Dizzy C's Little Book Blog

That's what friends are for...

2012-03-02T07:01:00.000Z

Hi folks,

I am linking directly to my dear blog friend Carol Wyer's blog post from yesterday

This is what I love about the blogging community, please read and you will see what I mean......

Facing 50 with Humour

DizzyC

UK Giveaway - 2 copies of One Night Only by Sue Welfare

2012-03-01T19:48:00.000Z

The lovely people at Avon are offering 2 copies of Sue's latest novel to 2 lucky UK readers.

To be entered into the draw for a copy, please complete the form below and then leave a comment.

Please see giveaway policy

Ends 9th March 2012

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Guest Author - Sue Welfare

2012-03-01T07:11:00.002Z

Today I welcome back, the lovely, Sue Welfare who is celebrating the launch of One Night Only today!

Publisher: Avon (1 Mar 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1847561190

IDEAS

by Sue Welfare

‘Write something about your new book,’ said the lovely Carol Kinsey, host, writer and creator of DizzyC’s Little Book Blog. Like a lot of other people there are days when I just stare at a blank page, wondering what to write – So this is a short piece on where to find ideas to get you all fired up and raring to write.

People often ask me where I get my ideas from for books. The truth is there is no one answer. I read constantly, watch TV and films, listen to the and radio. I’m really nosey and talk to everyone and all the while my brain sucks it up like sponge.

It’s like soup in there - picked packed full of snippets and weird ideas collected from here there and everywhere. I also keep a notebook and record random thought and jottings so I can actually remember it.

But all those jottings and ideas, all those scenes and snippet of dialogue aren’t enough – I need something else. I need the thing that will glue all that stuff into a plot.

And when I have it the thing is like the final park that sets me off and all those bits and fragments and snatches of dialogue finally feel like they have a place to go!

For my new book One Night Only the thing was a conversation I had with a friend who had come home for a family funeral. I still live in the town where I grew up and although I have lived in other places, I’ve always felt very rooted in the community and love living here, so it was interesting to see the place through these guy's eyes.

As we were talking he said, ‘Oh nothing here’s changed since I left.’ And then a sentence or two later was saying how he felt like everything had changed; which was like a little seed that grew and grew.

Everything changes and nothing changes, felt like the magic thing. Trouble is one phrase is not a book, I needed some other elements. So I went fishing through my note books and the thought soup.

I’m constantly stuck by how often in life we strive to make something happen and while we’re busy doing that and really focusing on it something else comes along and changes our lives for ever. Things seldom turn out quite how you’ve planned.

And then of course when you look back on any life there are the chances we didn’t take and the paths we didn’t follow - that boy we might have married, that job we might have taken – there are times when you can help but wonder what might have happed if you had made other choices.

So those where the kind of thoughts that I started with. Then I needed some to explore and experience all that stuffed I was cooking up. At the time there was a big thing in the media about older women not appearing on our TV screens – and I write a lot about women over forty and often older – so that was where my heroine, Helen, arrived from – and as soon as Helen showed up I needed a good reason for her to finally go home and an even better reason for her to have stayed away for so long.

So that’s the basic idea for One Night Only.

Here are five other great places to find ideas!

Classic fairy stories
The problem pages of women’s magazine
People watching in public spaces – just exactly why is she so angry with him?
Listen to friends and family and total strangers (don’t forget to fictionalise their stories, just pinch the central idea, and use that as a starting point for your own story, being true doesn’t make the reality of what happens to them into good fiction.
News, newspapers and magazine – imagine how those events would effect your characters.

For more details you can contact me on my website with it

www. Katelawson.co.uk – but you’ll probably find out a lot more about me on Facebook. You’ll find me there as Sue Welfare.

Please feel free to friend me.

W.I.P. Wednesday - 29th Feb

2012-02-29T06:23:00.001Z

Hazel Osmond is joining me today to talk WIP

Photo courtesy of author

I am currently writing Book 3 which will be out in 2013 – working title ‘Grace under Pressure’. It’s about Grace who is a very calm, very organised person who likes her routines and works for a company that organises art tours in London. When a brash young American guy joins the company to give tours on more cutting edge art, weird things start to happen – pictures get stolen from galleries and Grace’s life starts to unravel. As it does, the reason why Grace keeps herself so in control, start to emerge.

I have a deadline of the end of April for the manuscript to be with Quercus, my publisher so I’m at that adrenaline pumping stage where you can’t make any more excuses about just needing another cup of coffee to get started. I’ve been an advertising copywriter for years, both in an agency and freelance, and I’m used to working to deadline… in fact, I feel a bit lost without one and have this weird notion that what I write is better when the pressure’s on.

Obviously I love writing – everything about it from getting the story idea to the planning to the writing and then the re-writing and the editing. Absolutely. Love. It. And I also really enjoy the research that’s involved. Again, as a copywriter, I’ve been used to researching topics so that you end up knowing quite a lot about, sometimes, fairly obscure subjects. For Book 2 ‘The First Time I Saw Your Face,’ which is out late summer, I had to research the skills blacksmiths use, the sheep farming year, library tasks and alcoholism! (Yup, it’s a hell of a book!)

This time it’s art I’m researching and I’ve just spent a couple of days down in London going to contemporary art galleries. I have tried not to stand in front of some of the installations, etc. scratching my head, but there is definitely a type of art that does not speak to me, or if it does, it’s saying something incomprehensible.

‘Who’s Afraid of Mr Wolfe’ – published April 2011

‘The First Time I Saw Your Face’ – to be published August 2012

www.hazelosmond.co.uk

Twitter : @hosmond

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hazel-Osmond/180418321996194

Review - Queen Hereafter - Susan Fraser King

2012-02-28T14:16:00.001Z

Publisher: Broadway Books (A Division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc); Reprint edition (15 Jan 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0307452801
Also available as Kindle

The blurb

Refugee. Queen. Saint. In eleventh-century Scotland, a young woman strives to fulfill her destiny despite the risks . . .

Shipwrecked on the Scottish coast, a young Saxon princess and her family—including the outlawed Edgar of England—ask sanctuary of the warrior-king Malcolm Canmore, who shrewdly sees the political advantage. He promises to aid Edgar and the Saxon cause in return for the hand of Edgar’s sister, Margaret, in marriage.

A foreign queen in a strange land, Margaret adapts to life among the barbarian Scots, bears princes, and shapes the fierce warrior Malcolm into a sophisticated ruler. Yet even as the king and queen build a passionate and tempestuous partnership, the Scots distrust her. When her husband brings Eva, a Celtic bard, to court as a hostage for the good behavior of the formidable Lady Macbeth, Margaret expects trouble. Instead, an unlikely friendship grows between the queen and her bard, though one has a wild Celtic nature and the other follows the demanding path of obligation.

Torn between old and new loyalties, Eva is bound by a vow to betray the king and his Saxon queen. Soon imprisoned and charged with witchcraft and treason, Eva learns that Queen Margaret—counseled by the furious king and his powerful priests—will decide her fate and that of her kinswoman Lady Macbeth. But can the proud queen forgive such deep treachery?

Scotland, 1067, Margaret , her mother and sister are taken ,by ship, to Scotland on the orders of her brother Edgar. This Saxon family are in need of shelter and protection after the death of their father, King Edward.

They are given sanctuary by King Malcolm, III, a fierce man who seeks a wife. This is not a match that Margaret desires, but fears this will be her destiny as a dutiful sister to Edgar.

Margaret finds herself falling for Malcolm and Scotland after the initial realisation that these people live and behave differently .

I was really looking forward to reading this tale about Margaret of Scotland, even though this is a period I know little about. I struggled a little with the connections of all the characters, and could not have done without the Genealogy map at the start of the novel.

Susan Fraser King has written a beautiful novel, fitting to the time period, that captures the wild landscape of The Highlands, in a turbulent time religiously and socially for the Scots, Normans and Saxons .

A lovely read once I found my way around the 11^th Century and genealogy.

4 out of 5 for me!

review copy

Tagged!

2012-02-25T07:10:00.031Z

I have been Tagged by the lovely Spangle at The Oliva Reader

Please do go and visit her.

As you must all know by now. I am just a mirage, figment of your imagination, you are hallucinating ......
I am on a blog break of sorts, well there are still guest posts, giveaways, and reviews going on here, but I am not about so much.

Just could not resist this one!

Rules (which I am breaking a little)

The Tag rules;

1. You must post the rules!

2. Answer the questions and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.

3. Tag eleven people and link to them.

4. Let them know you’ve tagged them

The questions.....

If you could live in a fictional world, where would that be?

Oh, purely fantasy but I would like to live somewhere like the setting for Little House on the Prairie, but close enough to reach society, but not close enough to realise it. :)

Do you read in noisy or quiet places?

Both. I save my more difficult reads for when the kids are at school or in bed. I have a little quirk, in that I do love to read when my other half is watching the footie on TV. I can cope with that level of noise and everyone is quiet.

What was the first book you ever read?

I cannot remember that far back, can I?
Janet and John by Ladybird as a new reader at school.
The first novel I remember finishing would have been Charlie and the Choc Factory by Roald Dahl

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I wouldn't even know where to begin choosing this one.

Favourite author?

On the spot now! I love the work of Maggie O'Farrell, Linda Gillard, Phillipa Gregory, and many more.

Do reviews influence your choice of reads?

To a certain degree. There are some regular bloggers that I trust to tell me if a book is not worth reading. This may influence me to avoid a book, but it also depends on whether that book has had great reviews elsewhere.

Fiction or Non fiction?

Fiction - to take me away from my stressful life.

Have you ever met your favourite author?

No, but I was rather excited to find that one of my favourite authors is following me on Twitter this week! :)

Audio books or Paperbacks?

Paperbacks. I did try audio recently, but did not really get on with it. I don't have the time to sit and listen, sometimes due to noise levels at home, sometimes because I am moving around the house too much. With a paperback I can pick it up and put it down at a moments notice.

Classic or Modern Novels?

Modern take over as there are so many fantastic novels coming out, but I do try to read a few classics, too.

Book Groups or Solitary Reading?

I envy those in Book Groups. I would think I have made it if I was in a book group. Sadly, I do not have the time.

Winners!

2012-02-23T09:49:00.006Z

Congrats to.....

Lucinda Fountain

A Russell

Congrats to.....

Lindsay

Julie

Winners have been notified by email

Thank you.

W.I.P. Wednesday - 22nd Feb

2012-02-22T06:15:00.000Z

Today, Carole Matthews shares news about her research for her latest WIP.

The Joy of Research

Photos courtsey of Carole Matthews

Those of you who follow me on Twitter and Facebook will know that I’ve recently come back from a fabulous trip to Lapland. It was undertaken in a tearing hurry when I came up with a brilliant idea (well, I think so!) for my Christmas book 2013. All my friends laugh at me when I say I’m doing a ‘research trip’ and jet off to somewhere exotic but, as a writer, I really don’t think you can actually beat going to a place and doing the things that you’re planning to write about. Sometimes that simple act can throw up all kinds of plot ideas that you hadn’t previously thought of. I know that with my last book - Wrapped Up In You - readers said they really enjoyed the descriptions of Africa. Yes, you can do a lot from the internet these days, but actually being there is a whole different experience. As a total hothouse flower, a cold, cold trip wouldn’t be my first choice, but Lapland was simply magical. I spent a day dogsledding, drove a snowmobile, stayed a night in the Ice Hotel and saw the simply fabulous Northern Lights. The whole experience was very special and I have some great material to draw on. I’ve put a few funny Things I’ve Learned About Lapland on my blog: http://www.carolematthews.com/2012/01/things-that-i-learned-in-lapland/

When I’ve shelled out a lot of money for a research trip, I try to make sure I do as much as humanly possible while I’m in the country. If my books are set in downtown Milton Keynes, it’s easy to pop back to somewhere if you’ve forgotten something. With this trip to 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, it’s less so. Then I have to make sure that I have all my bases covered. There’s no popping back! I write an extensive journal every day and Lovely Kev takes oodles of photos to remind me of what we’ve done. (There are some fab pics up on Facebook). We have a big folder on every country we’ve ever visited! So if we ever run out of money for research trips, it will be back to the filing cabinet which is filled with some wonderful memories.

