Book Reviews : Chocolate Wishes by Trisha Ashley.
Chocolate Wishes by Trisha Ashley
Avon HarperCollins, 2010.
Review by Laura Parish.
Life is sweet for chocolate maker Chloe Lyon! In the picture-perfect Lancashire village of Sticklepond, Confectioner Chloe dispenses inspirational sweet treats containing a prediction for each customer. If only her own life was as easy to forecast – perhaps Chloe could have foreseen being jilted at the altar! But when a new Vicar arrives in the village, the rumour mill goes into overdrive. Not only is Raffy Sinclair the charismatic ex-front man of rock band ‘Mortal Ruin’, he’s also the Chloe’s first love and the man who broke her heart. Try as she might, Chloe can’t ignore this blast from her past. Could now be the time for her to make a wish – and dare to believe it can come true? Continue reading
by 
NK Chats To.... : Trisha Ashley
Trisha has written eleven romantic comedies. Her latest, ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ was a Sunday Times Bestseller. Her upcoming novel, ‘The Magic of Christmas’ is to be published by Avon HarperCollins in October 2011. We were very happy to get a chance to chat with Trisha, to ask her about her typical writing day. how she approaches editing and the fictional character she’d like to meet….
What was your route to publication?
That’s a long story! I wrote satirical novels for years without getting published, then wrote two light Regency Romances which were published by Hale and large print editions. But after that I went back to the satire and remained unpublished again until I was taken on by top London agent Judith Murdoch. She called me down to London and during three hours tore my current novel to shreds, then told me how to put it back together again.
Almost the first thing she said to me was: ‘Trisha, this romantic comedy hasn’t got any romance in it!’ Which of course it hadn’t, because it was satire. But once I realised that simply adding a romantic element to what I was already writing would enable my books to fit into the romantic comedy genre (which is a very wide one), I went straight back home and did just that. Good Husband Material was published by Piatkus, the first of my romantic comedies.
My fourteenth novel, Twelve Days of Christmas, came out at the end of last year and my next, The Magic of Christmas, will be out this October. I’ve been shortlisted for the Melissa Nathan Award for romantic comedy two years running, and Every Woman for Herself was recently voted one of the three best romantic novels of the last fifty years: both were great honours.
by Book Reviews : Getting Away With It by Julie Cohen.
Getting Away With It by Julie Cohen.
Headline Review, 2011.
Review by Laura Parish.
Wherever there’s trouble there’s Liza Haven….
That’s what the villagers of Stoneguard used to say. But when your identical twin sister’s the local golden girl, sometimes it’s more fun to be the bad twin.
Now working in LA as a stuntwoman, Liza can be as wild as she wants. But when she loses her job, and almost her life, she’s forced to return home.
Only, things have changed in Stoneguard and her sister Lee has gone, deserting their difficult mother, a flagging family business and a dangerously attractive boyfriend. What’s more, the whole village thinks Liza is Lee.
Can Liza get away with pretending to be the good twin? Or is it finally time to discover who she really is? Continue reading
by Book Corner : April’s Book
Wicked – Gregory Maguire
When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in the classic novel The Wonderful Wizard of OZ, we heard only one side of the story. But what of her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch?
Long before Dorothy drops in, a girl is born in OZ with emerald-green skin. Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous witch, is a smart, prickly and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived ideas about the nature of good and evil.
by Book Reviews : Secrets of the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette
Secrets of the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette. 
(Avon, 2011.)
A bit about the book:
When young Mary Howard arrives at the grand court of King Henry VIII to attend his mistress, Anne Boleyn, she is overjoyed. Mary is certain Anne will one day become Queen. But Mary has witnessed the kings fickle nature before and knows how quickly he can turn on those he claims to love.
Despite all of Mary’s efforts to please him, she soon becomes a victim of the King’s wrath. Not until she becomes betrothed to Henry Fitzroy, the Duke of Richmond and illegitimate son to the King, does Mary find the love and approval she’s been seeking.
But when Mary believes she is finally free, the tides turn. She has uncovered an intricate web of secrets within the palace walls, secrets that she must guard with her life…
by NK Chats To.... : Julie Cohen
Julie has written six novels for Harlequin Mills & Boon, another five single-title romantic novels for Headline’s Little Black Dress. Her latest novel ‘Getting Away With It,’ published through Headline Review, was released in paperback this month.
What was your route to publication?
I started writing with the goal of publication in 2000, and as soon as I’d finished my first manuscript (which was aimed at Harlequin Mills & Boon), I joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) in the UK and Romance Writers of America (RWA). I submitted my first ms to Harlequin and it was quickly rejected. I then submitted it to the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme, which gives unpublished members a critique of their full manuscript by a published author. The critique told me I was pretty much doing everything wrong—but that I did have an engaging writing voice, and, occasionally, a way with words.
I was encouraged enough by that to keep on writing and submitting (and being rejected). In March 2004 I was thrilled when my fourth manuscript, Featured Attraction, finalled in the RWA Golden Heart contest, which is the biggest contest for unpublished romance writers in the world. Three months later, I got a phone call from an agent telling me she was interested in representing my fifth manuscript, a stand-alone romance novel called Spirit Willing, Flesh Weak. And a month after that, in July 2004, I got a call from the senior editor at Harlequin saying they wanted to publish Featured Attraction.
So after years of hard work, the getting-accepted bit happened very quickly. Publication of my first book was delayed, but I kept on writing and selling, with the result that in 2006 I had five books released by two different publishers. Since then I’ve moved on to writing commercial women’s fiction for Headline Review, which is a dream come true.
by Book Reviews : The Hell Of It All by Charlie Brooker.
The Hell Of It All by Charlie Brooker.
(Faber & Faber, Oct 2012, Paperback Edition.)
Review by Rebecca Welch.
I’m a big, massive fan of Charlie Brooker and have been for a few years. I used to read the free papers in college and he occasionally writes for The Guardian. Nowadays he has two of his own flagship shows (Screenwipe and Newswipe) and a quizcom show (You Have Been Watching).
For Christmas, I got his book, ‘The Hell of it All’ – third in a series of compilation books comprising Guardian columns, random blogs and ideas for columns that never were. Continue reading
by Book Reviews : The Bird Room by Chris Killen.
