Kate Walker's Blog, page 8
July 11, 2018
Packing and planning ready to head for the RNA Con...
Packing and planning ready to head for the RNA Conference tomorrow - via an overdue visit to a dear friend - and then to the Leeds Library for the Brontes and Romance panel tomorrow night - and then a fantastic weekend 'conferring' with so many friends from the RNA. I may have to drink a little wine
to stop my throat from getting too dry
My reading for the weekend - On Thursday evening I'm part of a panel at Leeds Library - discussing Romance and The Brontes. I'll be there with Janet Gover and Alison May Date/Time: 12th July 2018, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Venue: The Leeds Library, Commercial Street, Leeds
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of The Leeds Library and 200 years of the Brontës, there will be a panel of RNA members discussing modernising Brontë classics and the enduring appeal of the themes. The panel will include ‘Juliet Bell’, the collaborative pen
name of Janet Gover and Alison May, whose latest release is The Heights and Kate Walker, who wrote her MA on the Brontë sisters and their childhood writings. Kate is the author of a ‘Modern Romance’ reworking of Wuthering Heights entitled The Return Of The Stranger; part of a mini-series called The Powerful and The Pure, written for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
The event is free. Places are limited and can be reserved in advance Date/Time: 12th July 2018, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Venue: The Leeds Library, Commercial Street, Leeds
Return of the Stranger USA
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of The Leeds Library and 200 years of the Brontës, there will be a panel of RNA members discussing modernising Brontë classics and the enduring appeal of the themes. The panel will include ‘Juliet Bell’, the collaborative pen name of Janet Gover and Alison May, whose latest release is The Heights and Kate Walker, who wrote her MA on the Brontë sisters and their childhood writings. Kate is the author of a ‘Modern Romance’ reworking of Wuthering Heights entitled The Return Of The Stranger; part of a mini-series called The Powerful and The Pure, written for Harlequin Mills & Boon. The event is free. Places are limited and can be reserved in advance:http://www.theleedslibrary.org.uk/events/?eventPage=1
My reading? The Modern Romance Return of The Stranger that was inspired by Wuthering Heights. The interview I did for Laura Vivanco discussing that book - and my own - long ago MA thesis on the Bronte sisters and their childhood writings. (I thought I'd better remind myself of what I thought back then!) And then of course, there's the book itself - not sure how many times I've read Wuthering Heights, but I find I view it differently each time I do.
to stop my throat from getting too dryMy reading for the weekend - On Thursday evening I'm part of a panel at Leeds Library - discussing Romance and The Brontes. I'll be there with Janet Gover and Alison May Date/Time: 12th July 2018, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Venue: The Leeds Library, Commercial Street, Leeds
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of The Leeds Library and 200 years of the Brontës, there will be a panel of RNA members discussing modernising Brontë classics and the enduring appeal of the themes. The panel will include ‘Juliet Bell’, the collaborative pen
name of Janet Gover and Alison May, whose latest release is The Heights and Kate Walker, who wrote her MA on the Brontë sisters and their childhood writings. Kate is the author of a ‘Modern Romance’ reworking of Wuthering Heights entitled The Return Of The Stranger; part of a mini-series called The Powerful and The Pure, written for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
The event is free. Places are limited and can be reserved in advance Date/Time: 12th July 2018, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Venue: The Leeds Library, Commercial Street, Leeds
Return of the Stranger USA
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of The Leeds Library and 200 years of the Brontës, there will be a panel of RNA members discussing modernising Brontë classics and the enduring appeal of the themes. The panel will include ‘Juliet Bell’, the collaborative pen name of Janet Gover and Alison May, whose latest release is The Heights and Kate Walker, who wrote her MA on the Brontë sisters and their childhood writings. Kate is the author of a ‘Modern Romance’ reworking of Wuthering Heights entitled The Return Of The Stranger; part of a mini-series called The Powerful and The Pure, written for Harlequin Mills & Boon. The event is free. Places are limited and can be reserved in advance:http://www.theleedslibrary.org.uk/events/?eventPage=1
My reading? The Modern Romance Return of The Stranger that was inspired by Wuthering Heights. The interview I did for Laura Vivanco discussing that book - and my own - long ago MA thesis on the Bronte sisters and their childhood writings. (I thought I'd better remind myself of what I thought back then!) And then of course, there's the book itself - not sure how many times I've read Wuthering Heights, but I find I view it differently each time I do.
