Nicola Marsh's Blog, page 83

Vintage

My 'retro' book that winged its way back to my editor on Tuesday night before I fell in a heap is back, with only minor revisions thank goodness!

I loved writing Chase & Lola's story and I'm really going to enjoy whipping it into print-worthy shape.

This is one of the many pics that inspired me while editing and layering the story.
Love the retro fashion (which made a huge come back at the Melbourne Cup this year too.)
Gloves, hats, scarves, shoe buckles, pin curls, red lippie...gorgeous!

Writing in chunks

When I write, I don't follow any 'how-to' instructions.

I sit. I write. The story comes pouring out.

Yet I love, love, love reading about 'how-to' stuff, love reading writing text books, love having them on my shelves even if I only read them once.

In that vein, here's a great post on 'Storytelling in chunks'.
As I read it, I thought 'hey, I actually do most of this stuff unconsciously' and I'm sure many writers out there do too.

If you're like me and enjoy reading the 'how to' stuff, check it out.

Award nominee

I am rapt to announce that MARRIAGE: FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE? has been nominated by Romantic Times magazine for Best Harlequin Presents 2010.

Woo hoo!

Absentminded

For someone who blogs daily, I had a real lapse today.
But I'm excused.

I have bronchitis, preschooler has bronchitis, I have a book due today & revisions on my YA.

See? Told you I had a good excuse!

Masters Award

[image error] Masters Degree

Had a lovely email from Masters Degrees Online, saying I've been awarded a Masters Award in Romance Writing for informative and helpful content!

Here's the complete list.

Weekend Book Club: Dancing Backwards in High Heels

I mentioned last week how reading the first few chapters of this book made me miss the morning school bell.

Well, the pages kept turning from there.

Here are a few reviews for DANCING BACKWARDS IN HIGH HEELS:

'Written with panache and flair, this charming story captures that loss of identity that can come with marriage and children. Madeleine is 42 and, despite loving her family very much, she feels so isolated that she has to do something about it. That "something" turns into dance classes. The joy of music and dance transforms her, although as Madeleine discovers, the bump and grind of Latin can take you into dangerous territory …' (Australian Women's Weekly)

'Dancing Backwards in High Heels is an exploration of one woman's search for identity against the backdrop of being forty-something, a full time mother and wife, and living in a new country. It also examines the issues of family and marital relationships, and the impact of infidelity, both real and contemplated. Madeleine is a likeable first person narrator and the problems she is faced with are familiar for many women, and believable. An insightful exploration of one woman's complicated life.' (Aussiereviews.com)

From start to finish, this novel is a delight.
The characters are REAL, as are the problems they face.
Moral questions are raised and you turn the pages very quickly to discover the choices the characters make.
And the dancing is just sheer joy!

Absolutely loved it!

What are you reading this week?

Editorial week

Check this out at the Harlequin blog, starting Nov 1st.

Does your imagination run wild with vivid characters? Have you ever dreamed of becoming a USA TODAY bestselling author? Well, our editors want to make those dreams come true. We are hungry to find talented new writers for Harlequin Books. Through podcasts, blogs, and discussions with our expert editors and current authors, we're going to help you understand the appeal of the romance genre. And there's a special daily challenge with feedback that will give some great insights into crafting the perfect story. So for the next week, come by to hone your skills and get started on the path to publication. So you think you can write? Here's your chance to show us!

The full timetable is here.
Looks fab!

Pearls of wisdom

Nathan Bransford always has pearls of wisdom for writer-folk.

Loved this one yesterday on Goals and Obstacles in preparation for NaNoWriMo.

*ROB campaign update

-Weight lost this week: 0kg (considering it has been a BIG birthday week with cake, cake and more cake, guess I should be thankful I didn't put on!)
-Exercise: zumba
-Overall results: 2kg lost, tummy much flatter. Should've taken inches measurement before I started...

Layering lushness

When I write a first draft, the words pour out.
I know my characters: what drives them, where they want to go, where they'll be at the end of the story.

How they get there? Well, that's the fun of sitting down and just writing.

I'm almost at the end of my current WIP and stumbled across a whole load of pics I'd researched at the start for my vintage heroine.

They are so evocative, they instantly add richness to the story.
I'm going to use these pics while I layer during my next draft.

Which got me thinking...all you writers out there, how do you layer?

For writers

The lovely Suzie Townsend gave workshops at the South Carolina writer's conference over the weekend and Margo Kelly has given a great summary on:

-making your first 2 pages stand out

-strategies for writing a great query letter.

Well worth a look here.