By Libby M Iriks This has been a year of adaptation, but with that comes new opportunities, to which our anthology contributors can attest. Tradition has seen RWA’s anthologies launched amid the fun and chaos of its annual conference weekend. This year, however, each Sweet Treats and Spicy Bites contributor was given their moment in the virtual spotlight. When the RWA committee and conference team announced earlier this year that the conference would go ahead in a virtual setting, I was left wondering – as a Sweet Treats contributor – how our anthologies would be launched. I made an offer …
SEPTEMBER OWLS | Fear of a different blank page
Taking the plunge: your book submission pack with Janet Gover As writers, fear of the blank page is something we all understand. But the blank page I fear is not the one that says Chapter XX at the top. It’s the page that has the word Synopsis at the top. And the one that starts, Dear (agent or editor)… For me, the hardest part of being a writer is not coming up with ideas. My head is swimming with those. The hard part is letting go and sending my book out into the world to be read by someone else. …
SEPTEMBER OWLS | Pen a kick-arse short story in 9 easy steps!
Mastering the Art of Storytelling: Learn how to pen a kick-arse short story with Libby M Iriks Writing isn’t hard. Anyone can put words on a page. In fact, there are countless five-year-old children around the world learning to pen their names as you read this. Storytelling, on the other hand, is an art form, and it takes time to master. Experts have been known to say a person must write half a million to a million words before they can consider themselves a capable storyteller. Now, I know what’s running through your head—how many manuscripts does that equate to …
Kiss and Tell | Fiona Palmer
Fiona Palmer’s new novel Tiny White Lies was released by Hachette on July 28, tackling tough issues in a beautiful Western Australian setting with a dash of humour and Fiona’s trademark country style. Set mostly in Bremner Bay, WA (which also happens to by Fiona’s favourite holiday destination), the story centres on two best friends Nikki and Ash, and a month away that changes their lives. For Nikki, it’s a chance to reconnect with her social media-obsessed daughter, her video-game addicted son, and her poster-boy husband, who’s hiding a devastating secret. Ash is grieving her late husband, and when she …
Three things I learned while writing… The Postmistress and The Goldminer’s Sister
Welcome author Alison Stuart! Alison is an award winning author of Historical Fiction, romance and mysteries. Alison has twelve published novels and is working on a series of historical romance series set in Australia. Alison joins us today to tell us about three things she learned while writing her Australian Historical series novels ‘The Postmistress’ and ‘The Goldminer’s Sister’.
Kiss and Tell | Mandy Magro
I had a great time racing through the pages of Mandy Magro’s newest release – The Stockman’s Secret. The story follows Juliette and Joel, two childhood sweethearts whose future is ripped away from them by a nasty incident in their teenage years. Joel is determined to set things right, but dark secrets and small town dynamics conspire to keep them apart. There were characters I loved to hate, plenty of tension and of course some of the steamy scenes Mandy is renowned for. Mandy’s strong writing and particular attention to horse-related details hit all the right notes for me. The …
Comfort Reads | Louisa West
Welcome to comfort reads! Winter marches on and the weather isn’t getting any warmer – however, things around town are heating up! August is around the corner and our annual conference has gone virtual this year, so head on over to see what’s on offer! In the mean time it’s witching hour and our comfort read blogger this month is Louisa West. Welcome Louisa!
Three things I learned while writing… Fleeting Moments
Welcome author Rania Battany! Rania writes emotional stories to captivate and pull you in but always end with a Happily Ever After. Rania joins us today to tell us about three things she learned while writing her novel ‘Fleeting Moments’.
Kiss and Tell | Jayne Kingsley
Award-winning author, Jayne Kingsley, writes contemporary romance that’ll make you smile. The beautiful gowns and designer couture that weave their way between the pages are almost as strong as the royal characters and the charming settings, showcasing the author’s love of fashion and textiles.
Comfort Reads | S.E Welsh
Welcome to comfort reads! We are almost at Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year! If you have a bonfire and warm mug or a blanket and a warm hearth fire that is the place to be right now, that is unless you are S.E Welsh, who hails from our tropical north. And I am sure that is a place many of us would love to be right now! S.E Welsh is a paranormal and historical romance writer who loves to weave together heroes, history and heart. Welcome S.E Welsh!