Louisa George's Blog, page 8
March 4, 2012
And the winner of Romance Book Paradise give away is.....
Emily R King!!
Congratulations Emily - just send me an email with your address on and I'll pop it in the post!
Thanks to everyone for visiting me at Romance Book Paradise blog!
Plenty of more opportunities to win one of my books on my blog tour....details here: http://rbpp-lg.blogspot.co.nz/
Congratulations Emily - just send me an email with your address on and I'll pop it in the post!
Thanks to everyone for visiting me at Romance Book Paradise blog!
Plenty of more opportunities to win one of my books on my blog tour....details here: http://rbpp-lg.blogspot.co.nz/
February 21, 2012
In the News!
I belong to a fabulous organization of writers - Romance Writers of New Zealand. It is a supportive and generous group of (mostly) women who share their expertise, friendship and knowledge of writing. Last year at conference some of our members were interviewed by a journalist for the New Zealand Herald newspaper and last week the article finally came to print! I wasn't interviewed, but I was photographed along with a couple of other NZ writers. Jane Beckenham, the other author in the photo, is singularly responsible for my beginning interest in Romance novels.
Find the article here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10784691
It was a real hoot to see my name in print - and to show off my new book!
The best bit was that also in the newspaper that day there was a huge article about Nora Roberts, in defence of Romance writing. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10785493
It's not often you can say you rub shoulders in the same paper with your writing hero!
Since the article was published I've had a few friends/ acquaintances approach me and ask for details of my writing so it has certainly raised my profile. But it was bizarre when, in the middle of a hot and sweaty zumba class, one of the women pointed at me with that knowing glint on her face that said I know what you do. LOL!
So now my secret is out - the whole world (well, northern New Zealand - and those who actually take time out to read the Weekend section....) knows about my romance writing. I'm still so thrilled about my book and so proud to be part of the Mills and Boon family, I can't wait for more of those I know what you do looks!
Find the article here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10784691
It was a real hoot to see my name in print - and to show off my new book!
The best bit was that also in the newspaper that day there was a huge article about Nora Roberts, in defence of Romance writing. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10785493
It's not often you can say you rub shoulders in the same paper with your writing hero!
Since the article was published I've had a few friends/ acquaintances approach me and ask for details of my writing so it has certainly raised my profile. But it was bizarre when, in the middle of a hot and sweaty zumba class, one of the women pointed at me with that knowing glint on her face that said I know what you do. LOL!
So now my secret is out - the whole world (well, northern New Zealand - and those who actually take time out to read the Weekend section....) knows about my romance writing. I'm still so thrilled about my book and so proud to be part of the Mills and Boon family, I can't wait for more of those I know what you do looks!
February 1, 2012
DEBUT BOOK ON SALE!
So, this is it - the day I've been waiting for pretty much all my life!
One Month to Become a Mum is now available for purchase from www.millsandboon.co.uk
I'm all kinds of nervous, excited and scared in equal measure!
This book came out of the Mills and Boon New Voices contest in 2010 (after four sets of revisions!) and I'm thrilled to finally see it on the shelves!
Here's the blurb:
Some things in life are worth waiting for…
Jessie Price has lost her only chance at motherhood – it's a constant hurt, until she meets sinfully sexy single dad Dr Luke McKenzie and his gorgeous little girl. Luke's intoxicating kisses and his daughter's adoring hugs have Jessie longing for the impossible. But she's a temporary locum, the clock's ticking – and there's only a month to make all her wishes come true…
I'll keep you posted with any reviews or further news, in the meantime I'll crack on with the next book...
Until next time,
Louisa x
January 8, 2012
First Book out soon!
Happy New Year! Very best wishes for a fabulous 2012!
Hope you have made your resolutions and -over a week into them - are you finding a new you with a resolve and determination to make this year your best ever?
My resolutions are simple, I find that keeping them low key and achievable is the way to go:
-Lose the extra 3 kilos I put on over the Xmas period-Spend more time with my family and friends-Quit the procrastination!-Avoid melodrama unless it's on the page!-Eat extra chill (I'm such a chilli wimp, but I'm told I'm missing out so I'm giving it a try)
It's turning out to be a very exciting year for me - I have two books coming out! The first is: One Month to Become a Mum, out in March 2012 in UK (April-Jun in US/Aus). The 2nd book: Waking Up with his Runaway Bride is due out in July in UK and Aug/Sep for US/Aus. Both are from the Harlequin Mills and Boon Medical Line.
Book three is trundling along in its infancy -I am 3 chapters down and can't wait to see what chapter four bring for this quirky couple. Skye is planning a move to the other side of the world, but meets Adam, a brooding ex-army medic with a whole heap of issues. Their first meeting is filled with chemistry and sizzling heat, something they both need to avoid at all costs!
