M.B. Feeney's Blog, page 12

New Year, New Me – hopefully!

“New Year, New Me” – How many of you HATE that phrase? I’m not a fan because it’s usually followed by a month of holier than thou activity, then all plans are left by the wayside. It never, ever, works – for me at least.

This year, I’m determined to make my resolutions work, because rather than just make plans to “write more” or “publish more books this year”, I’ve decided my resolutions are more proactive. Things such as time management and discipline.

In the new year, I will be on my final year teaching placement, then (hopefully), I’ll be working full time as a teacher, so my writing time will be limited. Rather than let this bother me and cause me to get annoyed by my not writing every day, I aim to have half a day a week (maybe more if possible) where I concentrate on nothing other than writing. )After all, I have a smartphone, advertising and internet surfing can be done anytime.) By doing this, I’m hoping to hone my abysmal time management skills, which in turn will eventually lead to my having more writing time.

I’m also trying to stop my reliance on Facebook for my self promotion. I’m hoping to utilise this blog more, and not just to slap up and promotion post. I’ll hope to spotlight other authors, and give readers a bit more of a glimpse into my personal life (within limits, I’m not that type of girl :p). Why should I only write about writing, I’m a person too – besides, look at all those pretty tabs at the top of the page, that’s all the business stuff.

This present blew me away. A friend, and reader, had this bracelet made for me for Christmas.  have to admit, I’m too scared to wear it in case I lose it so I am saving it for special occasions – one of which is the Second City Signing in Birmingham.

So, I have my plans set in place, what about you? Are you making a resolution or are you bypassing the whole idea completely? How do you plan to achieve any that you do make?

Lastly, what kind of things do YOU want me to post about? I’d love to see some of your ideas in the comments!

New Year, New Me - hopefully!

"New Year, New Me" - How many of you HATE that phrase? I'm not a fan because it's usually followed by a month of holier than thou activity, then all plans are left by the wayside. It never, ever, works - for me at least.

This year, I'm determined to make my resolutions work, because rather than just make plans to "write more" or "publish more books this year", I've decided my resolutions are more proactive. Things such as time management and discipline.

In the new year, I will be on my final year teaching placement, then (hopefully), I'll be working full time as a teacher, so my writing time will be limited. Rather than let this bother me and cause me to get annoyed by my not writing every day, I aim to have half a day a week (maybe more if possible) where I concentrate on nothing other than writing. )After all, I have a smartphone, advertising and internet surfing can be done anytime.) By doing this, I'm hoping to hone my abysmal time management skills, which in turn will eventually lead to my having more writing time.

I'm also trying to stop my reliance on Facebook for my self promotion. I'm hoping to utilise this blog more, and not just to slap up and promotion post. I'll hope to spotlight other authors, and give readers a bit more of a glimpse into my personal life (within limits, I'm not that type of girl :p). Why should I only write about writing, I'm a person too - besides, look at all those pretty tabs at the top of the page, that's all the business stuff.


This present blew me away. A friend, and reader, had this bracelet made for me for Christmas.  have to admit, I'm too scared to wear it in case I lose it so I am saving it for special occasions - one of which is the Second City Signing in Birmingham.
So, I have my plans set in place, what about you? Are you making a resolution or are you bypassing the whole idea completely? How do you plan to achieve any that you do make?
Lastly, what kind of things do YOU want me to post about? I'd love to see some of your ideas in the comments!

It’s HERE! The Cover for The One That Got Away!

M. B. Feeney Cover Reveal
For
The One That Got Away


Summary:
There’s something about that one person we date in our teens, but never become intimate with. Why does a sexless relationship render us unable to stop carrying that person, the what if, with us into our adult life?


For Heidi Johnson, Shane Hughes is her “one that got away.” Through the years, he has stayed in the back of her mind while she became an adult, a mother, and her own person. Meanwhile, Shane has lived a life of regret that he let Heidi go for the wrong reasons: fear and a misguided sense of not wanting to hurt either of them. 


When they reconnect online, the memories they’ve tried to suppress over the years return, reigniting the feelings never explored ‘back in the day.’ Will a school reunion in their home town of London, surrounded by old school friends, help the pair address the questions the years apart left unanswered? Or will they still be left with wanting more?


Coming Soon: 13 February 2015









created by Grafix Momma







Out of the corner of my eye I watched Shane while he settled into the chair and took a swig of his beer. Trying to be discreet, I watched his Adam’s apple bob under the smattering of stubble that was starting to cover his face and neck.






