Samantha Tonge's Blog, page 13

The Squiggly Line of Success

Recently, my lovely editor at CarinaUK gave a talk at a book event and tweeted this photo of one of her slides. The line on the left represents how people feel the road to success progresses. The one on the right represents what it actually looks like. And I would definitely say that is true in my experience.

I’ve had a long and rocky road to publication and penned my first novel in 2005. The very first agency I sent it out to was Darley Anderson. It came back with a swift, standard rejection letter (thoroughly deserved). To my disbelief, ten years later, I have just signed with this agency, a moment of success for me. But the line of progress in between those two dates has certainly been squiggly, with ups and downs and moments where I felt I was going around in circles.

Whilst completing a first novel is a huge achievement, it represents the beginning of a long and tough journey only those with a thick skin will complete. I wrote novel after novel that got rejected. Sometimes the line of my progression halted when I declared I’d give up my dream of becoming a published author. Of course, that was like declaring giving up food or water – the compulsion to write is in my bones and I never stopped for longer than a couple of days.

Then in 2011 my line progressed a little further. I sold my first short story to a women’s magazine. I went on to sell over 50 to the People’s Friend. In 2013 publisher Alfie Dog Fiction brought out a collection of my short stories in paperback and Kindle form, called Sweet Talk. That was super-exciting and a huge boost to my confidence and my little line edged a further forwards. I even bagged a great romance agent so, on the surface everything looked like it was going to plan.

However lots of squiggly bits were happening at the same time. I failed to sell more than a couple of stories to Woman’s Weekly, for example and the first novel my agent submitted didn’t find a publisher. Despair set in time and time again. In publishing, I find that highs are often followed by lows and then circles where nothing seems to change for a while and then you might hit another high. The one constant is that words, with hope, continue to be written. Smaller successes become very important such as a lovely comment from a reader or an encouraging line from a publisher who rejected but nevertheless enjoyed your work

And then in 2013 I landed a deal with CarinaUK, thanks to my then-agent and my debut book Doubting Abbey. It got shortlisted for an award. Then my bestselling summer 2015 book Game of Scones actually won an award. For a while the squiggles straightened themselves out which was thrilling for me.

But, of course, my line still isn’t as straight as in the left of that slide screenshot. Some books sell better than others. Bad reviews still come in. I have a long way to go. In my opinion, you are only as good as your next book, not your last. A writer can never, ever become complacent. I am working harder than ever now, with my first short story out on the 11th February, How to Get Hitched in Ten Days. This will be followed by my summer novel in May and after that, who knows…

I guess that means the squiggly bits are important. They prepare you for the lows and make a writer realize that above all, determination and perseverance rule the day. So if you are going through a down or circular bit at the moment, don’t worry. Everyone has been there, it just doesn’t look like it on the surface. Look at all the rock bands who disintegrate and then re-form years later. Or the politicians who fall out of favour but make a comeback. Life is messy – just like squiggles. The important thing is that you are trying, maybe sometimes failing, but picking yourself up, learning and then moving forwards again, even though that may not be in a perfectly straight line.

As Robert H Schuller said:

“Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.”

 

How to Get Hitched in Ten Days!

I am thrilled to finally share the gorgeous cover to my spring novella, How to Get Hitched in Ten Days! Isn’t it cute? This story is very close to my heart and features lovable Mikey, every girl’s best friend…

 

This novella is out on February 11th and is up for preorder now!

Only 89p Amazon UK 

or

$1.99 Amazon US

Also available at other online retailers!

Here’s the blurb!

HOW NOT TO GET THE GIRL…

Meet Mikey, every girl’s best friend – he bakes the creamiest cheesecake, loves movie nights and is a great dance partner.

For Jasmine, Mikey is the perfect flatmate – he owns a 50s diner that turns out the best food around, gives the best bear hugs and amazing romance advice – after all they’re scoping out the same hot guys! So when her boyfriend proposes in the worst possible way, Jazz knows her best friend will be there to pick up the pieces with gourmet popcorn, Pinot sleepovers and a shoulder to lean on.

But Mikey isn’t about to let Jasmine give up on love, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to mend her broken heart – even if it means helping the one person who sees him as the enemy…

Because at the end of the day, all’s fair in the pursuit of true love… right?

