JO LAMBERT

Today I’m pleased to welcome Suzan Collins the creator of the Chatty Cat series.

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

I live by the sea and enjoy writing fiction as it allows me to make up stories – and eat cake! I also write non-fiction to inform others.

What led to you becoming an author?

I used to manage care homes and there was a gap in training materials so I wrote some open learning workbooks for the staff to complete. When I left management I was offered a four book contract by Jessica Kingsley Publishers and in 2018 a further two book contract…. And now have 16 titles published #nonfiction #fiction #adults #children

What inspired you to write The Chatty Cat series?

Chatty is an actual cat. My cat. Chatty was rescued by the local RSPCA and named Twinkle. A few days of moving in she chatted so much I soon named her Chatty Cat. Social media is great for showing people things and of course within a day or two of Chatty moving in I posted a few photos of her. As the days went on people were asking about her and wanted to see more pics so I set up a FB page for her. I was then contacted by some who are not on FB saying they wanted to keep up to date with and a blog was built. Chatty narrates her own books and as they follow her life they also give valuable info to the children reading her books e.g. how to look after a cat, an introduction to bullying, dementia etc. Book five which is out soon follows Chatty and her furry friends and their adventures and the passing of one of their cat friends. There are some sad chapters in this one but it teaches children about death and that you can talk about it.

My books are written for children and adults read them too!

Chatty Cat: My Purr-fect New Home Book 1
Chatty Cat: Spring into Summer Book 2
Chatty Cat: My Purr-fect Friends Book 3
Chatty Cat: Activity Book Book 4
Chatty Cat: Autumn into Winter Book 5 (coming really soon)

Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Suzan-Collins/e/B0037DXY46/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1518448936&sr=1-2-ent

Are you a meticulous planner or do you come up with an idea, begin writing and see where it takes you?

I’m an in-betweener. I have an idea and start writing it to see where it takes me and then devise a plan.

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

I’m always working on a few books at a time and usually fiction and nonfiction. Currently I’m revising ‘The Get Writing Buddy’, writing a novel and writing the first children’s book in Izzy Cat’s series (my second rescue cat). Chatty and Izzy are very different not only in size but also in character. Chatty is now confident and laid back whereas Izzy is cheeky and in to everything.

 

In my children’s books I always have an auction for people to bid to have their pet or relative named in my cat series with monies from the auction going to Cats Protection Anglia Coastal (they rescued Izzy Cat). The auction closes on 14th Feb so if any readers wish to buy that special unique present for their loved one here’s the link
https://www.facebook.com/Auction-to-have-your-pet-or-relative-named-in-my-Izzy-Cat-book-1635423019849832

ABOUT SUZAN

Internationally selling author, Suzan Collins, enjoys writing fiction as it allows her to make up stories – and eat cake! She also writes non-fiction to inform others – and eats cake!

To see all books by Suzan Collins and find out more about her, please visit:
Website: http://www.suzancollins.com
Facebook Author page: http://goo.gl/zfiqyv
Twitter: @suzancollins

 

Chatty Cat’s social media: https://www.facebook.com/ChattyCat/
Twitter: @chattycatsuzi
Blog: http://chattycatno1.wordpress.com/

 

Today I would like to welcome crime writer Val Penny whose debut novel Hunter’s Chase has just been published by Crooked Cat.

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

I am an American author living in SW Scotland. I have two adult daughters of whom I am very proud and live with my husband and two cats. I have a Law degree from Edinburgh University and my MSc from Napier University. I have had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, lawyer, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer.

What influenced you to become a crime writer?

I am am avid read and my favourite genre is crime thrillers. As I have not yet achieved either of my childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store, I have turned my hand to writing poetry, short stories and novels, until those dreams come true.

What does your writing day look like?

I tend not to write in the morning, I do my household tasks then. I prefer to write in the afternoons and will often write from then until late in the evening. I like to keep going until I finish committing my run of thoughts to paper ( or computer!).
Beach or city girl? Where are your favourite holiday destinations and why?

I like to relax on vacation, but that can as easily be done exploring an interesting city or chilling with a cool drink and a book by a pool. I love to travel. It is often said, that I would go to the opening of an envelope! Invite me anywhere, and I will surely turn up.

