Lissa Morgan's Blog, page 3

Chatting to Rachael Thomas

I'm delighted to be chatting to romance author Rachael Thomas on my blog today. I met Rachael in 2007, when we were both at the start of our respective writing journeys. I was so proud to share her Harlequin Mills & Boon 'call' moment back in January 2014 - which came during a lunch-time get together!  Since then, Rachael has written sixteen books for HM&B and has recently embarked on a new writing venture, so read on to find out more!

Thanks for joining me on my blog today, Rachael, it’s great to have you here. Could you begin by telling my readers something about yourself?

I’m a massive fan of reading, especially romance. I’ve also written romances which have been published by Mills & Boon and I’ve also self-published too. I live and work on a farm in West Wales and juggle my time between looking after the calves (my job on the farm!) and writing. I love being in nature, walking with my faithful golden retriever, Poppy, as well as exploring the local countryside, but love an adventure too! I’ve always been intrigued by history and love the mystery of castle far more than the grandeur of a stately home but will happily spend a day in either.

What inspired you to start writing and when?

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was about nine years old. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have my nose in a book. Then when I was a teenager, I discovered Mills & Boon at my local library and knew that was what I wanted to write. Some twenty years after that realisation, I finally achieved my dream.

You’ve written both Mills & Boon category romance and now women’s fiction/romance– what have you found the main differences in approach? Which do you prefer writing and why?

Women’s fiction/romance has more room for exploring the protagonist as well as meeting a wider cast of characters, which I love. But then I also love the intensity of a category romance, the focus on the hero and heroine. Both explore the emotional journey, and both excite me as much as the other. Maybe I won’t be able to entirely give up writing category!

What kind of background/setting/character research do you do for your romance novels?

Primarily, my attention is focused on the characters. I love delving into their emotional background, discovering the events that have shaped who they are when they first appear in my imagination.
  

Have you a favourite among all the books you’ve written so far?  And why this one in particular?

I have two for this – the first is A Deal Before the Altar, my first M&B title in 2014. I’d just received a standard rejection on another story. Doubts crept in and I really thought I couldn’t write, so I told myself to write what I really wanted to write, what was in my heart. That book was the result and the one that turned me into a published author. Then in 2019, whilst waiting for editorial feedback on a book, which with revisions, had changed so much from the original story idea that it didn’t feel like mine, I wrote The Greek’s Outrageous Marriage Deal. Again, a story of my heart and for no other reason that to have fun with writing. It’s now my best-selling self-published category romance. So, I guess the lesson in that is, write what excites you, have fun and enjoy the process!

Describe your typical writing day...

I once read a bit of advice, write in the cracks of life, and to be honest, that’s how I tend to work now as the last few years have been so disruptive on a personal level as well as generally. I like to plan out a schedule for writing a book, then give myself a deadline and with it, a weekly wordcount. It doesn’t always work but certainly helps.

Can you tell me about your new book Starlight and Second Chances, which I believe is the first of a trio? I love the title, by the way!

This is a second chance at love story. Megan returns home to Dolphin Bay to inherit her Gran’s cottage but that means not only facing Luke, the first love she’d walked away from, but the past she’s been running from. This is the first book in a series and I’m currently writing the second in the series, Seashells and New Beginnings. 

Finally, do you have a top writing tip to share?

Write every day. Even if it’s only a few sentences and never stop believing in yourself and your dream.

Starlight & Second Chances (Dolphin Bay Book 1)

Twelve years after she left for London, an inheritance from her grandmother, sees Megan return to her childhood home of Dolphin Bay. But reuniting with old friends brings her face to face with Luke – the love she left behind. She’s not the same girl anymore, but that doesn’t stop the attraction which sizzles between them.

Luke never forgot the girl he lost his heart to all those years ago, and her return proves that his feelings for her are stronger than ever. He can see Megan has been hurt by the past and is determined to play it cool. But what he wants is to convince her to give them – and Dolphin Bay – a second chance.

 

Buy on Amazon

You can find Rachael on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit her website.

https://www.facebook.com/rachaelthomasromancewriter

https://www.instagram.com/rachaelthomasromanceauthor/

https://twitter.com/rachaeldthomas

https://rachaelthomas.co.uk/

And sign up for Rachael's newsletter!

https://rachaelthomas.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3494ae6953bea6e75133da990&id=21ff2094ab

 

Time flies when you're writing!

I can't believe it's already been two months since my debut novel for Harlequin Mills & Boon Historical was published.  It seemed so long in coming but since the book was accepted back last autumn, life - on the writing side anyway - seems to have speeded up dramatically.   

