust her with your family. Would you trust her with your life?

Mark and Melissa Cain are thrilled to have found Jade, a babysitter who is brilliant with their young children. Having seen her own house burn to the ground, Jade needs them as much as they need her. Moving Jade into the family home can only be a good thing, can’t it?

As Mark works long hours as a police officer and Melissa struggles with running a business, the family become ever more reliant on their babysitter, who is only too happy to help. And as Melissa begins to slip into depression, it’s Jade who is left picking up the pieces.

But Mark soon notices things aren’t quite as they seem. Things at home feel wrong, and as Mark begins to investigate their seemingly perfect sitter, what he discovers shocks him to his core. He’s met Jade before. And now he suspects he might know what she wants …

Mark is in a race against time to protect his family. But what will he find as he goes back to his family home?

If you loved reading The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors and The Sister, you’ll love the suspense of The Babysitter. This unputdownable read will have you turning the pages until way after dark.

MY REVIEW

Sheryl Browne has delivered yet another fabulous nail biting read. What is interesting about this story is that unlike her previous thrillers, this time we actually get inside the head of the incredibly evil young woman who owns the title of this book. We learn her motives and see exactly how she means to achieve her goals, acting with an icy callousness common to those with psychopathic tendencies.

She is someone whose actions have been triggered by events experienced as a child long ago. A traumatic event and the first time she met DI Mark Cain. He said he’d always be there for her and she hasn’t forgotten that promise. Now an adult, she has recently moved in opposite Mark and his family.  When her cottage is badly damaged by fire they come to Jade’s aid. As she has no relatives they offer to put her up while the insurance is being sorted.  Jade tells them she is trained in child care and offers to help Mark’s wife Melissa, looking after the children while she works.

On the surface Jade is perfect. She’s pretty, competent; nothing it appears is too much for her to cope with.   Her arrival seems to have come at the right time as Mel suddenly begins to feel unwell, leaving her with the day to day responsibilities for seven year old Poppy and baby Evie. Mark too is affected as Mel’s depression and lack of energy worsens and begins to have an adverse impact on his job.

I was amazed at how cleverly Jade manipulated everyone around her, creating massive cracks in the Cain’s previously idyllic marriage.  Even when things don’t quite go to plan, she’s there, finding ways around the problem to get her back on track.

And poor Mark, like all Sheryl’s previous central male characters he comes under incredible pressure as he battles to save both his marriage and his job. There were times I wondered how or even whether he’d survive.

Jade is a thoroughly nasty character, complex and damaged.  She’s one jump ahead of everyone in her twisted plan to get rid of Mel and have Mark for herself.  She’s on a mission and absolutely nothing is going to stand in her way.

An edge of the seat story, cleverly written with great characters  – Jade was an absolute masterpiece!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sheryl Browne brings you powerful psychological thriller and contemporary fiction. SheryI’s latest psychological thriller THE BABYSITTER – the first of a three-book deal – comes to you from fabulous BOOKOUTURE. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and previously writing for award winning Choc Lit, Sheryl has several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies, where she completed her MA in Creative Writing.

So why does Sheryl write in two genres? Quoting E. L. Doctorow, Sheryl says: “Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights…” This she thinks sums up a writer’s journey, you never quite know where you are going until you get there. You might start with an outline, but a strong character will always divert from the plot. If Sheryl’s not sure where a character is going, she simply has to trust him to show her the way. Plus, according to one reviewer, she also has a scary insight into the mind of a psychopath.

Please do find out more about Sheryl at http://www.sherylbrowne.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SherylBrowne.Author/
and Twitter https://twitter.com/SherylBrowne

Today I’m chatting to author Andy Guest who has just published his autobiography – Type T.  Quoting from the blurb ‘Type T is a true and compelling account of Andy’s testosterone-fuelled escapades, where not everything goes to plan. It’s a tale of the strength of the human mind when it steps outside the comfort zone.’

Good morning Andy and welcome. Can I start, as always, by asking you a little about yourself?

Good morning, Jo. Thank you for having me. Well, I’m just an average person who at the tender age of eighteen decided I wanted a life of adventures, and who realised in order to make it happen I would have to step outside my comfort zone. I hoped, in doing so, that I would perhaps learn more about myself, which I did. Adventures aside, I’m married to Alison and I’m a father of two sons who have their parents’ genes, so it came as no surprise to see their adventurous and competitive spirits surface. I live in Devon, a stone’s throw from the drop zone at Dunkesewell, where I spend most of my time jumping from aeroplanes as a skydiving instructor.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? How did your journey begin?

