Book News: The Long Mars
Third book in the series due for release.
The Long Mars by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter is due to be released by Doubleday on 19th June. Not long to wait. It’s the third book in the Long Earth series and it’s available for pre-order now.
About the book:
2040-2045: In the years after the cataclysmic Yellowstone eruption there is massive economic dislocation as populations flee Datum Earth to myriad Long Earth worlds. Sally, Joshua, and Lobsang are all involved in this perilous work when, out of the blue, Sally is contacted by her long-vanished father and inventor of the original Stepper device, Willis Linsay. He tells her he is planning a fantastic voyage across the Long Mars and wants her to accompany him. But Sally soon learns that Willis has ulterior motives …
by 
Fiction Friday – Lucky?
Friday 13th June 2014.
Fiction Friday is our weekly prompt. The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can. Once you’ve finished, don’t edit, just post in the comments box below.
Today’s prompt: Lucky. Friday 13th is unlucky for some. Write about a character who has always had bad luck except for Friday 13th when they seem to have a large reversal of luck. What happens? Is it all too much at once?
by Book Review: The Library of Unrequited Love by Sophie Divry
The Library of Unrequited Love by Sophie Divry, published by MacLehose Press (2 Jan 2014)
Here’s the blurb:
One morning a librarian finds a reader who has been locked in overnight.
She begins to talk to him, a one-way conversation full of sharp insight and quiet outrage. As she rails against snobbish senior colleagues, an ungrateful and ignorant public, the strictures of the Dewey Decimal System and the sinister expansionist conspiracies of the books themselves, two things shine through: her unrequited passion for a researcher named Martin, and an ardent and absolute love for the arts.
A delightful divertissement for the discerning bookworm…
I had seen this in my local bookshop and nearly picked it up a few times. Translated by Siân Reynolds from the french novel, it’s not a long book at 91 pages so it didn’t take long for me to read. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first. The main character, the librarian, is having a conversation with a man who has been locked in the library overnight and gradually, as the book progresses, you learn more about her view of the world, her thoughts and her feelings toward someone called Martin. You never hear the responses from the man – the narrative is a one way conversation; it’s all from the librarian’s point of view.
by The Luxury Of Being Read To.
Bella Osborne
As young children many of us were lucky enough to enjoy a bedtime story, read to us by our parents and many of us will have kept up this tradition. But once a child is able to read competently the gift of being read to somehow slips away. You don’t necessarily miss it as it’s part of you growing independent but I think there is a magic in being read to that disappears.
I have been known on occasion to partake of a frivolous extra holiday with a female friend and during those we would read to each other. Often it was magazine articles although some of the glossies are mainly photographs in which case it’s very difficult to make a soap stars kitchen sound exciting. However, it was still a relaxing and pleasurable experience all the same. At the time we felt it was the height of laziness!
I am in my second year of attending a local ‘Writing Fiction’ class where, those that would like to, read out short pieces or extracts each week for feedback and critique. As a new writer it is totally terrifying to read out your own work to twelve people (give me a PowerPoint deck, a microphone and five hundred in the audience any day!) However, as one of the listeners it is an enriching experience. Hearing something written and read by the author, usually for the very first time is quite a privilege and we are lucky enough to have a talented group of writers so each piece is a gem.
by Novel Kicks chats to Mark Kotting
Mark Kotting’s novel, Teach Her was released by Legend Press in May. Mark had a chat with us about his novel, the simple way in which he deals with writer’s block and his favourite word.
Can you tell us about your novel, Teach Her and how the idea came about?
Teach Her is inspired by a teacher who i had the pleasure of sharing a class room with, she was nuts and had strange discipline methods.
Is there a character from fiction that you’d like to meet?
Jonathan Living Seagull.
Have you ever got writers block and if so, how do you deal with it?
I turn the music up.
Who would you invite to a fantasy dinner party?
I’d have to practise my table manners before I could come up with a list.
by Book News: Lee Child
The 19th book in the Reacher series due for release by Bantum Press on 28th August.
Fans of the Reacher novels will only have to wait until August to read the latest instalment.
About the book:
Jack Reacher walks alone. Once a go-to hard man in the US military police, now he’s a drifter of no fixed abode. But the army tracks him down. Because someone has taken a long-range shot at the French president.
Only one man could have done it. And Reacher is the one man who can find him.
This new heartstopping, nailbiting book in Lee Child’s number-one bestselling series takes Reacher across the Atlantic to Paris – and then to London. The stakes have never been higher – because this time, it’s personal.
It’s now available for pre-order.
by Events – The Romance e-Festival Weekend
This weekend, HarperImpulse will be running their first ever digital Romance Festival.
The festival is running on 7th and 8th June 2014.
It’s in conjunction with some of the world’s best loved publishers of romance. It’s two days of discussions, tips and giveaways for writers and fans of romance. Writers involved include Jill Mansell, Lindsey Kelk and Mhairi Mcfarlane.
The full line-up is available on the festival blog. For full timings and schedules of discussions, you’ll need to register for free by clicking this link.
You can also mention the festival on Twitter by using the hashtag, #Romance14
For more information, click here.
by Mick’s Musings – What’s That Nice Feeling?
Well, the psychotic cat from hell deciding not to sleep on your head for one. That wouldn’t be too bad if she didn’t dig her claws in when she dreams.
Opening a fresh bar of chocolate – I may be a man, but I’m still allowed that one ladies.