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

My first crime novel, ‘Hunter’s Chase‘ set in Edinburgh, Scotland is published by Crooked Cat Books on 02.02.2018. It is available from Amazon.
I am now writing the sequel, ‘Hunter’s Revenge‘ which will be published in late summer  2018

And finally, you’ve  been invited onto Desert Island Discs. Out of all the choices you could make, what would be your favourite pieces of music?

I enjoy music and have very eclectic tastes. The most recent concert I went to was given by the noted Scottish pianist Steven Osbourne who played a fabulous selection of Beethoven. Just before Christmas I went to the most marvellous jazz concert by the Tommy Smith Quartet, and amongst my favourite current performers are Adele and Sam Smith. I think I would choose a piece by each of these.

Hunter by name – Hunter by nature: DI Hunter Wilson will not rest until Edinburgh is safe.

DI Hunter Wilson knows there is a new supply of cocaine flooding his city and he needs to find the source but his attention is transferred to murder when a corpse is discovered in the grounds of a golf course. Shortly after the post-mortem, Hunter witnesses a second murder but that is not the end of the slaughter. With a young woman’s life also hanging in the balance, the last thing Hunter needs is a new man on his team: the son of his nemesis, the former Chief Constable. Hunter’s perseverance and patience are put to the test time after time in this taught crime thriller.

Buy Link: myBook.to/HuntersChase

ABOUT VAL

Val Penny is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and two cats. She has a Law degree from Edinburgh University and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, lawyer, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer. However she has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballet dancer or owning a candy store. Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories and novels. Her first crime novel, ‘Hunter’s Chase’ set in Edinburgh, Scotland will be published by Crooked Cat Books on 02.02.2018. She is now writing the sequel, ‘Hunter’s Revenge’.

VAL’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

http://www.authorvalpenny.com
http://www.facebook.com/valerie.penny.739
Friends of Hunter’s Chase – http://www.facebook.com/groups/296295777444303
https://twitter.com/valeriepenny

 

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

Firstly, thanks for inviting me onto your blog, Jo, it’s lovely to join such super authors on Tuesday Talk.
I’m a retired psychotherapist and hypnotherapist; a mother of three grown-up children and grandmother to two small ones living close-by. Only really happy when by the sea, I’ve moved around a great deal to ensure that’s where I live ☺

How did your writing career begin?

Although I’d often had the ‘itch’ to write, particularly enjoying writing the essays for my OU degree (!), I never seemed to have the time or motivation to start. Then, about eleven years ago, I was pushed into entering a 500 word true-life story competition in Prima magazine and amazed myself by winning. This spurred me on to start the novel which became the first in The Guernsey Novels series, ‘Dangerous Waters’. I was a complete beginner and knew nothing about how to write but thoroughly enjoyed the process. It was only after receiving a couple of professional critiques, one from the RNA NWS scheme, that I realised I had a way to go if I wanted to see the book published. So began many re-writes and edits. Having no joy with agents, although some offered encouragement, I took the plunge and self-published in 2012 under my own imprint, Sarnia Press.

Who are your favourite authors and have any of them inspired your writing in any way?

My list of favourite authors has changed over the years as I’ve matured and acquired different reading tastes. I’ve loved books by Maeve Binchy, Joanna Trollope, Erica James, Katie Fforde, Robert Goddard, Mary Higgins Clark, CJ Ransome and Barbara Erskine. My stories focus on relationships, family dramas and mysteries, including a touch of dual-time and time-slip. My inspiration comes from across the board, but I feel I owe most to Erica, Maeve and Barbara.

Your books are set in Guernsey. Is there any other favourite location you might use in the future?

Mmm. At the moment I can’t see that happening as I love writing about Guernsey, having lived there for many happy years. I’m now in Devon so that’s a possibility one day …

If money were no object, where in the world would you take a very special holiday?

Oooh, choices, choices! I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some fabulous places over the years, but would love to visit India and China. Their ancient cultures are so intriguing and their modern so different to ours, I’m bound to have a wonderful time.