I do two books a year now and work about eighteen months in advance. My publishers like to have a long lead time so that they can sell into supermarkets and plan some great publicity campaigns. It all takes time. I’ve already delivered my summer book for 2013 and have edited my book for this Christmas! And sometimes I wonder where the years disappear to!

SUMMER DAYDREAMS is out now in hardback and on Kindle, but I’ll be doing a lot more promotion for the paperback which follows on 24 May.

I’m on Twitter and Facebook. Come and chat to me there.

www.carolematthews.com

Review - 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover

2012-02-22T05:33:00.002Z

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 218 KB
Publisher: Mondave Communications via CreateSpace (30 May 2011)
ASIN: B0053GCGFS

This novella by Carolyn Moncel wraps up the story with a satisfying ending and although, I would like to have seen it as a full novel, it was an enjoyable read.

It was not all hearts and flowers, it was real. Affairs, tangled relationships are not always as easy and satisfying as some stories would lead us to believe.

I really enjoyed getting to know how the characters were feeling about their role in this love triangle and what happens eventually.

This is available on Kindle and would make a lovely quick read.

3 and half stars for me.

review copy

Review - Netherwood by Jane Sanderson

2012-02-21T21:24:00.001Z

Publisher: Sphere (29 Sep 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0751547634
Also available on Kindle

The blurb

Above Stairs:

Lord Netherwood keeps his considerable fortune, and the upkeep of Netherwood Hall, ticking over with the profits from his three coal mines. The welfare of his employees isn't a pressing concern - more important is keeping his wife and daughters happy and ensuring the heir to the family wealth, the charming but feckless Tobias, stays out of trouble.

Below Stairs:

Eve Williams is the wife of one of Lord Netherwood's employees. When her life is brought crashing down, Eve must look to her own self-sufficiency and talent to provide for her three young children. And it's then that 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' collide in truly dramatic fashion......

Coal mining was big business in the early 1900's. It was a time of great changes socially and economically, but the class divide was still very apparent. The mine owners were uneasy about the new wave of mining unions fighting for better conditions for the miners.

In this fabulous novel, the author explores those changes with a fast paced and action packed story that does not favour either of the classes. The author has a real talent for scene setting and describing every last detail, whether it be the dressing of the ladies at the Hall or the working conditions down the mines. I soaked up every line of the exciting and emotional read.

I read the author's acknowledgements first and was confident that the research aids she had used, including a book about the Fitzwilliam family, was going to make for a great read. I was not disappointed. These two books compliment each other. I am glad I have read both.

A magnificent debut novel from Jane Sanderson. When is the sequel due?

My first 5 star read for 2012.

Thank you to Sphere for a review copy

Review - Russian Winter - Daphne Kalotay

2012-02-21T13:14:00.000Z

Look at that gorgeous cover!

The blurb

When Nina Revskaya, once a great star of the Bolshoi Ballet, decides to auction her jewellery collection, she believes she has finally drawn a curtain on her past. Instead she is overwhelmed by memories of her life a half-century before.

It was in Russia that she fell in love - and where, spurred by Stalinist aggression, a terrible discover led to a deadly act of betrayal.

Now living in Boston, Nina has kept her secrets for half a lifetime. But two people will not let the past rest: Drew Brookes, an inquisitive young associate at the auction house; and Grigori Solodin, a professor who believes the jewels may hold the key to his past. Together these unlikely partners unravel a literary mystery whose answers hold life-altering consequences for them all.

Oh, wow! This is a stunning debut from Daphne Kalotay and is going to the top of my Best Reads for 2012!

The novel moves back and forth between modern day Boston and post World War 2 Russia.

The story centres around 3 main characters...

Nina - a principal dance with post war Bolshoi Ballet. As graceful in her mind in her frail 80's as she was on stage all those years ago, she decides to auction her collection of precious jewellery to benefit others. As the attention from the media focuses on this collection saved as Nina fled Russia, there are deep secrets from the past that are about to surface.

Grigori - professor, widow and owner of a precious piece of the collection that is about to be auctioned. He decides to donate this piece of his history in the hope he will find answers to his questions about his past.

Drew - associate of the auction house. She gets caught up in the story behind this collection and wants to know more about the jewellery and the people involved.

This novel was an absolute pleasure to read. I fell in love with the characters and just had to know about the past. The author's writing was a elegant and graceful as the ballet, and the suspense was a real page turner.

I really enjoyed the way the author gave me another little piece of the jigsaw in either the past or present to then quickly change back to the other timeframe.

I thought I have the past all wrapped up but still wanted to carry on reading to find out with the characters how that came to be, only to find a bittersweet twist I just wasn't expecting.

5 out of 5 for me!

review copy

Midwife of Venice - Roberta Rich - Blog Tour

2012-02-21T07:46:00.001Z

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Ebury Press (16 Feb 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0091944902
Also available on Kindle

Today Roberta Rich joins us as part of her blog tour for The Midwife of Venice.

Where did you get that idea?

Most writers, myself included, dread being asked this question. Often I just don’t know or can’t remember, so I just make something up like, ‘it came to me in a dream,’ or ‘the same thing happened to my sister.’

However, here are five genuine examples from my debut novel, The Midwife of Venice or from its sequel, (tentatively entitled), The Levirate Marriage. Here goes―the creative process made real. The straight goods. I vividly remember being smitten with these ideas.

1. Birthing Spoons: I visited the Jewish museum in the Venetian ghetto and saw a pair of silver spoons resting slightly crossed, in a display case in such a way that I was reminded of my daughter’s birth which required forceps. And so my heroine, Hannah is struck with the idea of forceps as she is ladling out beet soup one Sabbath dinner.

2. Make-up: I have always loved make-up and rarely leave the house without a bare minimum of mascara, lipstick, eyeliner, etc. It comes of having pale skin and a mother who always thought I was anemic and would, during winter months, force bitter ‘tonics’ down my throat.

Years ago, I started experimenting with mixing my own skin creams and got rather good at it. I read that kohl was originally made from soot and grease from cooking pots. I tried it but it made my eyes smart. I read a biography of Helena Rubenstein, who was a great instinctive chemist and thought of rich women using cosmetics compounded from ground pearls and powdered gold. I used this idea in The Midwife in a scene in which Jessica, a courtesan, dresses for an evening at the theatre.

3. Coins on an icy window: In the first chapter of The Midwife, my protagonist, Hannah is looking out her frosty window one cold Venetian winter and melts two eyes holes with a pair of coins so that she can peer down into the square below.

I grew up in an old brick house in Buffalo, New York built just after the American Civil War. The house lacked central heating. On winter nights my sister and I used to warm pennies on our tongues and press them to the glass so we could watch the cute boy across the street out shoveling snow.

4. Scar on back: In the 16^th century, before the days of fingerprints, photos and DNA, how could one confirm a long lost person was who she said she was? One way was identifying marks on the body.

I used the lack of a scar as a way of raising suspicions about Ada, one of the characters in The Levirate Marriage, who is not who she claims to be.

Ada’s late husband spoke of her having a scar on her back from a drainage tube when she suffered from pleurisy as a child. Ada has a mark on her back but is it from an operation or is it simply a burn mark?

My mother, as a child, contracted pleurisy. It was long before the days of antibiotics. The doctor inserted a tube in her back to drain her lungs.

5. Eating a rat: Last year my husband and I visited the maritime museum in San Diego, California. The oldest sailing ship of the lot was the Star of India, a square-rigged beauty. Her walls were covered with enlargements of diary excerpts from passengers who made the trip from Britain to New Zealand. Many mentioned ‘ship’s steak’’ and described different cooking methods. It was all wonderfully disgusting and an entirely fitting ordeal for my villain to endure.

So there you are. Ideas all come from somewhere. The trick is to remember where.

Roberta Rich
Author of The Midwife of Venice

Find out more about Roberta Rich here

MIdwife of Venice Blog Tour

2012-02-20T19:45:00.000Z

Personal message

2012-02-15T21:35:00.001Z

Guys,

I need a break. I love reading and reviewing. I love the blogging community. I love twitter and facebook.
All these medias take up a lot of our free time.

Free time is something I don't have a lot of at the moment.

On top of being a full time mum to 3 children, I am organising my wedding which is in September.
After telling my partner, we could not organise a wedding in less than 12 months, I actually had no idea how much work was involved in organising it in just over 6 months!

The main reason I began blogging was my love of books.
I want to concentrate my only free time, in the next few weeks on reading the lovely books that are waiting to be reviewed.

I do have some guest authors, giveaways and features coming up on the blog and these will not stop, but I want to take a break from the community side of blog/twitter/facebook, for a few weeks.

I do hope you will understand if I do not comment on your blogs, or tweet for a little while and hope you will all still be here when I get back into the swing of things.

Love

Carol
DizzyC xx

W.I.P. Wednesday 15th Feb

2012-02-15T06:41:00.000Z

I follow many authors and new writers via facebook, twitter and blogs.

Often I see questions I feel sure are for research for their latest WIP, or what their word count for that day is, or the fact that twitter/facebook is keeping them from working and wonder.....What are they working on now? When will we see the next book?

Now we can find out with W.I.P. Wednesday

Photos courtesy of the author

Today Linda Mitchelmore tells us more about her W.I.P.

At present I am nearing the end of the edits on my debut novel TO TURN FULL CIRCLE which has a publication date from the publishers, Choc Lit, of 7th June 2012.

This is an historical romance set in a Devon seaside fishing town between the years 1909 and 1911. My heroine is orphaned Emma Le Goff a young girl who, despite the awful position she finds herself in, has spirit and ambition. TO TURN FULL CIRCLE is the first in a planned trilogy.

I've begun the sequel but there's a way to go with that yet - it looks at the end of book one that all will be well for Emma and her hero, Seth - but will it be plain-sailing?? I'm giving nothing away at this stage!

The third in the trilogy is a little niggle at the back of my mind at the moment, although I do know what period I want it to be set in - late 1920's. Emma Le Goff will feature in all three.

I have a launch evening and booksigning booked up at The Torbay Bookshop in Paignton for Thursday, 7th June from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. or thereabouts. Wine will be served. Conversation is sure to flow. And the good bookshop is a Thornton's franchise as well as selling artisan-made chocolates, so what reason could anyone have not to come along??

I also write short stories, my biggest markets being Woman's Weekly and My Weekly in the UK, Allas in Sweden, Hjammet in Norway, and That's Life! Fast Fiction in Australia.

I'm a member of The Romantic Novelists' Association and was awarded the Katie Fforde Bursary in 2004, so this novel has been an embarrassingly long time coming.....but all good things come to those who wait, I say.

Now, life throws some curved balls at time and the one that got me was losing my hearing to some sort of virus - just a gradual decline at first then massive drops which meant I was offered a cochlear implant in 2002. Deafness is quite isolating and I began to write as a way of communication......thousands of people read your words in women's magazines so it felt like I was talking to them through my stories. It was then a short hop to an agent (for short stories, although that agency has since closed, alas) and then membership of the RNA's New Writers' Scheme.

My cochlear implant opened up my life for me because it has enabled me to have one-to-one conversations (group things still a bit difficult) and has given me the confidence to get out there and meet people rather than have my head stuck in a book at home. Being a member of the RNA has further enhanced my life through the wonderful people I have met, and the places I have been.

I have a blog www.lindashortstories.wordpress.com

My Twitter is @lindamitchelmor - without the e on the end as there was another person with the same name.

Facebook page - Linda Mitchelmore

I'm also a member of an online blog http://novelpointsofview.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Linda. I will be looking out for To Turn Full Circle

DizzyC

Russian Winter - UK/Ireland Giveaway

2012-02-14T06:59:00.010Z

The publisher has kindly offered 2 copies to giveaway to UK/Ireland addresses only.