But, on this particular day, it comes from having finished the edit of my book (I’ll call it a novel if it’s ever published), including adding in the bit I’d forgotten when I first finished it. You know, that bit that is one of the things you first think of when you’re planning and only realise you haven’t actually written in until you’ve finished? You should have heard the language when I realised that. But, at least it doesn’t read like it’s been shoe-horned in. If it had, it would have to come out, no matter how much I love that bit.
So, officially as Happy Bunny here – or at least until my wonderful readers (yep, I am creeping again) come back and tell me what a complete load of rubbish it is. Still, at least I like the main characters in this one – don’t get me started on my lead from my first book. I hate her!! Still like the actual story and don’t think it’s too badly written, for a first attempt, but oh the lead. Very few redeeming characteristics which, possibly, I could get away with if I was an established writer, so it could perhaps be re-visited at some point? Here’s where that time-machine would come in handy again. Continue reading
by June’s Book Corner – Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Headline, 2005
Book Corner is our monthly book club.
How it works…
Anyone can take part in our book club. Every month, we pick a new book for discussion. We will post a question to kick things off and then you can talk about any of your thoughts about the book in the comments box below.
This month, our pick is Stardust by Neil Gaiman.
About the book:
Life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall – named after the imposing stone barrier which separates the town from a grassy meadow. Here, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the beautiful Victoria Forester and for the coveted prize of her hand, Tristran vows to retrieve a fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends him over the ancient wall and into a world that is dangerous and strange beyond imagining…
by Competitions – The Separation Winner
Penguin, May 2014.
The Separation by Dinah Jefferies.
Thanks to the lovely people at Penguin, we had a copy of The Separation by Dinah Jefferies to give away.
Well done to Linda Russam. A copy of the book will be on its way to you soon.
About the book:
What happens when a mother and her daughters are separated; who do they become when they believe it might be forever?
1953, the eve of the Cartwright’s departure from Malaya. Eleven-year-old Emma can’t understand why they’re leaving without their mother; why her taciturn father is refusing to answer questions.
Lydia arrives home to an empty house – there’s no sign of her husband Alec or her daughters. Panic stricken, she embarks on a dangerous journey to find them through the hot and civil-war-torn Malayan jungle – one that only the power of a mother’s love can help her to survive.
by Review – Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
When two girls are abducted and killed in Missouri, journalist Camille Preaker is sent back to her home town to report on the crimes.
Long-haunted by a childhood tragedy and estranged from her mother for years, Camille suddenly finds herself installed once again in her family’s mansion, reacquainting herself with her distant mother and the half-sister she barely knows – a precocious 13-year-old who holds a disquieting grip on the town.
As Camille works to uncover the truth about these violent crimes, she finds herself identifying with the young victims – a bit too strongly. Clues keep leading to dead ends, forcing Camille to unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past to get at the story. Dogged by her own demons, Camille will have to confront what happened to her years before if she wants to survive this homecoming.
Anyone that’s read Gone Girl would agree it has the best twist in it – and that the characters are seriously messed up. I can’t decide if the characters in Sharp Objects are AS bad, worse or better.
It’s written first person, which I always prefer (when done well) as it means you get really into the character’s mind, and discover things at the same time as they do – and as this is a mystery it’s good. Flynn does it very well.
by Competitions – Going Back Winners
We had three copies of Going Back by Rachael English to give away.
Well done to Janet from Bath, Lynne from Hertfordshire and Jackie from Wiltshire who have all won a copy.
About the book:
How do you know where you belong?
In June 1988, Elizabeth Kelly’s parents think she belongs at home in Ireland. Her boyfriend is certain of it. Unwilling to settle down just yet, she decides to spend the summer in Boston with her college friends. But the next four months change all of them, especially Elizabeth. Quiet and dutiful at home, she surprises herself and everyone else by falling for Danny Esposito, a restless charmer with a troublesome family.
More than 20 years later with opportunities in Ireland scarce once again, a new generation looks to America, awakening memories of a golden summer for their parents. When a crisis occurs, Elizabeth returns to Boston where she is drawn back into the life she once lived. But will she be able to reconcile the dreams of her 20-year-old self with the woman she has become?
(Going Back – published by Orion, May 2014. Available in paperback and e-book.)
by Competitions – Trisha Ashley Competition Winners
Every Woman For Herself by Trisha Ashley.
Thank you to all who entered our competition to win a copy of the new novel, Every Woman For Herself.
Well done to Annegret and Carol who have both won a copy of the book.
Every Woman For Herself is published by Avon and is available in e-book and paperback.
About the book:
First comes marriage. Then comes divorce. Then it’s every woman for herself …
When Charlie’s husband Matt tells her that he wants a divorce she has to start from scratch. Suddenly single, broke and approaching 40 she is forced to return to her childhood home in the Yorkshire moors.
Living with her father and eccentric siblings could be considered a challenge but soon Charlie finds her new life somewhat refreshing. Now that she’s single she’s got no need to dye her roots nor to be the perfect wife and she can return to her first love- painting.
But just as she begins to feel settled, handsome, bad-tempered actor Mace North moves in down the road and starts mixing things up for Charlie in more ways than one.
Published by Avon, May 2014. Available in paperwork and e-book.
by Review – The Accident by C.L. Taylor
Published in April by Avon, The Accident is a gripping psychological thriller about the deadly secrets your children can keep …
Sue Jackson has the perfect family but when her teenage daughter Charlotte deliberately steps in front of a bus and ends up in a coma she is forced to face a very dark reality.