Many years ago my brother was interviewing my father about his experiences as a Malayan police officer fighting in the jungles, with the idea of writing a book about him, but sadly my father passed away before it was completed. It was only after I heard some of the stories that it struck me there was a part of my father I never knew, and my sons would never know. So, by writing my autobiography, future generations of my family will know something about me. I was spurred on by friends who, after hearing about my experiences, found them fascinating and urged me to write about them.

How did you find the writing process? Which parts were the easiest and the most difficult for you?

I’m extremely grateful that I was introduced to an editor who opened my eyes to the writing world and showed me the ropes. Once I got started, writing about most of my experiences was easy… I just viewed the images in my mind and transferred the stories onto paper. One story in particular was extremely difficult to write about, though. I had buried a lot of emotional stuff deep inside me and had put up a barrier as a way of dealing with it. Allowing that barrier to drop and letting those emotions resurface was painful, but the story had to be told as it had such an impact on my life.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about writing their own memoir or autobiography?

There’s no point in writing an autobiography if you’re not going to be honest. People will see through any lies so stick to the facts and remember that none of us are perfect. I wrote my book in the present tense, so the readers will feel they are with me on my journey, and I think it makes the stories come alive on the page. Some things will be difficult to write about but you need to rise up and overcome those difficult moments. Sometimes you may have to step away from the keyboard in order to compose yourself, but it’ll all be worth it in the end. For me, it was actually quite a cathartic process.

Do you have any plans for a second book?

Now I’ve had a taste of writing and enjoyed the experience, I’m certainly toying with the idea and have a few ideas flying around in my head, but I’ll initially take a break and let the ideas grow. While that’s happening I have a lot of marketing to do!

If you were cast away on a desert island, which four things couldn’t you live without?

I’d need an endless supply of tea to help me chill; a fishing line with a hook to entertain and relax me, and to provide food; a pillow (just having that little bit of comfort makes all the difference), and a machete. I’d obviously use it to build things but I could also wave it at an approaching boat and yell,”Get off my land!” if the need arose.

And finally, you are hosting a dinner party and can invite four celebrity guests (dead or alive). Who would you choose and why?

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the explorer, as it be would be fascinating to hear about his adventures. Neil Armstrong, to hear his first hand account of landing on the moon. Douglas Bader, the Spitfire pilot and POW escapee. Wow! What an adventure he had in his life. And finally, Nellie Bly, the American journalist who stepped off the train in New York on 25 January 1890, and into history. She had raced through a “man’s world” in seventy-two days, and it would be fascinating to talk to her.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Join Andy Guest as he reflects on his lust for adventure and recounts the thrilling and often dangerous situations he has faced by living a life on the edge.

Packed with action and sprinkled with humour and emotion, this is an extraordinary story of one man’s quest to understand himself and to release an inner spirit that constantly challenges him.

Andy will take you up – to the clouds, the bridges, the skyscrapers and the mountain tops – in his pursuit of excellence in the world of skydiving and BASE jumping, and lead you from the gruelling Royal Marines training camp in Lympstone to ‘Bandit Country’ in Northern Ireland, and from the horrors of war-torn Afghanistan to the piracy of the open seas.

Type T is a true and compelling account of Andy’s testosterone-fuelled escapades, where not everything goes to plan. It’s a tale of the strength of the human mind when it steps outside the comfort zone.

LINKS
Amazon : https://t.co/79d1yYwuZs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Andy-Guest-Type-T-1904665896528159/

Today I’m with Melissa Kirk, a publishing professional who provides invaluable support services to creatives…

Hi Melissa and welcome. Can I start, as always, by asking you a little about yourself?

Sure! I’ve lived in the east bay of the San Francisco bay area for most of my life, grew up in Berkeley, and now live in Richmond. My first jobs were all about publishing and words…a bookstore, a newspaper, a small publishing house. I worked in publishing houses for 17 years, and have been freelancing as an editor and book coach for 2 years.

I just got the wonderful opportunity to serve on the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission, which I’m excited about.

In my spare time, I hang out with my cats, laugh with my friends, and grow vegetables.

What prompted you to start CreateBuzz Writing and Words to Honey Editing and Publishing services?

Well, about two years ago, I lost my 13-year job at a publishing company.
I knew this was a sign that I needed to really choose carefully what I wanted to do next. I ended up hiring a coach to help me figure it out, and we explored how much I love the arts and the creative world, and collaborating with creative people. It’s something I would do for free if I could!

So both my businesses are ways for me to help creative people in different ways, to get their voices and their work strongly out to the people who will love what they’re saying.

What kind of services do you offer to writers and creatives?

