Tag: Romance

Rick Astley Visits Audrina Lane’s Novels

My favourite writing place is generally in a pub when my partner’s band is playing. The loud music helps with the creative juices.

The Hope and Anchor was packed with anticipation, as the audience waited for the Rick Astley tribute band.  The sound of laughter and people’s memories fill the room.  I sat with Audrina and we shared a bottle of red wine then tucked into a curry while we remembered the good old eighties and debated our favourite songs.  Audrina argued about the merits of Astley’s ‘Together Forever’ and convinced me.  Before the act started, we settled to chat about Audrina’s novel.

Jessie:  I love it here and I know you’ve chosen the venue to present your book.  Come on, tell me about your novel.

Audrina: Where Did Your Heart Go? is a novel about the highs and lows of first love. Set against the backdrop of 80’s music, movies and fashion you’ll love the characters you find within the pages.

Jessie:  Great idea to use the backdrop of the eighties.  Now I realise why you have organised a meeting here: perfect choice.  How has the novel been received by reviewers?

Audrina Lane’s Where Did Your Heart Go?

Audrina:  I have been pleased with the response. The book and backdrop really seem to resonate with people.  Here are some reviews:

‘This is a story of a love that spans generations, realistic friendships and a spiteful woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.’

‘It’s beautifully written and the characters are so real and lovable.’

‘The story is a heartfelt delve into the intricacies of heartbreak and the hope of happy every after.’

Jessie:  Have you got a brief extract from your novel: Where Did Your Heart Go? that will tempt a reader?

Audrina:  Yes, of course.  How about this? ‘I remembered how James had thrown my love away and I turned from my daughter, reminded of the fear and pain. He had taken my heart with him and left a hollow space inside me that still ached.’

Jessie:  Ouch! You have certainly conveyed the heartbreak. It sounds as if your characters needed a lot of emotional support and that is draining. How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters?

I think this quote really sums up both my personal life and equally the lives of the characters in The Heart Trilogy Series.

Audrina: I felt emotionally drained when I finished Where did your Heart go? And then based on readers’ feedback I knew there was more story to tell. So one book became a series of 3 so I didn’t say goodbye to any of the characters until the end of ‘Closer to the Heart’. I will admit that I cried writing the last scene in the final book of the trilogy and two of my close friends witnessed me writing the end. I still remember the worried looks on their faces, but it was worth it when they got the chance to read the book.

I still cry now when I look back and read the ending!! Saying goodbye to favourite characters is the hardest thing in the world.

Jessie:  I completely agree with you.  The fact you cared about the characters assures your reader they will connect with them.  We give our heart and souls to our writing. Who would you like to read your book and why?  This could be another author, someone famous, a friend or a member of your family.  

Audrina: I guess I’d have to choose two famous people. The first would be George Michael as so much of the main character’s lives and emotions are linked with his music, especially the Faith album or in the pop group Wham!. In fact if you know your Wham! Songs then the very title of the book is a B-side single by Wham! I’ve popped the link below as it does kind of give you an insight into the storyline if you listen to the lyrics.

The 2nd would be Rick Astley, who actually makes a cameo appearance in the storyline. I’d love to know what he thinks of performing in a small town like Ross-on-Wye where my story is set. I did send a complimentary copy to his fan club but I heard nothing back. Rick if you’re reading this let me know if you’ve read my book??

I guess you can see why music plays such a huge part in my life and my writing.

Music that inspired the story

Jessie:  Great, thoughtful responses.  ‘Where Did Your Heart Go?’ really helps me to understand the emotion in the story.  Thanks, it was great to listen to the legend again.  I am sure Rick Astely would love to read your book: including Rick Astley in the book is a great tribute. Why should I keep your book in my handbag?

Audrina: Because based on one of my readers who started it at 8pm in the evening and finished it at 3am the following morning because she couldn’t put it down, you’d need to carry it so you could read it at any chance you got!

Jessie:  Could you give us a brief extract from the section where Rick Astley appears in the book?

 “I would like to dedicate my first song to the newly reunited couple, James and Stephanie. I believe it played a part in their relationship back then and I hope that hearing it now will be a good omen for the future.”