I recently submitted my second book - An Alliance with his Enemy Princess - which is now in production and due for release in December - just in time for Christmas. The  cover is  yet to be revealed but here's a taster of the story!  

 

 A royal decree that will change their lives…

Wales, 1091. Disgraced Norman Knight Rolant Guyarde has come to conquer a Welsh fortress, but when he meets its mistress, he realises she was the sword-wielding ‘warrior’ he’d fought en route! Despite being enemies, he finds himself intrigued by the brave and beautiful princess Gwennan. Forced into an uneasy alliance, Rolant helps her petition the King for her parents’ release from prison. But, in exchange for their freedom, the King demands a price neither Rolant nor Gwennan expect!

AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON 

 

Now, I'm currently four chapters in to my third novel, which - like my debut - is a marriage of convenience story, set in Wales in 1157. It's also set very close to where I live in the beautiful Dyfi Valley and I'm finding it so interesting imagining what the locality would have been like in the mid-12th century. There's a nice eerie element to the setting too that I'm really enjoying working into the story.

On the domestic side, I recently finished a work contract and went straight onto two others, both part time so as to fit in around my writing schedule. I've also been painting my flat during the weekends and now have a bright yellow study in which to work. Typically, though, I still write at my breakfast bar...

 

The RNA Conference 2022

This weekend I was at the first RNA conference to be held physically since the last one in 2019, with Covid intervening in the meantime, of course. And after two years of attending the conference via Zoom, it was fabulous to meet up with people face to face again in the beautiful setting of Harper Adams University in Shropshire. 

 

 

This is the third time I've attended an RNA conference at Harper Adams and it is my favourite venue, both for the great facilities and the stunning countryside setting, plus the fact it's only a two-hour drive for me!

This year was a special one for me as I was one of the contenders for the Joan Hessayon award for debut authors. I didn't win but it didn't matter, as being caught up in the excitement of it all was an unforgettable experience. And to have The Welsh Lord's Convenient Bride highlighted in such a way was wonderful. 

It was lovely too to meet the other eight contenders and discover their books.  The award was won by Suzie Hull with In This Foreign Land, a WWI romance set in far flung Cairo, and I'm looking forward to reading it, and some of the debuts novels of the other contenders too. 

 

Photo (c) RNA

Chatting to author Rachel Brimble

 A few weeks ago, I was a guest on Rachel Brimble's 'Guest Author Saturday' blog and I'm delighted to return the favour and chat to Rachel here!

Thank you for joining me on my blog today, Rachel, it’s great to have you here. Could you begin by telling me something about yourself and the sort of books you write?

Of course, and thanks so much for having me here! I live near the wonderful, historical city of Bath and tend to set my books there, too. I have written contemporary romance and romantic suspense in the past but have been concentrating on historical romance/fiction for the last four or five years.
I have been married for 24 years to the wonderful Mr B and we have two grown up children as well as a chocolate Labrador called Tyler. When I’m not working, I love walking, reading, knitting, and watching far too much TV!

What inspired you to start writing?

It was when I was around the age of eight or nine when I finished reading Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven series that the writing bug was well and truly planted! I sat down and immediately started writing my own short stories, then I’d hole-punch them and tie the pages together with ribbon. I really wish I’d kept them!
Of course, my writing fell by the wayside as I got older, but the desire was always there and when my youngest daughter started school full-time, I had a ‘now or never’ moment. The rest is history…

You’ve written both contemporary and historical romance – which do you prefer and why?

As I said above, I am entirely concentrating on historical now. I think that happened because of how much I enjoyed the research whenever I wrote historical romance. The research is a big part of the process and one that I really enjoy. Whenever readers write that they find my books descriptive and authentic to the period, it is such a compliment. I really do my very best to evoke a sense of time and place.

What kind of research do you do for your historical novels?

Most of my research is centred around the social history of the time as well as buildings and streets. I love grounding the reader in the hero and heroine’s community – have them go to the tea shop with them, the clothes shop, the music hall. I find the social etiquette and traditions of the day also add fuel to the story and my imagination – I love discovering something that is either obsolete in our lives today or else something that is just the same but viewed differently in a modern age.

Have you a favourite among all the books you’ve written?  And why this one in particular?

Ooh, that is tough question – my favourite book is usually the one I am working on but, I must admit,  A Shop Girl At Sea is a particular favourite because I had wanted to write a book set on the Titanic for about ten years, but couldn’t find the right lead character. Then I found Amelia Wakefield and the writing began…

Describe your typical writing day.