I started CreateBuzz as a way to help creative people get the clients and customers that would help them be able to make an income from their creativity. I help clients with marketing and community-building, which is all marketing really is. Whether its social media, writing web copy, doing video, holding art shows and events, submitting work to galleries, pitching services to potential clients, or brainstorming “out of the box” ways to get your creative work seen, I can help with that, and I can do the marketing work that many creative people don’t want to do, because they’d rather be doing their creative work.

Words to Honey is my editing and book coaching business, where I provide the same services to writers as I did at my old job and then some: editing, writing coaching, help with proposals and pitches, market research, pitching to publishing houses, book representation, ghostwriting, and marketing. But it’s better than my old job, because I can truly collaborate with the authors instead of being the gatekeeper, as I was at the publishing company. I focus on nonfiction.

Beach or city girl? Where are your favourite holiday destinations and why?

Oh, I’m not a city person at all. I’d much rather be in nature, whether the beach, the forest, mountains, or desert. I really love the desert, actually.

If I could pick any “holiday” travel (not that freelancers get holidays!) I’d go on a road trip across the states. I’ve always wanted to do that. I love exploring this country. There are so many cultures, landscapes, and types of people. One thing I like about having two freelance businesses is that I get to do so many different kinds of things. I get bored easily. On a road trip, there’s a potential adventure around every corner!

Have you ever been tempted to write fiction? If you have, what genre would you choose and why?

I used to try to write fiction. I have two half-novels I wrote during NaNoWriMo, but I could never finish them. One of them is about a bunch of freaks living in New Orleans, one of whom turns out to be a vampire. LOL. The other was about a woman who leaves an abusive relationship and drives across the country on a motorcycle.

If I were to try again and if I could finish something, I’d probably do something in the magical realism/dark future realm. I love that stuff.

And lastly, you are planning a dinner party. If you were able to invite four famous guests (living or dead) who would you choose and why?

I’d probably invite Nikola Tesla, Alan Turing, Ada Lovelace, and Grace Hopper. I’m fascinated by the history of tech – how we got these crazy tech devices we have now. I’d just sit back and listen.

ABOUT MELISSA

Melissa Kirk is an editor, writer, book coach, businesswoman, and marketer living in the SF bay area.

WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Www.wordstohoney.com

http://www.createbuzz.biz

https://www.facebook.com/wordstohoney/

Twitter: @words_to_honey

www.wordstohoney.com

TODAY IS NOT ONLY WORLD BOOK DAY, THERE’S A COVER REVEAL FOR JUNE MOONBRIDGE’S LATEST NOVEL…….

At the End of the Summer
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 1st May 2018

Joshua’s life as a rock guitarist seems like a dream come true. Sold out concerts, red carpet events and wild nights portray him as a confident young man with the world at his feet. Only few friends know the scars he carries.
When freelance photographer Caroline meets the rock band Burning Ruins at the after party, an irresistible chemistry of attraction between her and the sexy rock guitarist is clearly seen to everybody. However, after a forced conversation from Joshua’s side, Caroline’s convinced the attraction is not mutual.
Waking up the next morning, Caroline has no idea what happened. She flees out of the hotel room mortified, convinced she’d become another of the band’s trophies. Determined never to meet anyone from Burning Ruins ever again, she has no clue people around her have different ideas.
In a summer that takes them from London to Wales and to the sultry heat of Rome, they’re desperately fighting their demons from the past, while trying to protect their broken hearts. Will they ever let each other mend their broken hearts or will they try to heal them alone?

ABOUT JUNE MOONBRIDGE

June was born in June and she always loved the moon. She comes from Slovenia, a country in the middle of Europe.

She studied economics, and quickly realised she hated it. Afterwards, she found herself working in mainly male-dominated businesses; at first in automotive and later steel products. She can choose the best steel for your project, but don’t, please don’t, ask her which lipstick brand you should use.

She started to write in high school and was criticised by her teacher. Stubborn as she is, that didn’t stop her. Under different pen names, she had stories published in magazines, and then went on to publish three books.

After having two children, and learning that her second child has autism, she married their father and carried on working. Work and family life left her with little free time. But the desire to write didn’t die.

When life somehow sorted itself out, she challenged herself to write a novel in English and her first submissions were rejected…

For what happened then, re-read the third paragraph, second sentence above…

Since then she has published two novels: All that the Heart Desires and Caught Between Two Worlds are both stand alone and can be found on Amazon Worldwide, currently on discount or you can read them for free on KU.

