M.B. Feeney's Blog, page 23
November 26, 2012
Not Long to go...
I may be feeling slightly nervous as I type up this post...
Sugarplum Dreams is due for release on December 11. Yep, THIS December. You can own a wonderful book that contains four fantastic stories by four amazing authors.
To help celebrate, we are having a Twitter party on release day. There will be swag to win and general fun and frolics to be had. You can even ask us some questions if you feel so inclined.
Make sure you're on Twitter 11 December, 11pm GMT (6pm EST) using hashtag #SugarplumDreamsParty if you want to take part. We will also be hosting some giveaways on Goodreads soon for you to be in with a chance to win a paperback copy of the collection signed by one of us, so make sure you keep an eye out for those..
Sugarplum Dreams is due for release on December 11. Yep, THIS December. You can own a wonderful book that contains four fantastic stories by four amazing authors.
To help celebrate, we are having a Twitter party on release day. There will be swag to win and general fun and frolics to be had. You can even ask us some questions if you feel so inclined.
Make sure you're on Twitter 11 December, 11pm GMT (6pm EST) using hashtag #SugarplumDreamsParty if you want to take part. We will also be hosting some giveaways on Goodreads soon for you to be in with a chance to win a paperback copy of the collection signed by one of us, so make sure you keep an eye out for those..
November 25, 2012
NaNo Week 4 With teaser
Well, NaNo's almost at an end and once again I have failed dismally at reaching 50k. On the plus side, I managed to get up to almost 13k (as of this afternoon) which is an achievement. I just hope I can keep going with it and actually finish it. Who knows, it may even be publishable.
I know for a fact I won't be able to take part in NaNo next year as my final year of uni will be epically crazy, but in all honesty, I doubt I'll attempt it again. I find that I put myself under so much pressure which then allows me to get distracted by anything and everything which I then use as an excuse as to why I haven't written every day.
At least I'm honest eh? I'll do another post when NaNo is over completely.
Anyway,now for a teaser. Enjoy:
I was putting the finishing touches to my make up when a buzzing sounded, signalling Luke arriving ten minutes early.“Fuck! I haven’t done my hair.” I ran into the hallway, my hand full of Kirby grips.“Stop panicking. Go get pretty, I’ll keep him entertained for a few.” Becky shooed me back into my room as she picked up the intercom handset. I ran out of sight before he came in.“So, you’re Luke.” I rolled my eyes a few seconds later at Becky’s stating of the obvious as I pulled my hair into a simple up plait and secured it with about a million hair grips. I checked my make up was still in place before putting in some earrings and pulling on a wooden, chunky bracelet. I walked into the living room to find Luke looking around curiously. I couldn’t see Becky, and for that I was glad.“Hi.” I cursed the smallness of my voice caused by the flutter of nerves that had decided to move into my stomach. Luke spun round, a smile on his face.“Hey, you look great.” Luke himself looked really good. Slim fit black jeans, a loose fitting jumper pulled up to the elbows showing off obscenely attractive forearms.“Thanks. I was worried about looking too casual, but seeing you, I feel a little over dressed.” I indicated his battered lace up boots and his fashionably mussed brown hair. “But, you look good too.” I quickly added. I allowed my eyes to travel up his impressive body. He was taller than me, but thanks to my heels, I was looking at his lips rather than his adam’s apple. Both were very attractive, but distracting. I heard him clear his throat and pulled my eyes up to his face. It was obvious, from the wide smile, he’d been watching me checking him out.“What?” I shrugged the embarrassment away determined not to blush.“Calm down Soph. I’m sure Luke doesn’t mind you looking at him like he’s your main course at dinner.” Becky appeared from nowhere. I gaped at her as she continued to speak. “Quit mentally undressing him, go out, get lashed, and continue onto sexy times.”“See you later.” I grabbed my bag and a light jacket and led Luke out of the flat before I gagged Becky.“Did she really just use the term ‘sexy times’?” Luke sniggered. I groaned, causing him to laugh even harder.“She doesn’t get much opportunity to speak to adults being a nanny. Her filter’s a bit crap.”“Say no more. My sister works with young kids and she’s a little odd too.”“That’s a bit mean.” I allowed him to guide me over to his gleaming car.