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

Yes, it’s number 7 in the series (all standalone stories, but with links to each other) and titled ‘The Inheritance’. In the other books I’ve referred to events of the German Occupation in tandem with the present, but this story goes back to Victorian times, when Victor Hugo lived as an exile in Guernsey. It’s dual-time, and the Victorian element concerns a young widow, Eugenie, who is befriended by Victor Hugo and his mistress Juliette Drouet and becomes his copyist. She lives in Hauteville, near Hugo’s house and her life becomes involved in theirs. Eugenie finds him charismatic, becoming more and more drawn to him. She reminds Hugo of his beloved, dead daughter, Léopoldine, and he sees her as a reincarnation of his child. In the present day, Tess, a doctor, inherits Eugenie’s house from a great-aunt, the family being direct descendants of hers. The family myth has always been that Eugenie was Hugo’s mistress, bearing his child. Tess finds Eugenie’s journals, hidden since the late nineteenth century, and learns the truth behind the myth.

And lastly, you have been invited onto I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. Name four celebrities you would like to share the jungle with.

Can I just say, nothing would ever tempt me to do this in real life! But, hypothetically speaking, I’d choose Colin Firth – for his manly presence – Dawn French ¬– for a laugh – Bear Grylls – to do the yucky stuff – and Daniel Craig – to get me out of there!

Website: http://www.anneallen.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anne-Allen-Author-176883759173475
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneAllen21
Author Page on Amazon: http://Author.to/AnneAllen

 ABOUT ANNE

Anne Allen lives in Devon, by her beloved sea. She has three children, and her daughter and two grandchildren live nearby. Her restless spirit has meant a number of moves which included Spain for a couple of years. The longest stay was in Guernsey for nearly fourteen years after falling in love with the island and the people. She contrived to leave one son behind to ensure a valid reason for frequent returns.
By profession, Anne was a psychotherapist, but long had the itch to write. Now a full-time writer, she has written The Guernsey Novels, six having been published and the seventh, The Inheritance, is due out in 2018.

Today I’m chatting with Harper Impulse author Katey Lovell

 

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

Hi Jo! I’m a romance writer based in South Yorkshire who loves reading, writing, live music and musical theatre.

What made you want to be a writer and how did that journey begin?

I’ve always loved making up stories – as a child I had a lockable notebook that I used to write my first tales down in. As I got older I started writing what would now be called fan-fiction about Take That, and then moved on to poetry and short stories.

In 2014 I was struggling with ill-health (I have Crohn’s Disease, which wasn’t diagnosed at this point, as well as anxiety). I left the job I’d been in for the previous nine years and started working as a lunchtime supervisor, thinking it would give me more time to focus on both getting better and working towards making a career in writing. During that time I wrote the Meet Cute series of short stories, which were published by Harper Impulse in 2015, who’ve also published my three full-length novels.

Who are your favourite authors? Have they influenced your writing at all?

I’m a big fan of women’s fiction and I love Miranda Dickinson, Rebecca Raisin, Giovanna Fletcher, Carmel Harrington, Carrie Hope Fletcher…so many people! I’m a voracious reader, so I’d be surprised if I hadn’t been influenced by some of my favourite authors.

The first book I read that made me want to write about relationships with a touch of humour was Come Together by Emlyn Rees and Josie Lloyd – I actually met Josie a few years back and told her how I’d been influenced by her.

Currently you write feel good romance. Do you think you would ever be tempted to write something completely different or are you happy where you are?

I really enjoy writing about love, friendships and family dynamics, and I think anything I write will focus on relationships, but I’d love to try my hand at magical realism in the future – I have a notebook bursting with ideas that may one day become a novel!

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

I’m definitely a city girl. Don’t get me wrong, I love the beach too, but our holidays are almost always to cities – I’ve particularly loved Florence, New York and San Francisco. I’m drawn to interesting buildings and exploring residential neighbourhoods to get a flavour of the places I visit.

That said, I do wish I was the type of person who could enjoy lazing on a sun-lounger with a good book!

Can you tell us what you are working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on the first book in a trilogy with my agent, Julia Silk from MBA. I can’t tell you too much, but it centres around a 30-year-old woman who’s trying to get her life in order. It’s about friendship and family and the pressures of modern society.

You are planning to spend a year on a desert island. What four ‘must haves’ would you take with you and why?