His hands moved from where they caressed my face, stroking my neck down to my shoulders. I gasped when his thumb rubbed the side of my breast as he dropped his hands to my hips

About the Author:



M. B. Feeney is an army brat who finally settled down in Birmingham, UK with her other half, two kids and a dog. Currently at university studying for her BA (Hons) in primary teaching, she procrastinates on her assignments by listening to music of all genres and trying to get ‘just one more paragraph’ written on whichever WIP is open. She is also a serious doodler and chocoholic. Writing has been her one true love ever since she could spell, and publishing is the final culmination of her hard work and ambition.
Her publishing career began with two novellas, and she currently has a novel under way, whilst Honour, a compilation of her own military based shorts, is due for release 1st November 2013. Always having something on the go can often lead to block which eventually gets dissolved by good music and an even better book.

It's HERE! The Cover for The One That Got Away!

M. B. Feeney Cover RevealForThe One That Got Away
Summary:There’s something about that one person we date in our teens, but never become intimate with. Why does a sexless relationship render us unable to stop carrying that person, the what if, with us into our adult life?
For Heidi Johnson, Shane Hughes is her “one that got away.” Through the years, he has stayed in the back of her mind while she became an adult, a mother, and her own person. Meanwhile, Shane has lived a life of regret that he let Heidi go for the wrong reasons: fear and a misguided sense of not wanting to hurt either of them. 
When they reconnect online, the memories they've tried to suppress over the years return, reigniting the feelings never explored ‘back in the day.’ Will a school reunion in their home town of London, surrounded by old school friends, help the pair address the questions the years apart left unanswered? Or will they still be left with wanting more?
Coming Soon: 13 February 2015
created by Grafix Momma

Out of the corner of my eye I watched Shane while he settled into the chair and took a swig of his beer. Trying to be discreet, I watched his Adam’s apple bob under the smattering of stubble that was starting to cover his face and neck.

His hands moved from where they caressed my face, stroking my neck down to my shoulders. I gasped when his thumb rubbed the side of my breast as he dropped his hands to my hips








About the Author:
M. B. Feeney is an army brat who finally settled down in Birmingham, UK with her other half, two kids and a dog. Currently at university studying for her BA (Hons) in primary teaching, she procrastinates on her assignments by listening to music of all genres and trying to get ‘just one more paragraph’ written on whichever WIP is open. She is also a serious doodler and chocoholic. Writing has been her one true love ever since she could spell, and publishing is the final culmination of her hard work and ambition.Her publishing career began with two novellas, and she currently has a novel under way, whilst Honour, a compilation of her own military based shorts, is due for release 1st November 2013. Always having something on the go can often lead to block which eventually gets dissolved by good music and an even better book.

Right Click, Love – the re-release – is now LIVE!

Yep, the ebook is now live. I am working on getting the paperbacks live also. Check out the Books page across the top for up to date links.

Right Click, Love - the re-release - is now LIVE!

Yep, the ebook is now live. I am working on getting the paperbacks live also. Check out the Books page across the top for up to date links.

Cover Reveal – Right Click, Love – Re Release

Cover Reveal
Right Click, Love Re-Release
Release Date: 12 December 2014






Cover Created by J. C. Clarke @ Grafix Momma

Summary:
Disheartened about not being able to find “Mr. Right” on the London dating scene, best friends Jodie Lynch and Louise Hewson create a blog to not only document their disastrous dates with the numerous “Mr. Wrongs” and “Mr. Okay-for-nows” but also to help those going through the same experiences and to see where they’re going wrong. How will they deal with everything the dating scene has to throw at them — planned or otherwise?

***PRAISE FOR***
***Right Click, Love*** 

“I laughed out loud many times throughout the novella, but it had its serious moments, too.” – Sydney Logan – Author

“Where to start with this delightful little story? It’s jam packed with wonderful little quirks and so many positives that I may just run out of superlatives! Funny, romantic, realistic, witty, charming – the list is just endless.” – Lily Loves Indie Blog

“If you love a quick romance read with a touch of comedy then this book is for you!” – Jessy @ Bookend 2 Bookend Blog

“Right Click Love is a great insight into what young women face in the dating world. The story was funny, heartwarming and sweet.” – Erica – Goodreads Reviewer

Thunderclap Campaign – Show your Support
Click HERE

Cover Reveal - Right Click, Love - Re Release

Cover RevealRight Click, Love Re-ReleaseRelease Date: 12 December 2014 Cover Created by J. C. Clarke @ Grafix MommaSummary:
Disheartened about not being able to find “Mr. Right” on the London dating scene, best friends Jodie Lynch and Louise Hewson create a blog to not only document their disastrous dates with the numerous “Mr. Wrongs” and “Mr. Okay-for-nows” but also to help those going through the same experiences and to see where they’re going wrong. How will they deal with everything the dating scene has to throw at them — planned or otherwise?
***PRAISE FOR******Right Click, Love*** "I laughed out loud many times throughout the novella, but it had its serious moments, too." - Sydney Logan - Author