 

 

A Writer’s Endurance

Sometimes I am asked, as a writer, what keeps you going through the difficult times? What is my motivation and inspiration when the going gets tough?

Recently I attended a talk at the National Geographic Society in London about trans-Antarctic expeditions – some expedition leaders spoke at an awards ceremony I was attending. And Wow. It was there I heard the story of the ship Endurance… And what lessons it has to teach us – those of us struggling with rejection letters (see my old ones below) or the pressure of a looming deadline, listen up….

 

For those  of you unfamiliar with the story, in 1914 Captain Ernest Shackleton sailed his ship, Endurance, to the Antarctic. Once there, the ship got stuck in ice and he and his men were stranded. Shackleton decided to take five of the starving men with him in a lifeboat,  without choice leaving many crew behind, and navigated 750 miles of treacherous ocean in this small vessel, living off fish and seabirds, to find land and help. Finally – and incredibly –  he achieved this and months later, as part of a rescue mission, he got back to his  men who had survived by eating their sleigh dogs.

I now have a photo of this stranded ship on the wall of my kitchen. It inspires me in my darkest moments, be them personal or professional. Imagine the determination and strength of character necessary to defeat those dangerous oceans. Imagine the focus, the sense of loyalty, the determination, the iron will – he must have refused to allow pessimistic voices in. Clearly, he was convinced that despite all the odds, he could achieve his goal and save his men.

This story helps me put my concerns and objectives into perspective. However bad my writer’s block might seem – or, as an unpublished author, however much I might have despaired of signing a deal – one must never lose faith, because faith in your own ability can help you accomplish amazing things. Endure the worst and who knows what you will achieve…

My Writing Year 2015

Wow. What a year it has been. My summer novel, Game of Scones, was a top ten Kindle bestseller and then won the Love Stories Best Romantic Ebook 2015 award, at a fancy cocktail bar in London.

 

 

I couldn’t ask for more and so appreciate everyone who bought and read the book. Above is a photo of me, on the night, with my lovely HarperCollins editor. I still think I’ve got that smile on my face!

 

 

One of the best things, about 2015, however, had been to meet so many lovely writers and bloggers. I’ve attended events organised by the wonderful Romantic Novelists Association and it’s been lovely to put some faces to names from the internet. Here I am with the fab Cathy Bramley, Trevor Williams, Karen Aldous and Holly Martin.

It’s also been a year for meeting things/people that have inspired me – this included a trip to Highclere Castle, as the series Downton Abbey inspired my 2013 debut Doubting Abbey…

 

… plus a night out in Manchester with the Dutch KLM flight attendant who inspired the character of Henrik in Game of Scones and its Christmas sequel.

 

… and a trip to… Ooh. Mustn’t give too much away! But here is a clue to my spring story, out soon!

 

Writing-wise – ie the craft itself – 2015 has been an exciting and challenging year. Game of  Scones took my writing in a more romantic direction and I wasn’t sure it was going to work. Plus I’ve had a few dark moments, on receiving revisions from my editor, wondering if I am up to the job. I’ve been challenged and feel/hope my writing has moved forward, otherwise what is the point?

I recalled recently, how my New Year’s resolution always used to be “to get published this year”, back in the old days when I was new to the business and a little naive. I mean, getting published isn’t as simple as that. So many factors out of your control are involved, plus you need a little luck. But of one thing I have no doubt – if you are determined and persevere, you will get there eventually. Your path might just be longer than others. But don’t give up.

Of course, finally getting published, doesn’t mean that all problems and disappointments stop there and whilst 2015 has been a wonderful year for me, I am well aware that you are only as good as your next book – and I have no idea what challenges 2016 will throw my way. Having said that, I already have several pieces of great news that I should be able to share in January, so watch this space And thanks, with all my heart, to all the people who have supported me and my writing this year. I’m eternally grateful. Here, have a cocktail on me!

 

 

 

 

Partying and Prizes!

Just two days ago – gosh, is it really that long, already – I went down to London for a day of partying with my romance author friends. In the afternoon was the Love Stories Awards ceremony, held at a very glitzy cocktail bar and I am thrilled – and amazed! –  to say my summer bestseller, Game of Scones, won the Best Romantic Ebook category! I think I shall be taking this sparkly statue to bed with me for several days to come (sorry husband, I know three is a crowd).