Oh heck – I’m rubbish at these kind of questions. I’m pretty miserable without the ability to record my thoughts, whether that’s writing books or making lists, so either a laptop or a notepad and pen is a must. If there’s no electric, I guess I’ll be going the old fashioned route! The same goes for a book – I’ve always got at least two on the go. If I was just selecting one, I’d probably go for 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff, which is my ultimate comfort read. I’d also find it hard to be without music, but without electricity I suppose I’d need some kind of Walkman and a lot of batteries! And finally, cake. I’m a big fan of cake…

You can contact Katey via Twitter – @katey5678, Instagram – @katey5678 or facebook http://www.facebook.com/kateylovell, or her blog, which can be found at http://www.kateylovell.blogspot.co.uk.

Katey’s Amazon page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Katey-Lovell/e/B00YLIBPRE/

ABOUT KATEY

Katey is the author of three commercial women’s fiction novels published by HarperCollins imprint HarperImpulse. Her heart-warming novels are about people overcoming everyday challenges with the support of their friends, family and local community. She has also written a series of coffee-break romances and two novellas, and is currently working on a new series of three novels.
Originally from South Wales, Katey now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and son. When she’s not writing she’ll most likely be found indulging her love of musicals, enjoying live music or reading anything and everything she can lay her hands on.

 

It’s Monday once more and the outside the rain is steady and persistent.  I feel this winter has been particularly awful with very few light sunny days and so much wet, dark weather. We’re very lucky to live on the side of a hill even though we are probably only five hundred yards from a river – By Brook – which meets the River Avon on the edge of the village.  No chance of flooding, which I guess, next to fire must be one of the most awful things a house owner can experience.

When I woke up this morning I realised we’d already reached January 15th – half way through the first month of 2018 already!  I’m trying to keep up the positive vibe, pleased that I’ve secured Tuesday Talk interviews for February and March.  That’s one less pressure. I’m also nearing the end of a very long writing journey.  As no doubt I’ve mentioned many times in previous blogs, my current WIP has at times has taken to me to the edge of my patience…and sanity.  It began really well last January and I thought that this, like all my previous books, would be finished by Christmas. Unfortunately not. This story has taken on a life of its own.  I guess I could keep revising and improving until the men in white coats turn up to take me away.  However, I’m glad to report I have one extra scene to write – something I feel needs to be included in the book – and then I’m done.  Part of the reason I’m drawing a final line under this particular WIP is that a new story is knocking on the door.  I’ve been gradually putting it together in my head as I’ve been doing revisions on The Boys of Summer.  This has given me the boot up the backside I badly needed in order to get one project finished and another started.

Hopefully at the end of play today I’ll have written and polished that final scene and the whole thing will be winging its way to my editor for a final check and read through.

 

And the new project?  Well currently I’m getting the cast together. The location? I’m still not there yet.  It’s going to be either South Cornwall or North Devon  I have a great love for both counties and the atmospheric backdrops they can provide so am finding  it very hard to choose. As far as the plot goes, although there’s the central romance there will. as usual, be subplots woven through the book.  I began as a saga writer and I guess I’ve never been able to shake off the need to write a story which centres on more than just two people.  Strangely I’m not a great fan of soaps although I guess there is a slight parallel in my books in that it’s all about characters, families and communities.  So what do you think?

 SHOULD IT BE NORTH DEVON?

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OR SOUTH CORNWALL?

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In the time it’s taken to write this, the rain has stopped and then returned.  A thoroughly miserable Monday but this writer has work to do. So now I’m off to sort out that very last scene. Wish me luck!

Tuesday Talk’s first guest of 2018 is Choc Lit author Kathryn Freeman…

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

Only if I can start by thanking you so much for inviting me to Tuesday Talk . A bit about me. I’m a wife and mum to two boys who find it highly embarrassing that their mum writes romance. I trained originally as a pharmacist and spent over twenty happy years working in the pharmaceutical industry as a medical writer before leaving to become self employed . Now I juggle both types of writing and wait in dread for the day my beating hearts get mixed up. I keep fit by running, swimming and playing tennis (not all on the same day). The exercise means I can then indulge in my favourite pastime of eating (fish and chips, if you’re asking) and drinking (champagne if you’re buying).

How did your writing journey begin?

My first book was written as a New Year resolution – the only one I’ve ever kept to. It crashed and burned, but the writing bug had taken hold. Three years and many manuscripts and rejections later, I was lucky enough to get a publishing contract with Choc Lit. The breakthrough had been joining the RNA New Writers’ Scheme and getting their invaluable feedback on what I was doing wrong.

