Romy Gemmell's Blog, page 45

Writing Opportunities

MuseItUp Online Writers Conference


Once again, it’s almost time for the annual FREE Online Writers Conference from MuseItUp Publishing in Canada, running from October 8th to 14th. This award-winning conference has been going for several years and as well as providing lots of free seminars, a highlight is being able to pitch your novel to one of several independent publishers in attendance. Anyone wishing to attend must first register on the Conference Website by 30th September, where you can find all details.

Harper Voyager Opportunity

There is a time-limited opportunity to submit an unagented sci-fi or fantasy novel to Harper Voyager, an imprint of Harper Collins, from October 1st to 14th. A few other types of novel are also mentioned along with full submission details on the Harper Voyager website.

People’s Friend

People’s Friend magazine is going to accept more short stories! Editor Shirley Blair has kindly outlined some requirements on the Womag Blog – and it’s all very positive! Well done People’s Friend. Now we just have to find the right kind of approach for their stories.

Hope some of these might prove useful.

Rosemary

My Weekly Story and Sunshine Awards

It has been a while, but one of my short stories, Time to be a Family Again, should be in this week’s My Weekly magazine. The title has been changed and it was accepted ages ago, but I’m really pleased to be inside the pages of My Weekly again!


I’m also pleased to accept another Sunshine Blogger Award from two lovely blogging friends, Erin O’Connor and Paula Martin. I just love that pretty flower brightening up the blog at this time of year. In exchange, I had to answer the following questions - this always makes me think, although it’s meant to be a bit of fun, and I usually end up with more than one answer!

1. What is your favourite Christmas/festive movie?
Little Women or It’s a Wonderful Life

2. What is your favourite flower?
Don’t really have one favourite but I like freesia, roses and alstroemeria

3. What is your favourite non-alcoholic beverage?
Bitter lemon, or lime and ginger beer

4. What is your passion?
Dancing (or it used to be!) - and reading, writing and film

5. What is your favourite time of year?
Autumn – especially cold, dry and sunny days

6. What is your favourite time of day?
Evening when all tasks are completed

7. What is your favourite physical activity?
Dancing, walking, or swimming

8. What is your favourite vacation?
A few days in Venice, Canada, or a cruise with an interesting itinerary

I am now pleased to pass this award on to some other lovely bloggers who can choose whether to accept or ignore the award, as I know lots of bloggers have already received this:

Carol Bevitt, Romy Sommer, Tracy Fells, Cara Cooper, Anita Chapman

Good Books for the Weekend

Before getting back to a regular author spotlight slot, I thought it would be good to highlight a few recent novels from fellow bloggers. Below in alphabetical order, you’ll find each book’s cover art, blurb, and links. Happy reading!

Basic Theology for Fallen Women by Frances Garrood

Alice, Mavis and Gabs are three very different women who share one very big secret. Gabs is, to put it bluntly, a tart (although she prefers to call herself a "high-class escort"), and Mavis and Alice are each hopelessly enmeshed in their affairs with married men.

Having fallen foul of the Catholic Church (and the euphemistically-named "Basic Theology" classes designed to direct them back into the fold), the three women decide to carry on with their own monthly meetings (not to mention their nefarious goings-on), and an unlikely alliance forms between them. This novel follows their lives during a year in which all three experience both change and tragedy, for as everyone knows, life does not always go according to plan, and the path of true (and not so true) love can prove to be fraught with difficulties.

One top Amazon reviewer wrote of the novel:

"Frances Garrood writes with humour and sensitivity, there were times when I snorted with laughter and others when I gulped back a tear or two. No erotica in this story, but a bit of raunchiness now and again. The three main characters are drawn wonderfully well, no matter if you agree with their morals, you cannot help but love each one of them. The women are backed up by a great supporting cast of characters, not least Mavis' mother Maudie who although ageing and confused at times, often hits the nail right on the head – adding some comedy along the way."

Available from Amazon UK and US
Frances’ Blog

Gipsy Moth by Jean Bull

It’s 1929, and Kathy’s greatest wish is to fly a Gipsy Moth like her childhood sweetheart, Ben. But when his parents find out she’s expecting his baby, they forbid them to marry, and Kathy is dispatched to her aunt’s in Devon in disgrace, whilst Ben is sent to Lincolnshire for his RAF officer training.

How can their love survive when they’re so far apart? Especially now that Kathy has met her aunt’s stepson, Paul, who encourages her to take some flying lessons at Haldon Aerodrome despite her pregnancy. And Kathy’s imagination has been captured by Amy Johnson who is proposing to fly solo to Australia.

But when Ben’s plane is lost at sea, Kathy is torn between raising her baby alone and being frowned upon by society, or giving it up for adoption and pursuing her dream of flying. On top of this, she uncovers a disturbing family secret which makes her decision all the harder.