Publisher: Arrow (5 Jan 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0099547396

If you would like to be entered into the giveaway for a copy, please complete the following form.

UK/Ireland addresses only

Closes 21st Feb 2012

Please see giveaway policy

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Guest Author - Daphne Kalotay

2012-02-14T06:30:00.002Z

Today I have the honour and pleasure of introducing Daphne Kalotay, author of the historical novel Russian Winter as part of her blog tour.

Photos courtesy of Author/publisher

The UK cover

Blog tour schedule......

Monday, February 6th: She Reads Novels
Wednesday, February 8th: Reading With Tea
Thursday, February 9th: Fleur Fisher in her world
Tuesday, February 14th: DizzyC’s Little Book Blog
Wednesday, February 15th: Pining for the West
Thursday, February 16th: Chuck’s Miscellany
Monday, February 20th: one more page
Tuesday, February 21th: I hug my books
Wednesday, February 22th: The Sweet Bookshelf
Thursday, February 23rd: A Book Sanctuary

1) Daphne, Please tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a writer and teacher whose first book, Calamity and Other Stories, was published by Doubleday in 2005; I’m a big fan of short fiction and love writers like Chekhov and William Trevor. Russian Winter is my first novel and brings together my love of dance and my passion for Russian literature. In it, I hope to show that history is the thread that unites us all, whether or not we are aware of the ways we are connected to people we may never know.

2) How did you come to write Russian Winter?

I wanted to write a story about an American student of Russian literature who falls in love during the same winter that she is helping out an old woman—a former Bolshoi ballerina—who is preparing to move into a nursing home. The dancer owns an amber necklace of mysterious provenance that seems to have strong significance to her, and the student begins to tease out the truth behind it. But the story was very long, and I realized I needed the space of a novel to fully explore the potential subplots. In the novel, the amber necklace is the link between the narrative threads.

3) Researching this book must have been very interesting; what part of the research did you enjoy the most?

I loved reading first-person accounts of life behind the Iron Curtain, as uncomfortable as many of those narratives were. I kept a list of details about Moscow and daily life in the USSR and tried to learn as much as I could about that time period. I also traveled to Russia, but only after I’d completed the book, because I was worried that seeing Moscow’s current incarnation would upset the historical version I had created in my mind.

3) What are you working on next?

I’ve been writing another novel, about professional musicians living in Boston. I’m still very interested in what it means to be an artist, and in the transformative power of the arts.

4) What book/s is/are on your bedside table?

I’m reading three books right now: Patti Smith’s memoir Just Kids, Alex Gilvarry’s wonderful novel From the Memoirs of a Non-Enemy Combatant, and the letters of Penelope Fitzgerald, a writer I particularly love

Thank you, Daphne for taking time to answer my questions.

Daphne's website, her Facebook page, and the reading group guide.

DizzyC

Guest Author - Kathy Dunnehoff

2012-02-13T20:25:00.000Z

Happy Valentine's Day to you all.

Today I have the honour and pleasure of featuring Kathy Dunnehoff, read on to discover a gift from Kathy to all readers....

Photos courtesy of the author

Valentine's week and I'm thinking about when I'm going to find the time to make cupcakes for my daughters (13 & 16 but still in need of treats!), have lunch with my husband (I'm teaching at a community college Valentine's Day night, unfortunately), clear a way to the broken hot water heater when the plumber arrives, and launch my third novel (this year!)

And the best part about being a woman? I know that everyone out there has a variation of just this kind of life. It's what brings us together for chatting and complaining and support. And, I suppose, it's both what I live and what I write about.

I set out to tell women's stories fifteen years ago. I'd been writing since childhood, but the novel didn't capture my interest as a writer until my oldest daughter was one. With a newly mobile baby, it seemed like a good time to launch into novel writing! Of course, there's nothing logical about wanting children or writing novels, so both actually did come from the same impulse.

And I was right. I was right to want the babies that became toddlers and now teenagers, and I was right to put what extra time and energy I had into telling women's stories. This week my first novel hit the Amazon Kindle Top 100 list. It was exciting and overwhelming, and I'm very grateful, but that's not why I was right to be on this path. The real reason is that writing women's stories, living with them for a year at a time, makes me happy.

Sitting here in my little home office in Montana, I love what I do. And while having readers is the Valentine's Day present I hold in my hands with joy and appreciation, writing is the Valentine's Day present I give to myself. I wish for all of us, amid the cupcake baking and plumbers, a Valentine's Day with a little something for ourselves.

As a Valentine's Day present from me…

Back To U is a free e-book all day February 14^th!

Here

Kathy Dunnehoff is the award-winning, bestselling author of the romantic comedies, The Do-Over, Plan On It, and Back To U. Despite her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Montana, she finds herself warehouse shopping for ketchup way too often, blogging and tweeting about the mixed joys of mid-life, and guarding writing time from family invasion!

She teaches writing and creativity courses at Flathead Valley Community College, her screenplays have placed in numerous competitions, and she was a recipient of a Zola Award for fiction from the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association.

Kathy Dunnehoff titles

The Do-Over:

Just before her fortieth birthday, Mara Jane Mulligan, devoted wife and mother, runs out of bubble bath, and the ensuing panic attack drives her to Canada for more. She realizes that one foamy soak probably won't cure what ails her, so she takes a 30 day vacation from her life. (What woman doesn't need one of those?)

Surely her family will understand. Her son's visiting Grandma, and maybe her husband won't even miss her. Unfortunately, her husband doesn't miss much and tracks her to Abundance, a Vancouver bubble bath company.

As her 30 days sail by, Mara Jane Mulligan discovers she has a decision to make that even Dorothy couldn't avoid... Will she click her heels for home or kick them up for good?

http://www.amazon.com/Do-Over-Romantic-Comedy-ebook/dp/B00537STB2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329151275&sr=1-1

Plan On It:

Six men in six months.
It's a logical plan to Professor Hattie McLean. Date 6 men in 6 months and one will be the clear choice to father her child. But biology involves the heart as well... even if she didn't plan on it!

http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Romantic-Comedy-ebook/dp/B006PNS1O8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329151223&sr=1-1

Back To U:

When Gwen hits the big 4-0, her husband leaves and her daughter takes off with a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Taking her daughter's place at the university seems like a good idea until she runs into the reason she dropped out twenty years before... and he's also found his way Back To U.

http://www.amazon.com/Back-To-U-ebook/dp/B0078HYCU2/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329151151&sr=1-3

You can find out more about Kathy Dunnehoff.....

Kathy's blog: http://kathydunnehoff.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathy-Dunnehoff/100342156725545

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/KathyDunnehoff

Many thanks to Kathy for joining us today. I look forward to reading Back to U and Plan on it which are loaded to my Kindle. :)

It's a Romantic Monday...What are you reading?

2012-02-13T07:51:00.001Z

Romance is in the air more than usual for me this year!

Hosted by the lovely Sheila at Book Journey

I have been MIA on the It's a Monday feature for a few weeks. I have been blogging as much as possible and seeing what my blog friends are up to, but real life is taking over again at the moment.

Usually it will be the kids that take me away from the blog and reading, but not this time.........

I have a one track mind, at the moment, flowers, table decorations, shoes, dresses, catering, cars, music, preparations for the big day in September.

Yes! We are getting Married!

Right back to the books......

Latest Kindle reads I have picked up

Recently read

Guest Author spot

Guest author and UK Giveaway

Review

In My Postbox

One Night Only - Sue Welfare

The Music in her Mind - Robert Gilkes

Memoirs of an imaginary Friend - Matthew Green

The White Pearl Kate Furnivall All review copies.

This week on DizzyCLBB

Tomorrow Daphne Kalotay joins me as part of her UK blog tour for Russian Winter.

On Wednesday another author shares their WIP on WIP Wednesday

Authors if you write Historical Fiction, Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Fiction, please contact me to feature on the WIP Weds.

New Talent Thurs is for aspiring authors writing in the above genres. If you would like to take part, please contact me.

UK readers check out the giveaway at the top of the page.

What does your reading week look like?

DizzyC

Guest Author - Carolyn Moncel

2012-02-12T07:29:00.001Z

Today, Carolyn Moncel talks romance and love

photos courtesy of author

Falling in Love with Your Character

By Carolyn Moncel

As St. Valentine’s Day approaches, what better time is there to talk about love, right? I’m not talking about just any kind of love: love between a man and a woman, a woman and her child or even a man and his dog. Instead, I’m talking about a love that is a lot harder for non-writers to understand. It’s a romance that can only be shared between author and his/her character. Take for example, my character, Julien Roulet. I know him better than anyone and because of this, I am utterly and completely in love with him.

Julien looks and acts nothing like my own husband in real life and that’s part of the fun. However, he is a rough composite of all of the French men that I have known over the last five years while living and working Paris. He is an elusive lover; distant and slightly mysterious. Tall and slim with brown hair and sparkling green eyes, he’s handsome, intelligent, creative, quick witted and tad bit irreverent. A French man who refuses to pronounce the letter “h” when speaking in English, he’s also married and a devoted family man. He’s far from perfect though – an insecure, rakish, adulterer in fact. And yet at the same time, he’s a good guy who is still deeply in love with his wife. Unfortunately, he now finds himself in an impossible situation and saving him remains my toughest challenge. Oh, the complexity!

So exactly when do we find time to rendezvous, you ask? It usually starts in my dreams at night. His thoughts come to me in hushed tones, preventing me from getting a good night’s sleep. When he signals to me that he needs to talk urgently, I wake up, crack open my laptop and type the sweet words he needs to convey . Our relationship heightens as we communicate – author to character via the dialogue. He tells me everything that people around him need to know and I happily dictate his demands. Then, like all other love affairs, the relationship fizzles once there is nothing left to write.

As authors we experience a whole host of emotions while creating characters. Just like in real life, we take up their hobbies, research their professions, record their fickle likes and dislikes, all in an attempt to better understand them. When all is going well between us, we can’t wait to visit them in their imaginary world each day. One minute we’re laughing at all of their jokes and the things that they do. And the next, we’re infuriated and downright embarrassed by their behavior. We know when they’re happy, sad, or frustrated. When they long for another character, sometimes we get jealous. When they abandon us because they yearn for independence and space, we become fearful because we never know which direction they will take our story. Finally, we’re downright depressed when we have to leave them because their story has come to an end.

The point to all of this is this. Creating characters for which there is genuine affection is what makes writing fun and rewarding. Whenever we are able to achieve that level of love for our character, our readers are the true beneficiaries. If we’re really lucky, the reader will fall in love with the character as well. And the best part for me? Whenever I want to spend time with the number one man in my fictional world, I have my husband’s blessing. If you ask me, this is the best type of ménage à trois there is.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! And remember if you can’t spend the day with a loved one, then fall in love with a good book!

Many thanks, Carolyn for joining me today.

Review - Postcards from the Heart - Ella Griffin

2012-02-11T10:48:00.001Z

Publisher: Orion (15 Sep 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1409120698

The Blurb

Saffy has a dream job at a top Dublin ad agency. She's got her high-maintenance, purple-boot-wearing mother at a safe distance. And she thinks her actor boyfriend Greg - the next Colin Farrell - is finally going to propose.

Conor worships the beautiful Jess. But after sever years and twins, she still won't marry him. He spends his days teaching terrifying teenagers and his nights writing the book he hopes will change everything - including her mind.

But happy endings are playing hard to get......

There are 3 stories unfolding in this delightful read.

Saffy and Greg are the couple about town. He is the soap hunk, with a funny problem with sayings, and she has a successful career in advertising. The novel begins on Valentine's night, when Saffy feels sure Greg is about to propose. Disaster strikes at the restaurant.

Conor and Jess are comfortable with each other, having lived together for 7 years and having twins, Lizzie and Luke. Jess is quite happy with the ways things are....or is she?

Saffy has a strained relationship with her mother and the reason for this is deep-rooted and is revealed in the novel. Circumstances are about to change this relationship.

The Postcards from the Heart actually came from a source that I had not guessed. I would like to have seen more of this part of the story earlier in the novel, but it was a very moving part of the novel.