The calibre of the other nominees was very high, and what lovely ladies. That is the best thing about these events… getting to put proper, real-life faces to the names of writer, blogger and publishing industry people. And rather challenging it is too, as not everyone looks exactly like their social media photo if they have changed their hair or used an old picture. Yes, cue the embarrassment of someone greeting you like an old friend and it taking you a few moments to work out exactly who they are…

I also embarrassed myself but muddling up the identities of a literary agent and editor and inappropriate hugging was involved! But with the Prosecco flowing, such mistakes are easily forgotten and laughed over.

After the awards ceremony, during which another award-winner, the prolific Jenny Colgan, gave a very funny speech, we headed for the Romantic Novelists Association’s Winter party in a posh venue near the Ritz Hotel. Cue more Prosecco and lots of lovely nibbles – mini pizzas and tarts, scones (appropriately for me!) and a short industry award ceremony, champagne provided courtesy of the brilliant Katie Fforde.

From left to right, here are fab author friends Annie Lyons, Kath McGurl, Holly Martin and Carrie Elks (phew, I got all their names right).

 

Towards the end I finished up by putting the world to rights with another writer, in the toilets – where else – before heading off early to catch my train home (needn’t have bothered, it was delayed by an hour!) and I finally got to bed at 2am.

Great day. Both events so well organised. And writer friend John Jackson, as usual, acted as a very polite and lovely version of the paparazzi – well done.

This is the life I dreamed of years ago, when I started writing, and I count my blessings at every event. If you are an aspiring author, don’t give up. It took me several years (*clears throat* being generous there) but if I can start to achieve my goals so can anyone…

 

 

 

Ten Quirky Questions with Author Holly Martin!

Today the lovely Holly Martin has dropped by to answer some fun questions – plus I’m revealing the gorgeous cover to her latest book, the third book in her The Sentinel series! The Revenge is out on 1st December 2015!

 

 

Fantasy lover – real or fictional? Chris Hemsworth

Favourite cocktail? Ooh something with strawberries and champagne

Famous person who inspires you? Jessica Ennis, to be a Heptathlon athlete is just amazing

Favourite book heroine? Bridget Jones

Author you most respect? I love Sarah Morgan, her books tick every box for me

Jane Austen, Stephanie Meyer, John Green, E.L. James and J.K Rowling are all in a hot air balloon – one  must go overboard to save the others. Who would you throw over? Oh wow, what a question, i think I would jump over myself as these writers are all very talented in their own right.

Cheese or chocolate? Chocolate every time

Sparkly party outfit or understated elegance? Sparkles!!!!!!

What would a book about your life be called?  Round Peg, Square Hole

Thanks Holly! I wonder if you will write that book one day! And wishing you every success with The Revenge.

Here is the blurb:

He was created to be her back up and now he’s out to take her place

After the Oraculum orders Eve’s execution, she has to flee her home in the fort as those that have been guarding over her are forced to turn against her. Amongst the chaos, a new Sentinel is named. Adam, Eve’s half-brother.

Adam has spent his life incarcerated by the Oraculum while Eve was allowed to grow up with a family and friends. Now he is hell bent on revenge. He rules over his Guardians and his new kingdom with arrogance and a cold heart, but his one ambition is to make Eve’s life a living hell. Nowhere is safe from him, not even her dreams.

With the threat from the Putarians moving closer, her own Guardians betraying her, the survival of the world hinges in the balance.

Above all else, Adam must be stopped. But when Eve has a prophecy of her and Adam saving the world together, she quickly realizes she needs to work with him not against him.

But can Eve get through to Adam before it’s too late? Or will Adam’s evil heart result in the destruction of all?

Praise for The Sentinel (Book 1 in The Sentinel Series)

It’s a book you HAVE to read, because it’s incredible. An outstanding book that has left me bereft its finished. I wished I’d savoured it for longer. This book was one of those that once you started it was impossible to come away from. It was fast paced, exciting, full of suspense and action that had me gasping in shock at twists I never imagined could happen. It’s a story of courage and adventure. And no matter how dark it gets, there’s always love and hope. – Victoria Loves Books Blog

It’s really hard to find the words to describe how amazing this book is.

