Nicola Marsh's Blog, page 77

AWOL

As of last Sunday, I'm away on a much needed, well earned holiday.
Here.
I took this pic of Queensland's sunny Gold Coast 5 years ago, the last time I had a proper holiday.

Considering the recent deluge they've had, I'm hopeful for this kind of weather. Doubtful, but hopeful.

First 2 days is research, the rest is blissful, fun family time.

I've preloaded a bunch of posts here to keep you occupied while I'm away.

Bet you won't even miss me!

RWA flood appeal for book donations

This appeal comes straight from RWAustralia.

We've all seen the devastation the recent Queensland floods have wrought and have wondered how we can help.
We know that for many affected families, books will not be high on their priorities list for some time to come.
But...We also know how valuable books can be in providing time out when reality gets tough.
So…With the aid of some wonderful volunteers, we've put together a Romance Writers of Australia Flooded Communities Book Appeal.

What we need?
FICTION BOOKS! Romance books, children's books, young adult books, genre books, whatever – either new or in sparkling condition.

Please send them to:
RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal
PO Box 1717 Noosaville Post Office
Noosaville BC Queensland 4566

When to send them? Now! And any time over the next few months. The books will be boxed and delivered to the appropriate libraries/schools/neighbourhood centres/community centres in batches as soon as the communities are ready to receive them.

We'll be liaising with councils, libraries and schools to ensure this is done appropriately.

Feel free to pop a note inside, or if you're an author, sign it.

Questions:If you have a question about donations, email Jess Anastasi: Jess@jessanastasi.com

Weekend Book Club: Clockwork Angel

Once I started Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel, I was extremely reluctant to put it down.

Book 1 in the Infernal Devices trilogy (a prequel to her bestselling Mortal Instruments series), I got sucked into her Victorian steampunk world so swiftly the pages practically turned themselves.

I've heard the 'steampunk' label bandied around for a while as the next 'hot' thing and with this being my first foray into steampunk it certainly won't be my last. (Eagerly awaiting the release of Clockwork Prince later this year!)

So what's it about?

Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still... When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends, and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Go ahead and enter the Downworld.
A cracking good read awaits!

What are you reading this week?

Cabana boys

Late last year, the lovely eds at the M&B London office contacted the 4 RIVA launch authors and asked as for an article for the Romance Magazine.

Sounded like fun, but in the lead-up to Christmas, plus a very short deadline, panic stations!
Then we put our thinking caps on, had a chat online and came up with an article that reflects the new RIVA series.

Fun, flirty, with hot guys!

Kelly Hunter, Kimberly Lang, Jessica Hart (who actually owns those amazing, gorgeous bejewelled shoes in the pic!) and I had a ball laying out the article like a 'Facebook' chat, bouncing questions off each other and having a laugh.

And yes, there was lots of cabana boy talk. (I had to elaborate to Jessica what a cabana boy involved and well...the conversation kinda got stolen after that!)

If you're not a subscriber to M&B, I'll try and get the whole article up on my website at some stage in the not too distant future.

It's a fun read!

Open your hearts and wallets

The Queensland floods are catastrophic.

The severity didn't hit me until yesterday, when I watched a city I've been to start to go under.

Today, I saw a riverside restaurant I'd eaten at completely go underwater.

It's mind boggling that a major city like Brisbane can flood so badly.
I couldn't imagine the same happening to the Yarra in Melbourne. Or the Thames in London. Or the Seine in Paris.

But that's what happening in Brisbane right now, with the Brisbane River rising to record levels and flooding a beautiful city.

Not to mention the poor people wiped out in Toowoomba and surrounding areas.

To all my friends and readers out there, please give generously here.

Miss Snark's new contest

If you write YA & middle grade fiction, Miss Snark is running a contest.

Full details here.

Stranded with your fantasy

Today, I'm guest blogging with fellow Riva author Liz Fielding and giving away a copy of DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX. To be in the running, head on over and leave a comment, revealing who you'd like to be stranded on a deserted island with (and no, NOT your other half, this is fantasy land, remember?)

Popping up in Selfridges!

Loads of exciting things are happening in the UK this month in relation to the new series RIVA launch and this is one of them. RIVA will feature in a pop-up shop in Selfriedges' Wonder Room on London's Oxford Street and will be stocked alonside labels such as Agent Provocateur. How cool is that?!You can pick up my book along with some hot lingerie.Go now! And if you're in the UK, please take a pic for me :)

Author Sound Relations

I'm over at Author Sound Relations (Tote Bags'n'Blogs) chatting about the book this guy inspired.

Come visit!

(Weekend Book Club will resume next week!)

Agent looking for adult fiction

The fabulous Suzie Townsend has updated her submissions guidelines and is actively looking to build her adult fiction list.

For the lowdown, check here.