You can find and follow June:
June’s blog ~ Dreams under the Moonbridge can be found on: http://www.junemoonbridge.com

FB Author’s page: http://www.facebook.com/JMoonbridge

You can follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JMoonbridge

Perhaps look for her on: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/june-moonbridge

Links to buy other two June’s books:

http://myBook.to/AllTtHeartDesires

http://myBook.to/CaughtBetweenTwoWorlds

Goodreads. She’d love to see you read her novels: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13887820.June_Moonbridge

Or follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmoonbridge/

This week I have author Rachel Brimble sitting in the Tuesday Talk chair…

Hi Rachel and welcome. Can I start, as always, by asking you a little about yourself?

I live near Bath with my husband of 20 years, our two daughters and mad chocolate Labrador, Tyler. I have eight books published with Harlequin Superromance and four Victorian romances with eKensington as well as several titles with the Wild Rose Press. I’m thrilled to announce I’ve just signed a new four book contract with Aria Fiction for an Edwardian series.
When I’m not working, I like to read, knit, watch TV or walk the countryside.

Who are your favourite writers and have they influenced your own writing in any way?

My favourite author is Nora Roberts who inspires me rather than influences my work – I LOVE her books and in complete awe how prolific she is and how she consistently produces great characters. She’s who I want to be when I grow up!

Having three writing hats – Romance, Romantic Suspense and Historical Romance – once you have finished a book how do you decide what comes next?

Up until now, I’ve tried to alternate between the three so it keeps my writing fresh for me and my readers. However, the new four book contract I’ve just signed and, the delivery times we’ve negotiated, means I will now have four historical books out in succession.
Once they’re done, I know I’ll be desperate to write a contemporary story, lol!

I know how much readers loved your Templeton Cove series. Were you sad to bring it to a close and will there be a new series to replace it?

I was immensely sad! Never in my wildest dreams did I think the series would run to five books, let alone eight. The funny thing is, I could’ve easily continued to write them if that’s what Harlequin had asked for. Templeton Cove has become such a real place to me that deciding the next story was like peeking into one of the houses and seeing what was going on…

If money were no object where would your dream holiday destination be?

I’d like to go to one of the exclusive, ridiculously expensive resorts in the Maldives or Seychelles. They look idyllic. I’d read and relax all day, having food and drinks brought to me before heading for a dip in the pool. Bliss!

Are you able to tell us a little about what you are working on at the moment?

I am currently working on editor revisions for book 1 in my new Edwardian series as well as heading into the second draft of book 2. After that, I’ll start plotting book 3 – 2018 is going to be entirely about the Edwardian era, lol!

And lastly, you’re planning to spend a year on a desert island. What four items would you take with you?

Pens and lots of paper (is that 2?)

A copy of Gone With The Wind

My pillow

A pair of sturdy shoes!

A STRANGER IN THE COVE

Mac Orman is on a mission. When he discovers his recently deceased father had been searching for his birth mother, Mac aims to finish the job by finding the grandmother he never knew. His quest leads him to Templeton Cove—and a firecracker of a woman who instantly jump-starts his tortured heart.
For Mac, Kate Harrington is the most tempting kind of distraction. But their sizzling connection comes with a side of suspicion for Kate, who doesn’t trust this brooding stranger in her town. Mac arrived with no plans to stay, but as he falls for Kate, he wonders how he could ever possibly leave.

Amazon US: http://a.co/iT0UjKe
Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/d4EuFqb
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-stranger-in-the-cove-rachel-brimble/1126552299?ean=9781488085505
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/a-stranger-in-the-cove-mills-boon-superromance-templeton-cove-stories-book-8

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. Since 2013, she has had seven books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and an eighth coming in Jan 2018. She also has four Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical Press as well as writing several single titles for the Wild Rose Press.
Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.
She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!
Links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Facebook Street Team – Rachel’s Readers
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Brimble/e/B007829ZRM/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1490948101&sr=8-1
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1806411.Rachel_Brimble

This week I’m really pleased to have JB Johnston here. Most of you will know her through her blog Brook Cottage Books but as you will see, she’s a lady of many talents…

Hi JB and welcome. Can I start, as always, by asking you a little about yourself?

Hi Jo and thank you so much for having me on Tuesday Talk. What an honour! My real name is Debbie Johnston (not to be confused with Debbie Johnson the published author). I write and blog under the name JB Johnston but generally answer to any name. I’ve gotten quite used to my alter ego. I’m from Northern Ireland and I live about 14 miles outside of Belfast. In my ‘official’ job I’m a social worker working in Children’s Services. In my other life I’m a reader, blogger AND author. I blog over at Brook Cottage Books where I coordinate virtual book tours for authors as well as sharing reviews. And, I’ve written a novel which has been critiqued by a reader in the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers Scheme. I’m not sure I’ll ever get the thing finished! Still a lot of work to do! I’m also married with 2 children and 2 step children and over the past year I’ve become slightly addicted to yoga. I lead a very busy and stressful life and I find it’s a wonderful escape from all that.