I know for a fact I won't be able to take part in NaNo next year as my final year of uni will be epically crazy, but in all honesty, I doubt I'll attempt it again. I find that I put myself under so much pressure which then allows me to get distracted by anything and everything which I then use as an excuse as to why I haven't written every day.
At least I'm honest eh? I'll do another post when NaNo is over completely.
Anyway,now for a teaser. Enjoy:
I was putting the finishing touches to my make up when a buzzing sounded, signalling Luke arriving ten minutes early.“Fuck! I haven’t done my hair.” I ran into the hallway, my hand full of Kirby grips.“Stop panicking. Go get pretty, I’ll keep him entertained for a few.” Becky shooed me back into my room as she picked up the intercom handset. I ran out of sight before he came in.“So, you’re Luke.” I rolled my eyes a few seconds later at Becky’s stating of the obvious as I pulled my hair into a simple up plait and secured it with about a million hair grips. I checked my make up was still in place before putting in some earrings and pulling on a wooden, chunky bracelet. I walked into the living room to find Luke looking around curiously. I couldn’t see Becky, and for that I was glad.“Hi.” I cursed the smallness of my voice caused by the flutter of nerves that had decided to move into my stomach. Luke spun round, a smile on his face.“Hey, you look great.” Luke himself looked really good. Slim fit black jeans, a loose fitting jumper pulled up to the elbows showing off obscenely attractive forearms.“Thanks. I was worried about looking too casual, but seeing you, I feel a little over dressed.” I indicated his battered lace up boots and his fashionably mussed brown hair. “But, you look good too.” I quickly added. I allowed my eyes to travel up his impressive body. He was taller than me, but thanks to my heels, I was looking at his lips rather than his adam’s apple. Both were very attractive, but distracting. I heard him clear his throat and pulled my eyes up to his face. It was obvious, from the wide smile, he’d been watching me checking him out.“What?” I shrugged the embarrassment away determined not to blush.“Calm down Soph. I’m sure Luke doesn’t mind you looking at him like he’s your main course at dinner.” Becky appeared from nowhere. I gaped at her as she continued to speak. “Quit mentally undressing him, go out, get lashed, and continue onto sexy times.”“See you later.” I grabbed my bag and a light jacket and led Luke out of the flat before I gagged Becky.“Did she really just use the term ‘sexy times’?” Luke sniggered. I groaned, causing him to laugh even harder.“She doesn’t get much opportunity to speak to adults being a nanny. Her filter’s a bit crap.”“Say no more. My sister works with young kids and she’s a little odd too.”“That’s a bit mean.” I allowed him to guide me over to his gleaming car.
November 19, 2012
NaNo Week 3 - Teaser
I managed to get a little added to Freedom to Fly this week, but it's been a real struggle getting back into it. Plus, promo for Right Click, Love and Sugarplum Dreams is beginning and that is taking up a lot of my thoughts. (mainly causing nerves).
I also got new glasses this week and am getting used to wearing them. This is no excuse to not writing, none of them are, but it's the truth. I will keep going, but I know for a fact that I won't meet the 50k which is fine. I won't have 'won' NaNo, but I will have the beginnings of a novel... maybe.