The Bird Room – Chris Killen.
(Cannongate, 2010)
Review by Laura Parish.
When Will meets Alice, he can’t believe his luck. She’s smart, sexy and, much to Will’s surprise, in love with him. Alice brings meaning to his urban existence. But true love never came easy and soon devotion leads Will to something darker. Continue reading
by Book Reviews : I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You by Ally Carter.
I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You by Ally Carter.
(Orchard Books, 2010.)
Review by Laura Parish.
Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses – but it’s really a school for spies. Cammie Morgan is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways. But the one thing the Gallagher Academy hasn’t prepared her for is what to do when she falls for an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl.
Sure she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without him ever being the wiser, but can she have a normal relationship with a boy who can never know the truth about her? Continue reading
by Book Corner : March’s Book
Secrets of the Tudor Court – Darcey Bonnette
When young Mary Howard arrives at the grand court of King Henry VIII to attend his mistress, Anne Boleyn, she is overjoyed. Mary is certain Anne will one day become Queen. But Mary has witnessed the kings fickle nature before and knows how quickly he can turn on those he claims to love.
Despite all of Mary’s efforts to please him, she soon becomes a victim of the King’s wrath. Not until she becomes betrothed to Henry Fitzroy, the Duke of Richmond and illegitimate son to the King, does Mary find the love and approval she’s been seeking.
But when Mary believes she is finally free, the tides turn. She has uncovered an intricate web of secrets within the palace walls, secrets that she must guard with her life…
by Book Reviews : The Importance Of Being a Bachelor.
The Importance of Being a Bachelor by Mike Gayle.
(Hodder & Stoughton, 2011.)
A bit about the book…..
Adam, Luke and Russell Bachelor are three brothers who, as their surname suggests are anything but settled…
Adam is addicted to The Wrong Kind of Girls; Luke bears the scars of a savage divorce; and Russell’s love life contains nothing but heartache.
When, months shy of his 40th wedding anniversary, their dad announces that he’s leaving their mum to try his hand at the single life the boys are thrown into turmoil. Now as well as sorting out their own complicated love lives, the Bachelors have got to sort out their parents’ too…or face losing the one thing they always count on.
by NK Chats To.... : Mike Gayle
Mike is the author of ten novels which include, Mr Commitment, My Legendary Girlfriend and the To-Do List. The latest, The Importance of Being a Bachelor has just been released in paperback…
What was your route to publication? 
I started my career as a journalist working for the teen magazine Just Seventeen. After going freelance I decided to have a go at finishing the novel that I’d begun when I first moved to London and a year and several million rewrites later it was done.
Had you always wanted to be a writer?
Absolutely. I started out wanting to be a music journalist because I was a huge music fan and then moved into the teen stuff because growing up I’d been a huge fan of mags like Smash Hits. I think the truth of the matter was that I wanted to write stuff that made people laugh but also told the truth in some small way.
Where do you find inspiration for your novels?
The basis of all my novels are relationships between men and women mainly because I find them so fascinating. No one relationship is the same and so it feels like there are as many stories to tell about relationships as there are relationships. Also, they’re funny. Few things in life beat the joy of watching a couple arguing in IKEA.
by Book Reviews : A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French.
A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French
Michael Joseph, 2010
Mo is about to hit the big 50. She doesn’t understand either of her teenage kids, which as a child psychologist, is fairly embarrassing. She has become entirely grey. Inside, and out. Her face has surrendered and is frightening children. Dora is about to hit the big 18 . . . and about to hit anyone who annoys her, especially her precocious younger brother Peter who has a chronic Oscar Wilde fixation. Then there’s Dad . . . who’s just, well, dad. A TINY BIT MARVELLOUS is the story of a modern family all living in their own separate bubbles lurching towards meltdown. It is for anyone who has ever shared a home with that weird group of strangers we call relations. Oh and there’s a dog called Poo. Continue reading
by Book Reviews : Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha Ashley.
Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha Ashley. 
(Avon, 2010.)
Review by Laura Parish.
Christmas is not a happy time for widower Holly Brown. When she gets the chance to look after a remote house on the Lancashire Moors, she jumps at the chance to escape the festivities and be alone. However, as the family of the owner descends, the blizzards set in and the owner himself returns, Holly finds that the escape she planned is not going to go to plan. Continue reading
by Book Corner : February’s Book
A Tiny Bit Marvellous – Dawn French
Mo is about to hit the big 50. She doesn’t understand either of her teenage kids, which as a child psychologist, is fairly embarrassing. She has become entirely grey. Inside, and out. Her face has surrendered and is frightening children. Dora is about to hit the big 18 . . . and about to hit anyone who annoys her, especially her precocious younger brother Peter who has a chronic Oscar Wilde fixation. Then there’s Dad . . . who’s just, well, dad.
A TINY BIT MARVELLOUS is the story of a modern family all living in their own separate bubbles lurching towards meltdown. It is for anyone who has ever shared a home with that weird group of strangers we call relations. Oh and there’s a dog. Called Poo
by NK Chats To.... : Ali McNamara
Ali McNamara is the author of ‘From Notting Hill with Love…Actually, released in 2010. We were excited to be having a chat with Ali. We asked her who she’d have over for dinner and about her route to publication.
What was your route to publication & did you always wanted to be a writer?
I first began writing when myself and a fellow fan began writing a story on singer, Ronan Keating’s message board, the story became so popular the website would sometimes crash because there were so many people trying to log on to read it. Such was its popularity we eventually sold the story for charity, and I went on to write a further two more stories to raise money for Ronan’s cancer awareness charity -The Marie Keating Foundation. It was after that I thought I should have a go at writing a ‘proper’ novel!
From Notting Hill with Love…Actually was the third full length novel I wrote after the stories on Ronan’s website. So I’ve had my fair share of rejections like most other authors, but for some reason I just kept going with this book even though like the other two the pile of rejection letters was starting to get higher and higher, but I just had faith in my story and knew that one day someone would love it just as much as me and want to publish it, and luckily I was right!
Where do you find inspiration for your novels?
