Romy Gemmell's Blog, page 57

Free Online Writers Conference

Sorry for the last minute information, but I thought I should mention this brilliant, and free, Online Writers Conference, October 3rd to 9th, from one of my Canadian publishers, MuseItUp Publishing.

You just have to register here by Sunday, September 25th. There are so many great workshops and even an opportunity to pitch a book idea to one of the designated agents or publishers online - our MIU publisher, Lea, is very generous in sharing opportunities for writers.

I've just registered, so maybe see some of you there!

Rosemary

Monday Market: Tales of Old

Tales of Old MastheadThis is another interesting audio magazine I came across "for historical fiction and alternate history." Short stories from 3,000 to 6,000 words are required for podcasts, set in any historical period. They accept unpublished or previously published stories, if the author retains the copyright. Payment is $25 through Paypal, so it might be a better market for stories already in print somewhere else, if you're hoping to make a living from your work! However, audio is becoming more popular and this seems a very accessible market.
Full submission details are on the Tales of Old website.

Rosemary

Nostalgic Reads: Victoria Holt

A small selection of my Victoria Holt books!After the previous nostalgic post about Mary Stewart, this next one had to be about Victoria Holt! I first discovered these gripping romantic suspense novels in my teens and was completely hooked. Between visits to the library, then buying every hardback I could afford after leaving school, I couldn't get enough of their escapism. Even the titles were enough to ignite the imagination.

The Victoria Holt novels tended to be historical, with unusual settings, dark and often dangerous heroes and a feisty heroine. Some were almost Gothic in their mystery and suspense, with titles like The Demon Lover and The Devil on Horseback. Exactly what this romantic, escapist teenager wanted to read. There were an incredible thirty two books under the Victoria Holt name, published between 1960 and 1993, and I probably read every one of them. I can't even pick out a favourite now, but the titles that come to mind first are The Shivering Sands and The Legend of the Seventh Virgin.

But Victoria Holt was only one of the pseudonyms of the remarkably prolific writer, Eleanor Hibbert. Born in 1906, this British author also wrote some of the best and most popular historical novels as Jean Plaidy, which taught me more about history than school ever did! But she didn't stop there - she also wrote as Philippa Carr and Eleanor Burford (her maiden name), as well as a few others. No wonder she sold a million books by the time she died in 1993.

I'm not the only modern writer who is still influenced by those Victoria Holt novels well into adulthood, for romantic suspense is high on the list of the type of novel many of us love to read - and hope to write! As with the Mary Stewart books, I'm still wondering whether to read all my Victoria Holt books again, or if perhaps they belong to a different time in my life and I'd be disappointed. Watch this space!

Rosemary

Change and Reflection

The Cobbler at Loch LongI missed my swans, so I've brought them back and changed my photo again, partly because I can't find a decent one. The dear husband of a good friend passed away suddenly the other day and we were fond of him, so I'm in a more reflective mood today. When I suddenly lost different members of my family some years ago, I always turned to writing, preferring to work out grief in creativity.
It certainly makes my husband and me more aware of our own passing years, and the things we still want to achieve. I'm not overly ambitious, never have been, but once again I'm looking at all the stories, poems and novels that lie in various levels of completion on the computer and in files. And I think it's long past the time that I finish what I started, send out those seeking publication, and rewrite the alarmingly long list of those to be worked on and improved.

Autumn and winter always seem ideal for writing, when we can stay indoors more (if we're lucky) and enjoy darker, cosy evenings which lend themselves to any type of creativity. The writing group also begins this week, with a full programme to inspire me. All I need now is to limit my television viewing - I love all the dramas at this time of year. Maybe I should start setting goals down on paper, instead of keeping them vaguely in my mind. But the main thing is to finish what I've started, before time runs out too quickly.