"Where to start with this delightful little story? It's jam packed with wonderful little quirks and so many positives that I may just run out of superlatives! Funny, romantic, realistic, witty, charming - the list is just endless." - Lily Loves Indie Blog

"If you love a quick romance read with a touch of comedy then this book is for you!" - Jessy @ Bookend 2 Bookend Blog

"Right Click Love is a great insight into what young women face in the dating world. The story was funny, heartwarming and sweet." - Erica - Goodreads Reviewer
Thunderclap Campaign - Show your SupportClick HERE

Second City Signing Spotlight – Natalie Martin

As you know, I snagged a spot at the Second City Signing in Birmingham, UK in July 2015. I decided it would be great to get to know all the other confirmed authors who will be appearing at the event with me.


I hope everyone will share these posts around and comment on them, wishing each author well. Maybe even some of you will come along to the event to meet us all in person.

Up this week is…. Natalie Martin

Natalie is a lover of anything remotely artistic: music, books, art, video games, chocolate peanuts. Oh, wait – they’re not artistic? Well, she loves them anyway! Originally from Sheffield, Natalie is currently based in London and loves all things French (okay, *most* things).

After five years of endless rewrites, Natalie decided to publish Together Apart and slung a backpack over her shoulder to head to India to do it. Because, why not? Now back in the UK, her feet are itching to go somewhere else.










And now for the interview:


Questions:

First the ‘business bit’…


Tell me about yourself… the usual, age, name, (penname if different – if it is different, explain your choice behind it), location.

I’m Natalie Martin but my pen name is Natalie K Martin. Imaginitive, right? I share my name with about a billion other people so I’ve put my middle initial in for the distinction. I’m 30 and originally from Sheffield, South Yorkshire. I’ve been based in London for years now but I’ve started to spend a lot of time abroad, mostly India and South France.


What genre do you predominantly write in? What drew you to that genre?

I write contemporary romance, erring on the New Adult spectrum. I’ve always written romance but I LOVE the broad margins in New Adult. It’s fun!


How many books to you have on sale right now?

I have my debut novel, Together Apart, on sale now. It’s about Adam and Sarah, a couple who have an idyllic relationship until he decides to propose. Less than forty-eight hours later, he’s single and heartbroken, all because Sarah has a secret she’s willing to sacrifice everything for to keep.


When do you plan to have your next release available? Tell me about it.

My next release is called Heart Shaped Bruise and should be out before the end of the year. It’s about a woman who gets married after a whirlwind romance to the guy of her dreams. The only problem is she wasn’t quite single to begin with and her husband turns out to be a nasty so and so. Her badboy not-quite-ex comes back from travelling and sparks fly.


When did you start writing? Was it for fun at first, or did you want to write for publication from day one?

I started writing at primary school. The first story I can properly remember was based around the board game Ludo. After that I wrote random things, dabbling across genres.


When you decided to write that 1st book, what motivated you to keep going?

I was on holiday in Santorini in 2008 and wondered what would happen if a guy proposed to his girlfriend and she turned him down. I didn’t have a laptop with me so I wrote the beginnings of it on my phone. My motivation didn’t really come back until I started posting chapters online and getting positive feedback.


Are you a planner or a pantser or a mix of both?

I didn’t plan Together Apart at all. As a result it went through a lot of twists and turns and seeped into literary fiction for a while. I eventually got my act together and cleared it up. I’ve since learned my lesson and Heart Shaped Bruise has been plotted from beginning to end.


Who is the favourite character you have ever written? Why?

Smith, from Heart Shaped Bruise. He’s incredibly complex and he feels immensely (maybe unhealthily) real to me. It helps that he’s drop dead gorgeous too!


Where do you draw inspiration from?

All kinds of things – music, films, people I come across, personal experiences. Most often I’d say it’s a lyric from a song that will get me thinking.


What do you find hardest, naming characters or thinking of an overall title?

Yikes! Can I say both? I tend to name characters at the beginning and realise they share the same initials or they sound too similar, it’s a nightmare. As for titles…don’t even get me started!

Now for the ‘fun bit’…


Would you rather have hands for feet or feet for hands?

Hands for feet, without a doubt. Much more practical!


If you could have written any book, what would it be and why?