You are the mastermind behind Brook Cottage Books. What made you decide to offer this service to writers?

I have always adored books and part of me dreams to one day publish my own book. I initially started reviewing books on a personal blog I used to write for parents of kids with special needs. Being a carer myself I wanted to offer a site that was supportive and had a bit of humour too. I had posted a few book reviews on that blog, but I soon became so inundated with requests for reviews that I set up Brook Cottage Books to meet that demand. A few years later, with the guidance of lovely book blogger and former book tour organiser Sharon Goodwin, I began organising book tours and other paid services to authors alongside the free stuff I do. I adore helping authors get the word out about their books and themselves. It’s something I’m passionate about as there are so many amazing authors out there who maybe haven’t been picked up by big name publishers but still have some wonderful writing to share with the world. I particularly love it when I find an indie author who stuns me with how amazing their book is. I also get a real kick out of meeting new book bloggers too. I love having a good old chat about bookish things!

Have you a favourite genre?

Oh gosh! That’s a difficult question. I love them all though tend not to read too much science fiction. When I first started blogging I adored thriller or horror novels. However, the more book tours I started to take part in the more I forced myself to slip out of my reading comfort zone and try new genres. I’m so glad I did because otherwise I wouldn’t have read so many wonderful books that have surprised me and taken my breath away with how amazing they are. If I had to give an answer though I think my favourite is ultimately Crime thrillers. I love a good whodunnit, but I’ve become a real sucker for a good old romance. I love everything from the classics such as Rebecca and Pride and Prejudice to books about zombies and killer viruses! If you like that sort of thing I can recommend The Passage Trilogy by Justin Cronin!

You have recently embarked on a writing career. How did this come about? Are you enjoying the experience?

I’ve always had ideas buzzing about in my head for as long as I can remember and used to write short stories when I was a teen. I did manage to get a short story published in a magazine when I was in my early twenties and then I had my son and my brain turned to mush. When I started book blogging I rediscovered my love of writing again but was too afraid to share it with anyone. However, in 2015 I took part in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and wrote the first draft of my novel in 30 days. This almost killed me! Its exhausting. I’ve been tweaking and editing the book ever since and at times I adore the experience and there are other times I could burn the book! I’ve been told that’s normal behaviour for a writer. I’ve joined a writing group and help to run it along with the other members. This has forced me to take a leap and start reading my work out to other people! What I have discovered about writing is that authors are the bravest people on the planet. Writing a book, short story or poem is like going outside without your knickers on! Terrifying. That being said, I’ve ideas for 4 other novels and written the opening chapters to 2 other novels. I just need to find the time to develop them!

How has the RNA New Writer’s Scheme helped your writing?

My lovely friend Les Moriarty who sadly died in 2016, was an amazing support and was always encouraging me to apply to become a member of the Romantic Novelists New Writers scheme, but I was too afraid. Les was so supportive of so many writers that lots of us owe him a huge debt of gratitude for pushing us out of our comfort zones. When Les died in 2016 I was devastated and decided to finally make that leap and join the scheme. The scheme has been amazing in terms of support and guidance. I had the opportunity to submit my manuscript for critique back in August. I received an in-depth report which at times wasn’t easy to read. Looking back on it now with a slightly more rational mind I can see a lot of it was very good advice, so I’ve been working on incorporating some of the suggestions on how to improve the story and my writing. The RNA also holds an annual conference and I attended that and was even a member of a panel on one of the conference days. Again, I received some wonderful support from other authors on the scheme and have made life long friends. I can’t sing the scheme’s praises highly enough. The RNA is simply amazing, and its members are the friendliest people!
Beach or city girl? Where are your favourite holiday destinations and why?

Oh a beach girl. I long to lie on a sandy beach somewhere with a cocktail in one hand and a book in the other! Living along a main road I crave somewhere quiet. I love the ocean and I think its because of my grandfather who was in the navy! My favourite holiday destination is Malta. We went there on our honeymoon and it was just beautiful. If I had to choose a city though it would be Rome. Really enjoyed our stay there. Our hotel was a converted monastery, half of which was still a working monastery and still had monks worshipping there!

What advice would you give to newbie writers?