Available from Amazon UK and US
Jean’s Blog

Paint me a Picture by Patsy Collins

Mavis Forthright carefully rehearses her jump from Portsmouth's Round Tower. She's existed for over five decades. Lived hardly at all. Will end her misery with a few second's fall into the cold sea. Except she's not quite ready to die. A half day's delay to try a bacon sandwich from the cafe won't matter; Mother's no longer there to disapprove.

She delays another day to lend Janice a book. Then a week to use her new paints. A month. Until the end of term. Mavis makes new plans: to live, to create paintings full of emotion, perhaps even make friends.

As if to balance her survival a number of people connected to Mavis die. At first that doesn't matter. They're people she dislikes. Mavis continues painting, tending her garden, feeding the birds and keeping her home properly clean, without additional concern. Then people who've been kind to Mavis are killed or injured. That shouldn't happen.

Why are people dying? Is it because of charming Norman who's back from her past, or is that strange boy Jake her mistaken guardian angel? Perhaps Mavis herself is to blame. She must learn the truth, stop the deaths and protect those she's learned to care about before she can enjoy the new life she's making for herself.

Available from Amazon UK and US
Patsy’s Blog

Torn by Gilli Allan – relaunched with a new cover and now also available in print
She can escape her past but can she ever escape herself ?

Life is not a fairy tale; it can be confusing and difficult. Sex is not always awesome; it can be awkward and embarrassing, and it has consequences. You don't always fall for Mr Right, even if he falls for you. And realising you're in love is not always good news. It can make the future look daunting.

Jess has made a series of bad choices. Job, relationships and life-style have all let her down. By escaping the turmoil of her London life, she is putting her young child first. This time she wants to get it right, to devote herself to being a mother. But the country does not offer the ‘good life’ idyll she pictured. The landscape she looks out on is under threat, new friends have hidden agendas, two very different men pull her in opposing directions.

And in the face of temptation old habits die hard. She is torn between the suitable man and the unsuitable boy.

Available from Amazon UK (paperback) (ebook) and Amazon US
Gilli’s Blog

New Contract and Children's Films

I was excited to sign a new contract with MuseItUp Publishing yesterday for my next tween book, The Jigsaw Puzzle . This story has a slightly creepy fantasy element to it as well as an added rhyming puzzle to solve and hopefully it will appeal to boys as much as girls! I'll no doubt mention more about it at some point. The tentative release is March 2013. I've posted the blurb on the Flights of Imagination blog.

It seems appropriate the children's book was accepted just at the moment, as I've recently seen and enjoyed two children's films - one classic and one new. I happened upon the original version of The Wizard of Oz while ironing one day and was completely engrossed in Dorothy's adventures with her three strange friends. Love the way it ends when they eventually find the Wizard is not what they expected.

The other film was Brave , the new Scottish set animated film from Pixar. Have to say the scenery is stunning and the characters brilliant. A definite plus is the fact the main character is a fiery girl with the most gorgeous long curly red hair. As well as a satisfying storyline, it's very funny - not least the parts with the little triplet brothers. I went with an equally grown up friend and we laughed more than the few children in the audience. It really did us good to watch something so entertaining!

Think I'd better get on with redrafting the historical novel over the next week or two before I have to deal with edits for the tween book!

Rosemary

Rethinking Blogs

After a very busy summer gallavanting to the RNA Conference followed by a 2-week holiday, I've found it difficult to get back into all the social media and blogging in quite the same way as before. It's probably partly to do with the fact I have several pieces of unfinished writing calling to me and they need more time than I'm giving them!

So I've been rethinking my various blogs. This is my main blog and the one I love updating a couple of times a week and I shall continue to do so - with posts about reading, writing, authors, markets, and life in general. My Romancing History blog is full of useful resources and links about historical information, so I've decided to keep it as mainly a resource site. That means I'll only update it whenever I have interesting new links or historical information, but I won't be posting so much on it.

I haven't quite decided about the children's writing site, Flights of Imagination, but I suspect that too will be remain mainly for links and information about children's fiction and publishers. This all means I can concentrate on writing most of my blog posts on this Reading and Writing site. I'm also moving the lists of all the blogs I follow to this blog, so I can see when they update and follow them more effectively!

So that's me trying to get organised for the next few months and I'll hopefully manage to complete a few more projects, as well as sending work out. One of my short stories has just been highly commended in a recent competition and I'm waiting on the results of many more submissions. The writing group is also restarting on Tuesday, and there are several competitions coming up there - although I'm judging one of them. Overall, it's going to be a packed autumn and I'm looking forward to every minute!

Rosemary

For Writer/Illustrators

I was intrigued to read about the intriguing Graphic Short Story Prize on offer, sponsored by Jonathan Cape, Comica and The Observer, which offers a first prize of £1000 and publication in the newspaper.

Although it's of no real interest to me since I can't draw, it's a great opportunity for those who draw and write!

The closing date is October 12th and you can find full details and a link to an article about it here.