Tell me, what are you hoping for in 2012?
Until next time,Louisa xx
Hope you have made your resolutions and -over a week into them - are you finding a new you with a resolve and determination to make this year your best ever?
My resolutions are simple, I find that keeping them low key and achievable is the way to go:
-Lose the extra 3 kilos I put on over the Xmas period-Spend more time with my family and friends-Quit the procrastination!-Avoid melodrama unless it's on the page!-Eat extra chill (I'm such a chilli wimp, but I'm told I'm missing out so I'm giving it a try)
It's turning out to be a very exciting year for me - I have two books coming out! The first is: One Month to Become a Mum, out in March 2012 in UK (April-Jun in US/Aus). The 2nd book: Waking Up with his Runaway Bride is due out in July in UK and Aug/Sep for US/Aus. Both are from the Harlequin Mills and Boon Medical Line.
Book three is trundling along in its infancy -I am 3 chapters down and can't wait to see what chapter four bring for this quirky couple. Skye is planning a move to the other side of the world, but meets Adam, a brooding ex-army medic with a whole heap of issues. Their first meeting is filled with chemistry and sizzling heat, something they both need to avoid at all costs!
Tell me, what are you hoping for in 2012?
Until next time,Louisa xx
October 12, 2011
EDITING!
So, here's the thing - I've just completed a mammoth task of writing 37,500 words in 23 days.
Why?
Good question. Great. I have no idea. My deadline is 1st February. I must be mad. The house wasn't cleaned. The kids barely fed. Although a great deal of 'research' was done while watching those lovely boys playing in the Rugby World Cup!
I guess the story flowed. But how do we know whether the story we're writing is good? Or great? or gold? (Or just plain dull?). Answers on a postcard please! All I know is that I enjoyed writing this story and seeing where the characters wanted to go. I hope readers (and my editor) like it too!
I'm now tinkering with it and am at the point where I'm wondering if I need to continue tinkering or whether I will tinker the life out of it.
So here's a question for all you writers out there - how do you know when your story is truly 'finished'??
Until next time,Louisa xx
Why?
Good question. Great. I have no idea. My deadline is 1st February. I must be mad. The house wasn't cleaned. The kids barely fed. Although a great deal of 'research' was done while watching those lovely boys playing in the Rugby World Cup!
I guess the story flowed. But how do we know whether the story we're writing is good? Or great? or gold? (Or just plain dull?). Answers on a postcard please! All I know is that I enjoyed writing this story and seeing where the characters wanted to go. I hope readers (and my editor) like it too!
I'm now tinkering with it and am at the point where I'm wondering if I need to continue tinkering or whether I will tinker the life out of it.
So here's a question for all you writers out there - how do you know when your story is truly 'finished'??
Until next time,Louisa xx
September 12, 2011
RWNZ conference Part Two
Having spent the previous weekend at Melbourne RWAus conference I was getting the hang of Bob Mayer's Warrior Workshop - aka Write it Forward. If any of you don't know Bob or haven't attended his lectures he's a must-see guy! Have a peek at his website here:http://www.bobmayer.org/
He has invaluable information about self publishing, the digital world and writing in general. Once again, I reiterate, the most important thing I learnt from him was that I am responsible for my writing career, no-one else.
Armed with these thoughts I attacked the rest of the conference with me and my weaknesses in mind. I have a blank when it comes to conflict. Conflict between my characters, that is. So I tried to counter this blind spot by attending as many talks as I could on this subject, and on craft in general. Superromance author Molly O'Keefe had some wonderful informative points on hooking and plotting and putting conflict on every page; crime thriller writer Tess Gerritsen gave us her tips on how she begins a story - looking for the emotional jumping off points. Editor Lucy Gilmour and the very lovely Medical Romance author Sue Mackay gave us some invaluable insights into what M&B are looking for in a Medical Romance. (I concentrated very hard in this one!).
All in all it was a very informative and interesting conference with lots of food for thought. Hopefully my writing will be stronger for it!!
I can't reiterate enough how important it is to attend events such as these to help develop a writing career. Not only is it a great chance to mix and mingle, but there is a sense of kinship, of renewal and commitment to our goals. Take every opportunity, make your writing better, focus on your dream.
Until next time,
Ciao,Louisa xx
He has invaluable information about self publishing, the digital world and writing in general. Once again, I reiterate, the most important thing I learnt from him was that I am responsible for my writing career, no-one else.