‘From Notting Hill with Love…Actually’ came to me when I was watching one of those countdowns on the music channels – ‘100 greatest Movie theme tunes.’
As each of the songs came on to the screen I realised the movies were so well known I knew exactly what was happening even without dialogue, and I thought wouldn’t it be wonderful if I could get all those great movies into one story, and that’s how the idea began to take shape. And I got the idea for my next novel ‘Breakfast at Darcy’s’ from a conversation I had with my husband when we were on holiday in Ireland about the difficulties in living on a remote island if you were to buy one, or in my main character Darcy’s case, inherit one!
by Book Reviews : From Notting Hill with Love…Actually by Ali McNamara
From Notting Hill with Love…Actually. 
Ali McNamara
(Sphere, Nov 2010.)
I loved this…actually.
From Notting Hill with Love… Actually follows Scarlett and her adventures whilst she house sits in Notting Hill. Scarlett loves movies, which causes her trouble with family and friends. Being a fan of movies myself (i’m a self confessed IMDB obsessive), I could fully understand why Scarlett loves films so much. I rooted for Scarlett all the way though as she tries to find the answers to the questions in her life and work out which path she should take. Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Adele Parks
Adele’s first novel ‘Playing Away,’ was published in 2000. The Evening Standard placed her as one of London’s ‘Twenty faces to watch’ the same year. Since then, she’s constantly been on the Times Top Ten bestseller lists. Her latest, ‘Men I’ve Loved Before,’ was released in July 2010. We were very excited to catch up with Adele to ask her how she came to be published and who she’d have to dinner….
Describe your route to publication? 
I’ve always dreamed of being a writer but I bided my time. I wrote one novel and didn’t even submit it, it wasn’t up to it. I waited until I was at a stage of my life where I knew I had something compelling and different to write. I worked on my novel three times a week for three hours and for five hours at a weekend, while holding down an extremely busy day job. I was very disciplined and determined. I then did lots of research on which agent might be interested in my kind of work and yet more research on how to present my work to best advantage. It paid off because the agent I approached did like my pitch and encouraged me. It took just 3 months from my initial approach to my agent until he secured me a deal for my first novel, Playing Away.
How do you approach a typical writing day?
I tend to write in term times to coincide with my son’s school schedule. So I’m normally at my desk at 8.30am ish and I work through until 3.30pm, stopping for a quick lunch. I do my best work in the mornings, so after lunch I often re-read, self edit or research. Obviously kids hols are longer than the normal hols or a working parent so sometimes I am writing when my son is not at school, it requires a lot of discipline (from both of us!) especially on sunny days. I think ‘waiting for the muse’ is an indulgence. I sometimes don’t feel like writing, but I just force myself to get on with it and I’ve found that it’s often when it’s hardest that the work is best.
by Book Corner : January’s Book
Life of Pi
One boy, one boat, one tiger… After the sinking of a cargo ship, one lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild, blue pacific ocean. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a zebra (with a broken leg), a female orang-utan and a 450- pound Royal Bengal tiger.
by Book Reviews : Heart of The Matter by Emily Giffin.
Heart of the Matter – Emily Giffin. 
(Orion, 2010)
Review by Laura Parish.
Tessa Russo can’t help but contemplate how fragile life can be. She has witnessed her husband Nick’s sombre mood when he returns from a call-out, knowing that another child has been hurt. She looks at her two perfect children and thinks that she is one of the lucky ones.
Valerie Anderson’s world collapses when she takes a phone call. As a single mother, she’s always been protective of her son Charlie and will always regret how one decision leads to a terrible accident. It’s only when she meets Nick Russo, Charlie’s surgeon that she finds hope.
As the lives of these two women intersect, they are forced to question everything they hold dear – and face a future that neither one had ever envisaged. Continue reading
by Book Reviews : Circle of Fire by Riva Shaw.
Circle of Fire by Riva Shaw.
(YouWriteon.com, 2010.)
Review by Laura Parish.
A great beginning to a promising trilogy.
Part One of the Circle of Fire trilogy.
In the kingdom of Subia, Nick Trayer became the youngest ever Warrior of the Circle of Fire it was widely predicted that a great future lay ahead of him. Now, years later, he is content to live as a farmer, working side by side with this tenants, trying in vain to forget the tragedy which caused him to turn his back on glory. On the day that Nick is due to marry Catherine, his childhood sweetheart, the King of Subia is killed in a hunting accident. His fourteen year old son, Rowan inherits the throne and Nick is once more called to his King’s service. Nick must confront his past and fight a new battle between love and duty. Continue reading
by Book Corner : December’s Book
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol is a timeless classic that is a must at Christmas. Scrooge is a lonely, mean man who, one Christmas Eve is visited by three ghosts and shown what will happen if he continues on his current life path.
by NK Chats To.... : Riva Shaw
Riva Shaw is the author of the ‘Circle of Fire’ trilogy, the first in the series is available now. Novel Kicks was excited to have a chat with Riva. We asked her who she’d have round to dinner and what tips she had for new writers.
Describe your route to publication?
My novel is published through YouWriteOn.com which is effectively self-publishing. I decided to go it alone because Circle of Fire is not easy to categorise and agents and publishers are not happy to take on something that falls between two genres. I know that I risk being told that I am not a proper writer, but hopefully readers will just judge the books on their own merits.
How do you approach a typical writing day?
I don’t really have a typical writing day. I write wherever and whenever I can, either straight on to the computer or in notebooks to be typed up later. Sometimes I will write more if I snatch a few moments here and there than if I have a whole day to play with.
by NK Chats To.... : Lucy Dillon
Lucy Dillon is a successful author. Her latest book ‘Walking Back to Happiness’ has just been released. Lucy kindly had a chat with us here at Novel Kicks. We asked her where she finds her inspiration and which character from fiction she’d like to meet.
Where do you find inspiration?
All over the place. I read a lot of newspapers – you find the most fascinating ideas and stories in the corners, and in the announcements sections. Small ads. Births and deaths. Court reports. It’s all a real story that’s happened to someone, and affected their lives in extraordinary ways. I browse the internet constantly (far too much, actually), especially American eBay, and wonder about how things got there and why. I also gossip, and eavesdrop. A LOT.
