A return to the Riviera on the trail of a runaway groom …
Evonne Wareham is an established member of my local writing group, and I am honoured she wanted to visit my blog to celebrate her latest release, A Wedding on the Riviera. As the idyllic cover suggests, the novel has its share of love and romance but beware that Evonne has quite a reputation for killing off her characters too. Besides celebrating her new release, Evonne agreed to offer some writing tips.
Thank you to Jessie for inviting me here to talk about some of the nuts and bolts of writing and celebrate the publication of my fifth book, A Wedding on the Riviera. It’s a romantic suspense set, as you might have guessed, on the French Riviera.
Evonne is an award winning Welsh author of romantic suspense – more crime and dead bodies than your average romance.
I was a long while learning my craft before I made it to publication, and I heard a lot of advice along the way. Writers are often told that a book should have a theme, and it is also well known that there are certain plot ideas, or tropes, that are especially popular with readers. In a crime novel about a detective investigating drug smuggling the theme might be developed with a sub plot of a family member battling addiction. The reader then sees both sides of the story. Tropes are particularly popular in romance writing, and there are quite a lot of them – the marriage of convenience, the secret baby, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, a fake relationship, trapped together somewhere inaccessible, wounded hero/nurse. I’m sure you can think of others. And then there are the fairy tales – Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast are the most popular. As I write romantic suspense, I’ve often wondered what I could do with Little Red Riding Hood.
Actually, I always claim that I don’t do themes or tropes. I usually start out that way, but they creep up on me anyway. Never Coming Home, my first book, somehow came to be about lost children – those that are missing, but also the dysfunctional backgrounds of my hero and heroine. What Happens at Christmas had the classic festive trope of hero and heroine trapped together by a snowstorm. I arranged a freak weather event in the Brecon Beacons for that.
This is the kind of viewed that inspired Evonne to write about the Riviera.
Wedding on the Riviera is in essence a friends to lovers book – Ryan is a professional escort and Nadine his best client. Getting past the barrier of Ryan’s professionalism is only the first hurdle I erected for them. When they get involved with a group of friends in a plan to catch a con man, things take a darker turn, but also provide the opportunity to get closer. And thinking about it, there is also a fake relationship buried in there somewhere, but I mustn’t give any more away.
Themes and tropes are an excellent way for a writer to consciously add structure to a book, but you might find they are there, even if you didn’t plan it that way.
Evonne is an award winning Welsh author of romantic suspense – more crime and dead bodies than your average romance. She likes to set her book in her native Wales, or for a touch of glamorous escapism, in favourite holiday destinations in Europe. She is a Doctor of Philosophy and an historian, and a member of both the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Crime Writers’ Association.
A return to the Riviera on the trail of a runaway groom …
When out-of-work actor Ryan Calder attends a wedding as the plus-one of successful businesswoman, Nadine Wells, he doesn’t expect to get in a scuffle with the groom.
But Ryan has a good reason. He recognises the groom from another wedding where the same man made a quick getaway, taking the wedding money and leaving a heartbroken bride in his wake. It seems he’s struck again, and Nadine’s poor friend is the target.
Ryan and Nadine decide they can’t let it happen to another woman, so with a group of friends they hatch a plan that will take them to the French Riviera, hot on the heels of the crooked groom. But could their scheme to bring him to justice also succeed in bringing them closer together?
Are you ready for a Christmas novel with a difference? Having heard about Evonne’s Christmas romantic suspense novel, I had to ask more questions about What Happens at Christmas. We grabbed a corner of the café in Waterstone’s, and Evonne intrigued me with the promise of lots of twists and turns in the narrative. It is time for a Christmas book with a kidnapping from Evonne. Don’t worry, I think Santa is safe!
Jessie: I love to listen about the stories you are developing. You always get so involved with the characters and the research. Tell me about your Christmas book, What Happens at Christmas.
What Happens at Christmas is a festive themed romantic suspense
Evonne: What Happens at Christmas is a festive themed romantic suspense – so as well as the traditional things, like mince pies, carols and snow, it also has kidnapping and some nasty villains. Some of the festive things – a particular carol that is sung at a crucial moment, and the freak snow storm that I organised for the Brecon Beacons, are components of the plot – if you are looking for something a bit different in a Christmas read, it might be for you.
Jessie: How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters?
Evonne: It’s always a bit of a wrench to finish a book, even when you know you have left your characters in a good place – all except the villains, of course. You have spent many months with them and you know all their secrets. I especially enjoyed keeping company with Lori and Drew, and I do have a sort of idea for another plot that would involve them. As they now have their HEA, it would need another couple for the developing love story though, so we shall just have to wait and see on that.