Armed with these thoughts I attacked the rest of the conference with me and my weaknesses in mind. I have a blank when it comes to conflict. Conflict between my characters, that is. So I tried to counter this blind spot by attending as many talks as I could on this subject, and on craft in general. Superromance author Molly O'Keefe had some wonderful informative points on hooking and plotting and putting conflict on every page; crime thriller writer Tess Gerritsen gave us her tips on how she begins a story - looking for the emotional jumping off points. Editor Lucy Gilmour and the very lovely Medical Romance author Sue Mackay gave us some invaluable insights into what M&B are looking for in a Medical Romance. (I concentrated very hard in this one!).
All in all it was a very informative and interesting conference with lots of food for thought. Hopefully my writing will be stronger for it!!
I can't reiterate enough how important it is to attend events such as these to help develop a writing career. Not only is it a great chance to mix and mingle, but there is a sense of kinship, of renewal and commitment to our goals. Take every opportunity, make your writing better, focus on your dream.
Until next time,
Ciao,Louisa xx
September 5, 2011
RWNZ conference
So, there were just three crazy days of unpacking, washing, shopping and re-packing between RWAus conference and RWNZ!
Whilst Melbourne was exciting and new and large, there was something comforting about being in Auckland, in my own backyard with writing friends I've 'grown-up' with (ie who have followed my wobbly steps from dipping my toe in right through to contracting with M&B).
Both conferences attracted some fabulous speakers, both international and homegrown, and both conferences were warm welcoming events.
Sadly we lost one of our own during the RWNZ conference. The lovely Sandra Hyatt (Harlequin author) was taken ill on the Friday night and died on Sunday. She was a gorgeous talented author, and dedicated mother and wife. Her passing has left a hole in the lives of those who knew her that will never be filled.
So we tackled our conference with a mixture of excitement, vigour and, later, fortitude and grace. There was a real feeling that Sandra would not have wanted us to cancel, that the show very definitely should go on. But even though the room was full of wordsmiths, there didn't seem adequate words to express our sorrow.
This doesn't seem an appropriate time to talk of the amazing speakers and the wonderful lightbulb moments, so I'll pop back in a day or two to tell you my highlights!
In the meantime, don't waste a precious second of your life, hold your loved ones closer and don't be afraid to say how much you love them.
In the over-used but very apt words of William W Purkey:
You've got to dance like nobody's watchingLove like you'll never be hurtSing like there's nobody listeningAnd live like it's heaven on earth,
Keep safe,until next time,Louisa xx
Whilst Melbourne was exciting and new and large, there was something comforting about being in Auckland, in my own backyard with writing friends I've 'grown-up' with (ie who have followed my wobbly steps from dipping my toe in right through to contracting with M&B).
Both conferences attracted some fabulous speakers, both international and homegrown, and both conferences were warm welcoming events.
Sadly we lost one of our own during the RWNZ conference. The lovely Sandra Hyatt (Harlequin author) was taken ill on the Friday night and died on Sunday. She was a gorgeous talented author, and dedicated mother and wife. Her passing has left a hole in the lives of those who knew her that will never be filled.
So we tackled our conference with a mixture of excitement, vigour and, later, fortitude and grace. There was a real feeling that Sandra would not have wanted us to cancel, that the show very definitely should go on. But even though the room was full of wordsmiths, there didn't seem adequate words to express our sorrow.
This doesn't seem an appropriate time to talk of the amazing speakers and the wonderful lightbulb moments, so I'll pop back in a day or two to tell you my highlights!
In the meantime, don't waste a precious second of your life, hold your loved ones closer and don't be afraid to say how much you love them.
In the over-used but very apt words of William W Purkey:
You've got to dance like nobody's watchingLove like you'll never be hurtSing like there's nobody listeningAnd live like it's heaven on earth,
Keep safe,until next time,Louisa xx
August 31, 2011
RWAustralia Conference 2011 update!
WOW! It's been a busy August! I was lucky enough to go to not one but two great conferences dedicated solely to Romance writing. What a treat!
Aside from all the fantastic lectures and plenaries it was a fabulous opportunity to network and get together with old friends, and make new ones.
This year's conferences were particularly special as I was attending as a newly contracted author - on the 'other' side of the fence so as to speak.
Was it different being there? You bet! Not least because of all the lovely warm welcoming hugs and smiles, but also because this is now my job. I have to get it 'right', I had to concentrate on my weaknesses and try to find solutions. It was a huge learning experience and I can't wait to go again next year!
Highlights-Bob Mayer's Warrior Writer workshop - so much knowledge and experience crammed into a few hours. If you don't have the chance to see him 'live' I strongly recommend his books on writing. Goal setting is crucial, know why you want to write, find a place to do it, then DO IT! The only thing standing between you and publication is YOU!
Fiona Lowe's Understanding Men had many lightbulb moments for me. And the tv clips were hysterical. (If you ever get a chance to watch the tv programme Coupling it's a MUST). I realised I write my men from a woman's standpoint and need to make them more alpha, more rational and logical and less emotional.