This is definitely the best debut I’ve read this year! I just love this book, I want you all to read this book, in fact you all need to read this book! – Love of a Good Book Blog

If you want to pre-order this book so it pops straight onto your kindle on December 1st then pop over here. Its only 99p/99c

UK http://amzn.to/1GQcNOt

US http://amzn.to/1S7aAOX

 

And if you haven’t read the first two books in the series yet, then pop over here and get your copy, all three books are 99p/99c at the moment

The Sentinel

UK http://amzn.to/1giKNVp

US http://amzn.to/IKSOUk

 

The Prophecies

UK http://amzn.to/1DZ8ECN

US http://amzn.to/1khpDuY

 

 

 

Carina author tips for writing Christmas novels!

Every year my publisher, Carina UK (HarperCollins) releases a lovely number of Christmas novels and novellas, and this year is no different from any other. So, I thought it a good idea to ask some of their writers for tips on how to go about creating a festive story. My own novel, My Big Fat Christmas Wedding was a joy to write and if you want my very own top tips have a look on the lovely Wendy Clarke’s blog, here.

 

TA Williams author of What Happens At Christmas

Write it in the summer when you think nostalgically of snowy scenes and winter wonderlands, rather than in the winter when it’s freezing cold, grey and soggy.

 

Buffy Andrews author of The Christmas Violin

It can be tough writing a Christmas story when the holiday is months away. To help get in the mood, create a feeling of Christmas. Listen to Christmas music. Make a cup of cocoa. Put up a small tree or display a few of your favorite ornaments in your writing area.

Jennifer Joyce author of The Mince Pie Mix-Up

To get myself in the festive mood while working on The Mince Pie Mix-Up during the summer, I listened to lots of Christmas music (AccuRadio have a great selection of festive stations year-round) and used a festive mug for my all-important tea.

 

Jaimie Admans contributing author to Christmas Wish Come True

My tip would be to immerse yourself in Christmas, no matter what time of year you’re writing in! Drag some tinsel out of the attic, burn a festive scented candle, go and bake gingerbread men, find a Christmas playlist on Youtube, and think of all the senses – what Christmas feels, sounds, smells, and tastes like!

 

 

Darcie Boleyn author of Wish Upon a Christmas Cake 

Play some Christmas tunes, burn some cinnamon candles, look at photographs from Christmases gone by then let the words flow.

 

Misty Shaw contributing author to Christmas Wish Come True

Remember the Christmas magic from your childhood, how the snow always used to cover the ground.

 

Annie Lyons author of A Not Quite Perfect Christmas

Watch The Snowman, It’s A Wonderful Life & Love Actually to get those festive emotions (& tears) flowing!

 

Jenny Oliver author of Four Weddings and a White Christmas 

There’s nothing more fascinating (and unique) than other people’s Xmases – so draw on your own memories and traditions as much as possible when writing festive.

 

Maxine Morrey author of Winter’s Fairytale 

‘Nothing beats Michael Buble’s Christmas album for getting you in the festive mood – even when it’s 30 plus degrees outside!’

 

Sweet Talk from awesome author Jenny Oliver

 

Hello Jenny – lovely to have a fellow foodie on the blog! Food features heavily in my own writing – cupcakes In Mistletoe Mansion, my summer novel Game of Scones speaks for itself and in the latter’s standalone sequel,  My Big Fat Christmas Wedding, Pippa specializes in baking scones and pasties… yum! Clearly you  love writing about food as well, going by the titles of some of your books, like the Cherry Pie Island series, The Little Christmas Kitchen and The Parisian Christmas Bake off… Do you bake much in real life? I see from your website that you come from a family of “star bakers”!

Hey Sam, thanks for having me! I was excited to see your cover reveal for My Big Fat Christmas Wedding – it looks amazing!

Thanks so much! As a fellow Carina author, I’m sure you’ll agree their covers are fab-u-lous! So… back to food – how important is it in your personal and writing life?