Good luck!
Rosemary

A Blogging Saturday

I might be neglecting my Romancing History and Flights of Imagination blogs a little, but today I have blog posts on two very different sites!


It's my monthly turn to write on The Writers Vineyard - a blog written by a variety of authors published by Champagne Books. I decided to write about Broadening the Mind while travelling on the recent Mediterranean cruise.

The other post was an unexpected invitation. Recently, I had a little meditation accepted for The Upper Room devotional booklet that is translated and sent all over the world. It was a great privilege to see my meditation in print, but I was then asked if I had photos of the River Clyde at low and high tide (this is to do with the subject of the piece). I duly took the photos and they are now on their website.


Then I was invited to write a blog post for their site today as my meditation is online for September 1st. So, of course, I was pleased to do so and the end result is that all my contributions are online today! I've just gone on to the upper room site as I was told lots of people comment online - and they do! How lovely that one humble little meditation is reaching so many readers around the world.

Now to get on with finishing the next novel that's almost at redrafting stage! Have a good weekend.

Rosemary

A Blogging Weekend

I might be neglecting my Romancing History and Flights of Imagination blogs a little, but today I have blog posts on two very different sites!


It's my monthly turn to write on The Writers Vineyard - a blog written by a variety of authors published by Champagne Books. I decided to write about Broadening the Mind while travelling on the recent Mediterranean cruise.

The other post was an unexpected invitation. Recently, I had a little meditation accepted for The Upper Room devotional booklet that is translated and sent all over the world. It was a great privilege to see my meditation in print, but I was then asked if I had photos of the River Clyde at low and high tide (this is to do with the subject of the piece). I duly took the photos and they are now on their website.


Then I was invited to write a blog post for their site today as my meditation is online for September 1st. So, of course, I was pleased to do so and the end result is that all my contributions are online today! I've just gone on to the upper room site as I was told lots of people comment online - and they do! How lovely that one humble little meditation is reaching so many readers around the world.

Now to get on with finishing the next novel that's almost at redrafting stage! Have a good weekend.

Rosemary

Ode to Autumn

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I already mentioned in my previous post that I love the final third of the year, especially as we go into autumn. As long as it doesn’t rain too much (a bit of a forlorn hope here in the west coast of Scotland), it’s my favourite season: nights drawing in, fresh colder air, beautiful rich colours, less need to weed gardens, no too-hot sun during the day (although blink and you miss it here), better TV programmes, cosy clothes and comfy boots.

Best of all, I love getting everything organised in the kitchen and study. The other day, I cleaned out several kitchen cupboards to get rid of anything out of date and made a new list ready for all the soups and stews I’m hoping to start making soon – at least I’m full of good intentions! This is also the time of year I go through all the accumulated new recipes to decide which to try and which are for the bin.

As far as writing goes, I’ve already started redrafting finished work and taking note of what still needs completing. Lots of work has been sent on its hopeful way, and I’m trying to organise my notebooks in a more orderly fashion after reading some good tips in writing magazines and on blogs (more good intentions). Next, I need to give some loving attention to my other neglected blogs and schedule the next run of Author Spotlights on this one. Of course, if the autumn weather turns out to be cold, dry and sunny, then I might be out enjoying it.

Does anyone else particularly look forward to this time of year for whatever reason?

Rosemary

A Weekend of Books

Just have to mention Benedict Cumberbatch (of course) after watching him in the first part of Parade’s End last night. I loved him already as Sherlock Holmes and hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed with his blond look. It mattered not a jot, as his voice, eyes, and acting kept me mesmerised. I haven’t read Ford Madox Ford but I’d definitely like to read Parade’s End sometime. Meanwhile, roll on next Friday evening and the second part of this excellent drama.

I believe it’s a bank holiday in England this weekend, although not in most of Scotland, and most of our schools are now back to business. In fact, it’s decidedly more autumnal here now and I couldn’t be more pleased since I love the final third of the year. I’ve already started putting away some of my very summery clothes until next year.

So, to celebrate the holiday weekend and ‘back to school’, here are a few opportunities to add to your book list over the next few days.

Champagne Books has their annual 50% off sale on all their books until September 10th - use coupon ref: BTS4FALL. Free shipping for print copies – ref: FREESHIP.

Reaching for the Stars (with its great new cover), by lovely romance writer Janice Horton, is available free to download from Amazon on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I thoroughly recommend this very entertaining romantic read set in Scotland around the world of celebrity chef, Fin McDuff.

The Figurehead by Bill Kirton was featured on my blog ages ago and I highly recommend his book which is free to download from Amazon on Saturday and Sunday. Set in Aberdeen in the late 1800s, it combines historical research with a murder mystery and a touch of romance.

If I hear of any more free books, I’ll add them later.

Today, I believe Dangerous Deceit is the featured book on thelogline blog, where you have to promote your book in just one sentence! And I’m in the Writers Pieces slot on the Edinburgh Festival eBook site today.

Happy reading weekend,
Rosemary