Retracing her daughter’s steps she finds a horrifying entry in Charlotte’s diary and is forced to head deep into Charlotte’s private world. In her hunt for evidence, Sue begins to mistrust everyone close to her daughter and she’s forced to look further, into the depths of her own past.
Sue will do anything to protect her daughter. But what if she is the reason that Charlotte is in danger?
The Accident is recommended for people who enjoyed Before I Go to Sleep (one of my top ten ever books), Gone Girl (brilliant) and Sophie Hannah (only read The Carrier – wonderful) so I knew I HAD to read this.
From the first chapter I was gripped. The whole novel is written from Charlotte’s mother’s perspective, with it beginning as she’s sat by her bedside wishing her to come round from her coma. We find out that her Continue reading
by Book News – Lindsey Kelk
What a Girl Wants is due to be released on July 17th.
It’s the latest book by Lindsey (her other books include the I Heart series,) and it’s being published by Harper. We think the cover is very pretty and we’re looking forward to reading.
About the book:
Tess Brookes was the girl with a plan. Now she’s the girl with a choice.
Should she stay in London and start her own advertising agency with her best friend and potential boyfriend Charlie? Or should she head to exciting Milan to pursue both a new career as a photographer and a new man, the enigmatic and elusive (and highly irritating) Nick?
by Five Writing Themed Bags
If there was one thing other than books that I love, its bags. It’s more of an obsession really. One of the things I struggle with (despite the fact that my laptop is quite small and thin,) is finding a bag that’s big enough to carry everything I need (I do tend to carry the kitchen sink too.) I’ve hunted through the internet and picked out some writer themed bags that I thought were great and most importantly, practical for all the writing stuff you may need to carry around. Which one is your favourite?
Last Term at Malory Towers Bag – £44.00
Mini Book Handbag by the Literary Gift Company.
Love this, love this, love this. It’s from their books turned into handbags range and I love them. Continue reading
by Competitions – Trisha Ashley
Win a copy of Trisha Ashley’s latest novel.
Trisha’s latest novel, Every Woman For Herself, was released by Avon on 8th May. Thanks to Trisha and Avon, we have two copies to give away.
To enter:
Comment on this post with your name and county. The closing date for entries is Monday 26th May at 23.59. Winners will then be announced on Tuesday 27th May 2014 on the Novel Kicks blog. They will be picked at random from the entrants. Winners will also be notified by e-mail within 24 hours of the winners being announced.
Good Luck.
About the book:
First comes marriage. Then comes divorce. Then it’s every woman for herself … Continue reading
by A Moment With Janey Lewis
Janey is the author of The Sweetness of Liberty James, released by The Book Guild in March 2014. Her book is about Liberty deciding to open up her own patisserie after going through a traumatic life changing event.
Today, Janey shares her five writing tips.
Only write for yourself.
Write about something you are passionate about. Books, like food, show if you put love into them.
Only write if you feel like it.
Read.
Read more.
The Sweetness of Liberty James is available to buy in hardback and e-book.
by A Moment With Renita D’Silva
Renita D’ Silva
Renita D’Silva’s novel, Monsoon Memories was released in 2013 and her second novel, The Forgotten Daughter was recently released by Bookouture. Renita talks about the books that she’s read that have made an impact on her.
Oh there are so many. I am reading constantly and I try and read as variedly as I can. While writing ‘MonsoonMemories’, some of the books that made a huge impact were Julie Myerson’s ‘Something might happen’,Chimamanda Ngosi Adichie’s ‘Purple Hibiscus’, MaggieO’Farrell’s ‘The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox’ and Rose Tremain’s ‘The Road Home’.
While writing ‘The Forgotten Daughter’ I read Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Blind Assassin’ and was blown away by the sheer beauty of her prose.
The book that made a big impact on me growing up was Arundhati Roy’s ‘The God of Small Things’. I obsessed over it – the plot, her prose, her beautifully evocative descriptions, Continue reading
by Book News – Fiona Walker
Escape to the country with best-selling author, Fiona Walker.
Fiona’s previous novels include, The Love Letter, Kiss and Tell and The Summer Wedding and fans of Fiona Walker will be very pleased to hear that her new novel, The Country Escape, is due for release by Sphere on 5th June 2014. It’s available to pre-order now in paperback and e-book.
Here’s the blurb:
Hidden amid lush parkland, Eardisford is the ultimate English country retreat and it’s just been sold for the first time in its history. Romantic daredevil Kat Mason has been bequeathed the estate’s lakeside sanctuary, Lake Farm, until she dies or marries. But the new owners want her out now . . .
In rides charming playboy Dougie Everett, the man hired to sweep Kat off her feet and off the property. Dougie loves nothing more than the thrill of the chase, but does he risk losing his heart along the way?
by Courses and Competitions – Writing Maps Writing Contest
Writing Maps think that good writing should be encouraged, shared and published.
Writing Maps are full of inspiration for writers. Each one contains at least 12 writing prompts and each map is beautifully illustrated. Maps available include; The Character Map, Writing People (for crowded places,) and My Writing Life.
Each month, to coincide with the launch of a new map, they hold a monthly Writing Maps Writing Contest
The challenge is to write and share a 150-word piece in response to their Prompt of the Month. This month, they launched the new box set and so, the word BOX is the prompt for May.
If you are one of the two winning entrants, Continue reading
by News – Film Adaptation For Second Ahern Novel
Harper Collins, 2004.
Fans of Cecelia Ahern will soon be able to see her second novel adapted for the big screen.