Mark Twain summed it up nicely:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Rosemary

Book Review - Clara by Janice Galloway

One of the most absorbing books I've read in recent years, was Clara by Janice Galloway. Right from the start, I was intrigued by the unusual way in which it uses a variety of narrative devices, from prose to letters and musical scores. The prologue is almost poetic in its introduction to the main character; very descriptive yet without naming her. Instead we have the vignette of a young girl preparing for a piano recital, mentally and physically. As she lays out her clothes, we see them as a detailed yet concise list. When dressed, she sits and waits: "The fist on her lap clenches, releases, spreads its fingers into a starfish. Hands have a memory of their own; they will know what to do."

Clara Wieck was a world-acclaimed pianist and composer long before she became Clara Schumann, wife of composer, Robert, and mother to their eight children. This is a feast of a novel, taking the reader into the world of nineteenth century music, peopled by such maestros as Mendelssohn and Brahms, two of their great friends. Although the novel is a little slow at times, with intricate detail, it offers a deep psychological insight into Clara's childhood with her exacting taskmaster and music teacher: her driven, unbending father, Friedrich.

But it's the love story between Clara and Robert that makes compelling reading. As lyrical as a musical score, no details of their single and married lives are spared, with the author drawing on the contents of the diaries in which they often communicated with each other. The addition of sections of musical notes and words enhances this passion. It's also a deeply intimate portrayal of a marriage between two outstanding talents and the compromises expected of Clara in particular. When Robert begins their joint diary, the reader becomes an eavesdropper on their marriage. He calls it: "This little book…a diary that affects us both in our household and our marriage; our wishes and hopes shall be written here."

Clara is a highly stylized novel, but the story is told by an accomplished author who draws the reader into another world where music is the reason for living. As might be expected from two such passionate musical talents, the marriage is not without problems, including Robert's increasing mental illness, but it's a love story right until its poignant end, even after a forced separation. Clara's great friend, Johannes Brahms, tells her: "The world holds more pain than is fair. It holds more beauty. This is what music is for. You might play, Clara. Play." And through this painful period of her life, Clara Schumann played her piano to full audiences.

Janice Galloway's writing moved me as much as any exquisite music. Clara is an unforgettable novel, with an incredible heroine who deserves more of a place in music history.

Rosemary

Monday Market: Traveler's Tales

The Algarve
Since this blog covers all types of reading and writing, I thought it might be good to profile a different type of market today - and it's probably one that most of us could try.

Traveler's Tales accepts non-fiction travel essays for their numerous anthologies and they seem to like humour! Two of the open submissions at the moment are for Women's Travel Humor and More Travel Humor. They do, however, accept all kinds of travel-related pieces, including the frightening, adventurous and grim. They also seem to be running a '30 Days in...' variety of destinations.

Something to note: I read under their 'submissions' that they might use a submitted piece for their online Editor's Choice section - at no payment, although they would offer 50% off their travel books. Stories published in any of their print books earn $100. Submissions are only through the online intake site which is given on the Traveler's Tales website, along with all other details. Might be worth a closer look for anyone who likes to write about their travels!

Rosemary

Introducing New Children's Blog

Well, I've finally finished creating my new blog celebrating children's writing of all ages, 'Flights of Imagination'. I could go on for ever tweaking it and changing colours and so on, but it's the first day of a new month and time to get it live! I've started it partly because my tween novel will be under Ros Gemmell, and since I already have a separate history blog for the Romy name, it seemed like a good idea - at the time. That remains to be seen, but I still like the idea of a blog dedicated to children's writing, from picture books to Young Adult.

So, to get us all in touch with our inner child, I thought this reminder of the wonderful Christmas Annuals from the early 1990s might help. My favourite weekly comic was Bunty, but I loved all the other annuals like Mandy and Judy. The photo shows a selection of those I still have on my shelves, which I think must have belonged to my daughter (!) The Dandy must have sneaked into my pile from my son, as he'd probably be reading them in the 90s. Obviously I was a bit old by then to be reading these. Who am I kidding, I still love looking through them.

So if you like children's books and want to follow my new blog, I'll be delighted to see you there at Flights of Imagination.