Ella Griffin has written a comman tale of relationships but given it more of a rollercoaster ride. Her comic timing at some of the most poignant moments was fabulous. I would just be feeling emotional and a laugh would come along.

4 out of 5 for me!

Review copy

DizzyC

RNA Shortlist 2012

2012-02-11T08:59:00.081Z

The RNA - Romantic Novelist's Association have announced the Shortlist for their 2012
awards, due on 5th March.

Some great reads and authors are on the list again this year. Some new authors and titles for me, I am eager to check out, too.

Congrats to all those shortlisted!

* You can find my reviews for books highlighted on my review page.*

Comtempory Romantic Novel

Chances - Freya North
Christmas At Tiffany's - Karen Swan
It Started with a Kiss - Miranda Dickinson
Summer of Love - Katie Fforde
The Untied Kingdom - Kate Johnson
To The Moon and Back - Jill Mansell

Epic Romantic Novel

Chrimson China - Besty Tobin

Jubilate - Michael Arditti

That Liverpool Girl - Ruth Hamilton

The Kashmir Shawl - Rosie Thomas

The Lantern - Deborah Lawrenson

Historical Romantic Novel

A Gathering Storm - Rachel Hore

Highland Storms - Christina Courtenay

Daughter of Siena - Marina Fiorato

Perhaps Tomorrow - Jean Fullerton

The Nobel Assassin - Christie Dickason

Romantic Comedy Novel

Lizzy Harrison loses control - Pippa Wright

Please Don't Stop the Music - Jane Lovering

The Look of Love - Judy Astley

Who's Afraid of Mr Wolfe - Hazel Osmond

Wrapped up in You - Carole Matthews

The RoNA Rose Award: This award (formerly the Love Story of the Year) recognises the best in category and shorter romance – novels that focus on the developing love affair between the hero and heroine. These titles may no longer be in print but can be obtained as ebooks.

A Christmas Knight - Kate Hardy

Flirting with Italian - Liz Fielding

Ordinary Girl in a Tiara - Jessica Hart

The Dangerous Lord Darlington - Sarah Mallory

The Kydd Inheritance - Jan Jones

Winning the War Hero's Heart -Mary Nicols

DizzyC

Guest Author - Ella Griffin (plus UK Giveaway)

2012-02-11T08:29:00.028Z

Today I have the honour and pleasure of featuring Ella Griffin - Author of Postcards from the Heart.

Photos courtesy of Publisher

Publisher: Orion (15 Sep 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1409120698

Thank you for joining me today, Ella

Please tell us a little about yourself

This is like one of those personal column profiles. “Shy, dark-haired Irish dog-lover, horribly unpunctual, who hopes she has GSOH. Has wardrobe full of coloured clothes but usually ends up wearing too much black. Happily married to tall, funny English man."

I always, always wanted to be a writer. Even when I was a little girl. I remember being about six and crouching under a dripping hedge on a rainy day writing a poem about my dog, squeezing my eyes closed to try to find the right word. (I still do that actually!)

There was a bit in my teens and my twenties when I flirted with the idea of being actress. But I knew, deep-down, that I didn’t have the confidence for all the rejection.

The fabulous thing about writing a novel is that you get a chance to live out all the lives you didn’t choose through your books.

Claire, the main character in my new novel, The Heart Whisperer is struggling actress in her thirties so I’ve spent the last few months thinking of the most cringe-making experiences possible to put her through. Which is way, way more fun than having to go through them myself!!!

Postcards from the Heart begins on Valentine's Day, do you have a particular Valentine's Day memory?

Oh god, yes. I still feel slightly unhinged when I think about it. It’s what inspired the entire book! About twelve years ago, I was at dinner on Valentine’s Day with my ex-boyfriend. We were in a really expensive French restaurant. Silver service. Glidey waiters. That fancy restaurant hush.

Suddenly the guy at the next table slid down onto one knee and produced a tiny, red, heart-shaped box. A ripple of excitement ran around the room. Everyone stopped eating. I remember actually holding my breath. His girlfriend looked at the box and tears ran down her face. We thought they were tears of joy so we all started clapping. Then she stood up and ran, crying, out of the room.

The poor guy had to haul himself back onto his chair, put the box away, ask for the bill and pay for it. I don’t know how he got through that ten minutes. I don’t know how I got through it. I still have flashbacks!

What authors inspire you as a writer?

I’m in awe of writers who can balance very dark themes with humour. Nick Hornby, Marian Keyes and Lorrie Moore are brilliant at it.

I love writing about relationships and some writers are just so amazing at getting to the heart of what happens between two people. David Nicholls, Pam Houston and Jennifer Weiner make it look so easy.

I’d give anything to be able to handle suspense the way Joanna Briscoe does in ‘Sleep with Me.’ And if I ever write a sentence that’s as laugh-out-loud funny as anything by David Sedaris, I’ll know I can die and go to South West Crete. (Which is my idea of heaven!)

What are you working on next?

I’m just finishing off my second novel. It’s set in the worlds of acting and couples therapy. It’s called ‘The Heart Whisperer’ and it’s about family secrets, facing your fears, finding your soulmate and finally listening to your heart.

Postcards from the Heart was the winner of the People’s Book Prize Autumn 2011.

Read an extract: http://tinyurl.com/792ztte

Check out Amazon reviews: http://tinyurl.com/6hy9azu

Follow Ella on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/EllaGriffin1

Meet Ella on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/postcardsfromtheheart

Check out her website (in progress) http://www.ellagriffin.com/

The publishers have kindly donated 2 copies to giveaway to UK addresses only.
Just fill in the form. Good Luck!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;
Please see giveaway policy

Ends 18th Feb 2012

Romance is in the air....Kindle Edition

2012-02-11T06:20:00.002Z

I am in love with my Kindle with it's gorgeous Lilac cover.

I am coming across some great deals on Kindle reads.

I thought I would share some of the latest great buys showing up at Amazon.

If you are overseas, you may need to check out your regional Amazon.

Included in the list are.....

Stirred with Love - Marcie Steele

Wedding Tiers - Trisha Ashley

A Weekend with Mr Darcy - Victoria Connelly

The Dating Detox - Jemma Burgess

Strictly Love - Julia Williams

The Dress - Sophie Nicholls

All that Mullarky -Sue Moorcroft

Recipes for Disaster - Sheryle Brown

Plus Freya North, Harriet Evans, and many more

Linky to the feature

Freebies (as at 10/2/2012)

BUT PLEASE DO CHECK B4 YOU CLICK in case the free period has finished

Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts - Talli Roland

The Black Sheep - Julie Cohen
Sleeping with Paris - Juliette Sobanet
Midsummer Eve At Rookery End - Elizabeth Hanbury
Fast Moving Train - Pam Howes
Plan on it - Kathy Dunnehoff

DizzyC

Guest Author - Christina Jones

2012-02-10T10:17:00.000Z

Today I am delighted and honoured to feature Christina Jones. I first came across Christina's novels several years ago and loved Seeing Stars.

Photos courtesy of publisher

Publisher: Piatkus (2 Feb 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0749953324
Also available on Kindle

Christina, please tell us a little about yourself.

Many thanks for inviting me to your Book Blog - it's lovely to be here.

Stuff about me? Well, I live in a small Oxfordshire market town (more like a big village) and grew up in a very small Berkshire village - so unashamedly use both as the backgrounds for my rom-coms. I know very little about current city life (although I have lived in London) which is why my books, which I fondly call bucolic frolics, have a sort of retro feel. In fact my whole life has a sort of retro feel - I must be the only person in the world without a mobile phone (I'm phone-phobic and don't even like answering the landline!) - and I'm continually confused by my computer.

I'm married to The Toyboy Trucker, have one daughter, and nine rescued cats. I'm a vegetarian, love animals, fairgrounds, fireworks, 60s music and fashions, and steam trains. I had my first short story published when I was 14, and have written ever since. Writing is part of me - not a career - just something I do, like breathing. I had my first novel published in 1997 and I've been writing as a full-time job since 1998, but before that I had 27 jobs and was sacked from 19 of them for writing when I should have been working... I still work as a part-time barmaid in several local pubs because writing is a very lonely occupation and the pubs (and the customers!) give me inspiration...

Your novels have the feel good factor (Seeing Stars is my favourite). What can we expect from Never can say Goodbye?

Thank you so much for liking Seeing Stars - it was a lovely book to write. Yes, all my books are unashamedly feel-good - mainly because I'm a bit of a Pollyanna and would love real life to be all lovely and happy all the time - but it isn't. So, while I can't alter reality, in my fictional worlds nothing really terrible happens (everything unpleasant happens off the page), there's a lot of laughter, and there's always a happy-ever-after - so this is more or less what happens in NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE.

NCSG is set in a vintage frock shop - and it's a rom-com ghost story. There are several romances too, a flurry of mad villagers, an awful lot of ghosts - and even more lovely dresses. Frankie owns the frock shop and is trying to avoid falling in love with Dexter the Beckhamesque reluctant florist in the market place, and when she's told her shop is haunted, calls in Maisie the Useless Medium. Maisie not only fails to "lay the ghost" but before long, Francesca's Fabulous Frocks has more dead customers than live ones which is when the fun really starts...

Do you enjoy the retro fashions and vintage shops?

Love them! As I said earlier (repetition - sorry!) I love 60s fashions, and an awful lot of my clothes are - um - pre-loved... We have a great charity shop in our town that sells fab frocks from the 50s upwards so I buy loads there, and as I've never thrown anything away, I frequently turn up at parties wearing something that belonged to my mum or even my nan. My favourite dresses in my wardrobe are a lilac 1950s full-skirted strapless frock a la Marilyn Monroe (sadly I look NOTHING like MM in it!) and a black brocade evening dress that was second hand forty years ago...

I know when I see Christina Jones on the cover I can be sure of a feel good read. What are your favourite genres or authors?

I'll confess I rarely read other rom-coms. This isn't because I don't like the genre (I love it!) but because when I read other people's books that are similar to mine I either get despondent or I'm scared I'll copy - even subconsciously. My favorite rom-com writers are Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews. But mainly my book shelves are crammed with thrillers and police procedurals. British ones - I only feel comfortable with books set in the UK in areas I know and understand - and not too gory because I'm a wuss. So, my favourite thriller/crime authors are Dick Francis (Felix Francis is doing an ace job taking over now his father is dead), Peter Robinson, Anne Cleeves and Deborah Crombie. If I'm reading Cosy Crime it has to be Lesley Cookman, Simon Brett and Caroline Graham (I love, love,love Midsomer Murders!). I wish I was clever enough to plan and plot like they do - I'm definitely a frustrated wannabe crime novelist... Maybe, one day....

You can find out more about Christina Jones here

New Talent Thursday - Anita Chapman

2012-02-09T07:05:00.002Z

Some of the writers I have befriended on Twitter/Facebook/blogs have not yet been published.
In New Talent Thursday, I would like to introduce you to writers who are working towards one day being a published author.

Today I have the pleasure of introducing....

Anita Chapman

Photos courtesy of the Anita Chapman

The Palio of Siena and incorporating research into a scene

Thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your blog today Carol. I'm thrilled to be here.

I've written a novel with working title, 'The Grandson' which I'm currently submitting to agents. 'The Grandson' is about a girl wanting to get out of Yorkshire who finds love in Tuscany with the Italian-American grandson of the old lady she looks after whilst au pairing.

I'm in my third year of the Romantic Novelists' Association's ("RNA") New Writers' Scheme. This is a wonderful scheme which supports new writers and I feel privileged to be on it. You can find out more about the RNA by clicking here. In October 2011 I set up a blog about writing (www.neetswriter.com) which I've enjoyed writing posts for. You can follow me on Twitter @neetswriter and my Facebook Page is www.Facebook/neetswriter.

I've written a few words about incorporating research into a scene when writing a novel. Below is a photo of some of the research material I've collected about Siena and The Palio.