Love, Rosie is due for release in October. Directing is Christian Ditter and it stars Lily Collins (The Blind Side, Mirror Mirror,) as Rosie Dunne and Sam Claflin as Alex Stewart. Sam has recently starred as Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Love, Rosie is adapted from the novel, Where Rainbows End. It is about two best friends, Alex and Rosie, who have known each other since childhood but are then separated when Alex moves to America with his family. Their friendship carries on through letters and e-mails (well, in the book anyway.)
This is the second 0f Cecelia’s novels to make its way to the big screen. Her debut novel, PS, I Love You was released in 2007 with Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler in the lead roles.
by Courses and Competitions: Get going! The Writing Project Starter Kit
Give your writing project the best possible start with acclaimed writer and critic Erica Wagner and The Faber Academy.
Maybe that great idea is ready to be put down on paper or you’re in the middle of something but need some support to get it finished? Wherever you are in your writing project, over the course of five summer evenings this course will give you the equipment to take your work to the next level.
You’ll share your work with the rest of the group in a lively workshop environment, and get feedback on new writing through exercises and assignments. You’ll learn tips and tricks to get yourself started and discover tools to develop your writing. Come with your notes, chapters, or even just an idea.
The course will be 2-hour evening sessions Continue reading
by Book News -Milly Johnson to release an e-book exclusive.
New e-book being released in May.
Sunday Times best-selling author, Milly Johnson, is due to release her new book, The Teashop on the Corner, in June but first, she’s releasing an e-book exclusive. It’s called Here Come the Boys. It’s available to pre-order now and is released on 22nd May 2014 by Simon & Schuster.
Here’s the blurb:
Angie Silverton and her husband are taking a much-needed holiday on the cruise ship Mermaidia, so the last person she hopes to bump into on the first night is her one-time best friend Selina and the man Selina stole from her and married twenty years ago.
And what she needs even less is to be marooned in Malaga with Selina when both of them manage to miss boarding the ship in port.
It will take three days for them to travel across Europe to catch up with the ship again in Croatia. And in the company of each other twenty-four/seven, a lot of old baggage is going to be unloaded.
by Book News – Get Started in Creative Writing
Teach Yourself: March 2014.
New Edition from Teach Yourself Series.
I have always been a fan of the Teach Yourself series and this new edition for getting started in Creative Writing has recently been released. It’s available in paperback and e-book. I find these books great in terms of dipping in and out of the sections where I need specific help. It’s also great as a whole for first time writers. I am looking forward to checking out this new edition.
Here’s the blurb:
Get Started in Creative Writing will help writers at the very beginning of their creative journey to gain confidence and find inspiration, and then support you in the completion of your first pieces of creative writing – a short story, a poem, a draft of a novel or screenplay. Each chapter includes a central writing exercise and four shorter ones, while key quotes, key ideas and focus points will be clearly signposted and will summarise important concepts and advice. At the heart of each chapter is a ‘Workshop’. The Workshop is a key exercise, in which you will gain a deeper insight into the craft of writing.
by Literary Fact of the Day
Thursday 1st May.
Joseph Heller, the author of Catch-22 was born on this day in 1923. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. His book, Catch-22 was published by Simon & Schuster in 1961.
by Cover Reveal – Tracy Buchanan
The Atlas of Us by Tracy Buchanan
The debut novel from Tracy Buchanan is due for release by Avon on 31st July 2014. We are very excited to be amongst the first to reveal the cover for Tracy’s novel. We think this cover is beautiful. What do you think?
About the book:
The Atlas of Us is about family, loss, resilience, reconciliation and hope…
When Louise Fenton flies to Thailand to find her mother, Nora, after the Boxing Day tsunami, she fears the worst when the only trace she can find is her mother’s distinctive bag. In the bag is a beautifully crafted atlas owned by travel journalist Claire Shreve, Continue reading
by Competitions: Sophie Hardach
Of Love and Other Wars – we have ten copies plus ten posters to give away.
THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.
Thanks to Sophie and the lovely people at Simon and Schuster, we have ten copies of, Of Love and Other Wars, to give away. As well as the book, each winner will also receive a poster of the stunning book cover.
About the book:
At a rally in the Royal Albert Hall, two Quaker brothers, Paul and Charlie Lamb, sign a pledge of peace that only one of them will honour. Meanwhile, in a draughty Victorian mansion in Hampstead, Mr. Morningstar wonders why his wife, a crystallographer from dynasty of diamond cutters, turns into a cursing somnambulist at night, while their daughter, Miriam, comes home from her shifts at the munitions factory with her stockings inside out. As the streets throng with khaki, the Lambs and the Morningstars must decide how to do good in a world transformed by evil. Should a scientist use her skills to maximise civilian casualties? Should a Quaker stand by as millions are murdered? And is it possible to 
love someone if you hate their convictions? When the two families are torn apart by war, Paul is forced to choose between his conscience and the woman he loves.
To enter: Continue reading
by Books Need Us Blog: The London Book Fair
By Maria Vassilopoulos – Books Need Us.
In the Book trade we are currently in the middle of the London Book Fair, the biggest trade event we have in the UK! If you’ve been before then some of what I’m about to say will be familiar to you. If you are coming along then it may help, and if you are thinking of going next time then it will hopefully give you a good picture of what to expect.
What is it?
The London Bookfair has been going since 1971 and originally was a much smaller event – read more here. Nowadays the emphasis for the publishing business is around meeting their sales teams and bookstore buyers, showcasing new products, reminding customers about their past and best-selling titles and selling and acquiring international rights.