July 8, 2018
Thank you
Thank you so much to everyone who expressed your sympathies and sent hugs on the difficult week. The memories were so poignant and I truly appreciated the caring support. But I do believe that the sorrow at loss is a real indicator of how much the people who had gone meant to us. Each time, it's a few days of remembering - and determining to tell the people we love how we feel while there are still with us. With my dear sister-in-law, we never got that chance and that's why it so important to do it now, while we can. And a special thank you to all the friends who cared - believe me, you are so valued too!
If I needed any reminder, which I don't - this is why I write about love and how valuable it is.
If I needed any reminder, which I don't - this is why I write about love and how valuable it is.
July 5, 2018
Memories and Thoughts
Feeling melancholy today - it's a sad memories week. Monday marked the birthday of one of my dearest friends for over 35 years. She wanted to achieve that birthday so much - and she did. Just. She lost her fight with breast cancer just 5 days later. Today would be the birthday of my beautiful and beloved sister in law - who was only in her thirties when she died in a car crash. The rose we planted in her memory is blooming as always, in
spite of the real lack of rain for so long.
People we love are not always with us. Luckily they both knew how much I cared for them. Hug the people you love - tell them you care while you still have them. Regrets are so hard to live with.
spite of the real lack of rain for so long.People we love are not always with us. Luckily they both knew how much I cared for them. Hug the people you love - tell them you care while you still have them. Regrets are so hard to live with.
June 19, 2018
Manga Comic in English
New covers are always great - and it's fascinating to see how the particular art departments in different countries have interpreted the way my hero and heroine look.
Amongst those, the Manga editions are extra special - totally unique. I recently received two of the Japanese into Manga into English Manga comic editions and the way the hero's hair is shown is often unexpected. After the purple hair for the Twelve Month Mistress, my Sicilian hero in The Sicilian's Red-Hot Revenge does not have a straggly pony tail - and my Greek shipping tycoon newly 'back from the dead' in The Good Greek Wife doesn't sport a bouffant grey/white/black streaked hair do! But they're interesting.
And it's great to see old books like No Holding Back coming out, revived and revamped in these new formats
June 18, 2018
Reading Ahead Presentation
Life seems to have run away from me just recently - been busy with library events and working on a project that I'm just about ready to tell people about.
On Friday I attended one of my favourite library events at North Lincolnshire Libraries - handing out the certificates for the successful students on the Reading Agency Read Ahead scheme. Slow readers/new readers/ beginner readers all had to read six books in the year to win a certificate and I was able to hand out those certificates to everyone who had succeeded.
I did this last year too, And it was great to see someone who hadn't quite succeeded last year get her certificate this time. I think sometimes those of us who have been reading for years take reading for granted. This lady was struggling with dyslexia - but she got there this time. I love a success story.It was a fabulous afternoon.
On Friday I attended one of my favourite library events at North Lincolnshire Libraries - handing out the certificates for the successful students on the Reading Agency Read Ahead scheme. Slow readers/new readers/ beginner readers all had to read six books in the year to win a certificate and I was able to hand out those certificates to everyone who had succeeded.
I did this last year too, And it was great to see someone who hadn't quite succeeded last year get her certificate this time. I think sometimes those of us who have been reading for years take reading for granted. This lady was struggling with dyslexia - but she got there this time. I love a success story.It was a fabulous afternoon.