I enjoyed doing research for 'The Grandson', but including factual information in a scene without it reading like a text book can be tricky. I found the best way for me to do this was to skim through the research first before putting it to one side. When writing the scene I focused on the plot, adding in facts which I remembered where they were relevant. As I wrote I worked out which facts I needed to know and looked them up afterwards.

One of the subjects I needed to research was The Palio, a horse race which takes place in July and August of each year in Siena's main square, La Piazza del Campo. I wanted to use the drama of The Palio to mirror events in the scene which closes Act 1. Although I went to The Palio when I was living in Siena, I didn't know I was going to write about it in a novel years later. When researching my novel, I had to look up facts such as: what time the race started, what was the latest time you could get into the square beforehand, whether a gun was fired to start the race, how many laps were done of the square and how long the race lasted.

About The Palio

Siena is divided into seventeen districts, each one called a contrada (plural is contrade). Each contrada is named after an animal or symbol (eg. tortoise, wave, panther) and has its own flag, fountain, church etc. Click here for more information. Ten contrade take part in each Palio and there is a build-up weeks before each one. Some contrada members dress in medieval costumes before the big day and walk around Siena tapping drums and waving flags. The photo above was taken from my bedroom window days before The Palio in July 1994-members of the Torre contrada, meaning tower.

Most of the crowd stand in the middle of the square whilst the race takes place around the outside. The cobblestones are covered in sawdust and the jockeys ride the horses without saddles. There's a dangerous corner protected by crash mats called Via San Martino corner and many jockeys fall off during the race. If a horse wins the race without the jockey it still counts. Each contrada has friend and enemy contrade. If a contrada loses, the best it can hope for is that an enemy contrada comes second. Coming second is seen as worse than coming last. I took the above photo at The Palio in August 1994.

You can watch The Palio from August 2009 on youtube here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExyTU2OLYgA&feature=related

W.I.P. Wednesday - 8th Feb

2012-02-08T06:38:00.019Z

I follow many authors and new writers via facebook, twitter and blogs.

Now we can find out with W.I.P. Wednesday

Today Liz Harris joins us.......

Photo courtesy of author

Unlike some of the authors who've preceded me in this fab column, you'll only know me if we've already met in person, or on twitter and/or Facebook, so let me introduce myself – my name's Elizabeth Harris, but I'm always known as Liz. On twitter I'm known as @lizharrisauthor.

My first novel, The Road Back, is coming out later this year, in September. It's the story of Patricia and Kalden, who are fated to meet. Their story has been described as 'a sumptuous tale of love and adventure set against the sweeping and little-known backdrop of Ladakh, north of the Himalayas ' which throws together two people from radically different cultures with explosive results.

Hearing that Choc Lit loved my novel and was going to publish it, was a mega emotional moment, and set in motion a frenzy of activities and emotions, some of wish I'd anticipated in my wildest dreams of being published; some of which I hadn't.

I'd anticipated having photos done *shudders at the memory*, copy edits, thinking about the book cover, getting a website sorted, and so on. What I hadn't anticipated was that my current WIP was no longer a novel that I was hoping to get published; it had become a novel that had a very strong chance of getting published (fingers crossed!), and my attitude to the WIP changed.

Don't get me wrong – I still love the characters in my WIP. I adore the attractive hero, Connor Maguire; I'm excited by the dynamic relationship between him and Ellen O'Sullivan; by their environment - Wyoming; by everything going on around them. But knowing as I work on the WIP that it's very likely to get published (touch wood!), is both SCARY and WONDERFUL.

It's SCARY because I'm suddenly feeling the weight of expectation. The people who will have read my first novel, and (I hope!!) loved it, will expect to feel the same way about my second. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing for a writer to be conscious of that expectation – I don't think it is; it's just that it's something I hadn't expected to feel.

And it's WONDERFUL because I know as I write my WIP that Connor and Ellen will be going from my laptop into the world, and their story will be read. That is such a terrific feeling!

Bye for now!

Liz

Liz has a People's Friend Pocket novel, A Dangerous Heart!, coming out on

22^nd March, 2012.

A website/blog is in the process of being set up. It will be at www.lizharrisauthor.com

Follow Liz on twitter and on Facebook.

Thanks, Liz. The Road Back sounds very interesting :)

DizzyC

Guest Author - Kate Allan

2012-02-06T08:45:00.000Z

Today, Kate Allan tells us about her novella, Snowbound on the Island

which is available now

Format: Kindle Edition
Publisher: West Quarter Publishing (30 Jan 2012)
ASIN: B0073SSPLI

Romancing the Snow

by Kate Allan

I wrote my very first snow scene in my first novel. In my historical romance Fateful Deception, which was nominated for the RNA New Writers Award in 2005, the heroine trips in the snow at a very emotional part of her own journey of self-discovery. It's not nice falling over in snow as a general rule, but immediately afterwards she spots, nestled in a sheltered corner, a snowdrop. That tiny flower is a sign that a corner has been turned and that there are better things to come.

It also snowed briefly in Krakow Waltz, my historical romance set in Poland. A cold evening, and a soft snowflake lands on the heroine's nose. A moment later, she is kissed.

So snow doesn't have to be cold and inconvenient, and in my new contemporary romance novella, the heroine Lisa finds it magical, just as she did when she was a child. Not only that, it is the snow that has brought her into close proximity with the rather attractive Dominic and prevented their friends from joining them on the remote Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall. While the snow keeps the airports closed, she and Dominic have only each other for company.

And of course the coldness of the outside contrasts all the more with the warmth of indoors. Senses are stimulated by the changes in temperature. In Snowbound on the Island one moment they are outside with the snow dusting their faces and then they are inside. But they are inside a supermarket picking up frozen peas. Then out again. The air is biting. And then back to their holiday cottage. “Nice and warm in here,” remarks Lisa. “The first thing I did was figure out how the central heating worked,” says Dominic. But he's about to start bringing some heat to Lisa in other ways.

Some people have the view that romances are low brow fiction “churned out” by hack writers. I certainly fail to “churn out” anything. Every word written is there for a reason. Everything a character does shows something about their character or what they are thinking or what's happening with the plot. Different people can read the same book and get different things out of it. Some readers will read Dominic's comment about he central heating and think it's a signal about the heat in the relationship: correct. Others will see it as more evidence of his practical side: correct. Still more might view it as part of his habit of being in control: correct again.

A good story should be enjoyable at different levels. Our job as writers is simply to put plenty in there. And the motto of Snowbound on the Island is that sometimes adversity can bring us together. Or is it that every cloud has a silver lining? Or just that there can sometimes be something special about snow?

You're the reader, you decide.

If you'd like to win a copy of Snowbound on the Island - and some chocs - Kate is running a winter photography competition on Facebook. Just upload a winter picture you've taken and you're in with a chance to win. See: https://www.facebook.com/events/266904253374873/

Review - Snowbound on the Island (A Novella) by Kate Allan

2012-02-06T08:40:00.026Z

What to do when I am nervous about the dentist.....open my Kindle and read a novella......

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 160 KB
Publisher: West Quarter Publishing (30 Jan 2012)
ASIN: B0073SSPLI

The blurb - from Amazon

After the break up of a long-term relationship Lisa escapes to the remote Isles of Scilly, twenty eight miles off the coast of Cornwall, for a new year reunion with old college friends. But as winter weather sweeps across Britain the airports close and only two people make it: Lisa and Dominic. She always thought him attractive and he still is, but he doesn't even seem to remember her.

Snowbound on the Island is a short contemporary romance novella (10,000 words).

This is the first time I have read anything by Kate Allan and I must say I want more.

This is a novella, so not too long and was just right to keep my mind off the dentist appointment.

Kate introduces us to Lisa, who has broken up from a long term relationship and keeps telling us she isn't looking for a new relationship.
Dominic, a guy Lisa know from Uni days through her friend, is the first to arrive on the Isles of Scilly and welcomes Lisa to the rental cottage the gang will be sharing for a New Year weekend.

The weather plays a very big part in the events of the weekend.

I loved the way Kate gave me enough from Lisa and Dominic to analyse the pair and decide for myself what was going on here and how it may have continued.

thank u to the author for a review copy

DizzyC

Tagged!

2012-02-04T07:47:00.001Z

I have been Tagged by McGuffy Ann

The Rules:

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then

create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag (eleven?) people and link them on your post

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Questions from McGuffy Ann:
1. What is your favourite colour?

Lilac and I prefer blue Lilacs to pink lilacs :)

2. What is your favourite flower?

I have more than one. Freesias, for scent, irises for colour.

3. What kind of pet would you like to have, if possible?

A Dog, but both the boys have asthma so we don't have pets.

4. What is the most unusual pet you have ever had?

Only a dog, called Muffin. He was a Jack Russell/daschund cross.

5. What is your favourite song?

You give me something - James Morrison

6. Why did you start your blog?

July 2010

7. How/why did you choose the name for your blog?

DizzyC is my nickname at home, as I am so forgetful and accident-prone (dizzy). Little Book Blog was because I expected it to be a little project!

8. Do you have a nickname? What is it?

See above

9. What is the ringer sound on your cell phone?

Rhianna - We fell in love (for now)

10. Do you collect anything? What?

Not these days, but I used to collect badges, keyrings etc as a child.

11. What was the last dream you had?

A sexy one I could not possibly share!

Questions for the folks I tag

Favourite room in the house
Favourite season and why?
Favourite drink
If you could travel back in time, which era would you like to drop into?
Technology wizard or not?
Favourite Sandwich filling?
Earliest childhood memory
Early bird or night owl?
Favourite board game
Sweet or savoury fan?
Favourite scent?

Now I am tagging.......

Jo at The Book Jotter

Irene at Irene's Desk

Nicole at Destination Unknown

Jennielyse

Tracy at PettyWitter

DizzyC

Guest Author - Charlotte Betts

2012-02-03T13:23:00.000Z

The Apothecary’s Daughter by Charlotte Betts
is published by Piatkus
as a paperback original on the 2^nd February 2012 £7.99

Today I have the honour and pleasure of introducing Charlotte Betts - author of The Apothecary's Daughter.

Charlotte shares with us her inspiration for writing her latest novel.

photos courtesy of the publisher

Samuel Pepys made me do it!

I have to blame Samuel Pepys for making me write The Apothecary’s Daughter. I’d completed six contemporary novels, none of them published, when I decided to attempt an historical novel. I’d always enjoyed watching period dramas and reading historical novels but it had never occurred to me that I could write one. At school history had always been monumentally boring and even now it makes me yawn to remember all those lists of dull dates we were given to memorise.

My previous novel was a WWII love story. Some people would call that a historical novel but to me it was set in the time when my parents were young and so it didn’t count as history. But I’d been fascinated by the research, especially the original sources such as Granny’s recipes and memories and letters home from soldiers to their sweethearts.

When it came to writing my own historical Iwasn’t sure what period in time I wanted to write about. The Tudor market was already well covered by Philippa Gregory, the medieval period by Elizabeth Chadwick and there were more Regency Romances on the shelves than I could read in a lifetime. I didn’t fancy the English Civil War because of dour Oliver Cromwell and the joyless Puritans banning Christmas but then there was Charles II. His paintings show heavy-lidded, sexy eyes and dark colouring and he looked very glamorous in high heels, a luxuriant black wig and a full-skirted coat. But definitely not girly.

I discussed this with my father one day. ‘You absolutely must read The Diary of Samuel Pepys,’ he said, taking a copy off his bookshelf. I sat up all night reading it, fascinated by how very real Sam Pepys felt to me, even after three hundred and fifty years. Although well-known at Court and in government circles Pepys was ambitious. He loved his wife even though they argued often over his incorrigible flirting (and worse!) or because on washing day his dinner wasn’t ready. Sometimes he drank too much.

His diary gives an insight into a thoroughly flawed but ultimately likeable human being. The colourful, day by day descriptions of life and times in Restoration London, teeming with life, plague-ridden and full of political intrigue, is what inspired me to write The Apothecary’s Daughter.