The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s so incredibly beautiful and a fantastic idea. Wish I’d have come up with it!


If you had a superpower for the day, what would it be and what would you do with it?

I’d be able to make any kind of food that I imagined instantly appear. I love eating and I hate the waiting around to enjoy a meal!


If you could start on your writing journey from the beginning, would you do anything differently?

Loads. I’d share my work earlier, I’d publish earlier. I’d plan better, too.


If someone gave you an elephant to hide, where would you hide it?

In the bottom of my wardrobe. Because I’d have a wardrobe that big!


When writing, do you need total silence or background noise?

Noise. I always listen to music when I’m writing. I find it incredibly hard not to.


You’re having a dinner party, and can invite 5 authors (alive or dead), who do you invite and why?

Alex Garland, Marian Keys, Sebastian Fauks, Kate Furnivall and Martina Cole. I reckon Martina would be a great laugh and have a whole heap of interesting stories to tell.


If you listen to music, do you have a specific CD or playlist, or do you live life on the edge and shuffle everything?

In everyday life, I shuffle but I have specific playlists for my books to get me in the right mood with some songs specifically chosen for specific chapters.


If you could have the experience of reading a book for the first time, which would it be and why?

Ooh. Can I choose two? I’d choose The Beach, because it’s just fantastic. The first time I read it, it blew me away and made me want to travel. I’d also choose Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer. It’s non-fiction but it’s so heart-wrenchingly beautiful.


Who do you fangirl over? (Doesn’t have to be an author)

Gosh, loads of people. At the moment, Kit Harrington is way up on my list.

Finally…

What are your top tips for aspiring writers/authors?
Be confident, write what you really want to write, not what you think people want to read. And be focussed.

Can you tell us (and maybe tease us) about your latest WIP or next release?
After a whirlwind romance, Cassie and Oliver tie the knot. She’s got the perfect man, the perfect life and had the perfect wedding – until Smith turned up. He’d disappeared with a backpack when trouble caught up with him but now he’s back, just in time to find the girl he left behind has shacked up with someone else. Smith’s return is a complication Cassie doesn’t need, but when Oliver starts to show his menacing side its Smith, the badboy who’d toyed with her heart t breaking point who wants to put it back together again.

Give us all your social media links so we can all stalk you (legally and pay you money to do so)
http://www.nataliekmartin.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nataliemartinauthor
Twitter: @natkmartin
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/Natalie_Martin
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Natalie-Martin/e/B00IJ2N75Q

What are you hoping to gain from attending the signing in Birmingham?
Well, apart from feeling like a rockstar, I want to geek out about books! It’s so nice to connect with other authors as it can be pretty lonely at times. And, I’ve never been to Birmingham before!

Thanks for taking part and I wish you lots of luck and oodles of cash at the event. See you there!

Second City Signing Spotlight - Natalie Martin

As you know, I snagged a spot at the Second City Signing in Birmingham, UK in July 2015. I decided it would be great to get to know all the other confirmed authors who will be appearing at the event with me.
I hope everyone will share these posts around and comment on them, wishing each author well. Maybe even some of you will come along to the event to meet us all in person.




Up this week is.... Natalie Martin

Natalie is a lover of anything remotely artistic: music, books, art, video games, chocolate peanuts. Oh, wait - they're not artistic? Well, she loves them anyway! Originally from Sheffield, Natalie is currently based in London and loves all things French (okay, *most* things).

After five years of endless rewrites, Natalie decided to publish Together Apart and slung a backpack over her shoulder to head to India to do it. Because, why not? Now back in the UK, her feet are itching to go somewhere else.