I tend to be at my desk by 8.30am and I spent about an hour and half dealing with emails, social media as well as completing an interview or blog. Then I take a break with a dog walk before diving in on the day’s writing or editing depending on which has the closest deadline. As I am usually working on two books at different stages, deadlines are the decider!
Then I make myself take at least half an hour for lunch before writing or editing some more, before I finish the day with an hour of university work. I am currently studying History with the Open University. 

Can you tell me about your First Chapter Critique Service?

I love to! I started my First Chapter Critique Service in 2019 because I wanted to help aspiring romance writers as so many published authors helped me when I was starting out. The writer sends me their first chapter (or first 3,500 words) and then I critique it page for page as well as compiling a 3-4 page report advising on things like point of view, dialogue and characterisation.
With the critique done, the writer is always welcome to email me thereafter with any questions – I am thrilled with the service’s success and how many writers I’ve helped secure their first publishing contract.

Here’s the link if any of your visitors are interested – I’d love to work with them! https://rachelbrimble.com/first-chapter-critique-service/

Here are the details of Rachel's last book A Very Modern Marriage…

He needs a wife...
Manchester industrialist William Rose was a poor lad from the slums who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, but in order to achieve his greatest ambitions he must become the epitome of Victorian respectability: a family man.

She has a plan...
But the only woman who's caught his eye is sophisticated beauty Octavia Marshall, one of the notorious ladies of Carson Street. Though she was once born to great wealth and privilege, she's hardly respectable, but she's determined to invest her hard-earned fortune in Mr Rose's mills and forge a new life as an entirely proper businesswoman.

They strike a deal that promises them both what they desire the most, but William's a fool if he thinks Octavia will be a conventional married woman, and she's very much mistaken if she thinks the lives they once led won't follow them wherever they go.

In the third installment of Rachel Brimble's exciting Victorian saga series, The Ladies of Carson Street will open the doors on a thoroughly modern marriage – and William is about to get a lot more than he bargained for... 

Available now on Amazon

Author Bio

Rachel lives in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of over 25 published novels including the Ladies of Carson Street trilogy, the Shop Girl series (Aria Fiction) and the Templeton Cove Stories (Harlequin). In January 2022, she signed a contract with the Wild Rose Press for the first book in a brand new series set in past British Royal courts.

 

 

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association as well as the Historical Novel Society and has thousands of social media followers all over the world. 

Website and social media links

To sign up for Rachel's newsletter (a guaranteed giveaway every month!) CLICK HERE

Rachel's Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

 

Joan Hessayon Award 2022

I am so thrilled to be one of the nine contenders for the Joan Hessayon Award 2022, and also to be representing my publisher, Harlequin Mills & Boon in such an amazing way!  This award is for new authors whose debut novels have been submitted for critique to the Romantic Novelists Association's New Writers’ Scheme, which then go on to reach publication. The award is sponsored by Dr. David Hessayon in memory of his late wife, Joan, who was a novelist, RNA member and supporter of the NWS. 

 

 

Unlike previous years, this year the award ceremony is being held during the RNA's annual conference at Harper Adams University in July.  I go to the conference every year, as it is a wonderful opportunity  to catch up with friends and mingle with other writers, published and unpublished, and to immerse myself in a enjoyable and affirming environment for a couple of days.  Needless to say, this year will be extra special, not just for me, but for all of the fabulous writers whose debut novels are thoroughly well deserved nominations.  Good luck everyone!

  READ ABOUT ALL THE CONTENDERS AND THEIR DEBUT NOVELS HERE

Last Week...was Publication Week!

And what a week it was!  On Tuesday 24th May, my debut for Harlequin Mills & Boon Historical - The Welsh Lord's Convenient Bride - came out in the USA and Canada, and on Thursday 26th May, it came out in the UK, in e-book. 

Not only was it so exciting to see this book published after fifteen years of writing without success, but I got so many lovely congratulations and good wishes on social media it was both awesome and humbling.  

So I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you - to Harlequin Mills & Boon for signing me, to  the wonderful well-wishers and reviewers, to the writing friends that have supported me on my long journey towards publication, and - last but certainly not least - to those reading or planning to read my debut novel 💖

But in writing, like everything else, there is never time to rest on one's laurels! The second book in my contract - An Alliance with his Enemy Princess - has just gone in to the editors, and is due out in January 2023.  

And while waiting for the revisions - and enjoying a long bank holiday weekend - I'll be thinking up some ideas for book three!

 

 Purchase links

M&B | Harlequin | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

 Reviews

GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

This Week is ... Publication Week!