I’m starting to research my next book, which will be set soon after the Great Fire of London and I need a vivid picture of what it was like. How did people manage after their homes and businesses were destroyed? What was happening in Parliament? Were there any wars going on?

There’s only one way to find out. I’m about to settle down by the fire with a glass of wine in one hand, a box of chocolates beside me and The Diary of Samuel Pepys on my knee. Sorry, must go; the world of Restoration London is waiting for me again.

I would like to thank Charlotte for taking time to talk to me and wish her Happy Publication Day!

DizzyC

W.I.P. Wednesday - Ist Feb

2012-02-01T06:17:00.004Z

Mandy Baggot
Photos courtesy of the author

Today we hear from Mandy Baggot

At the moment in the House of Baggot I am doing the final edits on my next novel, Taking Charge. Copies have gone out to my lovely beta readers and I am doing the final and horrendous line edit. This basically means I am going through the manuscript line by line, not reading the story at all but looking at the punctuation, the sense of it all (or not!) checking it actually reads in English and not ancient Inca!

So, my new novel is called Taking Charge and this one is set entirely in America. In 2010 I visited my dad in Michigan and it was the first time we had seen each other since he moved there ten years previously. We were supposed to stay for ten nights but thanks to 'that' volcano in Iceland we were there for twenty one nights instead! This gave me tonnes of inspiration - the place, the people, the way of life and the story for Taking Charge was born.

Robyn Matthers is my heroine and she's returning to America from England because her dad has had a major heart attack. Because of something that's happened in her past Robyn is torn between feeling delighted to be back in her home country and terrified because it evokes unpleasant memories. By page two of the novel she has met the hot ice hockey player Cole Ryan. He appears to be Mr Perfect on the outside but underneath that muscular body and behind the ebony coloured eyes is a fragile person holding on to life by his fingernails. There is also an ex-boyfriend in the mix, the good-looking town cop Brad Willis who was Robyn's beau in high school and hasn't really moved on. But my favourite characters are probably Robyn's almost stepmother, trailer trash personified, Nancy, Robyn's loud, opinionated father Eddie and his hospital room mate Max. These three provide most of the comedic moments of the piece.

So, there's love, there are secrets and humour but does Taking Charge have a plot twist? Of course! It's a Mandy Baggot novel isn't it!!

http://www.mandybaggot.webs.com

@mandybaggot on Twitter

Link to Mandy's books on Amazon.co.uk here

Link to Mandy's books on Amazon.com here

I am looking forward to Mandy's next novel :)

DizzyC

Winners!

2012-01-27T12:55:00.000Z

Many thanks to Sphere for this generous giveaway

Congratulations to the winners........

NATHALIE GREEN

JENNIFER HANSEN

THERESA BAKER

KAT DUNCAN

CLARE BLUETT

DizzyC

Winners!

2012-01-26T09:40:00.000Z

Thank you to Dee DeTarsio for this generous giveaway of 3 e-copies of her novel

Winners have been notified.

Congratulations! The winners are......

Katrina

Susan

Sheena

W.I.P. Wednesday - 25th Jan

2012-01-25T09:31:00.006Z

Welcome to my new feature

W.I.P. Wednesday

I follow many authors and new writers via facebook, twitter and blogs.

Often I see questions I feel sure are for research for their lastest WIP, or what their word count for that day is, or the fact that twitter/facebook is keeping them from working and wonder.....

What are they working on now?

When will we see the next book?

Now we can find out with W.I.P. Wednesday

Margaret James joins me today

Thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your blog today, Carol. I’m very happy to be here.

Right now, I’m busy revising my novel The Penny Bangle, which first appeared in hardback in 2007, but is going to be issued in paperback by Choc Lit in May. It’s the final story in my Dorset trilogy which started life as The Silver Locket and continued with The Golden Chain. The paperback versions of these stories are fairly radical rewrites of the hardbacks, which were more family-oriented and didn’t have as much romantic content as Choc Lit readers like. The paperback versions are substantially longer than the hardbacks – about 20,000 words longer, in fact.

I am really enjoying revisiting these stories, but I do find myself getting a bit confused about what I have added and what I have taken away. So it’s not a job to be doing late at night.

I’ve been very encouraged to see that lots of new readers have enjoyed the first two volumes in this trilogy - readers who prefer paperbacks to hardbacks, readers who prefer to read on their Kindles, and readers who find it difficult to get to public libraries where most hardbacks are to be found these days. It’s lovely to meet you all!

So what will be new about the paperback version of The Penny Bangle? That’s easy – a lot more romance, and more hero and heroine interaction. But I’ve kept in most of the family element because how families work is a subject of abiding fascination for me.

Some readers have found The Golden Chain a little bit staid after all the wartime excitement of The Silver Locket. So I’m hoping these readers will enjoy The Penny Bangle, which is set during WW2, so there is lots of adventure and danger in it. The bombs will be falling again…

Review - French Lessons - Ellen Sussman

2012-01-22T21:41:00.001Z

French Lessons - Ellen Sussman

Kindle edition (also available in paperback)

Publisher: Corsair (1 Oct 2011)
Kindle ASIN: B005KRUI6E

My first read on my Kindle

Set is modern day Paris, this novel is broken down into three separate stories involving three language tutors.

This novel was described as a romantic and emotionally charged novel set in Paris. I have to say I was somewhat disappointed as I did not find this a romantic read and the description is mis-leading . I expected romantic Paris and for me it was more a contemporary look at affairs and deceipt in relationships, which in my view are rarely romantic.
This did spoil my enjoyment to a certain degree.

It took me a while to settle into the novel after the initial realisation that this was a different Paris than I expected. The stories were well written and the characters were all very different and complicated souls.

I would like to read more from this author

3 out of 5 - It was ok

Review - At Sea by Laurie Graham

2012-01-22T21:14:00.001Z

Publisher: Quercus Publishing Plc (15 Sep 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0857381354
Kindle ASIN: B004EYT88I

Bernard Finch is a lecturer working on a cruise liner. He deems his audience to be a nuisance and to be avoided at all costs once the tour and talk is over and the liner has left port. One particular passenger Frankie Gleeson has unnerved Bernard so much that he takes to his bed!

The star of the novel is Bernard's wife of 20 years, Enid. When the story begins we see Enid as the dutiful wife following her husband on his tours and supporting him in every possible way. They have been married for 20 years and know everything there is to know about each other. Or do they?

Frankie Gleeson is like a dog with a chew and will not give up on his belief that he knows Bernard from childhood.

As the days go by on the cruise, Enid begins to wonder if she really does know Bernard as well as she believes she does. She makes discoveries about her husband , activities to be enjoyed on board the liner and the unfamiliar world of the internet.

I loved the way Laurie Graham gave us just enough to know that Enid and Bernard had missing pieces to their history without giving everything away. I felt Enid's frustration about the situation. She left me wondering whether Enid still had unanswered questions about Bernard at the end of the novel. I found the way Enid handled Bernard at the end of the novel satisfying and funny.

5 out of 5 for me!

Thank you to Quercus for a review copy

Guest Author - Jane Urquhart

2012-01-20T08:33:00.036Z

Jane Urquhart

Hardcover: 256 pagesPublisher: MacLehose Press (5 Jan 2012)ISBN-13: 978-0857051240

Today, I have the honour and pleasure of featuring Guest Author, Jane Urquhart

I asked Jane to talk to us about how she came to write her latest novel, Sanctuary Line

I followed many different routes to “Sanctuary Line.” Although Liz, the protagonist, would have been a decade younger than me when she was summering on the shores of Lake Erie, I nevertheless fully recalled my own summers on the shores of a similar great lake and brought into the book the now vanished agricultural world that surrounded that distant time. Added to this was a desire to investigate the whole notion of migration, especially as it applies to the fragile monarch butterflies Liz works with, but also, and significantly, as it is experienced by seasonal migrant workers --- such as the Mexican farm labourers in my book --- and by North American families, almost all of whom know their origins to be elsewhere.

Also, the knowledge that, in recent years in the Middle East, North American women have been in active combat, intrigued me. Liz’s cousin Mandy, an Officer and military strategist was the result of my looking more carefully at that. I am fortunate in that I have received an Honorary Doctorate from, and have presented lectures at Canada’s Royal Military College and have met, therefore, some of the brilliant young officers who have gone into combat, and I was amazed and moved by their interest in literature. Mandy’s love of poetry was no doubt inspired by my visits to the College.

Finally, I have been puzzled for some time about the effect of the telling of tales and the creation of family mythologies on the goals and expectations of the members of a specific family, particularly when those mythologies are passed on and in some cases created by a charismatic and powerful individual .The Irish sections of the book were created to examine this tale-telling.

But, perhaps, the real driving force behind the writing of Sanctuary Line was my own awareness of the permanence of change; how the world we think we know in childhood alters and then disappears before our eyes as we mature, partly because of physical change, and partly because we begin to understand that that world was never really as solid and comforting as we thought it was.

I would like to thank Jane for taking time from her busy schedule to talk to us about her writing

DizzyC

Mink Elliott plus UK Giveaway

2012-01-19T06:40:00.002Z

This is a 2nd post from Mink Elliot, who is celebrating the publication of Just Another Manic Mum Day, today. A Q&A can be seen in Monday 16th's post.

Publisher: Sphere (19 Jan 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0751546156

On Workplaces and Inspiration

I’m writing this on theiPad that’s perched on my lap as I sit on the jumbo cord couch in the front room of our small rented flat in Sydney. Not that this is how or where I usually write – that would be at my desk on my computer in my daughter’s bedroom. But it’s school holidays here now, and said daughter has commandeered my computer for her daily Happy Hour (watching Justin Bieber videos on YouTube), so granting her wish for ‘a bit of privacy, please Mum!’ (she’sonly five and a half,not fifteen!), I’ve been banished to the front room.

Which is OK, really. Because Location, Location, Location will be on in a minute. And as long as my 22-month-old son sleeps soundly for an hour or so in his room (is that a pig flying past our window?!) and my little girl is occupied, now is my primewriting time.

It’s not ideal, obviously – I mean, who wouldn’t love to be sat at an old banker’s desk in an attic study, staring out the window at rolling, verdant hills, waiting patiently – all day if necessary – for their muse to visit? Who wouldn’t love to be spending hours, days, weeks mulling things over, reading constantly in their library and going for extended strolls in the country, nutting out literary problems and meeting colourful characters along the way? Who wouldn’t give just about anything to have the luxury of doing what they love all day every day without interruption or having to worry about pesky little nuisances like food or bills or rent. Or kids.

Unfortunately, though, that isn’t real life. Or at least it isn’t mine. My reality consists of:

a) Stressing out and shouting at the kids if my spit-spot schedule is thrown out –because if we’re still at the playground by 11am, we won’t make it home in time for him to eat his lunch, have his bottle and fall fast asleep and, as a result, I won’t get any work done that day (because Lord knows that working at night is out - once the kids are in bed of an evening, it’s only a matter of minutes before I’m off to Noddington, too, eyes glued shut, mouth agape on the couch in front of Midsomer Murders).

b) Trying to squeeze some thinking space into a head crammed full of playdates to arrange and meals to plan and prepare (I always imagine healthy, vibrant children brimming over with Omega 3 thanks to organic salmon and all manner of veg - but actually endup with kids high on sugar and Spaghetti Hoops and probably coming down with scurvy).

c) Talking and ‘reading’ to my wriggly son who appears to have the attention span of a kidney beanby way of encouraging him to speak as opposed to Neanderthal-style pointing and grunting. I won’t be drawn, won’t say anything more about that at this point. Except forlike father, like son. Uh-oh. Did I just think that – or actually write it? Oops.

d) Um, loads of other stuff that’s just too small - but infuriatingly time-consuming - to mention. Which is handy, because I’ve forgotten what exactly that stuff is, to tell the truth.

I’m not complaining, though. No, really. Those kids are the best things that have ever happened to me. And even though they would try the patience of a saint (let alone mere mortal me), it’s the emotions they spark in me- big and small, nice and narky- that, when I think about it, actually inspire me to write. It’s almost as though I need to, for the sake of my own sanity, to try to make sense of all the madness.