Susan Wigg's Plotting from the Inside Out was sensational - not least because she ratified my own process but also because she starts with an emotion and fits her character around it. Now that's emotion driven writing! Read her books and you'll see a master of emotion at work! I loved her idea of finding 'white space' somewhere in your life, be it a long walk or a quiet room, and then mulling over your characters and their problems.
Gosh, there were so many more moments where jigsaw pieces slotted into my brain, I just wish I could share them all. But I'm running out of space and time and must get back to my 'job'!!!
Pop back soon for a recap of the RWNZ conference and maybe, if I get the chance, I'll tell you my call story!
Cheers for now,Louisa x
Aside from all the fantastic lectures and plenaries it was a fabulous opportunity to network and get together with old friends, and make new ones.
This year's conferences were particularly special as I was attending as a newly contracted author - on the 'other' side of the fence so as to speak.
Was it different being there? You bet! Not least because of all the lovely warm welcoming hugs and smiles, but also because this is now my job. I have to get it 'right', I had to concentrate on my weaknesses and try to find solutions. It was a huge learning experience and I can't wait to go again next year!
Highlights-Bob Mayer's Warrior Writer workshop - so much knowledge and experience crammed into a few hours. If you don't have the chance to see him 'live' I strongly recommend his books on writing. Goal setting is crucial, know why you want to write, find a place to do it, then DO IT! The only thing standing between you and publication is YOU!
Fiona Lowe's Understanding Men had many lightbulb moments for me. And the tv clips were hysterical. (If you ever get a chance to watch the tv programme Coupling it's a MUST). I realised I write my men from a woman's standpoint and need to make them more alpha, more rational and logical and less emotional.
Susan Wigg's Plotting from the Inside Out was sensational - not least because she ratified my own process but also because she starts with an emotion and fits her character around it. Now that's emotion driven writing! Read her books and you'll see a master of emotion at work! I loved her idea of finding 'white space' somewhere in your life, be it a long walk or a quiet room, and then mulling over your characters and their problems.
Gosh, there were so many more moments where jigsaw pieces slotted into my brain, I just wish I could share them all. But I'm running out of space and time and must get back to my 'job'!!!
Pop back soon for a recap of the RWNZ conference and maybe, if I get the chance, I'll tell you my call story!
Cheers for now,Louisa x
August 9, 2011
EXCITING NEWS!!
Big news....but I'm in such a hurry, my plane to RWAustralia conference in Melbourne leaves in a couple of hours.
However, just had to share...I GOT THE CALL!
My lovely editor from Mills and Boon central, London rang me last week and offered to buy two books. My first release
One Month to Become a Mum
Is due out in UK bookstores in Mar/April 2012. Can't tell you how thrilled and excited (and just a little bit scared!) I am.
Pop back soon for more news. Right now I have to run...Aussie here I come!
However, just had to share...I GOT THE CALL!
My lovely editor from Mills and Boon central, London rang me last week and offered to buy two books. My first release
One Month to Become a Mum
Is due out in UK bookstores in Mar/April 2012. Can't tell you how thrilled and excited (and just a little bit scared!) I am.
Pop back soon for more news. Right now I have to run...Aussie here I come!
November 13, 2010
The Plot Conundrum
Here's the thing, I recently had a wonderful rejection (wonderful - go figure. And on my birthday too!) where an editor told me that my plot was too complex and contrived. So now I need to try to make it simpler but keep the conflict element high. What to do?
How to make a simple plot that is both compelling and emotionally deep?
What I have learnt is that the hero and the heroine need to be driven by their conflict, not by some authorial contrivances - it is not up to me to make them do things - their conflict has to make them do things!!
My story is about a woman who cannot have children and a man who desperately wants them. The woman is frightened of rejection because of her emotional and physical scars. THIS is the conflict. This is the plot. Everything has to revolve around this. Each scene, each drama has to come back to this theme and plot.
Sounds easy? So far so good - three chapters in and it's going okay.
Yeah well, come back in a week and let you know how I'm doing!
How to make a simple plot that is both compelling and emotionally deep?
What I have learnt is that the hero and the heroine need to be driven by their conflict, not by some authorial contrivances - it is not up to me to make them do things - their conflict has to make them do things!!
My story is about a woman who cannot have children and a man who desperately wants them. The woman is frightened of rejection because of her emotional and physical scars. THIS is the conflict. This is the plot. Everything has to revolve around this. Each scene, each drama has to come back to this theme and plot.
Sounds easy? So far so good - three chapters in and it's going okay.
Yeah well, come back in a week and let you know how I'm doing!