What’s there?
Basically most of the UK book trade under one roof. As the big publishing conglomerates have the plush stands its easy to spot them but also great to explore the medium and smaller publishers. There is also a digital zone were you can find out about the latest content driven technology. Each year a different country becomes the Market Focus – for example this year it’s Korea, so it’s quite interesting generally to see what publishing looks like in a different international market. There are seminars throughout the 3 days and these range from finding a job in publishing to marketing a children’s book – if you want to do a bit of networking then these are a good idea.
by Two nations, divided by a common book cover
By Michele Gorman.
I’ll never forget the day I first saw the cover for my debut novel back in early 2010. My editor emailed it to me while I was waiting to meet with my agent. I was sitting in a beautiful café on Piccadilly on a sunny February day (a rare thing in London). Excitement, tinged with nerves, fizzed when I opened that image. For months I’d wondered how Penguin would package the book that I’d spent years writing and rewriting until it was as perfect as could be. Would they take the same care over the cover? Would it reflect the story, about a young American woman named Hannah who moves to London only to find that she’s completely ill-equipped to live there?
It did, and I loved it. The cover fit perfectly with the story and perfectly with the romantic comedy genre in the UK – a pretty illustrated pastel cover. It reflected Hannah’s uncertainty, swept along and buffeted by London.
Then, about a month later, my agent took me out for dinner. “You’re not going to like what I have to tell you,” she said, pushing the cake we were sharing in my direction. “Penguin wants to change the title. To Single in the City. They feel that it has broader appeal.”
That explained why she’d been plying me with wine for two hours.
by Bella’s Scribblings: Ideas Are Everywhere
Those of you that have ever admitted to another living person that you are a writer whether ‘wanna be’ or official will at some point
Bella Osborne
have had the question ‘So where do you get your ideas from?’ fired at you. Unlike me you may well have a very articulate response to this. You see, I’m not entirely sure where my ideas come from, they either just materialise (sometimes at night like a spider from the skirting board) and sometimes it’s a Batman style POW moment.
Just the other day I had a POW moment and of all places it was at the vets. Now you need to understand that whilst I am friendly, I am generally not flirty. So after a tedious wait where me and the child had learnt about what plants are poisonous to rabbits and had both developed spontaneous itching thanks to the poster about fleas, at last the vet called out “Claude Osborne”. There’s an opportunity right there for a comedy moment or two but you need a good quality surname to start with like Ramsbottom or Butts or Winkle … you get the idea. Anyway, a rather good-looking man hiding behind outdated glasses was beckoning us and our protesting cat carrier forward with a welcoming smile.
by Robin York/Deeper Blog Tour: NK Chats to Robin York.
Robin York, also known as Ruthie Knox, is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.
Robin York
We are very delighted to be part of Robin’s blog tour for her new novel, Deeper, which was released on 6th March. Robin tells us about her new book, her best moment as a writer so far and her advice for aspiring writers.
What is Deeper about?
Deeper is a love story and a coming-into-adulthood story. It focuses primarily on Caroline, a college sophomore who is struggling after her ex-boyfriend publishes sexually explicit pictures of her on the Internet, along with her full name, her location, and her Facebook page. Caroline is smart and ambitious — she wants to go to law school and become a judge, like her father — so when these pictures go viral it threatens not just her sense of self-worth, but also her future. What we see over the course of the novel is how Caroline adjusts and comes to terms with what happened to her, partly on her own, partly in a relationship with West Leavitt, a guy she’s always considered dangerous but who she can’t seem to stay away from. Eventually, we get to see her grow into a kind of fierce righteousness that is very satisfying.
Is there a book you’ve read that has made an impact on you?
I’ve never read another book about revenge porn, but certainly I’ve been influenced by all sorts of novels. One of my favorite New Adult novels is Charlotte Stein’s Sheltered, which is a beautiful story of a young woman from a very strict fundamentalist religious family who is falling in love — and experiencing a sexual awakening — with a dangerous-seeming stranger.
by Books To Movies – Part Two.
Films being adapted into movies.
Last week we listed some of our favourite book to movie adaptations. With so many books still being the inspiration for movies, there are quite a few being adapted into films over the coming year. Here are some of the ones we’re looking forward to seeing.
The Fault in Our Stars.
Adapted from the novel of the same name by John Green, this is about Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters who meet at a Kids Cancer Support Group. The two teenagers bond over many things, including the novel, An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houten. I am fairly new to John Green’s novels and blogs but from the moment I began reading this book last year, I fell in love with it. It’s such a beautiful, bittersweet love story and proof that young adult novels don’t have to be confined that audience. I am looking forward to seeing this adaptation. Anyone who follows John Green’s ‘Vlog Brothers’ posts will know that Green has been a regular visitor to the set. This has somehow given me confidence that the movie is being done right. The trailer had an enormous amount of hits within twenty-four hours of its release and it looks great. The film will star Shailene Woodley as Hazel Grace, Ansel Elgorth as Augustus and Willem Defoe as Peter Van Houten. It’s due for release in June 2014.
(Temple Hill Entertainment/20th Century Fox.)
by Our Favourite Things: Book to Film Adaptations
It was hard to pick but here are some of our favourite book to film adaptations.
I love books. I try to read the book before I see a movie else I can’t form it properly in my imagination and it spoils the book if I do then try to read it. I prefer the stories in book form but these are five of the adaptations we think were great.