I think the best advice to give is to accept constructive criticism of your work in the manner it was intended. Its there to help you develop as a writer. Well, as long as its not rude, hurtful or plain horrible which is unlikely. Also, seek out the support of other writers. The book community is an extremely supportive world where you will find lots of wonderful people to guide you. Establish links also within the wonderful book blogging community as ultimately these are the people who will read your book and tell the world about it. Their dedication is amazing. But always remember to be kind and courteous throughout. The book world, while supportive is protective too so rudeness will just not be tolerated, and people will not want to read your book. I think kindness should be practiced in all areas of life. It’s my mantra!

And finally, you are hosting a dinner party and can invite four celebrity guests (dead or living). Who would you choose and why?

Oh, excellent question. I think the first person would be Stephen King as I’m a huge fan! I’ve enjoyed his books for many years and think he is a fantastic writer. He scares the life out of me! Secondly, I’d invite Harper Lee as I’d love to hear more about her life and why it took so long for her to release Go Set A Watchman. Last two guests would be Donald Trump and the Queen. I can just imagine the stilted conversation between those two! I think it’d make for a fun night!

Take a ride with Love Taxis, the cab company with a Heart …
Rosalie Heart is a well-known face in Irlwick – well, if you drive a bright pink taxi and your signature style is a pink anorak, you’re going to draw a bit of attention! But Rosalie’s company Love Taxis is more than just a gimmick – for many people in the remote Scottish village, it’s a lifeline.

Which is something that Marc Petersen will never understand. Marc’s ruthless approach to business doesn’t extend to pink taxi companies running at a loss. When he arrives in Irlwick to see to a new acquisition – Raventhorn, a rundown castle – it’s apparent he poses a threat to Rosalie’s entire existence; not just her business, but her childhood home too.

On the face of it Marc and Rosalie should loathe each other, but what they didn’t count on was somebody playing cupid …

BUY LINKS

iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/gb/book/little-pink-taxi/id1326824583?mt=11&at=11lNBs

Kindle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Pink-Taxi-Choc-Lit-ebook/dp/B078KCQ5G3/

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/little-pink-taxi-choc-lit

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Marie_Laval_Little_Pink_Taxi?id=KIhDDwAAQBAJ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37883129-little-pink-taxi

Our website: http://www.choc-lit.com/dd-product/little-pink-taxi/

MY REVIEW

Absolutely loved this book.  At the centre is the sale of Ravensthorn Castle, a place Rosalie Heart has always called home. But with the arrival of new owner Marc Petersen, her whole life, and that of the small Scottish village of Irlwick is threatened.  Marc – half French/half Danish – is a cool no-nonsense business man whose world is about balance sheets and profit.  As part of the sale, Rosalie’s taxi business is under threat.  It doesn’t make a profit and Marc is unable to understand that she’s someone who believes the needs of her small isolated community are more important than income.

For Rosalie, Marc’s arrival unsettling. Why did Geoff McBride, currently in hospital after a car crash, decide to sell? And to this man of all people? Then there are the strange things that have been happening to her recently– hoax calls, threatening notes and a dark four by four shadowing her.

I particularly loved the way Marc and Rosalie’s romance was drip fed through the book. Their relationship moved from dislike to a wary companionship. Constantly thrown into each other’s company it wasn’t long before they were both trying their hardest to resist each other. But of course the inevitable happened – helped along by some ghostly happenings courtesy of Isobel McBride.

When Kirsty Marsh, Marc’s right hand woman, discovers what is going on she’s  determined Rosalie won’t get the man she’s set her sights on. Devious and clever, she sets out to wreck their relationship.

And last but not least I have to mention the setting – the mountains, the loch, the forest, the snow (lots of it) and  the wonderful, sometimes quirky,  inhabitants of Irlwick.

There is so much more I could say about Little Pink Taxi, but it would be giving far too much of the plot away and that’s the last thing I want to do.  All I will say is that it is a great read which includes romance, mystery, ghosts and a mythical treasure.  It’s also a thriller with some scary moments for both Marc and Rosalie.  All in all another winner for Choc Lit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Lyon in France, I have been living in Lancashire for the past few years. I write both contemporary and historical romance, always with ‘a French twist’! A SPELL IN PROVENCE is my first contemporary romantic suspense and is available from Accent Press. ANGEL HEART, my debut historical romance, THE LION’S EMBRACE and DANCING FOR THE DEVIL are published by Accent Press too. Watch this space for LITTLE PINK TAXI, my new contemporary romance, which will be released by Choc Lit in February 2018!

Do you ever wish you could turn back time?

