Nicola Marsh's Blog, page 44
March 30, 2012
Want to write faster?
Today I'm divulging my not-so-secret tips for speedy writing over at Monique DeVere's blog.
I've known Monique via Facebook and Twitter for a while so when she approached me for an interview about fast writing tips, it was all systems go!
Check out the writing tips here
I've known Monique via Facebook and Twitter for a while so when she approached me for an interview about fast writing tips, it was all systems go!
Check out the writing tips here
March 29, 2012
Indulge me!
I'm thrilled to announce the sale of another book to ENTANGLED PUBLISHING.
NOT THE MARRYING KIND is a category romance set in Vegas and I'm having a ball writing it.
It will be released as part of the Indulgence series (category romances) this year.
Will let you know as soon as the release date is confirmed!
March 28, 2012
Bombshell for the Boss
I'm a fan girl of Liz Fielding so always have a huge squee when I see my name in an anthology next to hers!
I've been lucky enough to have been paired with her twice before and third times a charm, along with the fabulous Jackie Braun.
BOMBSHELL FOR THE BOSS, releasing this June, features my Harlequin Romance EXECUTIVE MOTHER-TO-BE (where a 35 year old TV exec married to her career falls pregnant to a brooding widower following a one night stand in Singapore.)
The pre-release price is fab at the Book Depository (free worldwide postage!)
AU$7.97 for 3 full length category romances, bargain!
Buy here
March 25, 2012
Order me around!
With a boutique publisher like ENTANGLED PUBLISHING, pre-orders are really important.
Loads of pre-orders means loads of stocking of the book.
So with BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD re-releasing in bookstores in June, pre-orders are vital.
The other bonus? You get the book for a fraction of the cost (eg. just over AU$5 at the Book Depository.)
So please pre-order.
Tell your friends.
And tell me!
Drop me a line if you pre-order and I'll keep a list for a little surprise in the not too distant future...
Pre-order here:
AMAZON
BOOK DEPOSITORY
BARNES & NOBLE
Thanks!
March 23, 2012
WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Flirting with Italian
I'm a huge fan of Liz Fielding's heart-warming Harlequin Romances and have to say the title of this one intrigued. Snappy and sexy!
Much like this wonderful book.
Here's the blurb:
Bag: packed. Flight: booked. Soon I'll be in Rome and experiencing life in a foreign language! Watch this space.
Newly single Sarah Gratton is determined to enjoy her holiday—could a just-for-fun romance with dark-eyed Matteo di Serrone be the answer? This Italian count is ideal flirting material—if Sarah's brave enough to make a move! Well, she might not be—but luckily Matteo is!
Matteo decides to keep this mysterious woman close—no hardship at all, given their spine-tingling awareness of each other. It's like something out of a fairy tale—until Sarah realizes she's made the most rookie mistake of all: falling in love with her holiday fling.
I adore Italy and reading this book made me want to jump on a plane and revisit!
This book is lush with flavours and aromas and poignancy.
The emotional connection between Sarah and Matteo is natural yet sizzling, a riveting combination.
Liz Fielding has penned a beautiful romance, rich and evocative and sigh-worthy.
What are you reading this weekend?
March 22, 2012
FRIDAY FLICKS: The Hunger Games
For the last 9 years, when I've headed to the cinema it's to see kiddie movies.
As for attending release day of a film? Try never.
Until The Hunger Games.
I devoured the books and couldn't wait for the movie.
The midnight session was out of the question with the little 'uns, so I grabbed my ticket for the next session at 9.30am and armed with a banana smoothie sat back to be entertained.
If you haven't read the book, here is the quick blurb:
In a not-too-distant future, North America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss' young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. (written by Suzanne Collins)
Jennifer Lawrence is excellent in the lead role of Katniss Everdeen. Gutsy, brave, yet vulnerable. Powerful performance.
Josh Hutcherson plays Peeta, her fellow tribute from District 12 (and her sort-of love interest.) Have to say, he wasn't at all what I imagined for Peeta and I wasn't convinced by the supposed 'romance' between them in the arena.
