Nicola Marsh's Blog, page 118
September 20, 2009
Self indulgent
A visit to Max Brenners is a balm for my soul.
After I had toddler, I used to visit weekly (on the pretext of buying organic fruit and veg at a shop nearby when he started eating solids).
Then the unthinkable happened. They closed down the organic shop, so my excuse vanished. (there was also that slight case of wondering why I still weighed the same as I did after giving birth...a year later!)
So my visits to Max are now infrequent. And just as special.
I love the rich hot chocolates. I love ...
After I had toddler, I used to visit weekly (on the pretext of buying organic fruit and veg at a shop nearby when he started eating solids).
Then the unthinkable happened. They closed down the organic shop, so my excuse vanished. (there was also that slight case of wondering why I still weighed the same as I did after giving birth...a year later!)
So my visits to Max are now infrequent. And just as special.
I love the rich hot chocolates. I love ...
September 18, 2009
Title for my 21st
Remember I mentioned selling my 21st book a few weeks ago?
(and yes, there will be a party when it is released next May!)
Well, I have a title.
THREE TIMES A BRIDESMAID...
What do you think?
The story features Eve, a successful events co-ordinator, and her three friends, the 'Bridal Babes' as she nicknames them.
Initially, I had her attending the wedding of her last single friend, but my switched-on editor saw the potential (May is the start of the wedding season in the UK and USA), and bridesmaid ...
(and yes, there will be a party when it is released next May!)
Well, I have a title.
THREE TIMES A BRIDESMAID...
What do you think?
The story features Eve, a successful events co-ordinator, and her three friends, the 'Bridal Babes' as she nicknames them.
Initially, I had her attending the wedding of her last single friend, but my switched-on editor saw the potential (May is the start of the wedding season in the UK and USA), and bridesmaid ...
September 17, 2009
Areas to concentrate on
While tweaking Starr and Callum's story, here are the 3 main areas my editor wants me to focus on:
1. Characterisation and emotional conflicts (so the reader can follow their motivations and behaviour every step of the way.)
2. Reworking the plot so that it showcases their personalities in the most exciting, pacy, intense way possible.
3. Upping the sensuality levels-steam up the page at every opportunity.
I posted these because it's amazing how as a writer, you may think you have everything cove...
1. Characterisation and emotional conflicts (so the reader can follow their motivations and behaviour every step of the way.)
2. Reworking the plot so that it showcases their personalities in the most exciting, pacy, intense way possible.
3. Upping the sensuality levels-steam up the page at every opportunity.
I posted these because it's amazing how as a writer, you may think you have everything cove...
September 16, 2009
Half way
For readers following my weekly online read at eharlequin, the 4th chapter of ONE INDIAN SUMMER is now live.
Interesting comments in the discussion thread, where readers don't know where it's going.
Guess what? Neither do I!
I'm reading weekly along with everyone else.
Yes, I wrote the thing, so I do know where it's going to finish but as to each chapter, I'm resisting the urge to re-read the rest on my PC and am waiting along with everyone for the next weekly installment. Willpower, huh?
I'm d...
Interesting comments in the discussion thread, where readers don't know where it's going.
Guess what? Neither do I!
I'm reading weekly along with everyone else.
Yes, I wrote the thing, so I do know where it's going to finish but as to each chapter, I'm resisting the urge to re-read the rest on my PC and am waiting along with everyone for the next weekly installment. Willpower, huh?
I'm d...
September 15, 2009
My new hero revealed
While I'm still feeling lightheaded from the flu, I might as well add to my swooning and introduce the hero in my new WIP.
Meet Jared Malone in WILD ABOUT YOU. (As an aside, check out the word count. 2000 words Monday, 3000 yesterday, all done on Alphasmart while wheezing toddler resting in front of Bob the Builder, Thomas, Dora and The Kingdom of Paramithi, and coughing mum resting her lolling head on couch while fingers flew. Must be all the flu tabs!)
Meet Jared Malone in WILD ABOUT YOU. (As an aside, check out the word count. 2000 words Monday, 3000 yesterday, all done on Alphasmart while wheezing toddler resting in front of Bob the Builder, Thomas, Dora and The Kingdom of Paramithi, and coughing mum resting her lolling head on couch while fingers flew. Must be all the flu tabs!)