Rosemary

Autumn Joy

Sedum Autumn Joy
Yes, this is the Reading and Writing blog! I've just changed the picture in the heading, which I took from a local walkway. I blame it on autumn. This is my favourite season and, here in Scotland, dusk is already creeping in ever earlier in the evenings. In fact, I've now cleared away all my more summery clothes to make way for the warmer, cosier kind in anticipation of even colder days. So, much as I liked my two swans on their misty loch, I now need a more autumny picture to brighten the blog.
One of the best side effects of cooler weather for me is that I come more alive. Summer is my least favourite season as it just makes me lethargic, with a tendency to overeat. But with the coming of autumn, my mind and body are more energised, eating is (slightly) more under control and the dentist and hair appointments are finally made. Please tell me I'm not the only strange person who feels this way!

On the writing front, I was excited to 'meet' the content editor for my Tween novel and to receive the edits for the first half. It was even better to read how excited she is by the book and that she didn't want to stop half way through. I'm hoping that bodes well for the tween readers who might read 'Summer of the Eagles'.

I've nearly finished creating a new blog for children's writing of all ages which will be live in the next few days. Then I'm hoping to finally finish arranging the small local launch for my Dangerous Deceit print books. And the writing group restarts soon. Oh, I do love autumn - now if only I can keep this more energised momentum going to get me through all my writing projects too!

Rosemary

Market Monday - AudioLark

AudioLark is an unusual market I came across for stories and novellas, as it's for audio book first with the added possibility of ebook, if the story is not already published that way. One of the attractions is the length: from 8,000 to 35,000 words, although they will consider longer work.

They seem to be looking for most types of romance, young adult, and 'hard' science fiction. Royalties are fairly generous and, after taking a quick look at some of the audio books already on offer, I recognise a couple of the authors published by them.

You can find all details on the AudioLark website. As always, I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with them, or who submits to them in the future.

Rosemary

Author Spotlight - Paula Martin

Today, I'm delighted to welcome UK author Paula Martin to the Author Spotlight. Paula's new contemporary romance, His Leading Lady, is one of the most enjoyable stories I've read over the last few months, and what a lovely cover. From the moment I started reading the first chapter, I was completely hooked and had to keep reading the rest of the book until the very satisfying ending.

The characters are very well drawn, with a perfectly matched hero and heroine. The background setting of a theatre and stage musical was the icing on the cake and seemed completely authentic, greatly adding to the enjoyment of the main story between Jess, one of twin sisters, and Kyle, the arrogant director. The added touch of mystery surrounding the disappearance of Lora, Jess' twin, and the ensuing impersonation by Jess gave the romance a lovely touch of suspense. Highly recommended!

Paula was kind enough to answer the following questions. Thanks for being here, Paula!

Have you been writing fiction long?

It would be easy to say all my life – or at least from when I was about 8 or 9. I was a voracious reader as a child and my first stories were based on some of the books I read (usually school stories like Malory Towers). Soon, however, I was developing my own characters and, once I got to my teens, writing romances. My first novel was published when I was 25, and was based on one of the romances I'd written about ten years earlier. I had four novels published in the 60s and 70s and several short stories in romance magazines, then didn't write any fiction for about twenty five years. Instead I wrote articles for several years for the UK Girl Guide magazine, one every month as the editor gave me my own 'page'. I came back to writing fiction about four years ago, initially with fan fiction. Then, after a serendipity meeting with a Harlequin writer when I was America, I decided to try my hand at novels again.

What made you decide to set your novel in the theatre world and did it involve a lot of research?

I've always been fascinated by the theatre but, although I had a few minor roles in school plays, I couldn't really act to save my life (can't sing or dance either!). However, in the 80s and 90s, I worked backstage with two local amateur Musical Theatre Societies, and for about ten years I produced two shows each year with the junior section of one society. I was privileged to work with a lot of very talented youngsters and it was wonderful to see them develop in confidence, acting skills and stage presence. Many of them are still involved in musical theatre, and I know that at least five of them went on into professional theatre.