The Taming of The Shrew/10 Things I Hate About You.
Yes, OK, this is essentially a teen movie adapted from one of the great Shakespearian plays. It’s been given a modern twist and is set in a Seattle high school but I just happen to think it’s a great film. There were many Shakespeare references too, (Stafford sisters.) Of course it’s not a serious film (the part with Can’t Take My Eyes off You is testament to that,) but it’s funny and by the end, you have a warm fuzzy heart-warming feeling. Plus there was Heath Ledger. It was worth watching just for him. A fun, tongue in cheek, light-hearted adaptation that you can re-watch and still love – definitely one of our favourites.
(The Taming of the Shrew: William Shakespeare, Folger Shakespeare Library. 10 Things I Hate About You: Touchstone/Buena Vista, 1999.)
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption/The Shawshank Redemption.
This film was adapted from the novella by Stephen King. Although The Green Mile was Continue reading
by Favourite Character Names
Five of our favourite character names.
There have been many characters with great names over the years. Who would not have a soft spot for a bad boy named Rupert Campbell Black? Or want to look after a boy called Pip? Here are five of our favourites. Which ones would you add?
Vivien Leigh in Gone With The Wind, MGM (1939.)
by The First Time We Met by Pippa Croft
Extract from The First Time We Met by Pippa Croft.
The First Time We Met is the first book in the Oxford Blue Series. Released today, it is now available to buy in ebook format. We had a chat with Pippa yesterday (you can read our interview here.) Today, we’re featuring an extract from the book and we can’t wait to read it and find out what happens.
“By the time I get out of the hall, the tears are pouring down my cheeks. I tried, I really did, but apart from Immy and a few others, they’re a bunch of snobs and creeps, Rupert most of all. Why did I think this was a good idea?
Leaning against a wall, I gulp in the cool air and it helps a little, but it’s raining again and my dress is getting soaked. I’ve only been here a day and I already hate the weather and the people. So much for my big dreams of sophisticated independence when I can’t even handle a welcome dinner!
In my head, Todd’s laughing at me, clucking his tongue with his ‘Poor little Lauren, I told you you’d be better off staying home.’
No. I will not give up so easily. The Cusacks don’t quit. My father taught me Continue reading
by It Felt Like a Kiss by Sarra Manning – Blog Tour: Sarra’s Writing Space
Where the magic happens * wink, finger gun *
By Sarra Manning.
This is as tidy as I ever get, which is practically minimalist compared to how my desk used to look when I was on magazines. The piles of paper, mags, CDs, books, were so high that I literally could not see over the top of them. One of my proudest yet shaming moments was when an ergonomic expert took a picture of my workspace and showed it to the entire company as a good example of a fire hazard. So, progress!
Desk – Fifties, formica kitchen table, I got for free when I bought a 1930’s lounge suite, which fell apart within six months. The table is still going strong.
Chair – 1960’s chair that started life in a French hairdressers.
Macbook Pro – I have NEVER been PC, never will. Don’t even get me started. Although I write on a laptop, I have to work at my desk, no sprawling, legs akimbo on the floor in madcap Carrie Bradshaw-esque abandon for me.
Papers – that’s the marked up manuscript of the first draft of the novel I’m working on right now. Unfortunately, most of the bits I did mark-up I’ve now decided to cut and the bits I didn’t mark up, I wish I had. It’s a process. That notebook also has about version five on my outline.
Books – Continue reading
by My Favourite Leading Men.
My five favourite heroes of literature.
Throughout history, there have been many literary heroes in many different plots and portrayed in a variety of ways. Fictional heroes can inspire you, anger, frustrate or make you fall in love with them as much as any real, living and breathing person can do. When I came to looking at the male heroes, there are many to pick from and it was a struggle to pick five.
What do you think? Do you agree with my five? Who would you add?
Mr Darcy/Mark Darcy (Pride & prejudice by Jane Austen & Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding.)
Colin Firth as Mr Darcy. BBC.
I couldn’t really compile a list where Darcy wouldn’t feature. He is one of my favourite literary men of all time. Whether it’s Mr Darcy in Pride & Prejudice or Mark in Bridget Jones’ Diary, he is a hero of mine because he is a gentleman. He loves Elizabeth/Bridget and he’s endearing even though he isn’t forthcoming with his feelings to begin with. He’s the nice guy. Unlike Daniel/Wickham, he is the dependable one and the character I trust. I love him.
by Book Corner: February 2014
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (published by Penguin, 2014,) is our book club title for February.
About the book…
‘I’m not good at understanding what other people want.’
‘Tell me something I don’t know . . .’
Love isn’t an exact science – but no one told Don Tillman. A thirty-nine-year-old geneticist, Don’s never had a second date. So he devises the Wife Project, a scientific test to find the perfect partner. Enter Rosie – ‘the world’s most incompatible woman’ – Continue reading
by Writing Room – January 2014
Writing Room – January 2014: Write a diary entry.
It’s 2014. A new year. For this month, write a diary entry from the point of view of your character. If you’re currently working on a book, write as your main character or maybe you’d like to pick a supporting character? If you’ve not got anything you’re working on, write from the point of view from a person named Sam.
What would they write about? What are their resolutions for the year?
Write between 500 – 1000 words and post in the comments section. Continue reading
by Book Corner: January 2014.
Here’s Looking At You by Mhairi Mcfarlane (published by Avon, December 2013.) – our book club title for January.