Would you ever consider writing something other than romantic fiction? If so what would that be?

Romantic fiction is my passion; it’s what I love to read in my spare time, so I think that’s why it’s also what I love to write. I can’t imagine writing a book without romance, though I would like to dip my toe into romantic suspense – see answer to question 6!

 If money were no object, where in the world would you particularly like to visit?

Holidays are a priority for me (who needs double glazing/ a car that doesn’t keep breaking down/savings?) and I’ve been lucky enough to visit several ‘dream’ holiday destinations already. I’d go back to the Barrier Reef, Hawaii and Florence in a flash. Still on my wish list are a safari in South Africa, a relax on the beach in the Seychelles and a tour up the West coast of Australia.

What were your favourite books as a child?

I was a Famous Five addict as a child, becoming a Mills and Boon addict as a teenager.

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

My next book out will be a romance set in a biscuit factory, currently (and cunningly?!) entitled Crumbs. Meanwhile I’ve started writing a third Christmas book (the other two were written at Easter; this time I wanted to write one in the right season). I’m also trying to knock into shape an attempt at romantic suspense. She’s a scientist, he’s the bodyguard hired to stop some evil men wanting to use her virology expertise for their own end.

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?

• Jenson Button would be first on my list, because after writing Before You (featuring a racing driver) I’m in awe of the bravery, skill and fitness required to be a Formula 1 driver. Oh and because I totally swoon whenever I see him interviewed.
• Terry Wogan because he made me laugh as a teenage girl and still had me laughing when I turned fifty.
• Ryan Gosling so I could just sit and ogle him. Shirt not required.
• Nora Roberts, so I can ask her how she’s able to write such incredible books.

 

Kathryn’s social media links

Website: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

ABOUT KATHRYN

I was born in Wallingford but have spent most of my life living in a village outside Windsor. A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also loves to write romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero…
I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn’t always about hearts and flowers – and heroes can come in many disguises.

When life in the fast lane threatens to implode …

Melanie Hunt’s job working for the Delta racing team means she is constantly rubbing shoulders with Formula One superstars in glamorous locations like Monte Carlo. But she has already learned that keeping a professional distance is crucial if she doesn’t want to get hurt.

New Delta team driver Aiden Foster lives his life like he drives his cars – fast and hard. But, no matter how successful he is, it seems he always falls short of his championship-winning father’s legacy. If he could just stay focused, he could finally make that win.

Resolve begins to slip as Melanie and Aiden find themselves drawn to each other –with nowhere to hide as racing season begins. But when a troubled young boy goes missing, everything is thrown into turmoil, including Aiden’s championship dream.

Buy link for Before You
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Before-You-Kathryn-Freeman-ebook/dp/B01FB6MM08

 

Recently I’ve seen a few of my blogging contemporaries post lists of their favourite books of 2017. So this year I thought as I hit my target of 60 book on Goodreads I would compile my own list.   These choices are not set out in any particular order, I loved them all.

 

Pam Howes Mersey Trilogy 

Three books – one choice – they were so good I had to have them all! Oh and tissues definitely required!

 

Linn B Halton Secrets of the Villa Rosso – a beautifully written bitter-sweet story

 

The Sewing Machine by Natalie Fergie – a great debut novel and oh! that cover

 

 Girl in the Castle by Lizzie Lamb – Lizzie always delivers great romances and the hottest of heroes

 

White Lies by Ellie Holmes –  A well woven tale of love, betrayal and deceit

 

The Man in the Needlecord Jacket by Linda MacDonald –   Manipulative, dissolute Coll (the man of the title) was a love to hate character who made this a totally compelling read.

The Birthday Girl by Sue Fortin – gripping from start to finish and probably her best so far

Deadly Intent by Sheryl Browne – Sheryl’s novels just keep getting better and better

Only One Woman by Christina Jones and Jane Risdon – One guy, two girls and a wannabe rock band – a great sixties nostalgia trip written by two ladies who know the music business well

The Path Keeper by N J Simmonds –  another debut novel. A YA read and yet much, much more.  Absolutely loved it!