I've never worked in the professional theatre (although I have been backstage at the two big theatres in Manchester, does that count?), but I reasoned that rehearsals are pretty much the same as in the amateur world, as well as the glitches which happen with scenery and props. The main research I had to do was about how professional shows are financed; the rest came mainly from my own experiences.

Why did you set one scene in Scotland? (Which I loved!)

Once I had my hero's name, Kyle Drummond, he HAD to have Scottish ancestry, so when I wanted him to introduce Jess to the (previously unrevealed) writer of the musical show, I decided to take them up to Scotland for the weekend. Also it had to be Argyll because the show is based on an old legend from that area. I think I had to do more research for the Scotland chapters than anything else – looking at maps and photos, tower houses, even finding out if there were any private airfields near Oban. I wanted to take a trip up there to make sure I got it right, but time didn't allow, so I had to draw on my experiences of other parts of Scotland which I've visited.

Did you make up the story of the show they are putting on in the novel? (Great story by the way!)

Having decided that Kyle had a Scottish background, I needed the show to be based on a Scottish legend. I googled until I found a legend I liked, and one which I could visualise being adapted into a musical. It's based on the legend of Black Colin of Argyll, or at least the part of the legend when Colin goes off to the Crusades leaving his young wife behind. The story of him cutting a ring in two and giving half to his wife is part of the legend, and provided the title of the show 'Token of Love'. I'm wondering whether I could pitch the idea to Andrew Lloyd Webber or Cameron Mackintosh? (Definitely, Paula!)

Do you go to the theatre a lot?
Not as much as I used to. When I was a child, my parents were Gilbert and Sullivan fans so my very first experience of musical theatre was 'The Yeomen of the Guard' when I was about eight. I loved it (and still love the G and S shows). Repertory theatre was also still alive then, so my mum used to take me the weekly plays if she thought they were 'suitable' for me. Then I discovered Rodgers and Hammerstein shows through the Amateur Operatic Society in my home town, and I was hooked!

Once I started working with our local group in the 80s, I also went to a lot of other societies' performances in various parts of Manchester (and further afield sometimes). I used to go to many different musicals and plays at the professional theatres in the city too, and once spent a week in London with my teenage daughter (who was also stage-struck) when we went to every afternoon and evening show we could fit into the week. That was in the days when theatre tickets weren't as expensive as they are now! Nowadays, I tend to go mainly to the amateur shows, although occasionally I venture into the city centre for a professional show and, more rarely, to London. But I did go to Dublin last year, simply to see Stockard Channing in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' which is my favourite play of all time.

What is your favourite stage musical?

This has to be 'Les Miserables' which I've seen about ten times, both in Manchester and London. I LOVE the songs – and even thinking about 'Do You Hear the People Sing' and 'One More Day' can make the hairs on my neck stand on end.

Of the shows I've worked with, either backstage or producing with my junior group, 'Carousel' is probably my favourite (I always cry at the end), although 'Calamity Jane' comes a close second, and then there's 'Guys and Dolls' and 'The Sound of Music' and – okay, I'll stop now!

Any tips for newer writers?

The classic answer to this is 'Don't give up.' But maybe more important than that is: A first draft is not a finished manuscript. Learn the craft and the mechanics. Yes, spelling, grammar, punctuation and sentence construction are all important. So work at it. Write a good story and write it well.

Thanks so much for having me as a guest on your blog, Rosemary, and for giving me such interesting questions to answer.

Paula Martin lives near Manchester in North West England and has two daughters and two grandsons.

She had some early publishing success with four romance novels and several short stories, but then had a break from writing while she brought up a young family and also pursued her career as a history teacher for twenty-five years. She has recently returned to writing fiction, after retiring from teaching and is thrilled to have found publishing success again with her contemporary romances.

Apart from writing, she enjoys visiting new places. She has travelled extensively in Britain, mainland Europe, America and Canada - and a few years ago she fell in love with Ireland which she visits at least twice a year. Her other interests are musical theatre and tracing her family history.

His leading Lady is available from the publisher Whiskey Creek Press, Amazon (UK) and Amazon (US)

You can find out more about Paula on her Website and Blog