And now for the interview:
Questions:
First the ‘business bit’...
Tell me about yourself… the usual, age, name, (penname if different - if it is different, explain your choice behind it), location.I’m Natalie Martin but my pen name is Natalie K Martin. Imaginitive, right? I share my name with about a billion other people so I’ve put my middle initial in for the distinction. I’m 30 and originally from Sheffield, South Yorkshire. I’ve been based in London for years now but I’ve started to spend a lot of time abroad, mostly India and South What genre do you predominantly write in? What drew you to that genre?I write contemporary romance, erring on the New Adult spectrum. I’ve always written romance but I LOVE the broad margins in New Adult. It’s fun!
How many books to you have on sale right now?I have my debut novel, Together Apart, on sale now. It’s about Adam and Sarah, a couple who have an idyllic relationship until he decides to propose. Less than forty-eight hours later, he’s single and heartbroken, all because Sarah has a secret she’s willing to sacrifice everything for to keep.
When do you plan to have your next release available? Tell me about it.My next release is called Heart Shaped Bruise and should be out before the end of the year. It’s about a woman who gets married after a whirlwind romance to the guy of her dreams. The only problem is she wasn’t quite single to begin with and her husband turns out to be a nasty so and so. Her badboy not-quite-ex comes back from travelling and sparks fly.
When did you start writing? Was it for fun at first, or did you want to write for publication from day one?I started writing at primary school. The first story I can properly remember was based around the board game Ludo. After that I wrote random things, dabbling across genres.
When you decided to write that 1st book, what motivated you to keep going?I was on holiday in Santorini in 2008 and wondered what would happen if a guy proposed to his girlfriend and she turned him down. I didn’t have a laptop with me so I wrote the beginnings of it on my phone. My motivation didn’t really come back until I started posting chapters online and getting positive feedback.
Are you a planner or a pantser or a mix of both?I didn’t plan Together Apart at all. As a result it went through a lot of twists and turns and seeped into literary fiction for a while. I eventually got my act together and cleared it up. I’ve since learned my lesson and Heart Shaped Bruise has been plotted from beginning to end.
Who is the favourite character you have ever written? Why?Smith, from Heart Shaped Bruise. He’s incredibly complex and he feels immensely (maybe unhealthily) real to me. It helps that he’s drop dead gorgeous too!
Where do you draw inspiration from? All kinds of things - music, films, people I come across, personal experiences. Most often I’d say it’s a lyric from a song that will get me thinking.
What do you find hardest, naming characters or thinking of an overall title?Yikes! Can I say both? I tend to name characters at the beginning and realise they share the same initials or they sound too similar, it’s a nightmare. As for titles...don’t even get me started!
Now for the ‘fun bit’...
Would you rather have hands for feet or feet for hands?Hands for feet, without a doubt. Much more practical!
If you could have written any book, what would it be and why?The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s so incredibly beautiful and a fantastic idea. Wish I’d have come up with it!
If you had a superpower for the day, what would it be and what would you do with it?I’d be able to make any kind of food that I imagined instantly appear. I love eating and I hate the waiting around to enjoy a meal!
If you could start on your writing journey from the beginning, would you do anything differently?Loads. I’d share my work earlier, I’d publish earlier. I’d plan better, too.
If someone gave you an elephant to hide, where would you hide it?In the bottom of my wardrobe. Because I’d have a wardrobe that big!
When writing, do you need total silence or background noise?Noise. I always listen to music when I’m writing. I find it incredibly hard not to.
You’re having a dinner party, and can invite 5 authors (alive or dead), who do you invite and why?Alex Garland, Marian Keys, Sebastian Fauks, Kate Furnivall and Martina Cole. I reckon Martina would be a great laugh and have a whole heap of interesting stories to tell.
If you listen to music, do you have a specific CD or playlist, or do you live life on the edge and shuffle everything?In everyday life, I shuffle but I have specific playlists for my books to get me in the right mood with some songs specifically chosen for specific chapters.
If you could have the experience of reading a book for the first time, which would it be and why?Ooh. Can I choose two? I’d choose The Beach, because it’s just fantastic. The first time I read it, it blew me away and made me want to travel. I’d also choose Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer. It’s non-fiction but it’s so heart-wrenchingly beautiful.
Who do you fangirl over? (Doesn’t have to be an author)Gosh, loads of people. At the moment, Kit Harrington is way up on my list.
Finally…
What are your top tips for aspiring writers/authors?Be confident, write what you really want to write, not what you think people want to read. And be focussed.
Can you tell us (and maybe tease us) about your latest WIP or next release?After a whirlwind romance, Cassie and Oliver tie the knot. She’s got the perfect man, the perfect life and had the perfect wedding - until Smith turned up. He’d disappeared with a backpack when trouble caught up with him but now he’s back, just in time to find the girl he left behind has shacked up with someone else. Smith’s return is a complication Cassie doesn’t need, but when Oliver starts to show his menacing side its Smith, the badboy who’d toyed with her heart t breaking point who wants to put it back together again.
Give us all your social media links so we can all stalk you (legally and pay you money to do so)www.nataliekmartin.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/nataliemartinauthorTwitter: @natkmartinWattpad: www.wattpad.com/Natalie_MartinAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Natalie-Martin/...
What are you hoping to gain from attending the signing in Birmingham?Well, apart from feeling like a rockstar, I want to geek out about books! It’s so nice to connect with other authors as it can be pretty lonely at times. And, I’ve never been to Birmingham before!
Thanks for taking part and I wish you lots of luck and oodles of cash at the event. See you there!