Briefly describe what your latest novel ‘Walking back to Happiness’ is about.
When Ben Falconer dies unexpectedly at the age of 32, Juliet loses her childhood sweetheart, and their terrier Minton loses the master he worships. Juliet’s mother Diane feels terrible about interfering with Juliet’s self-imposed isolation in her unfinished ‘forever house’, but she needs someone to petsit the family Labrador while she, in turn, babysits her other daughter, Louise’s, toddler during the week. Since dogs are the only company Juliet can face, she agrees, and soon she’s walking all over Longhampton with her growing team of silent but friendly companions. But the dogs are easier to manage than their owners, and when Juliet starts to petsit a beautiful spaniel, all sorts of secrets are unleashed…
(I’m not very good at synopses – they tend to go on for pages, which is why I hand all cover copy duties to my excellent editor, Isobel!)
by Book Reviews : A Tapestry of Love by Rosy Thornton.
A Tapestry of Love by Rosy Thornton.
(Headline Review, 2010.)
A wonderful story, written like a beautiful painting.
Review by Laura Parish.
A rural idyll: that’s what Catherine is seeking when she sells her house in England and moves to a tiny hamlet in the Cévennes mountains. With her divorce in the past and her children grown, she is free to make a new start, and her dream is to set up in business as a seamstress. But this is a harsh and lonely place when you’re no longer just here on holiday. There is French bureaucracy to contend with, not to mention the mountain weather, and the reserve of her neighbours, including the intriguing Patrick Castagnol. And that’s before the arrival of Catherine’s sister, Bryony… Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Rosy Thornton
Rosy Thornton is the author of four novels. Her latest, The Tapestry of Love was released in October. When Rosy isn’t writing, she teaches at Cambridge University. Novel Kicks was very excited to be chatting to Rosy. We asked her where she finds her inspiration and which character from fiction she’d like to meet.
What was your route to publication like?
My first attempt at writing fiction was internet fanfic: a pastiche sequel to Elizabeth Gaskell’s ‘North and South’. I had a go at getting it published, without success – mainly because it was embarrassing tosh! But straight after that novel I began another – contemporary, humorous – and that was what became my first published novel, ‘More Than Love Letters’.
Publication wasn’t a smooth ride. I must have tried every literary agent in the known universe – and in the end found my own lovely agent by pure fluke. He was listed at the time as handling non-fiction only, and I approached him by mistake, but he just happened to be looking to get into fiction, liked the book and took me on.
Where do you find inspiration?
‘Inspiration’ always seems the wrong word to me – like something external and sudden and mysterious. The reality is far more mundane: I just write what I see about me. I tend to choose settings I know, and I draw upon observation of the people and relationships that surround me.
by Book Corner : November’s Book
Jonathan Livingston Seagull – Richard Bach
For most seagulls, life consists simply of eating and surviving. Flying is just a means of finding food. However, Jonathan Livingston Seagull is no ordinary bird. For him, flying is life itself. Against the conventions of seagull society, he seeks to find a higher purpose and become the best at doing what he loves.
by Book Reviews : When Tomorrow Comes by Joanna Lambert.
When Tomorrow Comes (Authors Online, 2009)…
Review by Laura Parish.
‘1967: When eighteen year old Ella Kendrick moves to the Somerset town of Abbotsbridge to live with her mother Melissa and stepfather Liam, she is looking forward to getting to know someone who has been absent from her life for eleven years. However, living in the Carpenter household doesn’t turn out to be the idyllic experience Mel promised her daughter.
After Ella also loses her boyfriend to her best friend and career aspirations have been trimmed to a college course, ambitious Mel puts her main plan into action – finding her daughter a wealthy boyfriend. But Mel’s plans stall when, on a cold January evening, Ella meets Matt.’ Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Joanna Lambert
Joanna Lambert (the pen name of Audrey Hawkins) is the writer of the ‘Behind Blue Eyes’ trilogy; When Tomorrow Comes, Love, Lies and Promises and most recently, The Ghost of You and Me. She’s about to embark on her fourth novel.
We were very pleased to be able to chat with Joanna about her writing life…
What was your route to publication like?
I completed In Sunshine and in Shadow, as the manuscript was originally called, began submitting, failed to interest any agents and then decided to shelve for a while and get on with some short story writing. Then a conversation at work about hobbies resulted in the manuscript being circulated for a few book lovers to read. Up until that time my work had been for my eyes only so I had no idea how it would be received. I asked for honest, constructive feedback and what came back was so positive that I knew I had to finish the journey and get it published.
Describe your typical writing day?
As I work full time I have to squeeze my writing into evenings and weekends; it’s whenever I can tuck time in. I do, however, make sure I have protected periods to actually put my thoughts onto the PC. I usually manage a couple of hours each evening and, social life permitting, at least five hours at the weekend. Also a notebook and pen in my bag are a must so I can scribble ideas down as soon as they come into my head.
by Book Reviews : The Planets (Book 1) by Phamie MacDonald.
‘The solar system is an exciting place – full of planets, moons, asteroids, comets and many other remarkable characters. But have you ever wondered what they get up to when we’re 
not looking?’
Review by Laura Parish. Continue reading
by Book Reviews : Desire by Louise Bagshawe.
Desire by Louise Bagshawe. 
(Headline Review, 2010.)
Review by Laura Parish.
‘Lisa Costello has all the expensive clothes and exotic vacations that come with dating a rich man. But her relationship with Josh Steen is a sham. Yet nothing could have prepared Lisa for the morning after their decadent wedding in Thailand. Josh is dead – and it looks like Lisa killed him.’ Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Kathryn Stockett
‘The Help’ by Kathryn Stockett was our book club title for September. Here’s the complete Q&As that Kathryn and her publisher (Penguin) contributed to our book club discussion.
Are you Skeeter?
No, I am definitely not Skeeter. I was never that brave. Growing up, I don’t recall giving a second thought about the situation between blacks and whites. Honestly, it wasn’t until twenty years later, after Demetrie’s death, that I started to think about how complex, and imbalanced, our relationship was. Not to mention, I am five foot two. My hair tends to frizz year round, but I have yet to find a Shinalator that works.