Now for the teaser:
I’d been moving around the bar collecting the empties and chatting to the regulars for twenty minutes. I was on their side of the bar only a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t want to lose the connection I had with them, some I would have even classed as friends who teased that I had ‘gone over to the dark side’ and that I was no fun anymore as I had to remain sober on shift. I promised that I would be in one night when I wasn’t working and they could all buy me a drink to apologise. Soon shut them up.“Evening.” Luke’s deep voice rumbled from behind me as I straightened from wiping an empty table. I turned to find his hazel eyes taking in my skinny jeans and white vest top which was a little beer stained as his body heat washed over me.“Nice view?” I returned his greeting with a smile that let him know that he’d been caught.“Not bad, I wouldn’t mind a return visit just to make sure.” “A return visit infers that there’s going to be an initial visit.” I joined Ed behind the bar, missing the heat from Luke’s body yet relieved at the distance between us. “I assume you would like a beer.” I didn’t wait for confirmation as I grabbed a glass and began to pour the pint.“You’re a bad barwench are you?” “You wanna wear this beer?” I kept my face straight.“I’d rather drink it.”“Stop calling me a wench then.” I felt Ed sidle up to stand next to me.“Problems Soph?” He knew full well there wasn’t as I wasn’t swearing like a navvi and I hadn’t thrown anything.“No, everything’s fine. Luke’s just apologising for his minor slip of the tongue.” I watched Ed’s eyes widen slightly at the mention of Luke’s name.“I do, utterly and profusely. Will you allow me to buy to a drink to prove myself?” Now he was just showing off in front of Ed who was hulking behind me in all his muscly glory.
I hope you enjoy it. I'm going to post another One Shot this week which I hope you check out and enjoy.
I also got new glasses this week and am getting used to wearing them. This is no excuse to not writing, none of them are, but it's the truth. I will keep going, but I know for a fact that I won't meet the 50k which is fine. I won't have 'won' NaNo, but I will have the beginnings of a novel... maybe.
Now for the teaser:
I’d been moving around the bar collecting the empties and chatting to the regulars for twenty minutes. I was on their side of the bar only a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t want to lose the connection I had with them, some I would have even classed as friends who teased that I had ‘gone over to the dark side’ and that I was no fun anymore as I had to remain sober on shift. I promised that I would be in one night when I wasn’t working and they could all buy me a drink to apologise. Soon shut them up.“Evening.” Luke’s deep voice rumbled from behind me as I straightened from wiping an empty table. I turned to find his hazel eyes taking in my skinny jeans and white vest top which was a little beer stained as his body heat washed over me.“Nice view?” I returned his greeting with a smile that let him know that he’d been caught.“Not bad, I wouldn’t mind a return visit just to make sure.” “A return visit infers that there’s going to be an initial visit.” I joined Ed behind the bar, missing the heat from Luke’s body yet relieved at the distance between us. “I assume you would like a beer.” I didn’t wait for confirmation as I grabbed a glass and began to pour the pint.“You’re a bad barwench are you?” “You wanna wear this beer?” I kept my face straight.“I’d rather drink it.”“Stop calling me a wench then.” I felt Ed sidle up to stand next to me.“Problems Soph?” He knew full well there wasn’t as I wasn’t swearing like a navvi and I hadn’t thrown anything.“No, everything’s fine. Luke’s just apologising for his minor slip of the tongue.” I watched Ed’s eyes widen slightly at the mention of Luke’s name.“I do, utterly and profusely. Will you allow me to buy to a drink to prove myself?” Now he was just showing off in front of Ed who was hulking behind me in all his muscly glory.
I hope you enjoy it. I'm going to post another One Shot this week which I hope you check out and enjoy.
November 17, 2012
Right Click, Love Teaser
Ok, as the release date is drawing nearer, I thought I'd give you a little teaser from the final edited version. It's short, but I hope it'll leave you wanting a little more. It's taken from the Chapter 3 blog post.
Conversation Two:Me: *looks at his sticker* “Hi, John.”John: *mumbles* “Hi.”M: “So, tell me about yourself . . .”J: “Um . . . I’m thirty, I work in the city . . .” *takes nervous sip from his bottle of poncy beer*M: “That’s . . . er . . . nice.” *gulp* “So, you live local?”J: “Not too far. Me and mum co-own a house about ten minutes away.” *alarm bells*M: “Oh . . . that’s great.”J: “Er . . . so, what do you do for a living?”M: “I’m a legal secretary.” *tumbleweeds*
At this point I’d given up the will to live and knocked back almost a whole large glass of wine. We sat in silence until the bell rang again.