Reviews celebrating Where Did your Heart Go

Rick glanced across at us standing in the wings, as the familiar sounds of ‘Together Forever’ hit the air.

James glanced down at me as I looked up at him.

“You asked him to play this for us didn’t you?” James asked. I nodded as we walked down the steps of the stage, Rick’s voice floating through the night sky.

I wasn’t ready to go back into the crowds and to our various family and friends, so I led James across the grass towards the river’s edge and the run of benches. As we neared our bench, it was my turn to squeeze James’ hand as the moonlight cast its silver glow over the area. James ran his free hand over the old wood.

“It’s still here,” he said.

We walked round to the seat and with the glow from the moon overhead, we could just make out our heart. It looked fresher than I remembered it. I looked a little closer and found a second smaller heart not too far away with the initials MC 4 CE, realising it could only be Charlie and Mitch who had drawn it there and possibly refreshed our heart at the same time.

Jessie: What is the last sentence written in your writer’s notebook?

Audrina: I don’t have a writer’s notebook, I’m a pantser and have a vague idea where the storyline is going but I let the characters lead me. So I’ll share the last line of my current WIP – Bloodstained Heart. Part 3 – Redemption.

Mitchell suddenly felt like a traitor even talking about dancing with someone other than Charlotte.

Jessie: What is the biggest challenge for an author?

Audrina: Getting the word out there about your novel so that people will pick it up and read it!

Jessie: What is the best advice that you have received as a writer?

Write what you know and love, be true and authentic.

About Audrina:

Audrina is a lover of all things 80’s (she grew up in that decade) and wishes she could go back!  Audrina loves her three black Labradors called: Rael, Lily and Milo – they really are her fur babies.  Audrina enjoys writing but when she’s not tapping away can be found at her favourite Barefoot Dancing session or listening to live music. Her love of music sings through in all she does, says and writes.  Take a look inside her world via ‘Where Did Your Heart Go?

About Audrina

Audrina Lane is an author from Herefordshire and when she is not tapping away on the pc she enjoys walking her 3 black Labradors, listening to eighties music and barefoot dancing. Her dog walks provide muse for her growing poetry collection.

Expect the unexpected with Audrina’s ‘Realistic Romances with an Erotic Twist’. You may not get the traditional Happy Ever After Ending you were expecting.

Contact details:

Email: audrina@audrinalane.co.uk

Website: http://audrinalane.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audrinalane/                           

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ZISOU53eaoLHOCNJNggCA?view_as=subscriber

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AudrinaLane

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audrina.lane

Audrina’s Place: https://www.facebook.com/AudrinasPlace/

24Hrs Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RaceRomance/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audrina-Lane/e/B00E263F96/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Audrina-Lane/e/B00E263F96/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Please see all my author interviews at My Guests and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

A big Yeehaw from the would-be cowgirl author!

Lottie Phillips 

 

 

 

The Little Cottage in the Country

 

 

 

 

 

 

During my holiday in Sussex, I managed to meet up with Lottie to discuss her delicious new book, The Little Cottage in the Country.  Lottie cycled out to the holiday cottage on a vintage red bicycle.   I had spent the morning setting up a temporary Books in Handbag Chat Room.  Lottie arrived on a gloriously sunny day wearing cropped jeans, a Gingham shirt and cowboy boots. Her beautiful book was peeking out of a fabulous leopard print handbag.  As soon as I opened the door, I was greeted with Lottie’s big smile.  She removed a tempting parcel of pastries that she had bought from the local bakers in the village.

The intense summer sun sent us inside the cottage. We drank a beautiful blend of coffee, as we savoured the freshly baked cakes.  Eating the cakes delayed our conversation a little.  The plump dried fruit enhanced the sweetness of the pastry and the oozing custard was divine.  Lottie walked around the holiday cottage and admired each detail.  The space, in the tiny holiday cottage, had been designed thoughtfully to create a sense of home.

Lottie handed her beautiful book to me, and we noted how the colours of the cover blended perfectly with the room. The book could have been photographed, in situ, as part of a magazine feature.