So when I’m washing up a seemingly endless pile of baby bottles, muttering to myself about how I can never get anything done and this place is a tip and I can’t seem to remember anything these days, including that I’m on a diet and I’m getting so fat eating their leftovers and I never even get time to exercise properly andno one told me that this constant selflessness would be so completely and utterly knackering and TURN THAT BLOODY BIEBER DOWN! YOU’LL WAKE THE BABY!

And lo, another day’s writing comes to an end, marked, as per usual, by a bellowing toddler rattling the bars of his cot, a crying, door-slamming five year-old Belieberturning teenager any minuteand a frustrated, guilt-ridden mum who finds herself wondering a lot lately whether guzzling a restorative glass of wine (or three) so early in the day really is such a bad thing.

But hey! At least it gives me something to write about...!

The lovely people at Sphere are offering 5 copies of Just another Manic Mum Day to UK readers.

Please fill in the form to be entered in the UK only giveaway.

Please see giveaway policy.

Ends 26th January 2012

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Guest Author - Beth Hoffman

2012-01-18T08:30:00.001Z

Today I am honoured and delighted to feature Beth Hoffman - Author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.

Regulars to my blog will know that I adored this novel. So much so that it was the first review I posted on Amazon. It was also my first recommendation on this blog. In those early days of reviewing and blogging I was not in the habit of contacting authors, but I did contact Beth to see when the UK readers were going to get the chance to meet CeeCee.

That time has come

Publisher: Abacus (19 Jan 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0349000183

Carol, thank you so much for inviting me to your blog today, I’m delighted to be here! Having my novel launch in the UK (one of my absolute favorite countries) is a thrill and a dream come true. My only regret is that I don’t get to meet all the terrific UK gals in person!

Please tell us a little about Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.

CeeCee is a 12-year-old girl who lives in a home where shocking and sometimes funny events are daily occurrences. CeeCee’s mother, Camille, is lost in a psychotic fantasy world, and her father is unable to cope, so it falls to CeeCee to take on the exhausting role of caregiver for her mother.

When Camille’s psychosis spins out of control and tragedy strikes, CeeCee wonders what will become of her life. The answer arrives when a vintage Packard roars into the driveway. The driver is Tootie Caldwell, a great-aunt from Savannah, who CeeCee’s never even heard of. Tootie volunteers to take CeeCee back to Georgia, and CeeCee’s father eagerly agrees. And as unthinkable as the relinquishment of his daughter seems, it just might prove to be the greatest gift he could give her. With only a few meager possessions, CeeCee climbs into her aunt’s car and they head South for Savannah.

That’s when CeeCee’s life goes from shades of gray to Technicolor. The world Aunt Tootie has created in Savannah leaves CeeCee wonderstruck, as does Tootie’s collection of eccentric friends. CeeCee’s summer is filled with adventure, and her view of the world is challenged in ways she could have never imagined. Surprising lessons are learned from the fascinating and diverse women that surround her, and each one helps CeeCee take her first timid steps toward healing so she can become a normal little girl.

Where did the inspiration for this novel come from?

I’m fascinated by mother/daughter relationships, especially those that are peculiar or strained. The intricate frailties and strengths of my own gender have always been a source of great interest to me—we women love and laugh and hurt and heal and forgive in remarkable ways. Plus, I’m enamored with the culture, architecture, and history of the American South. I wanted these elements to be the foundation of my story.

Though I was too young to know it at the time, the seed for my novel was planted when I was nine years old. I had taken a train from Ohio to visit my Great Aunt Mildred Caldwell who lived in a lovely old Greek revival home in Danville, Kentucky. From the moment of my arrival, it was culture shock of the best kind. There I was, a shy little farm girl who had stepped into a world of such beauty and refinement that I was awestruck. The genteel manners, the elaborate meal preparations, and the lively conversations that I witnessed during my stay in Kentucky made quite an impression on me. By the time my visit had come to an end, I promised myself that when I grew up I’d move to the South, and though it took a while, I finally made it.

Tell us how you came to be a successful writer

When I was a little girl I loved to create stories and characters. I also loved to make them houses out of shoeboxes that I’d decorate with pictures of furniture I cut from catalogs. By the time I was 5-years-old, I was drawing and painting and eventually chose to study art which segued into interior design. I became co-owner and president of an interior design studio, and though I loved my work, the dream of writing was with me every day. Then, when I nearly died from septicemia, I began to see things differently and my priorities shifted—dramatically.

After several years of contemplating how I wanted to spend the rest of my life, I made the decision to leave my business and go after my dream of writing a novel. It was the gutsiest thing I’ve ever done. There’s no formula to guarantee success, but I do believe hard work, dedication to the craft, and tremendous patience in combination with richly drawn characters played a role in my novel’s success. I also have a fabulous literary agent and publisher!

What are you working on now?

I’m just now completing my new novel that’s titled LOOKING FOR ME. I adore the story and can’t wait for publication day, which will be in early 2013. It’s an entirely different story from my previous novel, and a little teaser of the book is here: http://bethhoffman.net/a-teaser-from-my-new-novel-looking-for-me

What book is on your bedside table?

Right now I’m not reading because I’m totally immersed in finishing my novel. But I have a TBR list that’s out of control and I’m eager to dig in.

Thank you, Beth for taking time out from your busy schedule to answer my questions.

About the author: Beth lives in a quaint historical town in Kentucky with her husband and several furry, four-legged children. She loves animals, feeding the birds, reading, gardening, and laughing with girlfriends.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt is a New York Times bestseller; foreign rights have sold to the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Israel, Poland, Indonesia and Korea. The book is also available through Bookspan in the Philippines and Canada

Visit Beth’s website at www.BethHoffman.net

You can also find her on Twitter (@wordrunner) and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saving-Cee-Cee-Honeycutt/257344499729

W.I.P. Wednesday

2012-01-18T00:30:00.000Z

Welcome to my new feature

W.I.P. Wednesday

I follow many authors and new writers via facebook, twitter and blogs.

Often I see questions I feel sure are for research for their lastest WIP, or what their word count for that day is, or the fact that twitter/facebook is keeping them from working and wonder.....

What are they working on now?

When will we see the next book?

Now we can find out with W.I.P. Wednesday

Sue Moorcroft is my first guest author for W.I.P. Wednesday

MY WIP, Dream a Little Dream, is due in at the end of January. And, although this final loving polish is my favourite part of the novel-writing process, I’m going to need every second I have left. Dream a Little Dream is a book set in the village of Middledip, like Starting Over and All That Mullarkey. Liza, having had a rubbish time in the past year, is bloody-mindedly trying to reinvent herself, so one of the things I’m doing in this final polish is ensuring she truly battles. I think you have to be very careful how you treat your damsel in distress, in today's market, because it’s all too easy to let her turn into an irritating doormat. Far from being a doormat, Liza is a sassy, spirited, witty little blonde, who has identified a dream, and is in hot pursuit.

Unfortunately, Liza’s dream conflicts with the dream of Dominic Christy. As DC has a rare sleep disorder, dreams have quite a lot of meaning in his life. I was lucky enough to make contact with a real life guy (co-incidentally, also called Dominic) with the same condition. The real Dominic has been a mega research source, and lets me plague him almost daily with emailed questions. The book would truly not have been written without him. Then there’s Joan, my reflexology source (for Liza) and Dave, my air traffic controller source (also for Dominic). And a couple of beta readers, Mark and Roger, who are feeding back to me on the whole book, what works and what doesn’t or where they feel I’ve left something out. As you can see, I make unashamed use of my friends for feedback and research. Finally, one of my primary aims at this stage is to make sure there’s sizzle and tension where I want sizzle and tension. Always pleasant things to have in one’s mind!

Sue Moorcroft writes romantic novels of dauntless heroines and irresistible heroes for Choc Lit.
Combining that success with her experience as a creative writing tutor, she’s written a ‘how to’ book,
Love Writing – How to Make Money From Writing Romantic and Erotic Fiction (Accent Press).
Sue also writes short stories, serials, articles and courses and is the head judge for Writers’ Forum. Her latest book, Love & Freedom, won the Best Romantic Read Award 2011 at the Festival of Romance. She's a Katie Fforde Bursary Award winner.

Check out her website www.suemoorcroft.com and her blog at http://suemoorcroft.wordpress.com/ for news and writing tips. You’re welcome to befriend Sue on Facebook or Follow Sue on Twitter

I am looking forward to Sue's next novel!

DizzyC

Guest Author - Dee DeTarsio

2012-01-17T08:34:00.038Z

Warning - This article contains a little strong language

Is Your Kindle Making You Fat?

by Dee DeTarsio

I was going to go with an eOrgasms article to spice up this dreary winter day, but I sat in front of my computer for such an embarrassing length of time, nothing came. Har har. (I wish I could write erotica...I hear it pays well.)

I apologize--this is strangely personal for someone you’ve never met. Let me digress. I grew up in Ennui, Ohio. (Which is a joke.) (Because it gives far too much credit to my hometown.) Back then, I would have traded clear skin for being fat in a heartbeat. Well now, the joke’s on me--I can eat exponentially greater quantities of potato chips when I read on my kindle, than while fumbling with a paperback book. That’s not to say I haven’t fumbled a bit with my Kindle--we’ve been to third base, (thanks to an overambitious, delicious, non-nutritious reading feast that included a glass of wine). Salty fingers are no friend to the digital domain, either, (orange-colored crumbs are even worse) but have no fear, a toothpick combined with a napkin serves as a tiny magic wand, erasing the evidence.

Thanks to a steady diet of so many new books to explore, (mine included!) (Aha! The point of this article, at long last) I do try to limit my grazing while gazing...feeding while reading...glutton on the button...

“Oh, dear God, please let this woman write better novels than blog posts,” you may be thinking. When I do guest posts, I fear no one really cares about what an author has to say; whether or not I donate spare change to street musicians or have pet names for family members. My husband informed me he wants to be known as “Director,” (he does direct TV shows) but you’ll be happy to know I shined him off by directing him to “Direct this,” while grabbing my own *rse. As for my kids, I could full out ID them by their cell phone-slash-social security numbers for all the impression I make on them--they never notice anything I do.

I do have a tendency to stalk my favorite authors...one of them appeared on this very site: The fabulous Carol K. Carr, who I am now pleased to call my BFF. She refers to me as “Pet.” Or maybe it was Pet Peeve. Whatever. By the way, someone really needs to get Kate Middleton a copy of India Black and the Widow of Windsor--I would love to hear her take on her husband’s great-great-great-great Grandma.

Back to me. Focus. I like to write because I say really stupid things. I do embarrassing things. I am a sh*t-talker. Guilty of Schadenfreude. I cheat in yoga. My bra and underwear don’t match. To add insult to injury, my kindle is making me fat. Misery loves company, as they say--won’t you join me?

Three brave souls are now eligible to win an Amazon egift of Ros by Dee DeTarsio. Lucky you--better hurry, they’re going fast! You don’t need a kindle to read, the whispernet app is free for your computer or smart phone. *

Dee DeTarsio is a TV writer living in southern California. She is the author of womenʼs fiction, The Scent of Jade (finalist in the San Diego Book Awards Association), The Kitchen Shrink, and just released, Ros...

*If you would like the chance to win a e-gift copy of Ros, please complete the following form.
International giveaway, subject to you being able to accept an Amazon e-gift copy via your Amazon account.

Ends 24th Jan 2012
Winners will be notified by email

Please see giveaway policy

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Guest Author - Mink Elliott

2012-01-16T09:33:00.003Z

Funny novelist Mink Elliott joins me today to tell us about her latest novel Just another Manic Mum Day which is published this coming Thursday

Publisher: Sphere (19 Jan 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0751546156

Mink, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us and answer my questions.