Liam Hemsworth plays Gale, a very convincing love interest we only see briefly due to the focus of the movie being on the Hunger Games. (Definitely looking forward to seeing more of him in the follow ups!)
The subject matter of the book/movie is pretty grim (teenagers pitted against each other to the death) but I felt the movie was done well in this regard: not overly graphic.
That said, the over-riding themes centre on bleakness and cruelty and power, so if you're hoping for feel-good, this movie isn't for you.
The Hunger Games are disturbing, but make for riveting viewing.
If you loved the book, I think you'll be pleased with the movie.
My rating: 8/10
March 19, 2012
Want to write for Harlequin Romance?
Want to write for Harlequin Romance?
Here's your chance.
The Mills and Boon UK team are fast-tracking submissions!
"...we'll be launching a fast track submission period! Anyone who sends us their first chapter and synopsis between 14th March and 23rd April will hear back from us less than ONE MONTH after the closing date, before the 18th May.
"The email address to send your submission to is romancefasttrack@hqnuk.co.uk.
"Please attach your first chapter and short synopsis to the email as well as a short query letter, letting us know how much of the manuscript is complete. Please note, we'll be looking at only one submission per person."
So there you have it.
What are you waiting for?
March 18, 2012
A writer's fairytale
As many of you have probably heard, Entangled Publishing's new Indulgence category romance series is going gangbusters.
In their launch month (Feb) the four titles have sold extremely well.
One in particular, Jennifer Probst's THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN, has stunned the publishing world.
Jennifer sold 43000 books and earned a staggering $51000...in a month!
And she hit the USA TODAY bestsellers list at #57.
Yep, you read that right.
Isn't it fantastic?
Please go read her modern day fairytale.
It'll inspire you!
In their launch month (Feb) the four titles have sold extremely well.
One in particular, Jennifer Probst's THE MARRIAGE BARGAIN, has stunned the publishing world.
Jennifer sold 43000 books and earned a staggering $51000...in a month!
And she hit the USA TODAY bestsellers list at #57.
Yep, you read that right.
Isn't it fantastic?
Please go read her modern day fairytale.
It'll inspire you!
March 16, 2012
WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Rules of Negotiation
Last month, Entangled Publishing launched its new category romance series under the Indulgence imprint to massive success.
Inara Scott, a YA author for Disney and a lovely fellow EP author, was one of the launch authors with RULES OF NEGOTIATION.
Here's the blurb:
He let her make the rules…
NYC's most eligible bachelor, Brit Bencher, is also known as The Slayer for his reputation in the boardroom…and the bedroom. And he'll do anything to take care of his family, even seduce high-powered corporate attorney Tori Anderson in the hopes of getting her to reveal confidential information about one of her clients. But for the first time in his life, he finds he's falling for a woman.
…and then he started to break them.
After juggling the demands of her career and the stress of caring for her ailing mother, Tori Anderson doesn't have time for relationships—but that doesn't mean she doesn't want to feel like a woman. When Brit offers a no-strings attached fling, it sounds like exactly what she needs. But what will she do when Brit decides he won't take "one night stand" for an answer? When Tori uncovers his lies, will he lose his chance with her forever?
If I had to use a few words to sum up Inara Scott's debut category romance, they would be 'category romance with substance.'
Inara pens a gorgeous, sexy hero in Brit, a hero with flaws who isn't afraid to admit them when it counts.
And the heroine Tori is a feisty, upfront heroine who I loved for her forthrightness, her confidence in her work and her vulnerability in her personal life.
Together, these two strong willed characters equal fireworks!
I laughed out loud at several one liners in this book, one of my favourites an example of Tori's forthrightness: she's mad at Brit, he asks if she's upset for a particular reason, her response:
"No, I'm upset because you're an asshole."
I love an honest heroine and Tori is all that and more.
A highly enjoyable read.
What are you reading this weekend?