 

 

 

 

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

I live near Bath in the UK; in a small cottage on the village green. We have no idea exactly how old our cottage is but we think it was built in the 16th Century. Beyond writing I like gardening and I have a passion for classical statues and old trees. I don’t feel quite so odd talking about an obsession with old tress since Judy Dench came out 😉

How did your writing journey begin?

I was told by a teacher in primary school that I had a talent for writing and then when I left school my secondary teacher was surprised that I hadn’t gone straight into writing for a career. But I am a person who suffers with a lack of self-belief and no one had given me the confidence to write professionally when I was younger. But when I turned 30 I had grown into my confidence and put on my to do before I am 40 list that I wanted to write that novel I had always talked about.

Your books cover several very different genres – historical romance, new adult, contemporary. Which do you enjoy writing the most?

I enjoy writing in all the genres because I become involved with the people in the story. I always say that for the reader who is drawn into the story for a couple of days, imagine being the writer drawn into it for 6 months – it becomes incredibly real. But then imagine, if you love period drama, I become absorbed in a period drama like Poldark or Victoria for months not just one hour a week.

When carrying out research for a novel, do you ever travel to where you have set your story to get a feel for the location?

I nearly always travel to settings, even it if I am writing a historical book and the area is entirely different now. I think going there means you have a sense of atmosphere that draws into the story. But my first New Adult that I set in New York was when I hadn’t been to New York and then I used Earth on Google maps to search areas and streets. I also used trip advisor comments to find out about what areas were like. But there was one key error I discovered when I went to America, that the streetlights there were always white and I had described the light as yellow in the first scene 😀 It didn’t seem to ruin anyone’s enjoyment of the story, though, from the reviews.

Describe a typical writing day.

I am still doing a day job so I never get a writing day. If you follow me on social media that is why I am often very quite. My working day ends between five and six then I have an hour’s drive home. I eat and then I sit down and start working on books at about eight in the evening and write for two to three hours, sitting on the sofa with the TV on, and so I listen to that as I write.

I know many people can’t believe I can write like that but fortunately I am a quick writer and it is utterly relaxing. It’s like reading a book in the evening.

What inspired you to write The Nevada Escapists’ Club?

I can’t share all my inspirations as it would give away the twists in the storyline but the first inspiration came from a visit to the Grand Canyon when I sat on the edge and watched others walking on to a narrow needle like stretch of rock.

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

My guests are all dead because they are people I have read diaries and letters of to immerse myself in the real life of the period I write my historical books in. The first would be Harriette Wilson an 18th Century Courtesan who inspired the whole of the Marlow Intrigues series, her memoirs were published and they fascinated me. Lady Caroline Lamb another larger than life Regency character. Lord Byron because the tales of his life are extraordinary and lastly Mary Shelley because her life with Shelley was also fascinatingly unusual. (All four of them are writers of course. Yes, Caroline Lamb wrote too, she published a novel).

 

About Jane Lark

Jane has been shortlisted for several industry and reader awards. She is a Kindle bestselling author and a writer of authentic, passionate, and emotional stories, and she’s a sucker for a love story. “I love the feeling of falling in love and it’s wonderful to be able to do it time and time again in fiction.” She loves writing intense relationships and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations.
Blog http://janelark.wordpress.com/
Instagram http://www.instagram.com/jane.lark/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Janelarkauthor
Twitter https://twitter.com/JaneLark
Website http://www.janelark.co.uk/index.html

Purchase links for Jane’s books:

The Nevada Escapists’ Club

Zac senses the connection he has with the single stranger within minutes of their meeting. She, like him, needs a place to escape.

Ali falls into a holiday affair. But what happens when the Las Vegas fantasy is over and her sunglasses tinted view of the world returns to reality? She is supposed to forget everything… It was meant to stop there.

 

The Nevada Escapists Club is only available from Amazon

 

The Marlow Intrigues Historical Series Amazon purchase links

The Lost Love of a Soldier

The Illicit Love of a Courtesan

The Passionate Love of a Rake

The Scandalous Love of a Duke

The Dangerous Love of a Rogue

The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel

The Secret Love of a Gentleman

The Reckless Love of an Heir

Tainted Love of a Captain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing down for Christmas…

  WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

To everyone who either follows or reads A Writer’s Journey, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Thank you for all your support during 2017.

Tuesday Talk will be taking a well earned break until 9th January when I will be back chatting to Choc Lit author Kathryn Freeman.