Conversation Two:Me: *looks at his sticker* “Hi, John.”John: *mumbles* “Hi.”M: “So, tell me about yourself . . .”J: “Um . . . I’m thirty, I work in the city . . .” *takes nervous sip from his bottle of poncy beer*M: “That’s . . . er . . . nice.” *gulp* “So, you live local?”J: “Not too far. Me and mum co-own a house about ten minutes away.” *alarm bells*M: “Oh . . . that’s great.”J: “Er . . . so, what do you do for a living?”M: “I’m a legal secretary.” *tumbleweeds*
At this point I’d given up the will to live and knocked back almost a whole large glass of wine. We sat in silence until the bell rang again.
November 15, 2012
Day 5 Cover Reveal - Sugarplum Dreams
The Blurb:A late night reunion on the beach, warm cookies fresh from the oven, the overwhelming world of online dating, and a one-night stand that changes of the lives of three people — Sugarplum Dreams, Book Four of the Candy Collection, wields a voyage of self-discovery, new beginnings, new loves, and admirable courage.
Sugarplum Dreams in a word from our authors:Lisa Bilbrey calls the collection: “Four amazing stories that will have you on the edge of your seat and begging for more.”
M.B. Feeney says, “Beaches, baking, blogs and babies — Sugarplum Dreams offers escapism for all romantics.”
added, “Moonlit beaches, the London dating scene, broken eggs, and mistaken identity are the stepping stones to follow four distinct love stories that span months and years in Sugarplum Dreams, Book Four of the Candy Collection.”
Michele Richard said, “From beaches to bakeries, to babies, to dating blogs, this anthology has everything to fulfill those holiday romantic readers with delight!”
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the anthology cover:
Scheduled for release in paperback and ebook on December 11th, 2012.
Individual novellas will be available in ebook only.
Day 4 Cover Reveal - The Roommates by Michele Richard
Spring break changes everything for Daphne Hobbs. A one-night stand leaves her pregnant and alone. She soon discovers that the father is an identical twin, and she's unsure of which one turned her world upside down. She’ll be forced to share her apartment with them until she can discover the truth. Julius and Jordan Sweet share everything in their lives — almost to the point of living one life. Will Daphne uncover who’s the daddy?
Where to find Michele Richard:Facebook
Blog
Part of the upcoming 4th instalment of the Candy COllection, Sugarplum Dreams:
November 14, 2012
Day 3 Cover Reveal - Sugar & Spice by R. E. Hargrave
Lacey Harrison has been dealt an unexpected hand in life: being a single mom. With her father's help and that of the residents at Royal Hills Nursing Home, she thrives and goes on to become a successful baker. She is content with her life but knows that she and her daughter Candy are missing something. Will things change for the better when Trent Childress moves into town and adds some spice to her sugar?
Where to find R. E. Hargrave:
Blog
From the upcoming 4th instalment of the Candy Collection, Sugarplum Dreams
November 12, 2012
Day 2 Cover Reveal - Right Click, Love by M. B. Feeney
Disheartened about not being able to find “Mr. Right” on theLondon dating scene, best friends Jodie Lynch and Louise Hewson create a blogto 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 experiencesand to see where they’re going wrong. How will they deal with everything thedating scene has to throw at them — planned or otherwise?
As this is mine, I don't think I really need to link the blog, but here's my Twitter and Facebook just in case you lost them!
This novella is part of the 4th in the Candy Collections, Sugarplum Dreams:
Day 1 Cover Reveal - Broken Hearts & Dusty Dreams by Lisa Bilbrey
Riley Farris and Natalie Sloane were the best of friends who spent every summer together on the sandy beach of Mustang Island. Then, just when Riley’s getting set to spend another summer with Natalie, she disappears. As the years pass, he struggles to understand what happened to the girl he knew. Until, one night while walking on the beach, he stumbles upon a woman who is broken and lost.