About the book:
Anna Alessi – history expert, possessor of a lot of hair and an occasionally filthy mouth – seeks nice man for intelligent conversation and Mills & Boon moments.
Despite the oddballs that keep turning up on her dates, Anna couldn’t be happier. As a 30-something with a job she loves, life has turned out better than she dared dream. However, things weren’t always this way, and her years spent as the ‘Italian Galleon’ of an East London comprehensive are ones she’d rather forget.
So when James Fraser – the architect of Anna’s final humiliation at school – walks back into her life, her world is turned upside down. But James seems a changed man. Polite. Mature. Funny, even. People can change, right? So why does Anna feel like she’s a fool to trust him?
Discuss Here’s Looking At You… Continue reading
by Book Review: A Cinderella Christmas
A Cinderella Christmas by Holly Kingston. Released by Novelicious Books, November 2013.
Lucy Tilley dreams of a career in show business. But this isn’t quite what she had in mind …
This year’s Cinderella pantomime is the hottest production in town. What’s more, Lucy is starring alongside Ryan Aspall: famous TV actor, sex symbol and potential love of her entire life. One teeny problem – Lucy is tripping the light fantastic as … the back-end of the comedy cow. Surely nothing kills a flirty moment quite like wearing a massive set of udders?
At least she has the support of glamorous (if potentially flammable) Charmaine; a reality star diva of a Cinderella, who Lucy is completely fascinated by. But behind the fame and beauty, Charmaine is not all she seems.
With more drama off the stage than on it, and everyone
wanting to be star of the show, will Lucy find the confidence to make it out of the cow suit and into the spotlight this Christmas?
A Cinderella Christmas is the new novella from Holly Kingston. Set during a pantomime in Manchester just before Christmas, this was a warming, lovely story that had me laughing out loud in many places. Lucy is such a likeable, relatable character. Charmaine, Ben, Ryan and Bridget are great supporting characters. This story flowed so well and I wish it was longer. This book has well and truly put me in the festive mood and will be great for snuggling up on the sofa with a glass of wine and the Christmas tree lights on. Romance and Christmas… I loved this book.
by Luca Veste: Dead Gone Blog Tour
Novel Kicks was very pleased to be a part of Luca Veste’s blog tour for his great debut novel, Dead Gone. Later on, Luca will be chatting to us about his book. Be sure to also check out the other stops on the tour.
Coming up, a review of Dead Gone which is available now in e-book format. Below, a sneak preview (warning, there is a small amount of bad language.)
Experiment Two
She hadn’t been afraid of the dark.
Not before.
Not before it entered her life without her knowing, enveloping her like a second skin, becoming a part of her.
She hadn’t been claustrophobic, petrified the walls were closing in around her. Crushed to death without knowing they’d even moved. Not scared of things that crawled around her toes. Wasn’t afraid to sit alone in a darkened room and wonder if something was touching her face, or if it was just her imagination.
Nope. She wasn’t scared before.
She was now.
by Jon Rance: My Route to Publication
Jon Rance, the author of This ThirtySomething Life and Happy Endings, talks about his route to publication…
Whenever I talk or write about my route to being published, I always end up using the same words. Unusual. Different. Unconventional. When you think about getting a publishing deal you generally think about someone having an agent first and then the book being shipped around various publishing houses until the inevitable bidding war results in a large three book deal. This generally isn’t true either, but I didn’t even have an agent and I wasn’t really looking to get a publishing deal at all. I guess I should start at the beginning.
I started writing properly ten years ago. I wrote four full-length novels and followed the traditional path of trying to get an agent and failing each time. It always felt a bit strange though. I would spend a year and a half pouring my heart and soul into a book and then I’d send off thirty letters to different agents, wait for the rejections to come back before starting all over again. It’s a strange thing to do. So after I finished writing my fifth book, THIS THIRTYSOMETHING LIFE, I decided not to approach agents and instead self-publish it.
by Book Review: Solomon’s Tale by Sheila Jeffries
Solomon’s Tale by Sheila Jeffries. Published by Avon, November 2013.
Solomon’s Tale tells the story from the point of view of Solomon, a cat who is reincarnated back down to earth by an angel to take care of his previous owner. When he reaches Ellen, he finds that she is facing abuse and homelessness.
He enters Ellen’s home and soon becomes the family’s healer and protector and although facing many challenges, tries to save the family.
Solomon was the writer’s own cat but the story, Continue reading
by Practical Bags For Writers On The Go
I do like to take my computer out and work with a change of scenery. I take my iPad everywhere. My laptop also frequently travels with me and so I like to transport them in something that’s not bulky. Then there is the problem of all the other stuff in your bag damaging your laptop or tablet. If you’re anything like me, I struggle to find bags that are suitable for writers on the go. Our spotlight today falls on a selection of lovely bags from Knomo that are perfect for writers – whether it’s for a christmas gift or a treat for yourself….
The Cavendish tote is made from saffiano leather and comes with a removable quilted laptop sleeve (which snaps into the side of the bag.) It’s perfect for carrying your day-to-day belongings as well as the all-important laptop (and that sleeve will mean it won’t get damaged.) It fits up to 14″ laptop and is available in marine, black or black cherry. It’s currently £169.00 from Knomo.
Cavendish
by Novel Kicks attends the launch of Raising Steam.
Pratchett launches his 40th Discworld novel on-board the Iron Girder.
We were very excited to be invited to the launch of Raising Steam, the latest novel by Sir Terry Pratchett and the 40th book in the Discworld series. On Friday 22nd November at 3pm sharp, we arrived at the Watercress Line at Alton Station where we were greeted by the billowing steam of the train that was to be the Iron Girder for the day.