Jessie: Did any of your characters misbehave when you were writing the book?
Evonne: Always. They talk back, they refuse to do what you expect them to do, they do things that are totally incomprehensible and only make sense fifty pages later, they complain about the plot … Some of my more alpha heroes refuse to talk at all. I’ve got used to it now. At least no-one has yet refused to fall in love with the right person. Yet.
You will find yourself transported to this setting. It is the Brecon Beacons in Wales.
Jessie: Why should I keep your book in my handbag?
Evonne: you are looking for something a bit more edgy for a seasonal read, What Happens at Christmas has suspense and danger along with the love story. The hero, Drew, is a writer who has a dare-devil streak. It gets him into some serious trouble, which Lori, the heroine, helps him out of, with the assistance of her four year old niece. A large part of the book is set at Christmas, but the story travels over the space of a year, during which time the character’s lives change considerably. I like to think Drew learns that he shouldn’t throw himself into things quite so recklessly. There are actually two very different Christmas celebrations in the book. Two lots of Christmas magic, and Lori finds that in between, some of dearest dreams have come true.
Jessie: Two lots of Christmas magic is perfect. It’s sound as if you have the story all wrapped up and ready for the readers. I am intrigued about your next project.What is the last sentence written in your writer’s notebook?
Evonne: It’s not exactly a sentence in a note book, it’s a post-it note, and it’s a time line for the names and ages of a set of characters. I love time lines. I always have to work out the ages of everyone who features significantly in the book, and how they relate to each other. One of my writer’s quirks. This one was a bit of a mystery when I found it, but I have now worked out that it relates to the hero and his two older brothers, in a novella that I hope will be out for Christmas 2020.
Jessie: I notice you’ve written four books and have lots of experience of writing. What is the biggest challenge for an author?
Evonne: For me, it’s keeping up the quality of the work. I want to give the reader the best possible experience inside the covers of a book that I can manage. I want each of the stories to be different, but all of them exciting and enjoyable. If I can create a page-turning book, that the reader can’t put down, then my work is done. That’s the aim, anyway.
Peek inside the world of Evonne’s writing world.
Jessie:What is the best advice that you have received as a writer?
Evonne: ‘Keep going!’ A lot of other writers will say the same. You need stamina and persistence, when the rejections pile up. It was a long time, and many experiments in genres, before I found out what I really wanted to write, and finally got a publishing deal. During that time I learned a lot about the craft of writing, and I have to thank the Romantic Novelists’ Association for the help and encouragement I received. Once you have a deal, you also learn a lot from having a professional edit. It’s flattering and scary to have the attention of an expert focussed on your work.
Evonne writes romantic thrillers and romantic comedies. Her first published novel, Never Coming Home, won the Joan Hessayon award for the best debut novel of the year, presented by the Romantic Novelists’ Association. She likes writing about romantic locations, food, art, architecture, pretty clothes, shoes, nasty villains, brooding heroes and independent heroines. You can find out more about her books and her writing on her website.
Contact details and book links
You can find Evonne at Her blog http://evonneonwednesday.blogspot.com where she talks about writing and books and history and life and interesting places and research and anything else that comes into her head, every Wednesday.
On Twitter @evonnewareham
On Facebook as evonnewarehamauthor
Or you can contact her through her website www.evonnewareham.com
South and West Wales Chapter celebrate sixty years of the Romance Novelists’ Society.
The South Wales and West Chapter had a birthday party to celebrate sixty years of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Each member of the group presented a sixty word slice of their novel or work in progress, along with a biography as a gift to romance readers. Our words and chat put the fizz into the celebrations. Unwrap the tiny parcels of words and meet the authors. Enjoy
Georgia’s glossy curls were piled high. As she moved, the light caught seed pearls scattered in her hair. Her creamy velvet dress clung to her curves. Nick watched the joy on her face when she first caught sight of him and longed to give her the world. That moment was, and he prayed it always would be, fixed in his consciousness.
Jill Barry lives close to the estuary dividing Wales from England. Her historical and contemporary romantic fiction is mainly character-driven and she delves into her life experiences to colour her writing. She enjoys bringing different eras to life and, as a multi-published author, enjoys helping fellow RNA members to realise their dreams. Jill is a co-organiser of her local chapter.