Grace Nicholls has a few reasons for wanting to turn back the clock … although an archaeological dig at a Bronze Age settlement on the Yorkshire moors is not what she had in mind. But encouraged by her best friend Tabitha, that’s exactly where she finds herself.

Professor Duncan McDonald is the site director and his earnest pursuit of digging up the past makes him appear distant and unreachable. But when a woman on the site goes missing, it seems that his own past might be coming back to haunt him once again.

As they dig deeper, Duncan and Grace get more than they bargained for – and come to realise that the past is much closer than either of them ever imagined …

MY REVIEW

Jane Lovering is a very unique voice and brings both drama and humour to the romantic fiction she writes. Living in the Past centres on a dig which takes place in North Yorkshire during the summer holidays. Young widowed history teacher Grace still mourns the loss of husband Jamie who died of cancer two years ago. Her friend Tabitha suggests a break away but the thought of working on an archaeological dig – somewhere which conjures up images of heavy rain and plentiful amounts of mud – holds little appeal. Despite her initial reservations Grace joins Tabitha at the dig. When Tabitha’s partner Millie arrives on site and she has to move out of their tent she is offered a room with Professor Duncan McDonald, the dig leader; a large, scruffy unapproachable man. When one of the dig members goes missing and the police arrive to interview Duncan, Grace learns she is not the only one with a troubled past. Despite still mourning husband Jamie, Grace has her witty moments. She’s also a strong, compassionate character. Discovering her ability to move between present day and the past she uses it to help Duncan find closure on a situation that has haunted him for fifteen years. An incident he has never stopped blaming himself for. It has a bit of a domino effect too. As Grace becomes more involved with helping Duncan so her preoccupation with Jamie and the past gradually begins to fade. Duncan is not your usual Choc Lit hero either. In fact he’s anything but. Scruffy and more often than not covered in mud, at the beginning of the story he’s distant and unapproachable. But meeting Grace causes a shift in his attitude and begins to mellow him. And when all that mud is showered away, Grace discovers underneath his worn jacket, baggy jumpers and faded jeans there’s quite an attractive man lurking… The title Living in the Past has been well chosen. It not only relates to the fact the story centres around an archaeological dig, both characters are also in some way tied to previous events in their lives. Well deserving of five stars…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane was born in Devon and now lives in Yorkshire. She has five children, four cats and two dogs! She works part-time and also teaches creative writing. Jane is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and has a first class honours degree in creative writing.

Jane writes romantic comedies which are often described  as ‘quirky’.

Her debut Please Don’t Stop the Music won the 2012 Romantic Novel of the Year and the Best Romantic Comedy Novel award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association.  

BUY LINKS FOR LIVING IN THE PAST

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Past-Choc-Jane-Lovering-ebook/dp/B078GRHXT1/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Past-Choc-Jane-Lovering-ebook/dp/B078GRHXT1/
iBook: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/gb/book/living-in-the-past-choc-lit/id1327244667?mt=11&at=11lNBs
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/living-in-the-past-choc-lit
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jane_Lovering_Living_in_the_Past_Choc_Lit?id=3a9DDwAAQBAJ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37731978-living-in-the-past
Our website: http://www.choc-lit.com/dd-product/living-in-the-past/

TELL ME NO SECRETS

Can a secret be worse than a lie?

Every time Kate Duggan looks in a mirror she is confronted by her guilt; a long, red scar reminding her that she was ‘the one to walk away’ from the car accident. Not everyone was so lucky …
On the surface her fiancé Rob is supportive – but the reality is different. He’s controlling, manipulative and, if the phone call Kate overhears is anything to go by, he has a secret. But just how dangerous is that secret?
When Kate begins work at a firm of private investigators, she meets Ben Parker. His strong and silent persona is intriguing but it’s also a cover – because something devastating happened to Ben, something he can’t get over.
As Kate and Ben begin their first assignment, they become close. But, what they don’t realise is how close to home the investigation will bring them, or who will be hurt in the process …

Buy Link to Choc Lit
http://www.choc-lit.com/dd-product/house-of-secrets/
Buy Link to Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tell-Me-No-Secrets-gripping-ebook/dp/B06Y5LN8BP/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1493732572&sr=1-1&keywords=tell+me+no+secrets
or GetBook.at/Tmnsecrets