April 15, 2018
Catching up again
Was it really a week ago that I was in Cirencester with the Relax and Write Focus on Writing Romance writing retreat? Where has the week gone? Catching up on office work, revisions, sorting things out - cats to the vet (just booster injections after they had to be delayed when Charlie had another fight, another bite in his neck. That's all cleared up now!) Thank you to everyone who came on the retreat - I hope you had as much fun and inspiration from the weekend as I did. It was a wonderful surprise to have an unexpected addition to the group on Saturday - great to see you Sallyann! And special thanks to Lois Maddox for organising everything in spite of difficult times at home. I can't believe it - but I have already been asked about any more courses coming up this year. There will be a Relax and Write weekend (Write that Romantic Novel) in November
16-18 November at Lilleshall Shropshire ‘Getting Away with Murder’ with Stephen Wade ‘Writing Creative Non-Fiction’ with Simon Whaley ‘Write from the Top : The Cream of Poetry’ with Alison Chisholm 'Write That Romantic Novel ' with Kate Walker Yes - it's a quite a long time away, but it gives you the chance to plan - and to save for the cost if you need to. Anything else that comes along, I'll post it here and on my Facebook page.
16-18 November at Lilleshall Shropshire ‘Getting Away with Murder’ with Stephen Wade ‘Writing Creative Non-Fiction’ with Simon Whaley ‘Write from the Top : The Cream of Poetry’ with Alison Chisholm 'Write That Romantic Novel ' with Kate Walker Yes - it's a quite a long time away, but it gives you the chance to plan - and to save for the cost if you need to. Anything else that comes along, I'll post it here and on my Facebook page.
April 2, 2018
Author Easter Treats
Some reader friends know how to give an author Easter Treats that don't contain chocolate and so are totally calorie free! Thank you Amanda
https://amandashivrattan481.wordpress.com/…/a-proposal-to-…/ And Arpita - http://www.mills-and-boon-reviews.com/a-proposal-to-secure…/
Enthralling, exciting, dramatic pleasurable read at one go! 5 A* indeed!There is sheer brilliance in this story and the last pages clinch the story to a happy- ever –after fairy tale. Unmissable must buy Romance to possess in any format! you made my weekend! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. And if you like chocolate I hope you had plenty to enjoy!
A Proposal to Secure His Vengeance by Kate WalkerHis preferred method? Ruthless, irresistible seduction! Imogen O’Sullivan is horrified when charismatic tycoon Raoul breaks up her engagement and makes her his own convenient bride! She once …amandashivrattan481.wordpress.com
https://amandashivrattan481.wordpress.com/…/a-proposal-to-…/ And Arpita - http://www.mills-and-boon-reviews.com/a-proposal-to-secure…/
Enthralling, exciting, dramatic pleasurable read at one go! 5 A* indeed!There is sheer brilliance in this story and the last pages clinch the story to a happy- ever –after fairy tale. Unmissable must buy Romance to possess in any format! you made my weekend! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. And if you like chocolate I hope you had plenty to enjoy!
A Proposal to Secure His Vengeance by Kate WalkerHis preferred method? Ruthless, irresistible seduction! Imogen O’Sullivan is horrified when charismatic tycoon Raoul breaks up her engagement and makes her his own convenient bride! She once …amandashivrattan481.wordpress.com
March 21, 2018
Being busy
This week will be an interesting mixture - hair cut - cats 'booster' injections. So that'll be a small fortune spent in half an hour!
Then today I put on the PA hat again when the other writer in the house becomes a TV personality - he's doing a TV interview for a programme on Inside Wormwood Scrubs.
I think my job will mainly consist of making sure that the cats don't interfere in the interview! Ruby is always very keen to get involved with anything new and interesting.
Right now I'm tidying and dusting so that the house looks respectable (sort of) for SP Wade's TV interview. Just wish I knew which room they would prefer to use! Oh well, at least it means things look rather better than usual! From 3pm I will be trying to keep the cats quiet - and not daring to move much myself!