Jessie:  The book cover looks more delicious than the cakes that we have just eaten.  Please tell me what the book is about.  I challenge you capture the flavour of the book in a few sentences.

Lottie: Anna Compton thought that moving to the countryside, leaving London and her past firmly behind her was the perfect solution.

But very soon she’s chasing pork pies down hills, disguising her shop-bought cakes at the school bake sale – and trying to resist oh-so-handsome Horatio Spencerville, who just so happens to be the Lord of the Manor…

Jessie:  Well, the book sounds like the perfect escape for me.  What have other reviewers said about the book?

Lottie:

‘It’s funny, witty and well -paced book that I highly recommend you to select as your summer holiday read! Fabulous debut!’ (Sparkly Word)

‘Highly recommended as the perfect summer read and I guarantee it will have you chuckling in no time!!’ (Karen Mace, Amazon Reviewer)

‘Loved it. I laughed my way through it!’ (Donna Orrock, NetGalley reviewer)

Jessie:  The reviews sound brilliant.  I’ll open a bottle of wine so that we can toast your success. Come on, read me an extract from the book that will tempt a reader.  Lottie’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she started to read the extract.

Lottie: ‘The conversation with Diane did not go according to plan: somehow (and Anna blamed the one bar of signal and not the fact she had polished off most of the Merlot).

Jessie: How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters?

Lottie: I was bereft! I missed Anna, Linda and Diane more than words can say! They were incredible fun to write and had taken on a life of their own. In fact, between you and me, they’re still here * taps head * so watch this space.

Jessie: Who would you like to read your book and why?  This could be another author, someone famous, a friend or a member of your family. 

Lottie: Anyone who needs a giggle and a feel-good book! Though if someone is able to put a copy in front of Graham Norton or Miranda Hart then my dreams would come true…

Jessie: Why should I keep your book in my handbag? 

Lottie Phillips

Lottie: I’ve had people tell me this book should be available on the NHS. If you are ever feeling a bit down, in need of a pick-me-up, reading even a paragraph of this book should hopefully put the spring back in your step. Call it a handbag-sized natural remedy… And who doesn’t love to read about a hunky Poldark fellow like Horatio?

Jessie: What is the last sentence written in your writer’s notebook?

Lottie: It’s about the novel I’m currently writing and it reads: Tom, Hawaiian shirt, good-looking, makes dinner, OTT

Jessie: What is the biggest challenge for an author?

Lottie: Oh, tough one. I would say the biggest challenge is self-discipline… Twitter is fantastic as I can chat to my readers but, equally, it is amazing how much time I can waste posting GIFs…

Jessie: What is the best advice that you have received as a writer?

Lottie: I’ve had so much advice from so many wonderful people but the best piece is this: don’t ever stop writing (and reading), practice really does make perfect.

Lottie is….

…a rubbish baker but still harks after the cosy kitchen scenario where she expertly shows her child how to make the perfect cupcakes (with no mess and not one bead of sweat in sight)…

…obsessed with interior décor…

…in love with Country and Western music and wine (preferably together). One day she will go to Nashville, wear suitable cowgirl attire, swig beer with a sexy nonchalance and be an expert in line dancing (obvs).

Lottie stayed chatting into the evening.  It was a great treat to find someone who also admitted that they enjoyed County and Western music.  We sat in the garden listening to various tracks on my iPlayer as we finished a couple bottles of wine.  Lottie is great fun and that bodes well for any reader of her new novel The Little Cottage in the Country. Who doesn’t want to live in a Little Country Cottage?

 

 

Please see all my author interviews at My Guests and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.

 

Celebrating a slice of Italian history in my handbag

Angela Petch is an author of historical fiction, and she has written two wonderful novels set in Tuscany.  I completely lost myself in both novels. ‘Tuscan Roots’ and ‘Now and Then in Tuscany’ are based on her research into her husband’s family and his family’s region.  Angela and her husband live in Tuscany for six months of the year, thus her novels are written in the heart of the setting and culture. Angela’s intelligent and vivid style of writing is perfectly balanced with cultural and historical information. 