And needless to say, it is so exciting and a bit like being in the middle of a whirlwind!  My debut novel for Harlequin Historical ~ Mills & Boon Historical was published yesterday, 24th May, in the USA and Canada. The UK edition will be out tomorrow, Thursday 26th May, in e-book and I totally love both these covers!

 

I'm also thrilled to be featured in the HMB Historical Box set, out in June, alongside Annie Burrows and Lauri Robinson...

And, finally, I am so honoured to have my debut novel 'on the shelf' alongside all these fabulous Harlequin Mills & Boon historical authors.  A momentous month, to  say the least!

 Purchase links

M&B | Harlequin | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

 Reviews

GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

Next Week is ... Publication Week!

My debut novel, The Welsh Lord's Convenient Bride, is out next week - 24th May in the USA and 26th May in the UK!  To say I'm thrilled would not even come close to describing a dream come true. 

Having started writing in 2007, and writing doggedly almost every day since, I had started to believe it would never happen. Giving up was never an option but, nevertheless, the doubts and disheartening thoughts and feelings were starting to creep in...

However, switching my focus from contemporary to historical romance in summer 2020 was like a magic door opening and I will be forever grateful to my acquiring editor, the fabulous Linda Fildew, for suggesting historicals might be the way to go. 

I loved writing this book - and am loving writing my second, An Alliance with his Enemy Princess, which is due out in January 2023 - and I hope you love reading it.

 

Read my Call Story here!

 

Some Regency reads...

 I don't get a lot of time for reading - like most writers, I suspect - and so am quite selective in my choice of books. During April, I set aside time, just before lights out each night, for catching up with a couple of books from two of my favourite authors - Lara Temple and Virginia Heath.  

The Earl She Should Never Desire, published by Harlequin Historical-Mills&Boon Historical, is a gentle, witty, slow-burn sexy story about Lily, a war widow, and Marcus, an aristocrat resigned to marrying the 'ideal' wife - sweet, undemanding Anne - before his 35th birthday. 

 

Well, like all best laid plans, that goes out of the window when Anne's sister Lily comes to London. When the two meet, the attraction is instant and overpowering, and the valiant attempts on both parts to resist is doomed from the start. 

I loved Lily. She is a strong heroine with a selfless heart and she never gives way to self pity despite all she's suffered. Marcus was gorgeous, of course, and I loved his humour and his sensitivity, which didn't at all belie the strong and passionate man below. 

The author's knowledge of the period really transports the reader to Regency London and the sparking repartee between the characters was lovely and brought them vividly to life. The story itself has so many layers and so much to discover that it could be read over and again with equal enjoyment and satisfaction. 

 

Never Fall For Your Fiancée also has a plan that's gone awry, leaving the dashing and well-meaning Hugh desperately trying to put it all together again before his mother comes to meet his 'fake fiance' and only getting more and more entangled.  The imaginary Minerva of the last two years becomes a real Minerva - ie  'fake fiance II - ' and is roped in to help, bringing her two sisters, Diana and Venus (Vee) along for the ride. The resulting chaos had me chuckling throughout the book and when 'fake mother-in-law' Lucretia appears, she almost stole the show!

A real page turner with sparkling dialogue and pacy narrative, the author weaves all the complications so skillfully that the reader never gets lost but only wonders what on earth can go wrong for Hugh and Minerva next!  Read it and you'll find out!

 

Author photos!

My last post was about receiving the gorgeous copies of my debut novel for Harlequin Historical-Mills & Boon Historical, The Welsh Lord's Convenient Bride, which is out at the end of May. This week's blog is about another step on my exciting publication journey - author photographs!!

I am someone who runs a mile whenever a camera is pointed at me so I was putting this off....and putting it off...  But fate was hovering.  I booked a hair appointment - as a first step - and while I was sitting in the chair, watching all my Covid hair come off and chatting to my hairdresser, Heather, I mentioned the reason for my haircut. And she said "my step-mother's a photographer!"

Well, it was meant to be, obviously, so I got in touch with Tina Jones, and we had a lovely, stress-free and fun photo shoot at the Canolfan Owain Glyndŵr Centre in Machynlleth, a 15th century building, which is reputedly the parliament house of the last prince of Wales. It now houses a fabulous book shop, Cafe Alys, and hosts performances, festivals and other cultural events. 

I am so pleased with these photos and wanted to share one here.  And if you are ever in need of a photographer and live in the north-west Wales area, I can recommend Tina wholeheartedly. She can be contacted via her Webpage.