Where to find Lisa Bilbrey:Her Blog
Part of the up coming 4th in the Candy Collections, Sugarplum Dreams:
November 11, 2012
NaNo - Weekly Post 2 with Teaser
Well... this week has been a writing bust as I have had visitors and have been to concerts. First I went to a show in Coventry which was brilliant as my friend and I got to meet the band (Suzerain). I highly recommend you check them out as they are not only amazing, they are a nice bunch of guys too.
Then a friend from Germany came to stay for a couple of days as she and another friend (and me of course) went to see Christian Kane, Brian Nutter and Jenn Bostic. It was a fantastic show and I am chuffed that I got a ton of pictures from both shows.
Onto the writing... I managed to get a little done, but not enough to keep on top of the word count. I am having to play an extreme case of catch up. I WILL do it this year, as I am determined not to give up on NaNo this year as I know I won't be able to take part next year.
I am far too easily distracted, but I will try to control my inner procrastinator and push on. And now for a teaser...
“Well, I’ll be sure to mention your impeccable manners if I ever meet her. Sorry to chat and dash, I need to go and catch the last bus otherwise I’m walking home.” I reluctantly began to walk away from him only for him to catch up and fall into step beside me.“Where are you headed?” “I need to get over to Westbourne Park.” I didn’t have that far to go, but it was after one in the morning, and I really didn’t want to have to walk, not that I hadn’t done that before, drunk and in search of an off licence at stupid o’clock with friends when I was in my early twenties because we didn’t want the party to end. While it was fun, I didn’t fancy doing it sober, cold and on my own.“I’m going in the same direction, I can give you a lift if you like?” He indicated a fancy looking white car parked where he’d been waiting for me.“Uhm... I was always taught never to get in a car with a stranger.” “Ouch.” He placed his hand on his chest as if he’d been shot. “That hurt. We’re not strangers, not really.”“Oh but Luke, we are, and I’m not the kind of girl who gets in a car with any man who apologises for having a prick of a friend. Thank you for the offer though.” Before he could try to talk me round, I turned away and half walked half ran to the bus stop where I managed to jump on the bus seconds before it pulled away.
Then a friend from Germany came to stay for a couple of days as she and another friend (and me of course) went to see Christian Kane, Brian Nutter and Jenn Bostic. It was a fantastic show and I am chuffed that I got a ton of pictures from both shows.
Onto the writing... I managed to get a little done, but not enough to keep on top of the word count. I am having to play an extreme case of catch up. I WILL do it this year, as I am determined not to give up on NaNo this year as I know I won't be able to take part next year.
I am far too easily distracted, but I will try to control my inner procrastinator and push on. And now for a teaser...
“Well, I’ll be sure to mention your impeccable manners if I ever meet her. Sorry to chat and dash, I need to go and catch the last bus otherwise I’m walking home.” I reluctantly began to walk away from him only for him to catch up and fall into step beside me.“Where are you headed?” “I need to get over to Westbourne Park.” I didn’t have that far to go, but it was after one in the morning, and I really didn’t want to have to walk, not that I hadn’t done that before, drunk and in search of an off licence at stupid o’clock with friends when I was in my early twenties because we didn’t want the party to end. While it was fun, I didn’t fancy doing it sober, cold and on my own.“I’m going in the same direction, I can give you a lift if you like?” He indicated a fancy looking white car parked where he’d been waiting for me.“Uhm... I was always taught never to get in a car with a stranger.” “Ouch.” He placed his hand on his chest as if he’d been shot. “That hurt. We’re not strangers, not really.”“Oh but Luke, we are, and I’m not the kind of girl who gets in a car with any man who apologises for having a prick of a friend. Thank you for the offer though.” Before he could try to talk me round, I turned away and half walked half ran to the bus stop where I managed to jump on the bus seconds before it pulled away.