The ebooks of ‘Tuscan Roots’ and ‘Now and Then in Tuscany’ have been snapped up by Endeavour Press.  Angela has published short stories in People’s Friend and PRIMA magazine, and she won the Ip-Art short story award in 2008.

I simply adore Angela’s books and feel as if I have discovered a writer whose work will become classics.  I asked her to introduce the extract of ‘Tuscan Roots’ to prevent me from waxing lyrical for pages and pages. 

Cari lettori (Dear Readers),

It is 1944 and in a remote corner of German-occupied, war torn Italy. Ines, an eighteen year old Italian country girl is helping the partisans hide an escaped British POW. Meeting this young man will change her life forever.

There are two time threads weaving through “Tuscan Roots” and this extract from the story set in the past introduces Ines and Norman – two main protagonists. The diary extract is being read by her daughter, years later.

Saluti,

Angela

Presenting the extract:

“Rofelle, September 8th 1944

The inglese was still asleep on the planks above the cows. The nights were chilly and the animal warmth and dry hay made a comfortable bedroom – much better than mine. I have to share with nonna and she kicks and tosses at night. She snores like the pig we used to fatten for Christmas. There have been no pigs this year. The Germans have ‘requisitioned’ ours and everybody else’s in the area. ‘Pigs eating pigs,’ we muttered amongst ourselves.

‘Signore,’ I whispered.

There was no response. His face was long and pale, blond curls fell over his forehead which was bound with a dirty cloth. Blood had oozed and crusted onto the material. He was like a big baby.

‘Signore!’ I said it louder this time. There was still no response. I put the bowl of pasta down and gently shook him.

He opened his eyes, shouted and grabbed me round the neck. I pummelled him with my fists, I could hardly breathe. ‘Let me go, leave me alone!’ I shouted.

And then he recognised where he was and dropped his hands from round my neck. ‘Scusi, scusi. Sorry, signorina.’

‘You nearly knocked over the food.’

I was shaking and rubbed my neck. His grip had hurt me. The cows below seemed to sense something was wrong and they mooed and stamped their hooves.

(Extracted from Ines’ diary. Chapter 10 “Tuscan Roots”)

More words about the book from Angela:

‘Tuscan Roots’ is a story of two women living in two different times. In 1943, in occupied Italy, Ines Santini’s sheltered existence is turned upside down when she meets Norman, an escaped British POW. In 1999, Anna Swill and, their daughter, starts to unravel accounts from assorted documents left to her after her mother’s death. She travels to the beautiful Tuscan Apennines, where the story unfolds. In researching her parents’ past, she will discover secrets about war, her parents and herself, which will change her life forever…

What do the reviewers say about ‘Tuscan Roots’?

It is indeed noteworthy that the ‘Tuscan Roots’ has received over fifty reviews!

“A wonderful read – it is a great combination of a true account and fiction that I truly couldn’t put down” (Elizabeth Pepper – Amazon) ;

“Tuscan Roots is so much more than a literary take on ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ with its credibly fleshed-out characters, glimpses of life in war-weary occupied territory and dreary post-war London and a plot that keeps you on your toes but is never too convoluted – it’s a love letter to Tuscany.” – Ingenue Magazine. ;

“The way Angela has managed to capture in great detail the amazing natural beauty of this area and the culture of the Tuscan people is incredible.” Amazon Reviewer.

“If you love Italy, you will love this book. If you love history, this novel will show you an aspect of WW2 you may well not have encountered before. Angela Petch brings Tuscany to life; the customs, the people – you can taste the food, smell the wild flowers, see the scenery.” Amazon reviewer

Angela is a natural writer and describes herself as a ‘little bit nosey and always looking for stories’.  This piqued my interest and made me wonder how she had managed to weave such a beautiful story.

The inspiration behind ‘Tuscan Roots: A tangle of love and war in the Italian Apennines’

‘Tuscan Roots’ is my first novel and I wrote it for my lovely Italian mother-in-law who was ill at the time. She helped me with so many stories from her own life and allowed me to use them. I hasten to add that, although much of the book is factual and based on research, some of the story is fiction.  I missed the characters and so I wrote a sequel so I could mix with them again. Some of the main characters make a reappearance in “Now and Then in Tuscany” and …I am currently working on the third part of my Tuscan trilogy and the younger characters will tell their stories in this.