Then today I put on the PA hat again when the other writer in the house becomes a TV personality - he's doing a TV interview for a programme on Inside Wormwood Scrubs.
I think my job will mainly consist of making sure that the cats don't interfere in the interview! Ruby is always very keen to get involved with anything new and interesting.
Right now I'm tidying and dusting so that the house looks respectable (sort of) for SP Wade's TV interview. Just wish I knew which room they would prefer to use! Oh well, at least it means things look rather better than usual! From 3pm I will be trying to keep the cats quiet - and not daring to move much myself!
March 10, 2018
Next Writing Course/Retreat Planned
I've been asked about any other courses that are coming up this year. Some details are still under discussion but there is a Relax and Write weekend in Cirencester coming up soon with Lois Maddox. Bookings are already in but there are still some available spaces on the courses if you're interested.
It's a sort of a Crime and Passion weekend - I will be running a Focus on Writing Romantic Fiction Retreat - this is a weekend where you can get a critique of your work and advice on how to progress - also the time and relaxation to get on with your writing without interruptions or demands of home.This retreat is designed for people who have already started work on a novel and who want time to focus on that - and not have to worry about anything else. It’s an ideal course to get your writing moving ahead. There are a limited number of places on this Retreat, so it is essential you book early, in order to send your work in advance for comment and arrange a one-to-one.
And the Crime bit? Well that's the other half of the writing partnership with Stephen Wade Getting Away With Murder -
Write That Crime Story Crime writer Stephen Wade introduces the skills involved in writing crime, covering both factual and fictional genres. The course will include advice on planning, developing ideas, knowing the market, research, and characterisation. There will also be short workshop exercises. The next 'Relax & Write' Weekend Courses are at
The Royal Agricultural University
Cirencester
6-8 April 2018
Contact Malaga Workshops
It's a sort of a Crime and Passion weekend - I will be running a Focus on Writing Romantic Fiction Retreat - this is a weekend where you can get a critique of your work and advice on how to progress - also the time and relaxation to get on with your writing without interruptions or demands of home.This retreat is designed for people who have already started work on a novel and who want time to focus on that - and not have to worry about anything else. It’s an ideal course to get your writing moving ahead. There are a limited number of places on this Retreat, so it is essential you book early, in order to send your work in advance for comment and arrange a one-to-one.And the Crime bit? Well that's the other half of the writing partnership with Stephen Wade Getting Away With Murder -
Write That Crime Story Crime writer Stephen Wade introduces the skills involved in writing crime, covering both factual and fictional genres. The course will include advice on planning, developing ideas, knowing the market, research, and characterisation. There will also be short workshop exercises. The next 'Relax & Write' Weekend Courses are at
The Royal Agricultural University
Cirencester
6-8 April 2018
Contact Malaga Workshops
March 4, 2018
Blink and you'll miss it
Well, don't say I didn't warn you! I put this up on my blog: Re the Advanced Romance Writing Course weekend - that's back again in February 2019 with Writers Holiday I saw lots of my students booking ahead to ensure a place on this popular course next year - so if you're interested, register that fact now! I'm told there are 'a few' places left but as I've talked with two people who wanted to book a place in 2019 - those don't look like they're going to hang around! So true! I heard from Gerald P Hobbs today that in fact 12 of this year's students have already booked their places on next year's (2019) Advanced Romance Writing Course. 12. There was a time when the numbers of this course were officially limited to 12 - then another person asked if they could please have a place - and another . . Seeing as I had 15 in the class this year and didn't die (just) perhaps I'll go with a limit of 15 places again in 2019. The trouble is that this course really has to have some prior learning on a basic romance writing course - like the one I used to run in the summer at Writers Holiday but now, sadly, that event no longer runs. Hmm . . . I can't really take students with no foundation knowledge of genre fiction writing . . . I think I'll need to have a chat with Lois Maddox about turning the autumn course with Relax and Write into a preparatory weekend to cover the foundation work for the Fishguard Weekend. That could work! Leave it with me - and Lois.