Is there going to be a movie?
The option for film rights have been sold to Tate Taylor and Brunson Green, both filmmakers living in Los Angeles, originally from Jackson. I am so proud and so excited that the film is in the hands of Mississippians. They saw and lived it right along with me.
by Book Corner : October’s Book
The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire – neither Offred’s nor that of the two men on which her future hangs…
by Book Reviews : Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.
Mini Shopaholic – a great addition to the series.
2nd September 2010, Bantam Press.
Review by Laura Parish.
The latest book in the ‘Shopaholic’ series was released this month and we’re very excited about it…
Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) thought motherhood would be a breeze and that having a daughter was a dream come true – a shopping friend for life! But two-year-old Minnie has quite a different approach to shopping…
Cue havoc in the toy department at Harrods and a spectacular performance at her own christening, a near disaster when Minnie starts bidding on eBay and the discovery that her penchant for Balenciaga handbags might be just as bad as her mother’s. Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella is the author of eight number one bestselling novels including the fabulously popular Shopaholic series as well as the number one bestsellers Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, and Twenties Girl.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration from all around me. I love to sit in coffee shops and just take in the chatter.
Describe a typical writing day?
When I’m planning a book, I head to a coffee shop with a notebook, where I sketch out the plot, bits of dialogue and scenes. When I’m actually writing, I start first thing and aim to write a thousand words. I then take a break, but might return to edit what I’ve done in the evening.
Mini Shopaholic has finally arrived in shops. Was it nice to return to Becky Bloomwood?
It was an absolute joy! I love Becky so much, not to mention all her family and friends, so to return to her is like catching up with a world which has been continuing on all this while.
by A sneak peak at the cover to Walking Back To Happiness by Lucy Dillon.
Here is the fabulous new cover for Lucy Dillon’s new book ‘Walking Back to Happiness’ which is due out towards the end of the year. The lovely winter scene on the cover is stunning. Lucy recently won the Romantic 
Novelists’ Association’s ‘Romantic Novel of the Year 2010’ award for her book ‘Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts.’ I’m looking forward to reading this latest book from Lucy.
Here’s the synopsis….
Juliet’s been in hiding. From her family, from her life, but most of all from the fact that Ben’s not around anymore.
Her mother Diane can’t do anything to help. But, when she insists Juliet look after her elderly Labrador, it becomes clear that perhaps the dog, Coco, could help her daughter where she couldn’t.
Catching on, her neighbours ask Juliet for help with their pets too. But then so does Mark, the gorgeous spaniel-owner she meets out dogwalking. And before she knows it, Juliet realises she’s somehow become the town’s unofficial petsitter, and is now privy to all the lives and secrets of everyone whose animals she’s caring for.
But as her first winter alone approaches, she finally begins to wonder if it’s time to face up to her own secrets? To start rebuilding her own life? And maybe – just maybe – to fall in love again?
(Walking Back to Happiness published by Hodder & Stoughton.)
by Book Reviews : Review
The Happy Home for Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman.
Arrow, 2010.
Review by Laura Parish.
Ellie Woods spends her days immersed in the escapist pages of the romantic novels she lovingly edits. But her reality is somewhat less rose-tinted. Once upon a time, Ellie had her ‘happily ever after’ moment when she married her beloved Nick, but fifteen years later her husband’s tragic death leaves her alone with their soon-to-become-a-teenager son, faced with a mountain of debt, and on the verge of losing the family home. On the brink of bankruptcy, Ellie finally succumbs to her sister’s well-meant bullying and decides to rent out some rooms. And all too soon the indomitable Allegra with her love for all things lavender, Sabine on secondment from Berlin and estranged from her two-timing husband, and unreconstructed lads’ mag aficionado Matt enter her ordered but fragile existence – each with their own messy life in tow. And Ellie finds herself forced to step out of the pages of the romantic novels she hides behind, and learn to live – and love – again. Maybe a new chapter is about to begin for them all… Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Rowan Coleman
Rowan’s first novel ‘Growing Up Twice’ was published in 2002. Since then, she’s written another eight novels, her latest ‘The Happy Home for Broken Hearts’ (published by UK Arrow) was released in August 2010. Novel Kicks was excited to have a chat with Rowan about how she approached the writing process…
Describe your typical writing day? 
My typical writing is day starts after I’ve dropped my little girl off at school, on the days when I have someone to look after my baby. If things are going well I work in my office, looking out over a stream. But if I’m stuck I go to a cafe and work there – I don’t know why noise and people seem to help me think.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find my inspiration everywhere. From my own life certainly, my own experiences and how I would feel in some of the situations I put my characters in. Also conversations I over hear, people I meet, or see in the street. Sometimes even from virtual friends I have never met in real life!
What was your route to publication like?
My route to publication was actually quite smooth. I won Company Magazine Young Writer of the Year in 2001 and that opened a lot of doors for me, got me an agent and my first book deal. But even once you are published life as a writer is a rocky one, full of ups and downs. I don’t think the struggle to keep going ever stops!
by Book Corner : September’s Book
The Help – Kathryn Stockett
Jackson, Mississippi, 1962. Aibileen, raising her seventeenth white child whilst nursing the hurt caused by her own son’s death; Minny, whose cooking is nearly as sassy as her tongue; and white Miss Skeeter, home from College, who wants to know why her beloved maid has disappeared. Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. No one would believe they’d be friends; fewer still would tolerate it. But as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they come to depend and rely upon one another. Each is in a search of a truth. And together they have an extraordinary story to tell….
by Book Reviews : I Heart Paris by Lindsey Kelk.
I Heart Paris – by Lindsey Kelk
Harper, July 2010
Review by Laura Parish.
Angela is in the city of love – but romance is taking a nose-dive…
When Angela Clark’s boyfriend Alex suggests a trip to Paris at the same time as hip fashion mag Belle asks her to write a piece, she jumps at the chance. But even as she’s falling for the joie de vivre of Paris, someone’s conspiring to sabotage her big break. And when she spots Alex having a tete-a-tete with his ex at a local bar, Angela’s dreams of Parisian passion all start crashing around her. With London and her old life only a train journey away, Angela can’t decide if she should stay and face the music or run away home…. Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Ilana Fox
Ilana Fox is the author of two books, ‘The Making of Mia’ (2008) and ‘Spotlight,’ (2010), both published by Orion Books. She’s currently working on her third novel ‘No Prince Charming.’ Novel Kicks was very excited to be having a chat with Ilana. We asked her where her inspiration comes from, which author she admire’s and who she’d have to a fantasy dinner.