I cannot wait for the third novel in this series!

See my review of Tuscan Roots.

Angela’s contact detail:
Website: https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpress.com
Twitter:@Angela_Petch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaJaneClarePetch/
Email:angela_maurice@hotmail.com

 

Please see all my extracts at Book Extracts and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.

 

Happy New Year Characters and Friends

The familiar view of Penarth

I’ve become so familiar with the seafront in Penarth that I’ve never ventured from the main path. Contented with the changes in the light, I found comfort in the same view.  On Boxing Day, crowds of people in Penarth forced me to walk a new path above the seafront.

An unfamiliar perspective of Penarth pier that allows me to look at the bigger picture

As I looked down on a familiar view from a new perspective, I released some of the characters in my work in progress. Maybe these characters will remain forever lost or appear in another story.  Who knows?  I’ve worked in my tiny writing room, with my cast of characters, for many months.  In the new year, I will print out my work in progress, read it aloud and look at it from a fresh perspective.

I realised that I needed to release some of the characters

It’s certain I will remain with Pearl and Jim who will also need to digress from their familiar paths.  Alas, they can’t text each other, connect via social media or email each other.  When the characters are a distance apart, they must physically travel to meet up or write a proper letter.  They can’t even use a landline as they don’t have telephones.

As the sun sets on another year, I wish you and my characters some happy and new destinations.

However, I’m grateful Anne Williams sent me back to the seventies to meet the young Pearl and Jim.   Maybe Anne could have a word with Pearl and find out more. Meanwhile, attitudes and beliefs in this era continue to shock me.  My twenty first century perspective means I can support my characters a little yet cannot control their anxiety.  The girls in the factory are currently on strike and they can’t google the legislation to find out more.  It would’ve helped if they could connect with the Dagenham strikers in a Facebook Group, but social media is decades away.  Of course, they’ve seen the headlines and the world seems to have gone on strike.  And I’m in despair because some of the women have been tempted to parade in a fashion show of clothes for the bosses. In future, they will learn about the Miss World protests.  I know these destinations are ahead of them but how can I navigate them and force them to take new paths?

Characters are distracting me and fluttering around in my mind and a couple of them have decided to take time out on the beach.  Do you see them? Pearl and Jim’s perspective remain strong in my head. I’ll stay on the new path that has a clearer overview.  With patience, they will eventually reach their intended destination.  I have no idea how to get Jim back home, but I do know what car he will drive and how much it cost.  Like me they are facing January, but the January of 1970 was a harsh one.  I have twenty ideas for the title of my next novel and all suggestions include the word ‘love’.  Love will guide my characters. In the words of Dylan Thomas. ‘Though lovers be lost, love shall not…’

As the sun sets on another year, I wish you and my characters some happy and new destinations.

 

Please see all my adventures at Handbag Adventures and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

Lizzie Lamb’s Thoroughly Modern Romance

Reading Lizzie Lamb’s novel is akin to battling with a stubborn, smouldering fire. But, oh- the sparks, the danger and the thrill. Well done, Lizzie Lamb! DANGER FIREWORKS!

‘Two households both alike in dignity, in fair’ Door County ‘where we lay our scene / Two star-crossed lovers take their lives’ into their own hands when they meet. DANGER FIREWORKS!

‘Cool, assured India Jane Buchanan’ meets ‘a man used to having his own way.’ Logan Macfarlane looks at her ‘with such calculation’ but can he charm this lady from the Buchanan clan?  ‘What ever India Jane Buchanan set her mind to she usually achieved.’  As the ‘ancient grudge breaks to new mutiny’; get ready for a firework display in Wisconsin. Like Cathy, in Wuthering Heights she discovers something ‘wild and untamed’ about Logan.  This is a modern take on the star-crossed lovers meets Jane Austen, Bronte and sassy Jilly Cooper.  This book is best served with ice to cool down the ‘pyrotechnics’ between the feisty characters.