 In the mean time have a fabulous Christmas and a very Happy New Year. See you in 2108!

JO xx

 

 

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

Hi there, and thank you so much for hosting me.
There’s not much to say about me, I’m a very normal person. I’m a wife, a step mother and a grand-mother. I get up daily and go to my job as the Sales Director of a stationery and office furniture company, and I tend to come home, make tea and then on the nights when I have just a little energy left, I tend to write. On my weekends I have housework to do, I hate doing ironing and use my writing as an excuse to get out of it, which means I normally always have a huge ironing pile.

How big a part has the RNA played in your writing career?

I’d say that being a member of the RNA played a huge part in my career. It was through going to the RNA Conference each year that during a 1-2-1, I met my publisher. I really believe in ‘people buy people’ first and without meeting a publisher face to face, you’re just another manuscript on their desk, of which they get thousands.

Who are your favourite authors and have any of them inspired your writing in any way?

My favourite authors, wow, I have so many.
Both Lesley Pearce and Jill Mansell were my ‘go to holiday reads; for years. I’d always head for the book shop on the airport and treat myself before flying out. I loved both authors and knew that I wouldn’t be disappointed in what I’d chosen. As for inspiration, I could write a list a mile long, so many authors inspire me in different ways.

Of all the characters you have created so far, have you a favourite?

Ohhh that’s like asking if I have a favourite child. But if I were pushed, I’d probably say Nomsa. I dearly love the Caribbean people, I’ve spent many holidays in that part of the world and created Nomsa in House of Secrets as a fun loving, warm Caribbean lady. She’s literally the heart of the house and spends her days cooking and baking for everyone. I’d love to have a Nomsa in my life, she’s amazing and whatever happens, good or bad, she puts the kettle on and makes the tea. Albeit, if she were in my kitchen daily, I’d need a whole new wardrobe of bigger sized dresses.

Would you ever consider writing something other than romantic fiction? If so what would that be?

I tend to write romantic suspense. I have no idea why I’m drawn in that direction. I honestly don’t think that everyone has an easy life. My life certainly wasn’t easy, but saying that I wasn’t stalked by a serial killer either.
So, I guess the answer is no… not sure I could write in a different genre, even if I wanted to.

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

Yes, of course. My next novel is a story of obsession.
The story begins with my heroine, Ella Gray lying in a field, clinging onto life while she watches the minutes tick by on her watch, that lays in the field beside her. She has no idea what happened, all she remembers is going out on a date with Rick Greaves, but she can’t remember how she got there. All she does remember is the violent attack that left her broken and unable to move. She vows that if she survives, she’ll do everything she can to find out who did this to her, and is determined that whatever it takes, she’ll put Rick Greaves behind bars.

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?

Oh, what a great question, but so hard to just pick four… okay, here we go..!
Firstly, I’d love to invite author Milly Johnson, she’s a good friend, a great laugh and she’d most probably help do the pots after dinner.
My second guest would have to be Spike Milligan, I mean, come on who wouldn’t want to spend an evening listening to this man. His dry sense of humour was amazing and just being in the same room would have you laughing right from the first minute.
My third guest would be Freddie Mercury, he was an amazing person, and his music was totally ahead of its time. It would also be fantastic if we could get him playing the piano and singing. How perfect would that be for after dinner entertainment?
And finally, … I’d have to say, Dawn French. She has a fantastic sense of humour, she’s absolutely on my wave length and I just know she’d be great fun to be around.

 

This year we’re just going to have a nice, normal Christmas… 
Last year’s Christmas at Wrea Head Hall didn’t quite go to plan which is why Jess Croft is determined this festive season will be the one to remember, for the right reasons. And she has plenty of reasons to be hopeful, she’s going to marry the man of her dreams, Jack Stone, seven days after New Year’s Eve.

However, as family secrets are revealed in hidden letters and two unexpected guests turn up on the doorstep, Jess is left wondering whether her life will ever be the same again.

Can Jess and Jack still experience a peaceful festive season that they had imagined or are there some problems that e

 

HOUSE OF CHRISTMAS SECRETS

https://www.amazon.co.uk/House-Christmas-Secrets-Choc-Lit-ebook/dp/B07771T7S5/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Ebook at: GetBook.at/ChristmasSecrets

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