MY REVIEW

Kate Duggan blames herself for an accident which killed her brother and crippled her twin sister Eve. She has a constant reminder of the crash – a scar on her face which she camouflages with makeup. Not only does she feel guilty for what happened, her own physical disfigurement has left her with low esteem. When she meets handsome personal trainer Rob, she believes she has found someone who looks beyond the scar and really loves her. Now engaged and living in a cottage her grandmother left her, things appear to have changed. Rob is no longer a warm loving man but bullying and secretive.
Originally training as a lawyer, Kate joined the Met as a police officer . Having left her uniform days behind she is about to begin working for private investigators Parker and Sons. On her first morning when introduced to the owner’s son Ben she feels a spark of attraction but reminds herself she is already committed to Rob. Ben is also attracted to Kate but is still mourning the death of his wife and unborn child. As the two of them begin working together on a drugs case, a close friendship forms.
Lynda Stacey provides all the right ingredients for a thoroughly enjoyable read. She skilfully brings her characters together , introducing us to a hero and heroine still holding onto their painful pasts, a thoroughly unpleasant boyfriend and the mother from hell to mention but a few There are enough plot twists and turns in the plot as it sweeps Ben and Kate in and out of dangerous situations, as you wonder whether they will eventually get together or not. An excellent follow up to her first novel House of Secrets.

Author Bio

Lynda grew up in the mining village of Bentley, Doncaster, in South Yorkshire,
Her own chaotic life story, along with varied career choices helps Lynda to create stories of romantic suspense, with challenging and unpredictable plots, along with (as in all romances) very happy endings.
Lynda joined the Romantic Novelist Association in 2014 under the umbrella of the New Writers Scheme and in 2015, her debut novel House of Secrets won the Choc Lit & Whole Story Audiobooks Search for a Star competition.
She lives in a small rural hamlet near Doncaster, with her husband, Haydn, whom she’s been happily married to for over 20 years.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lyndastaceyauthor
Twitter: @Lyndastacey
Website: http://www.Lyndastacey.co.uk

Tell Me No Secrets: The Hero – All About Ben Parker

With the paperback release of Tell Me No Secrets, I decided that it was at this time that I got to look back at how I created Ben, the hero of the book …

Who is Ben Parker?

Ben is obviously gorgeous but has a secret of his own. He’s caring, understanding and comes over as calm, with just a hint of vulnerability, all of which quickly shows through in his personality.

Ben is the son of William Parker, who owns the private investigator firm where Kate Duggan goes to work. Everyone keeps telling Ben to move on, to start his life again, but Ben still lives with the past, with the loss of his wife and unborn child and with the guilt that if only he’d been home, he might just have been able to save them both.

What makes a good hero?

And of course this is only my opinion.
A good hero is hard to find. I often read books where the hero isn’t that appealing (to me), they are often flat and without much of a personality, which is why I like to give my heroes a history. I feel that they need depth of character and a big personality. They don’t necessarily have to be overly gorgeous, but of course it helps. I feel that it’s more important for them to be kind, respectful, passionate and sensitive. I also feel that the hero needs to be interesting, and just a little flawed. He needs to feel emotion, even if sometimes that’s anger or hatred, especially towards someone who is trying to hurt the people he loves. All of this helps the reader identify with him, they take the journey with him as he overcomes those flaws, and what’s more they begin to root for him to achieve and succeed.

A piece of the novel from Ben Parker’s point of view…!

Ben cringed, caught her eye and mouthed ‘sorry’. He liked the way she came across, appearing to be timid, cautious, yet with the flick of a switch, she’d turn feisty, and easily capable of standing her ground.

She intrigued him. He realised why she thought the accident was personal, he could understand her not wanting to talk about it in public and why she had omitted it on the application form. After all, he knew that her sister had been paralysed, her brother killed and out of curiosity, he half hoped his father would push her for just a few more answers.
Ben once again caught her gaze. She looked defenceless and ready to run; her eyes held the light like mirrors and sparkled as though full of tears that didn’t or couldn’t fall. He smiled at her and her mouth curled up slightly at one side in a quirky, nervous half smile and then there was the scar, a scar that carved itself into her jawline. It was definitive, yet somehow added to her vulnerability, and for some reason, it made her even more beautiful.
He breathed in deeply and then closed his eyes. She wore a fragrance that reached its way across the office. It was fresh, musky and distinguished and he kept his eyes closed momentarily to enjoy the scent.

Rousing himself, he walked to the door and excused himself from the room. He then stood in the passageway with his back against the wall. His hands made fists and he felt angry with himself for looking at Kate that way. She was a work colleague after all, and he reprimanded himself for thinking otherwise. It had been the first time, since Julia had died, that he’d admired another woman. Or had thought of one in that way and, for a moment, he felt as though he’d betrayed her memory. Even though he knew he didn’t need it, he looked up to the sky for forgiveness, before taking a deep breath, opening the door and walking back into the office, where Kate and his father were talking.