Describe your typical writing day.
I get up quite early considering I don’t need to commute, and then I give my kittens breakfast and wait for them to come and cuddle me in bed. Then I eventually get up and do a few bits and pieces and settle into writing. I’ll either start writing as soon as I hit my laptop, or I’ll spend an hour or so responding to emails and messages. When I start writing I tend not to stop, so I can be on my computer for up to ten hours without a break. If I’m in the zone I don’t want to be out of it.
Do you plan before starting a book?
I plan an awful lot, only to disregard most of it when I’m writing the manuscript! I know what’s meant to happen in each chapter, and in each scene in a chapter, but often my characters end up saying things or doing things differently to how I imagined, so I have to go back and change the plan. I revise the plan about four times while I’m writing a novel.
by Book Reviews : A Perfect Proposal by Katie Fforde.
A Perfect Proposal by Katie Fforde.
Century, June 2010.
Review by Laura Parish.
Sophie Apperly’s family has never taken her seriously. Fiercely academic, they see her more practical skills as frivolous whilst constantly taking advantage of her. So when her best friend Milly invites her over to New York, she jumps at the chance. It’ll do her ungrateful family good to do without her for a while. What s more, she’s on a quest America holds the key to solving her family’s financial woes, even if they don’t deserve her help. Continue reading
by Book Reviews : The Good, The Bad and the Dumped by Jenny Colgan.
The Good, the Bad and the Dumped by Jenny Colgan.
Sphere, May 2010.
Review by Laura Parish.
Now, you obviously, would never, ever look up your exes on Facebook. Nooo. And even if you did, you most certainly wouldn’t run off trying to track them down, risking your job, family and happiness in the process. Posy Fairweather, on the other hand…Posy is delighted when Matt proposes – on top of a mountain, in a gale, in full-on romantic mode. But a few days later disaster strikes: he backs out of the engagement. Crushed and humiliated, Posy starts thinking. Why has her love life always ended in total disaster? Determined to discover how she got to this point, Posy resolves to get online and track down her exes. Can she learn from past mistakes? And what if she has let Mr Right slip through her fingers on the way? Continue reading
by Book Corner : August’s Book
Magnolia House – Pauline Barclay
When Jane Leonard gave half of her house to her only son, little did she realise that within twelve months, she would be forced to sell the home she had lived in for nearly five decades. The choice for this action was not hers, but the events that led up to her handing over fifty percent of Magnolia House paled by comparison to what happened after the ink had dried on the documents that named the new owners. As Magnolia House is put on the market for sale, love and betrayal, hopes and dreams and ultimately family loyalty will affect the lives of all of those who become involved.
by NK Chats To.... : Lindsey Kelk
Lindsey Kelk is the author of the popular I Heart Series, the most recent, I Heart Paris, has just been released in the UK. Novel Kicks had a chat with Lindsey to ask her what her route to publication was, her top five tips for writers and who her ideal dinner guests would be….
What was your route to publication?
I wrote I Heart New York about three years ago, sent it out to every agent under the sun and then sat twiddling my thumbs while the rejections came in. Eventually, a super awesome amazing agent agreed to meet with me and discuss how we might work together. But when we met, it transpired that she hates I Heart New York and wanted me to work on something else. Since I was a) stubborn and b) a little bit in love with the book, I walked away from the agent (shatting myself that I would never find another) and asked a friend at HarperCollins if she knew any agents I could talk to. Amazingly, she passed the manuscript on to the publisher of the commercial women’s fiction team who read it, loved it and offered me a three book deal. It goes without saying that I was incredibly, incredibly lucky and am super grateful every day for that agent telling me I Heart New York was shit. And that I would have to use a pseudonym because my name sounded like a cat being sick. She was a delight.
Describe your typical writing day:
Sadly, there’s no such thing! I’m currently still working full time as an editor in children’s books so all of my writing happens at night. That suits me anyway because, for some reason, I just can’t seem to be personally creative in the day. It’s weird. I can work wonders on the books I’m editing but as for writing my own stuff, it just won’t come out. I’m a night owl, so it suits.
by Book Reviews : The Lighthouse by P.D James.
The Lighthouse’ by P.D James.
Read by Michael Jayston.
BBC AUDIOBOOKS LTD.
Review by Laura Parish.
I must admit that Audio Books aren’t my favourite medium for reading fiction. I love holding books in my hand as I read. Therefore, it took me a while to settle into ‘The Lighthouse,’ – not through the story’s fault, but my attention to something I can’t hold as I read. When I discovered that an Audio Book is a perfect driving partner, I was away and then couldn’t stop listening. Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Alison Baverstock
Alison Baverstock is an experienced Writer, Publisher and Trainer. She’s the author of ‘Is There A Book In You’ and ‘Marketing Your Book – An Author’s Guide.’ Novel Kicks had a chat with Alison to ask her how she approached a typical writing day and which authors she admired the most….
Describe your typical writing day?
I love writing early in the morning, and even more so going to bed thinking that I shall get up early tomorrow to write. There is both a peace and energy about the house first thing in the day – I am aware that my family are asleep beneath me (my writing room is at the top of the house) and that they may wake up soon (although this got less likely as they all became teenagers) so there is a limit on how much time I have. It’s a bit like driving sleeping children in the car at night – you feel responsible, alive and excited.
Once I have written for a couple of hours I stop and then find myself sneaking up to edit or add bits throughout the day – but the main sweep is always done in the morning.
You’re a publisher as well as a writer; what advice do you have for writers submitting work?