Stelios took her in his arms. Dipping and swaying in time to the bousouki music, Elin felt familiar flutterings in her stomach. She’d promised herself that there’d be no romantic liaisons when she was in Greece. So why did the handsome woodturner have this effect on her? His hot breath on her neck and earlobe made her whole body tingle.
Jan lives in Cardiff and writes novels about families and their secrets. An author with Ruby Fiction, her debut novel, will be published in digital and audio in April 2020. Joining the RNA and its wonderful New Writers’ Scheme in 2016 was her best decision as a new writer. She’s joint organiser of her local RNA Chapter.
For the first time, his skin touched her skin as they held hands. It was the closing of a gap, a circle joined. He remembered that quiet moment, in the midst of the restless, big city. They were like a boulder, solid and immovable, while the river raged around them. It was the moment Arthur fell in love with Pearl.
Catherine lives near cliff tops in South Wales, a view which inspires her every day. With published short fiction, articles, a magazine column and a non-fiction book to her name, a published novel is next on her wish list. She is determined, with the help of the brilliant RNA New Writers’ scheme, to become a published novelist and professional daydreamer.
Each member of the group presented a sixty word slice of their novel or work in progress.
The unmade bed became their island, and clothes washed up on the shore. In exchange for three hours together, Jack scattered the opera tickets. Sophie dug inside her handbag for bruised bananas and chocolate to sustain them until the buffet breakfast. She expected their unused Paris guide to remain in the hotel room like buried treasure.
Jessie is a Yorkshire author living in Cardiff. Wales and words have a special place in her heart. She wants everyone to meet the characters who’ve been hassling her for years. Besides writing, Jessie adores walking, talking, cooking and procrastinating. She joined the RNA New Writers’ Scheme in 2018 and is impressed with the opportunities and support.
The fading evening light caught the russet highlights in her hair and cast a faint pink glow across her face. Her eyes were alight with wonder and her lips were slightly parted. For one mad moment, he wondered what it would be like to kiss them.
He cleared his throat, trying to drive the disturbing thought out of his mind.
Liz lives halfway between the Brecon Beacons and the sea, in the South Wales Valleys. She writes light-hearted, uplifting romantic fiction, with liberal doses of humour. She joined the RNA to make friends with other writers and is now part of the admin team and a reader for the NWS, to repay the help, support and kindness she’s been shown.
We got to the heart of our books with the collection of extracts.
As they began to descend yet another endless hill Ellena turned and caught a glimpse of her home. She could make out the flags fluttering atop the turrets of Castle Swein before it finally disappeared from view. She slowly turned around in her seat and gripped the pommel tightly. The conviction she’d made a terrible mistake hardened in her stomach.
Ella Matthews lives and works in Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else). She writes cosy crime and romance novels. Her first Mills and Boon title is out in April.
Imogen Martin can generally be found behind a laptop in her writing nook, or book in hand in a café, or on a beach in Sardinia. She has two daughters and lives with her husband in South Wales. Her debut novel is a pioneer story set in nineteenth century America. She is a member of the RNA New Writers’ Scheme.
She shrugged. ‘It’s my big romantic birthday break.’ She indicated the vacant chair beside her, straight-faced. ‘Durr. Can’t you see my hunky, virtual boyfriend?
Jake swivelled his eyes to the empty seat and back at her, raising his eyebrows in mute enquiry.
‘And no, I don’t want to talk about it.’
We invite you to post your own parcels of words on your FB pages and blogs as a gift to romance readers
Living on the South Wales coast, Sue McDonagh finds inspiration for both her novels and her art in her beautiful surroundings.
Motorcycles, her other passion, can also be found in the pages of her Art Café trilogy, the third of which will be released in July this year. Her writing explores real life events, with a light touch and humour.
I step inside the shed, hauling the net of footballs. He’s behind me. There’s something invisible pulling me to him. I turn around and he takes my hand. A surge of electricity powers up my arms. We come together in a passionate embrace. Every single bone in my body turns to jelly as he treats me to a sensuous kiss.
Lucy Mitchell is the author of Instructions for Falling in Love Again, an uplifting romantic comedy about second chances and friendship. She’s also the author of the award-winning blog, BlondeWriteMore; which records the emotional highs and lows of her life as a romance author. On her blog she also reviews romance novels and regularly falls in love with male characters.
‘Summer Island’, Natalie Normann
Jack liked seeing her laugh. The first time they met, she had been so furious with him, but right now she was happy.
‘You look beautiful,’ he said.
Ninni frowned. ‘No, I don’t.’
‘Yes, you do. You are beautiful.’
‘No need to flatter me. I won’t throw you overboard.’