On the platform stood Sir Terry, proudly wearing his train conductor’s hat. Soon after arriving, we all boarded the train where we would have afternoon tea of scones, jam, cream, a cup of tea and even a small glass of sparkling wine. We were even Continue reading
by NaNoWriMo Author Advice: Day Eight
It’s day eight of National Novel Writing Month. Ali Mcnamara talks about what you should be writing….
When people ask me for advice about writing, I always say the same thing: Write what YOU love. Then your writing will come across as genuine, and heartfelt, and if you enjoy it reading it back, then someone else definitely will.
Also if you think your story is just as good or preferably better than those you’re seeing on the bookshelves, then never give up on your dream, no matter how many rejections you may get at first. Because someone some day will read your work and love it just as much as you!
by Ali McNamara’s Time Traveling Tour: Swinging 60’s Fashion
We are happy to welcome Ali McNamara and her blog tour for her new book release, Step Back in Time. Today, we go back to the decade of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and mini skirts….
60s Fashion 101
Women’s fashion evolved so much in the 1960’s that it’s difficult to pinpoint just a few trends…
At the beginning of the decade the height of fashion was the style favoured by Jackie Kennedy, the first lady of the United States. Her quintessential look was the smart suit, pillbox hat, and neat court shoes.
Then is 1964 hems shot up when Mary Quant introduced the first mini-skirt, and the monotone black and white look, that is so synonymous with the sixties today became popular. Make-up was pale, and the androgynous look made famous by the British model, Twiggy was the style to aspire to.
Towards the end of the decade – the hippie movement also exerted a strong influence on fashion, with bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye and batik fabrics being extremely popular amongst the young, hip and trendy set.
If I’d been a teenager in the 1960s….I think I’d have been a Mary Quant girl!
Step Back in Time by Ali McNamara is published by Sphere and is available to buy now.
Ali’s blog tour continues on Monday where she is stopping by One More Page and Life on Magrs
by Literary Fact: Stephen King
In 2007, Stephen King started signing some of his own books in an Alice Springs bookstore. The staff thought he was a vandal as they didn’t initially realise that he was signing his own books.
by Book Corner: November 2013
The Knot by Mark Watson.
(Published by Simon & Schuster, June 2013.)
Dominic Kitchen is a wedding photographer. Every Saturday since his career began in the sixties he has photographed a bride and groom on the happiest day of their lives, captured the moment they tied the knot forever, and then faded away into the background. But throughout his life, Dominic has felt a knot inside him tighten, threatening his own chance of a happy ever after. And as the years go by, it becomes more difficult to ignore, until the ties that bind threaten to tear him apart… Continue reading
by Harper Impulse get in the festive mood…
We may still be in the middle of August but Harper Impulse are already thinking about Christmas time (and I for one love Christmas,) and are launching their wonderful WINTER WONDERLAND competition.
They are looking for novels of any length, which have a Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year theme in them (and, of course, some kind of romance!).
by Claudia Carroll Winners.
Thank you to all who entered our competition to win a copy of Me & You by Claudia Carroll.
Avon, 1st August 2013.
Well done to Joanne from Herefordshire and Aileen from Wales who have both won a copy of the book.
by The President’s Hat by Antoine Laurain – Competition Winners.
Thank you to all the people who entered our competition to win a signed copy of The President’s Hat by Antoine Laurain.
Gallic Books, March 2013.
Well done to Mandy Carter (who’s superpower would be to look into the future,) Susan Nisar (who would like the power to heal,) and Kathleen Gallagher (who would like to be able to turn nasty food delicious.)
by Izzy’s Attic Competition Winner…
Thank you to all of you who entered our competition to win a beautiful bookmark from Izzy’s Attic.
Well done to Aimee Talbot from Kings Lynn. Your prize will be on it’s way to you shortly. Aimee would like to meet Hazel Grace Lancaster from John Green’s Fault in Our Stars.
The bookmarks are available to buy from Izzy’s Attic.
Read more about Izzy’s fantastic charity, Eyes Alight.
by Daily Fact – 20th June 2013
Daily Fact….19th June 2013
J.M Barrie (Sir James Matthew Barrie) died on this day in 1937. Great Ormond Street Hospital in London owns the copyright to Peter Pan.
by Book News: About A Girl by Lindsey Kelk.
Harper, 2013
Released, July 2013.
Here’s the blurb…
Tess Brookes has always been a Girl with a Plan. But when the Plan goes belly up, she’s forced to reconsider.
After accidently answering her flatmate Vanessa’s phone, she decides that since being Tess isn’t going so well, she might try being Vanessa. With nothing left to lose, she accepts Vanessa’s photography assignment to Hawaii – she used to be an amateur snapper, how hard can it be? Right?
But Tess is soon in big trouble. And the gorgeous journalist on the shoot with her, who is making it very clear he’d like to get into her pants, is an egotistical monster. Far from home and in someone else’s shoes, Tess must decide whether to fight on through, or ‘fess up and run…
by Daily Fact…
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was first published in 1813.
Its orginal title was ‘First Impressions.’
by Mike Gayle’s advice for New Writers…
Every time you hear the theme tune to EastEnders start writing. When you hear the end credits stop. Do the same for the Sunday omnibus and you’ll have a book within a year. Jenny Colgan told me that and I believe her.
Mike’s new book, Turning Forty will be released in July.
by Book Club