Escape to this glorious setting with the ‘star-crossed’ lovers

Like the Capulets and Montagues, there is a family feud between the Macfarlanes and Buchanans but be prepared for the independent spirit and opportunity seeking characters.  The historical context of the feud adds depth to the narrative.  I adore the way in which relationships from different generations are presented.  I believe our character traits are inherited and run through the generations.  The ‘couple of rogues’ who were India and Logan’s ancestors gave them the fighting spirit and the privilege.

Visit a penthouse in Chicago. I am in awe of Lizzie’s ability to bring the characters to life while carrying the reader into the heart of the conflict.

Lamb cleverly establishes the sexual tension.  This is a book with a strong female and male heroine and I loved it.  The dialogue is sheer brilliance.  I am in awe of Lizzie’s ability to bring the characters to life while carrying the reader into the heart of the conflict.  This is clever writing! Throughout this lively, controlled and confident style, I can sense the author luxuriating in the narrative, setting and characters.  How wonderful to escape to a condominium and boutique B&B with such sparky characters.

As I speeded along with the narrative, I laughed throughout.  Only a seasoned comedy writer can deliver a smart comedy with such finesse.  For instance, at a time when India does almost succumb she explains that ‘she was swooning in the sun like some Jane Austen heroine.  Glancing down, she was relieved to see her bosom wasn’t heaving in the prescribed manner.’ Hilarious modern take on this.

Besides the humour and fast-past exchanges, there are also tender moments between the characters.

Besides the humour and fast-past exchanges, there are also tender moments between the characters.  Although wealthy, both characters have suffered from emotional deficits from their parents and this is explored.  Lamb explores the background of her characters and I enjoyed getting to know them.  Presentation of both characters’ perspectives enhances the texture of the novel.  Wisdom from the older characters also presents a spotlight on love and experience. Logan’s grandfather says, ‘Procrastination is the thief of time’, and the fast pace of the novel explores this.

This is a thoroughly modern romance populated with independent, strong characters.  Logan has got ‘chutzpah’ but has been warned about Buchanan women.  So – call the fire brigade!  Reading Lizzie Lamb’s novel is akin to battling with a stubborn, smouldering fire. But, oh- the sparks, the danger and the thrill. Well done, Lizzie Lamb!

Notes:

Words in italics are remembered from my O Level studies of Romeo and Juliet’s prologue.

This is clever writing!

About Take Me, I’m Yours

India Buchanan plans to set up an English-Style bed and breakfast establishment in her great-aunt’s home, MacFarlane Landing, Wisconsin. But she’s reckoned without opposition from Logan MacFarlane whose family once owned her aunt’s house and now want it back. MacFarlane is in no mood to be denied. His grandfather’s living on borrowed time and Logan has vowed to ensure the old man sees out his days in their former home. India’s great-aunt has other ideas and has threatened to burn the house to the ground before she lets a MacFarlane set foot in it. There’s a story here. One the family elders aren’t prepared to share. When India finds herself in Logan’s debt, her feelings towards him change. However, the past casts a long shadow and events conspire to deny them the love and happiness they both deserve. Can India and Logan’s love overcome all odds? Or is history about to repeat itself?

About Lizzie:

After teaching her 1000th pupil and working as a deputy head teacher in a large primary school, Lizzie decided to pursue her first love: writing. She joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, wrote Tall, Dark and Kilted (2012), quickly followed by Boot Camp Bride. Although much of her time is taken promoting her novels she published Scotch on the Rocks, which achieved Best Seller status within two weeks of appearing on Amazon. Her next novel, Girl in the Castle, reached #3 in the Amazon charts. Lizzie is a founder member of indie publishing group – New Romantics Press, and has co-hosted author events at Aspinall, St Pancras and Waterstones, Kensington, talking about writing and the research which underpins her novels. Lizzie’s latest romance Take Me, I’m Yours is set in Wisconsin, a part of the USA which she adores. She has further Scottish-themed romances planned and this summer will tour the Scottish Highlands in her caravan researching men in kilts. What’s not to like? As for the years she spent as a teacher, they haven’t quite gone to waste as she is building up a reputation as a go-to speaker on indie publishing, and how to plan, write, and publish a debut novel. Lizzie lives in Leicestershire (UK) with her husband, David.