She was teasing him and he enjoyed it. ‘Doesn’t change anything.’
Natalie Normann lived in Cardiff for two years, then sadly had to return to Norway, bringing home inspirations and good memories. A week after arriving in Wales, she joined the RNA and her local chapter, and still can’t believe something this good exists. She writes contemporary romance set in Norway and is determined to show Nordic is more than noir.
She was living a fairy-tale that many women could only imagine. And it was worth it, even if her nights ever after would be cold and bitter. You can’t undo love. Every moment, from here on, must be etched in her memory. The place, the time, the man. Memory she could fall back into, during those long, cold nights.
Evonne has been a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association for thirty years. While this makes her feel very old, it also means that she has been to a lot of fabulous parties and made some wonderful friends in the romance writing community. She is currently working on two new books in her romantic mystery series, set on the Riviera
She crept into the bedroom where Owen lay asleep, Bridie looked at his sleeping frame, his thick hair spread over the pillow. She knew nights like this would be few. She slipped in beside him, wrapping her arms around him. Wherever he would be sent, his spirit would always be here at her side. That would have to do for tonight.
Pat a retired ward sister and nurse lecturer lives in Cardiff and is writing a novel about two people one from Ireland and one from Wales both away from home in London and divided by war. She has plans for a second novel based in Wales. A member of the RNA New Writers Scheme hoping for a chance of publication.
‘The point is that you, Rosy, are not just the sexiest women I know, you’re the most honourable, tenacious, well, every quality there is and of course I want to kiss you right now, strip you naked and tumble into the back seat but I also want to wake up with you tomorrow and the next day and the next.’
Kitty Wilson lived in Cornwall for twenty-five years having been dragged there, against her will, as a stroppy teen. She is now remarkably grateful to her parents for their foresight and wisdom – and these days spends her time writing romantic comedies with heroines who speak their mind. She loves the RNA and all the opportunities and support it offers.
The South Wales and West Chapter hope you will raise a glass, eat cake and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the RNA with us. We invite RNA members to post your own parcels of words on your FB pages and blogs as a gift to romance readers. Let’s share the love, and ‘champion the quality and diversity of romantic fiction.’ Happy Birthday to the Romance Novelists’ Association.
Cheers to the Romantic Novelists’ Association! Congratulations on 60 years.
Laptop, notebooks, sandwiches, party banners and sparkling wine crammed into my rucksack, I set off on my writing adventure in a department store. Rather than shopping for the latest bargains in store, I shopped for story ideas at a writing retreat in the community room of John Lewis Department Store. The writing retreat was organised by my local writing group. Party fever to celebrate sixty years of the Romantic Novelists’ Association was scheduled for the middle of the day.
I was serious about writing.
I collected my writing fuel at the coffee shop before venturing through the store’s security. When we walked through the corridors behind the store, I convinced myself we were about to board a plane. On reflection, I am pleased we did not meet any pilots because the factory girls are easily distracted. However, Pearl could have performed a stunning rendition of ‘Fly Me To The Moon’.
In a room aptly named the Discovery Room, we all braced ourselves for take-off into our own writing worlds. I panicked I would not be able to find any words. Nudged by the sight of authors working, I managed to get my imagination to take flight. I also deleted a character who had stowed away in one of the chapters. Once aboard the writing retreat, I had to delve into my imagination and was not tempted to chat.
The final chapter of ‘Loving You’ awaited my attention. Following edits, I realised my characters were not happy with their destinations. They needed to find out more the secrets haunting them. Armed with a huge notebook, I knew I had hidden the clues in there somewhere.
The writing party and words are in full flow for Jan Baynham.
There is a time to write and a time to relax. Before lunch, we celebrated sixty years of the wonderful Romantic Novelists’ Association. We marked the occasion with the party fever and shared sixty words from our romance novels. It was great fun guessing who had written the extracts. On Valentine’s Day, I will share the photos and celebratory parcels of words from the writing group.
Guess who wrote the extract?
Since the writing retreat, I crafted more chapters of ‘Loving You’. Jim and Pearl have offered gentle guidance and Doreen, one of the lively factory women, has gatecrashed a party. The writing retreat kick started my final chapters, and the support of the other writers helped to build my enthusiasm.
More serious writers at work.
Many thanks to my lovely writerly friends from the South and West Wales Chapter. I enjoyed attending the writing party and am now fizzing with words and ideas. Without membership of the New Writers’ Scheme, I would not have enjoyed this wonderful opportunity.
Do you enjoy writing retreats, or do you prefer to write in a room of your own?