Tell us a little about Just Another Manic Mum-Day

I’d love to! I’ve been talking about little else for the past few weeks, and I see no earthly reason to stop now! Just Another Manic Mum-Day is the sequel to The Pissed Off Parents Club (my first novel) and sees Roxy, Jack and three-year-old Joey move to sunny Sydney. But when Roxy falls pregnant again (over 40, over there and, quite frankly, over it), her world is turned upside down. How will she cope? And what about her fab new job? Will up-until-now only child and Olympic champion tantrum-thrower Joey adjust? And what about Jack? What exactly has he been up to every day since the family arrived in paradise? Roxy ponders these questions and more over cappuccinos and cupcakes with her new best friend Shoshanna, until they are unceremoniously booted out of their favourite cafe. Seems mums with babies and kids just aren’t welcome anywhere in Bondi. So the two mum-preneurs put their heads together and come up with the ideal cafe for mums, dads, kids and carers everywhere – a coffee shop that has a crèche and counsellors and sells Freixenet alongside the friandes. Another kind of Bondi rescue, Just Another Manic Mum-Day (that’s the name they come up with for the cafe) serves as a sanctuary for stressed-out mums. But can Roxy and Shoshanna make their own family lives as happy as they make their customers? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

When and how did you decide writing was what you wanted to do?

When I got sacked from the bakery and the post office within weeks of each other.Eventually, I landed a job at the brilliant Australian men’s magazine The Picture as the only girl writer there – and even though I was terrified of walking into the office every day, let alone all the genius writers there, I managed to leave before they axed me and went to work in London. From then on, even though I constantly feared I was never any good, I was determined to learn at the feet of the greats, so I tried my best at such legendary publications as More!, Just Seventeen, Bliss, Sky, Minx, Dare! and FHM until I had my first baby. Then we moved out of London and I wrote The Pissed Off Parents Club. When my agent told me Sphere wanted to publish it, I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t. Because writing for a living is a dream come true. And now I’m hooked on losing myself in my characters’ worlds, I can’t give it up – it’s too much fun!

How do you manage to write with two young children? Is routine important?

Important? It’s critical. I just wish we had one! I always surprise myself by being a bit of a drill sergeant about our schedule in my head, particularly in the school holidays – but in reality, I never fail to be so disorganised, that it all goes horribly wrong and we’ll still be at the playground at lunchtime, which means my toddler will miss his window of opportunity for sleep which, in turn, means another day will go by without me getting any words down. So my answer to your first question is sometimes I just don’t. If it happens, great – but if it doesn’t, you just have to try to be a half-way decent mum, suck it down, let it go and try to look overjoyed about yet another game of hide and seek. Which is really hard to do when you’re bursting with ideas and plot twists and turns and you can’t even find a pen and an un-scribbled-on piece of paper, let alone quiet, focused time in front of the computer. I mean, I can’t even manage to go to the loo by myself these days! It wouldn’t be so bad if I could work at night when both kids were asleep, but then my evening routine of collapsing on the couch, catching half an episode of Corrie and being comatose by 8:30 every night would fly right out the window! And we all know how crucial it is to stick to a routine...When my toddler does sleep and my daughter is at school, though, it’s amazing how disciplined I can be. And quite astonishing how frequently I manage to resist the temptations of Facebook/daytime telly/the entire contents of the fridge and just sit there writing. Not always (the council wants to attach a ‘wide load’ sign to my bum - something about health and safety), but enough!

Mink Elliott will be back again on Thursday, publication day, with a UK Giveaway!

It's Monday...16th Jan

2012-01-16T05:54:00.001Z

Last week

I have books finished that are awaiting reviews

Manhattan - Ronni Cooper (a 3 for me)
Netherwood - Jane Sanderson (5 star, can't wait for sequel)
At Sea - Laurie Graham (5 star)

In My Postbox

Russian Winter - Daphne Kaloty

What I am reading now

Rivals in The Tudor Court -Darcey Bonnette

Postcards from the Heart - Ella Griffin

Coming up this week here at DizzyC's LBB

Guest authors

Mink Elliot (with UK Giveaway)

Dee DeTariso (with giveaway)

Beth Hoffman

Jane Urquhart

Come back on Wednesday for an exciting new feature on the blog. I am looking forward to it! :)

What does your reading week look like?

DizzyC

Ooops! I have joined another challenge

2012-01-10T11:52:00.000Z

I have refrained from joining challenges in the past as I would hate to join and not make my targets.

I just had to join this one, hosted by Historical Tapestry blog, as a fan of historical fiction. The levels seem achievable.

During the 12 months you can choose oneof the different reading levels

Severe Bookaholism - 20 books
Undoubtedly Obsessed - 15 books
Struggling the Addiction - 10 books Would like to get to this level
Daring and Curious - 5 books My sensible level
Out of My Comfort Zone - 2 books

DizzyC

It's Monday 9th Jan

2012-01-09T09:00:00.001Z

Hosted by Sheila at BookJourney

Last week

I am still struggling to get routine back into my life. This week will be the first full week where everyone in the household is back to their usual routine. Hopefully I can then catch my tail :)

I have a few books to post reviews for these are

At Sea - Laurie Graham 5 star

Netherwood - Jane Sanderson My first 5 Star read of 2012

Manhattan - Ronni Cooper (not yet rated)

In my postbox

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt - Beth Hoffman (review copy)

I read this book a while ago when a friend bought me a copy from Amazon, which was imported. I have been raving about it ever since. I am delighted that this novel is hitting the UK shelves 19th Jan.

New on the Kindle

Silk - Penny Jordan

Below Stairs - Margaret Powell

Breaking the Ice - Mandy Baggot

The Captive Queen - Alison Weir

Next up to read

Queen Hereafter - Susan Fraser King

Postcards from the Heart - Ella Griffin

Coming up here at DizzyCLBB

Guest authors, Mink Elliott (with UK giveaway) and Beth Hoffman.

What does you reading week look like?

Manhattan by Ronni Cooper - Winners

2012-01-06T14:50:00.000Z

Many thanks to Sphere for another generous giveaway

Publisher: Sphere (22 Dec 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0751542769

Congratulations to the 5 winners.......

Clare

Katrina

Margaret

Ian

Laura

Winners will be notified by email today

Many thanks

Check back for more giveaways very soon

DizzyC

Bookish news (including a freebie!)

2012-01-05T10:52:00.000Z

The New Year is making me Dizzy!

I had the family home from 16th Dec until 3rd Jan and it has put my routine right out.
I am still spinning from it all and so ideas for posts are not coming easily :)

I have seen many book related news items recently, and I thought I would share......

Here in the UK, Richard and Judy and The TV Book Club (More 4) have announced their reads for this coming series.

Richard and Judy Book Club list of reads are

Before I Go to Sleep by S J Watson
Yesterday's Sun by Amanda Brooke
My Dear I Wanted To Tell You by Louisa Young
The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon
A Cold Season by Alison Littlewood
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Midwinter Sacrifice by Mons Kallentoft
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

The TV Book Club list of reads are

Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson (both book clubs are reading this one)
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
The Somnambulist by Essie Fox
Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Hayne
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Girl, Reading by Katie Ward
The Report by Jessica Francis Kane
The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson
Half of The Human Race by Anthony Quinn
You Deserve Nothing by Alexander Maksik.

Rules of Civility, The Paris Wife and Girl, Reading have caught my eye already :)

Have you read any of these titles or have any of these titles on your wishlist?

*************************

In case you have been in outer space recently and didn't know, I am the proud owner of a new Kindle :)

I am hoping to share, not only great paperbacks, but also Kindle books with you in the future.

Here is one that has come to my attention

At the moment , Mandy Baggot is running a competition to win a signed copy of her novel Knowing Me Knowing You. Just visit Mandy Baggot Blog to enter to win. This is an international competition so everyone is welcome to enter.

Also, From Friday 6 January-Sunday 8 January to coincide with the start of the new season of Dancing on Ice, Mandy Baggot's novel Breaking the Ice will be absolutely FREE to download on Kindle. Thank you, Mandy! :)

**************************

Challenges 2012

I am only taking part in one Challenge this year as it will be my 1st official challenge.

Just for Fun Reading Challenge is just that! Books we have on our TBR shelves that are not review books.

There is still time to sign up for this one (before 31st Jan)

It already has lots of members and has it's own Goodreads Group.

Hosting this challenge is the lovely Lori

Check out the details here (scroll down to the 2012 challenge sign up)

A few more challenges I have come across are

Historical Tapestry - Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge Addict

DizzyC

It's a Bank Holiday Monday.....

2012-01-02T10:34:00.000Z

Hosted by Sheila at BookJourney

Last Week
That week between Christmas and New Year feels like a week in limbo. Everyone was home and routine was completely out the window. I do now crave the return of routine.

I didn't read much at all. With family in and out, I could not find time to sit with my book or Kindle.

I did blog a bit and reflected on 2011......

Top reads of 2011 Took a long time to decide. There were so many good books last year

UK/Ireland Reads - Personal challenge 2011 A round up post of my own personal challenge for 2011

My snapshot year is a look at my favourite photos on the blog from last year

Rewind and Remember has links to posts from 2011 that were unrelated to books.

I did finished At Sea by Laurie Graham and rated it a 5, review to go up this week.
Could not get into anything else :(

No postbox this week.

New to the Kindle

The Generation Game - Sophie Duffy
as seen on another blog

The Doctor and the Diva - Adrienne McDonnell
have had this on wishlist a while

Write from the Heart - Heather Hummell
a twitter alert

The Town House (Suffolk House Trilogy #1) - Nora Loft
browsing to see what my library offered in the way of ebooks and decided to get this one :)

What does your reading week look like?

DizzyC

UK/Ireland Reads 2011

2012-01-01T09:38:00.000Z

I have set myself a personal reading challenge for 2011.

The theme is UK and Ireland through the ages. I wanted to include books from as many areas as I could and set in different time periods.

January 2011

Have started the challenge with

The Empty Family by Colm Toibin - A collection of short stories set in Ireland

February 2011

India Black by Carol K Carr - Victorian England mystery

March 2011

Perhaps Tomorrow - Jean Fullerton - East End London

The Surprise Party - Sue Welfare

Star Gazing - Linda Gillard - Scotland

April 2011

The Silver Locket - Margaret James Dorset, London and Europe in WW1

The Untied Kingdom - Kate Johnson Paranormal England

May 2011

Izzy's War - Isla Dewar England and Scotland in WW2

Love and Freedom - Sue Moorcroft Modern day Brighton. An American in the UK

June 2011

The Tudor Secret - Christopher Gortner Tudor England mystery

The Summer Season - Julia Williams A fictional village in England. A story with a gardening and family history theme.

Laura's Handmade Life - Amanda Addison One for crafters and fans of English Country living

Emotional Geology - Linda Gillard Set on the Scottish Isle North Uist

July 2011

The Darling Strumpet - Gillian Bagwell The Life of Nell Gywnn

August 2011

The Gardener - Prue Leith Modern story set on an estate in England

Before the Last All Clear - Ray Evans True story of a World War II evacuee sent from Liverpool to Wales

The Empty Nesters - Nina Bell What happens when the children leave home?

September 2011

(Un)like a Virgin - Lucy-Anne Holmes Very funny Chick Lit

Breakfast in Bed - Eleanor Moran - Romance in the kitchens

Persuade Me - Juliet Archer A Jane Austen classic retold

Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines - Carol E Wyer A mature look at life! :)

October 2011

The Lady's Slipper - Deborah Swift 1660's, exploring Quaker life

Friday Night with the Girls - Shari Low A girl's weekend in Glasgow

Wrapped up in You - Carole Matthews Festive read with an unusual hero

The Magic of Christmas - Trisha Ashley Fabulous village life

November 2011

Strings Attached - Mandy Baggot Rock star touring the UK

A Winter Bride - Isla Dewar 1950's Edinburgh

Highland Storms - Christina Courtenay 1750's in the Scottish Highlands

December 2011

Confessions of a Karaoke Queen - Ella Kingsley 80's nostalgia

India Black and The Widow of Windsor - Carol K Carr Mystery set in The Highlands in Queen Victoria's reign

DizzyC