Jared is an ex tennis pro. Has won...
September 14, 2009
I'm so not here!
I managed to spend more hours out of bed than in yesterday, so it's an improvement on the weekend.
But head still stuffy, body still hurts, chest rattling with awful cough and no appetite.
Have lost 1kg, so not all bad. But can think of more pleasant ways to do it...
I did write some words yesterday on Alphie. Some, not a lot, but the ideas are flowing.
Now have more revisions for Starr and Callum's story too.
Hmm...head hurts too much to think about how much work I seriously have to do over the...
But head still stuffy, body still hurts, chest rattling with awful cough and no appetite.
Have lost 1kg, so not all bad. But can think of more pleasant ways to do it...
I did write some words yesterday on Alphie. Some, not a lot, but the ideas are flowing.
Now have more revisions for Starr and Callum's story too.
Hmm...head hurts too much to think about how much work I seriously have to do over the...
September 13, 2009
Knocked for a six
Been a while since I've been this sick.
In fact, can't remember the last time!
If I pick up the kids' bugs, it's usually the odd cough or cold, because I don't have time to be sick!
This weekend, I was knocked for a six.
Yesterday, rarely made it out of bed, the whole day! Even my eyeballs hurt!
Throw in a toddler with croup (again!), sleepless nights, and I'm wrecked.
This is why a wise writing buddy, Fiona Lowe, always recommends building in extra time for meeting deadlines. You never know what...
In fact, can't remember the last time!
If I pick up the kids' bugs, it's usually the odd cough or cold, because I don't have time to be sick!
This weekend, I was knocked for a six.
Yesterday, rarely made it out of bed, the whole day! Even my eyeballs hurt!
Throw in a toddler with croup (again!), sleepless nights, and I'm wrecked.
This is why a wise writing buddy, Fiona Lowe, always recommends building in extra time for meeting deadlines. You never know what...
September 11, 2009
Feel-good reviews
I have the flu, so before crawling into bed, I'm going to post 2 new reviews for A TRIP WITH THE TYCOON that have cheered me up.
"A Trip with the Tycoon is a wonderfully evocative, highly poignant and thoroughly mesmerizing romantic read which I found absolutely impossible to put down. Nicola Marsh has not only crafted a spellbinding tale of taking chances, new beginnings and breathtaking romance, but she has also managed to meticulously recreate the sights and sounds of India so well, that I...
"A Trip with the Tycoon is a wonderfully evocative, highly poignant and thoroughly mesmerizing romantic read which I found absolutely impossible to put down. Nicola Marsh has not only crafted a spellbinding tale of taking chances, new beginnings and breathtaking romance, but she has also managed to meticulously recreate the sights and sounds of India so well, that I...
September 10, 2009
First loves
Today I'm a guest over at
LOVE IS AN EXPLODING CIGAR
, where I'm dishing the dirt on first loves.
And no, David James Elliott wasn't my first love, but he's in a sailor's uniform, and there's a link.
You'll have to read my post to find out!
(Also, a huge thanks to all of you for both public and private wishes on my kidlet's health this week.
Yes, it has been the longest week of my life waiting for results and I'm extremely grateful the news was good.
So thanks to you all!)
And no, David James Elliott wasn't my first love, but he's in a sailor's uniform, and there's a link. You'll have to read my post to find out!
(Also, a huge thanks to all of you for both public and private wishes on my kidlet's health this week.
Yes, it has been the longest week of my life waiting for results and I'm extremely grateful the news was good.
So thanks to you all!)
September 9, 2009
Wild About You
Received my editor's approval on my proposal for WILD ABOUT YOU yesterday so it's all systems go!
Meet Kristi Wilde.
Works for Sydney's top PR firm.
About to be stranded on an island with her first love for a week.
As part of a documentary on reality shows.
Intrigued?
Wait until you see her first love...
Meet Kristi Wilde.
Works for Sydney's top PR firm.
About to be stranded on an island with her first love for a week.
As part of a documentary on reality shows.
Intrigued?
Wait until you see her first love...