Don’t submit until you are ready to be judged by your work. It doesn’t matter how good the marketing package is, or how enticing your cleverly drafted introductory email, if the work is not as good as it could be, it will show. Given that my particular expertise has been marketing it may be ironic for me to say this, but there’s a growing strand to some writing about writing that puts forward the thesis that all that matters is the marketing. It doesn’t, the writing has to be the most important thing.
by Book Corner : July’s Book
The Book of Tomorrow – Cecelia Ahern
Tamara Goodwin has always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow. Until a travelling library arrives in her tiny village, bringing with it a mysterious, large leather-bound book locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to its core.
by NK Chats To.... : Jonathan Lee
Jonathan Lee is an English author. Who is Mr Satoshi? is his debut novel. We had a chat with Jonathan to find out a little about him and his novel, as well as his writing habits…..
Have you always wanted to write?
I spent quite a long time wanting to be a writer. The only thing I wasn’t so keen on was the actual writing. It’s a bit like that Mark Twain quote about a ‘classic’ book being something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read. I wanted to skip the pencil buying, back ache and paper cuts and have the finished novel in my hands. When I got to university I started penning terrible autobiographical bits and pieces, but I was too preoccupied with other things to have a serious stab at developing any kind of craft. I did a lot of reading, though. With hindsight, that helped me learn some of the tricks a novelist needs.
What was your route to publication?
I’m 29 now. When I was around 25 I had a kind of quarter-life crisis. It wasn’t anything particularly dramatic. I didn’t buy a Porche or run off with anyone inappropriate. But I was sitting in an office in the City all day, wolfing down soggy sandwiches at my desk, and I realised that I hadn’t made any inroads into this niggling ambition of mine, this desire to be a writer. So I started to write more seriously. And then a twenty-something friend of mine published a novel and it did well. The sense of envy probably gave me the final push I needed. I ended up taking six months off work to write full-time. At the end of that period I sent the first three chapters off to a few literary agents, and I was fortunate that Clare Alexander liked what I had sent. We worked together on getting the full manuscript into shape and, a few months later, Jason Arthur called and offered me a two book deal with Random House. I’m skipping over the rejections and the days when things seemed genuinely bleak, but the truth is it all happened very quickly and I was lucky in all sorts of ways.
by Book Reviews : Nanny Returns by Nicola Kraus & Emma Mclaughlin
Nanny Returns
Nicola Kraus & Emma Mclaughlin
Simon & Schuster (April 2010)
Review by Laura Parish.
Ten years after the fateful night when Nan was fired, she returns to New York with her husband, HH. Finally settling in to build a permanent home and get her consulting business off the ground, Nan’s plans are derailed by HH’s sudden desire to start a family – and her surpisingly strong resistance to the idea. Matters are further complicated by a late-night, drunken visit from a now fifteen-year-old Grayer, who’s stumbled upon the nanny-cam tape Nan made on her last night in his mother’s employment – and wants some answers. Racked with guilt and struggling to find a way to help Grayer and his seven-year-old brother, Stilton, through their parents’ vicious divorce, Nan finds herself getting sucked into the Upper East Side world of wealth, power and dysfunction all over again. Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Lynn Shepherd
Lynn Shepherd is the author of Murder at Mansfield Park. Novel Kicks had a chat with Lynn to ask her, amongst other things, what her route to publication was and what advice she has for new writers.
What was your route to publication?
I already had an agent (Ben Mason, now at FoxMason), so I did get a lot of support through the writing process, but we were really unlucky to end up pitching the book to publishers in January 2009, at just about the worst point in the recession, when no-one wanted to take a chance on any author without a cast-iron track record. But my agent was incredibly persistent and determined, and we eventually got an offer from a lovely indie publisher in London, Beautiful Books. And that seemed to open the floodgates. First we got the US and Canada with St Martin’s Press, and then Allen & Unwin in Australia and New Zealand, and there’s a Spanish version in the works now too.
Have you always wanted to write?
Absolutely – having Murder at Mansfield Park published is a 24-carat lifetime dream-come-true. Writing is something I always wanted to do, but I only sat down and started to work on it properly 10 years ago. That first attempt was a modern mystery story based round the discovery of a long-lost manuscript of Mansfield Park, and included my first attempts at Austen pastiche (in fact I re-hashed quite a lot of it for the latest one). That one didn’t quite make it, but it was an invaluable apprenticeship in the craft of putting a novel together. Like a lot of would-be writers, I studied English at university, but it’s a long way from there to writing something decent of your own!
by Book Reviews : Spotlight by Ilana Fox.
Spotlight – Ilana Fox
Orion Books – 29th April 2010.
Review by Laura Parish.
‘A fallen star. A runaway bride. They’re about to be pitted against each other by a very powerful man. Madison Miller has everything – beautiful, talented and just a little bit naive; she’s the small-town girl who swept to victory on America’s hottest talent show to become the nation’s sweetheart. She’s also head-over-heels in love with the man who’s masterminded her career – the head-spinningly powerful, lethally attractive Beau Silverman. But there’s trouble in paradise… Jess has bolted from her approaching wedding and a dead-end job in London to chase dreams of being a fashion designer in New York. But she’s finding life in the Big Apple tough, until she meets a man who makes her an offer she can’t refuse. It means a taste of a life she’s never had – glamorous parties, paparazzi, haute couture – but at what price? Sweeping from the hotspots of LA to the coolest bars of New York, SPOTLIGHT cuts a gloriously fun swathe through the world of celebrity and glamour, with a page-turning story at its heart.’ Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Katie Fforde
Katie Fforde is the author of sixteenth published novels. Her latest ‘A Perfect Proposal’ is due for release on 10th June 2010. We had a chat with Katie and asked her questions including what her route to publication was and her top five tips for writers….
What was your route to publication?
My route to publication was through the Romantic Novelists Association. They have a New Writer’s scheme whereby unpublished writers can submit their novel to the association where it will be read by a published novelist and a report written on it. The organiser of the scheme that year was a scout for a new literary agent. The organiser was Dr. Hilary Johnson, who is now a book doctor, and the agent was Sarah Molloy of A. M. Heath. Sarah found me a publisher before the book I wrote after meeting her was finished.
Have you always wanted to write?
I wasn’t aware I always wanted to write until I was in my twenties but I realise I lived so much of my life in my imagination and so was a bit slow on the uptake.
Do you have a planning process before sitting down to write a book?