 

Please see all my book reviews at Books in Handbag and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

 

Celebrating Burns Night with Lizzie Lamb

Lizzie Lamb is a bestselling  author with six novels under her belt. She is a wonderful friend and author.

Lizzie Lamb is one of my writing fairy godmothers and it was a dream come true to meet her at the Romantic Novelists’ Association Tea in York. We chatted about her latest novel – Harper’s Highland Fling. I am thrilled to share this exclusive interview on Burns Night. Let’s raise our glasses to Scottish story telling.

How would your friends describe Lizzie Lamb, the author?

Friends would describe me as enthusiastic, loyal, funny, highly motivated (if slightly driven!) I hope they also see me as someone who likes to help others, especially rookie authors.

You have soared to the top of the charts with your novels for over ten years. How have you achieved this success?

As the song goes: I get by with a little help from my friends.’ Put yourself out there, make friends with readers and other writers; be generous, buy, read and review their novels. Embrace social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and start a blog. When I published Tall, Dark and Kilted (2008) indie publishing was a new phenomenon and it was easy to stand out from the crowd but it’s become much harder. Luckily, I’d built up a following on Facebook and Twitter before becoming a published author and my friends/followers are usually the first to buy my novels. It’s important to interact with your followers on a daily basis and not bombard them with ‘buy my books’ posts. If you get this right, they will become friends who interact with you and generously spread word of your novels.

My mantra is: RESPOND. RECIPROCATE. RESPECT.

Do you fall in love with your heroes and is your husband jealous of them?I know it sounds cheesy but my husband is all my heroes wrapped up in one. My love of dialogue/banter stems from our interchanges and, even after these years, we still have the ability to make each other laugh. When he read Harper’s Highland Fling he recognised some of the things Harper said to Rocco regarding his collection of ‘classic’ vehicles (code for: rusting old hulks) because I’ve had similar conversations with him over his ‘fleet’ of motors.

I have a couple of signs which sums up our relationship and, besides, he is too much of a grown up to feel jealous of my fictional heroes.

Lizzie knows the art of planning a gripping novel and is always willing to share writing tips.

Tell us about the essential ingredients of a great romance?

I believe it is vital that I fall in love with your hero from the get-go. That enables me to see him through the heroine’s  eyes and respond accordingly. In Harper’s Highland Fling I’ve used Male Point of View for the first time, perhaps this is why readers have declared the novel my ‘best one yet’. It is essential to establish the ‘spark’ between hero/heroine from the beginning, light the blue touch paper, stand back and wait for the fireworks happen. The  author has place obstacles in the way of the h/h which prevent the romance developing, then half way through the novel drop ‘something new’ into the mix which makes the protagonists see each other in a different light/revise their opinions of each other. Then they can start to fall in love. But keep something back so that in the last quarter of the novel you can turn everything on its head and make the reader wonder how it’s all going to work out. That is the Page Turning Quality an author needs to evoke in order to carry the reader through to the end of the novel when, hopefully, she will close the book with a satisfied sigh.

Don’t cheat your reader by not delivering that happy ever after/happy for now ending. They won’t forgive you for it because that’s what you’re genre promises them. Remember Sanditon – what a let-down.

How has your writing changed since your first novel?

I think I’m prepared to take chances because I have learned what readers like/dislike. Readers enjoy sparky dialogue and some description of time and place, but don’t overwhelm them with it. An author should edit her finished novel as though she was a reader, cutting out those scenes which don’t work or slow the action down. Oh, and, I’ve learned to keep my hero/heroine together on the page as much as possible because that’s what I like in a good romance.

What are the benefits of indie publishing and how is it changing the world?

The main benefit of being an indie author is that you can write to your own schedule. I aim to publish a novel am every 18 months. Indie publishing suits my lifestyle and I suspect that, if I wanted to become a contracted author, I’d have to stop writing Scottish-themed romance and write WWII, Cornish Cottage romances, sagas, dark psychological crime instead. So  not my bag. I’ll stay an indie for now, but who knows what the future holds?