I do plan my books a bit, but I often start before I’ve finished planning properly because I just can’t wait to get on with the story.
by Book Corner : June’s Book
The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
A most untraditional love story, this is the celebrated tale of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who involuntarily travels through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare’s passionate affair endures across a sea of time and captures them in an impossibly romantic trip that tests the strength of fate and basks in the bonds of love.
by Book Reviews : Is There A Book In You by Alison Baverstock.
Is There A Book In You by Alison Baverstock
A & C Black Publishers – 2006
Review by Laura Parish.
‘For many, the desire to write is very strong. Yet how do you know whether there is a book in you? And do you have what it takes to see it through.’
Having wanting to be a writer for a while, I’ve brought book after book claiming that it can teach me the tools I need to write (I have a stack of self help writing books next to my desk to prove this.) I am very happy to have come across ‘Is There A Book in You’ by Alison Baverstock. This book, asks what is probably the most important question every new writer needs to ask themselves, ‘Is There a Book in You.’ Continue reading
by NK Chats To.... : Jenny Colgan
Jenny Colgan is the author of 10 novels such as ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,’ ‘Operation Sunshine,’ and ‘West End Girls.’ Her latest release ‘The Good The Bad and the Dumped’ is due for release on 13th May 2010.
Describe your typical writing day?
Woken by 2 year old hurling himself on bed, feed, bath and dress baby, 2 year old and 4 year old, take 4 year old to school, prevent 2 year old from sneaking into school again, hand over two littlies to my fantastic housekeeper Geri, go for a jog or a walk down the beach depending on how energetic I’m feeling; have a bath, spend one hour on one project; take laptop down to local bakery, have a coffee and a pain au chocolat, write 2000 words, rescue littlies at 1.30, play with them all afternoon, pick up 4 year old from school, usually with a couple of his wee friends in tow, cook supper, throw them all into bed, collapse on sofa with knitting and chocolate, fall into bed. That’s whilst my husband’s away working; when he’s home he picks up a lot of the slack!
What was your route to publication? Had you always wanted to write?
I did want to write but I viewed it in the same way as I viewed becoming a popstar or an olympic gymnast; nice idea in theory, unlikely in practice. I was working in a hospital and tried out a little bit of stand up- I was absolutely terrible, but I found I could write things that were funny, even though I wasn’t very funny as a performer. It was the biggest confidence boost of my life. After that I tried everything- cartooning, sketch writing, performance poetry; children’s stories, and the one that worked for me was a novel I wrote in my lunch hour. Nobody was more surprised that me when it finally happened; it was like ‘no, no, no, no, no, YES.’. You can have a million ‘nos’; all you need is one yes.
by NK Chats To.... : Pauline Barclay – her thoughts on ideas.
Write to Enjoy and Enjoy Writing.
By Pauline Barclay – author of two published novels, Magnolia House and Satchfield Hall.
By Pauline Barclay – author of two published novels, Magnolia House and Satchfield Hall.
So you’ve decided that you want to write. Then start straight away. Start by jotting down all your thoughts related to what you might want to write about. I find that words grow words and the more you write, the more your word power will grow. Don’t worry if your words are not coming fast enough, they will. But most importantly don’t be put off by what is deemed as correct at this stage. Just go with the flow of your thoughts and imagination. Think of your writing as if it was a piece of music that makes you stand up and dance even if you don’t know the right steps or movement, it doesn’t matter because you just want to dance until the music stops. Approach your writing in the same way. Relax, enjoy and write. There will be plenty of time for tidying things up later. Just don’t be afraid.
Once I start writing, ideas, words, phrases begin to rattle around in my head, even characters can turn up unexpectedly. A character in one of my short stories was written from a conversation that I had with my neighbour. She suddenly started talking about a friend who had used a private detective to find her estranged husband. I knew this would make a good short story and as soon as I got back home, I wrote down all my thoughts. From this an outline of a story emerged. After much editing and rewriting, my short story was finished and I titled it, Without a Shadow of Doubt. It is one of the sixteen short stories I have written and will appear over the coming months on my web site.
For me, writing is not a switch that I turn on and off, the writing process is there all the time. I am listening and watching everything around me because something that I see or hear just might form part of one of my stories. So if you want to write, don’t be afraid to do have a go. Write with passion and energy and remember; write to enjoy and enjoy your writing!
For more information about Pauline Barclay and her writing, visit her web site: www.paulinebarclay.co.uk
by Writing Room : Writing Room
Welcome to Writing Room.
Come and discuss and share your fiction writing from the comfort of your own armchair.
How will it work?
. We can focus on one area of writing per month.
Writing Room is your area. I welcome any suggestions in what you’d like to see or discuss.
A couple of things to note:
All work posted remains the property of the author. By posting or commenting on anything relating to Writing Room you are agreeing with this condition. Please show each member the same courtesy you would like by not plagiarising any other members work.
If your work contains sensitive/strong content (such as swearing, violence etc) then please make a content warning note in the title box.
by Book Corner : May’s Book
Nineteen Eighty Four – George Orwell
Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening, and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party; they are drawn towards conspiracy. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent – even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101
by NK Chats To.... : Pauline Barclay
Pauline Barclay is the author of ‘Magnolia House’ and her latest book ‘Satchfield Hall’ has just been released.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Anywhere and everywhere! I find inspiration and ideas from sometimes just a word or a phrase, listening to music, reading, watching people, talking to people, out walking the dog. Just being aware of others. Life is so interesting and fascinating.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I have always enjoyed writing, when I was at junior school, I wrote a song and it was sung at one of the school’s parent days. Just before we all started to sing, the teacher announced who had written the song and to my horror she gave the credit to the wrong Pauline! I eventually got over it and since then I’ve left song writing to others. My real passion is writing and during the last fifteen years I have written over sixteen short stories, as well as my two published novels, Magnolia House and Satchfield Hall, I have also written two other full length stories. These still sit in the archives of my computer! Away from my passion of fiction writing, I spent many years as a communications manager. This work entailed writing in-house magazines, press releases for the specialist international press, pages for web sites etc. So much of my life, one way or another, has been very much involved in writing.
by Book Club
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