Explain the classic mistakes of rookie indie publishers?

Looking back, here are the classic mistakes I made as a rookie author. Didn’t work out a plan for the novel before I started it. Spent far too long polishing the first three chapters without seeing the novel as a whole and plotting out where the high and lows. I also spent too much time listening to contradictory advice, not understanding the importance of developing my own ‘voice’ (that comes with experience. I believe). Believing that what works for other authors will also work for me; one size does not fit all.

Let Lizzie take you to Scotland with Harper’s Highland Fling. You are invited to celebrate Burns Night with Rocco and Harper. Cheers!

I love, love, love the dynamic dialogue in your books. Can you give us a peek into a moment in Harper’s Highland Fling?

My favourite bit of dialogue in HHF.

‘Wh-where did you learn to kiss like that?’ Rocco asked.

‘Well, not at Sunday School, that’s for certain,’ Harper quipped.

‘Behind the bike sheds?’

‘I couldn’t possibly comment. More evidence is needed before I can reach a proper conclusion.’

‘Of?’

‘You as a great kisser.’

‘Indeed?’

‘There is a precedence, I believe. The accepted rule that scientific fact should always be subjected to further experimentation, to eliminate the chance of a fluke occurrence.’

‘You think that kiss was a fluke?’ Rocco asked.

‘I’m simply saying it could be. Best of three?’

‘Very well,’ he sighed.

What some reviewers have said about Harper’s Highland Fling.

A thrilling, entrancing, full on romantic adventure. Hang onto your hat, it’s a 5 Star trip all the way! – Adrienne Vaughan

Written with Lizzie’s customary blend of warmth, wit and ‘will they, won’t they’ drama. Her best romance yet. I loved it! – Janet Brigden

Another smart, funny, romantic read from Lizzie Lamb. – June Kearns

An exciting armchair road trip to Bonnie Scotland, a gripping romance and a set of characters you’re not going to let go. Lizzie Lamb is back! – Isabella Tartaruga

So – get your motor running and fasten your seatbelt, you’re in for a bumpy ride

Feast your eyes on Lizzie’s beautiful novels.

I love Lizzie Lamb’s books and always know I’m in for a great read. Harper’s Highland Fling is not just any romance, it’s a scorching hot romance, full of surprises and glorious page turning tension. It is great getting to know the two characters and Lizzie Lamb’s lovely turn of phrase sparkles throughout the novel. She is currently writing her seventh novel: Dark Highland Skies.

Lizzie Lamb is a bestselling author with six novels under her belt. She runs the Leicester RNA Chapter, Belmont Belles, with June Kearns and is regularly invited to give presentations and workshops around the UK.

I dare you not to fall in love with Lizzie’s books.

About Lizzie:

After teaching her 1000th pupil and working as a deputy head teacher in a large primary school, Lizzie decided to pursue her first love: writing. She joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, wrote Tall, Dark and Kilted (2012), quickly followed by Boot Camp Bride. She went on to publish Scotch on the Rocks, which achieved Best Seller status within two weeks of appearing on Amazon and her next novel, Girl in the Castle, reached #3 in the Amazon charts. Lizzie is a founder member of indie publishing group – New Romantics Press, and has hosted author events at Aspinall, St Pancras and Waterstones, Kensington, talking about the research which underpins her novels. Lizzie romance Take Me, I’m Yours, set in Wisconsin, also achieved BEST SELLER status >travel>USA. Her latest novel – Harper’s Highland Fling – has been declared her ‘best one yet’ by readers and reviewers. In it, two warring guardians are forced to join forces and set off in hot pursuit of a runaway niece and son. She has further Scottish-themed romances planned and spends most of the summer touring the Scottish Highlands researching men in kilts. As for the years she spent as a teacher, they haven’t quite gone to waste as she is building a reputation as a go-to speaker on indie publishing, and how to plan, write, and publish your debut novel.

Lizzie lives in Leicestershire (UK) with her husband, David.

She loves to hear from readers, so do get in touch . . .

 

Please  see all my author interviews in Author Chat Room and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

A copy of my novel is available here.