I do love writing about food and I have an incredibly sweet tooth so can never resist a stop for a cup of tea and a cake. When I have the time I bake at home, and I’m looking forward to baking more with my son when he gets a bit older – I have really fond memories of standing on a stool by the kitchen counter when my mum was baking and being able to lick the spoon. My favourite recipes are a very easy all-in-one chocolate cake from a tatty old cookbook that everyone in the family has photocopies of because it’s such a winner, and my grandmother’s lemon cake which is insanely good and a close guarded secret recipe.

I really enjoy describing the texture and appearance of sweet foods and I think this comes from being brought up by a mother who was an ace baker – suet puddings, pies, cakes, all gooey and melt-in-the-mouth and… I could go on!

I can relate to that! My mum was a midday supervisor at a primary school, when I was younger, and used to bring home the recipes to bake. I can remember frequently tucking into seconds of carrot cake, suet puddings, rice puddings… Mmmm! I believe your mum is Russian and has inspired your interest in all things culinary, so would you say your palate is very cosmopolitan or are you a bigger fan of the British staples?

Ooh I like everything! Probably more than the cultural influence was the insistence that we should at least try what was on the plate in front of us, even if we didn’t finish it, and I think that lead to a pretty rounded palate. The Russian heritage has had most influence on seasonal celebrations – Easter especially – and instead of a wedding cake we had Malakoff Torte, made by my mum, which is probably one of my most favourite foods in the world!

 

What is your signature dish, if you’re throwing a dinner party?

In the winter I tend to make Coq au Vin or some other kind of hearty stew! In summer it’s lots of salads, tabbouleh and an amazing moroccan chicken dish of Nigel Slater’s which is v easy and unbelievably tasty.

I know cherries are your favourite fruit… which is your favourite:

Vegetable – probably carrots or broccoli, but I’m more of a salad person – I have it with everything – and I love avocado.

Sandwich filling – this is very tricky. I like a lot of different sandwiches. But I’m going to go with cheese and pickle. Simple but very effective.

Dessert – if it’s a restaurant then always the chocolate option. If not then Malakoff Torte (as above) or my mum’s meringues.

Writing snack – plain chocolate digestives.

Can we expect any more foodie books from you in the future?

 

My latest book, Four Weddings and a White Christmas, has just come out and food plays a really important part in the story. Harry, the hero, is a chef and pours all his passion and energy into his restaurant and his food, leaving very little left for anyone else… Enter Hannah to change all that!

Sounds like a wonderful read, Jenny!

Thanks so much for joining me and now I must head straight for the kitchen – all this food-talk has made me decidedly peckish!

You can find out more about Jenny here

 

Blogger Daniel Riding Dishes the Dirt!

Today I am thrilled to welcome blogger, writer and artist Daniel Riding to my blog. We first “met” online in the summer, when he did an amazing video review of my bestselling summer book, Game of Scones. I am nervously awaiting his verdict on the book’s standalone sequel, My Big Fat Christmas Wedding (Preorder only £1.99 and out this Thursday ) In fact, one of the questions I ask Daniel is how he copes with reviewing a book he doesn’t like, if he is friends with the author… More on that later!

Hello Daniel, lovely to have you here. Thanks for dropping by!

Hi Sam, thank you so much for having me. This is my first ever interview and I am so excited.

What an honour for me, then! Well, let’s crack on… What made you become a book reviewing blogger and how did that progress to helping authors promote their books?

Well I have always had a love of books, reading and writing and have read copious amounts of books over many years. Just over a year ago I had a rather nasty relapse with my depression and that let to 12 months of illness, medication and more DRs Visits than I care to remember. Reading has always been a form of escapism and with a battle against depression on my hands I found that throwing myself into reading was a wonderful version of self-therapy for me. Everything stopped when I got ill, my job, I had to leave university and having no purpose is something that I don’t cope with very well. So that is when I decided to take up book blogging. I thought about how much I read and thought I could do something with it. I wasn’t able to focus on my own writing so I thought I could at least help others that I admire and respect. And so the blog was born.

How do you find most writers to work with? Professional and driven or a bit scatty? Any particularly good or bad experiences you wish to share with us?!

Most writers are an absolute pleasure to work with, as are many Publishers and editors. It is very rare that I have encountered anything negative but there are a couple of things that irritate me a little bit. Sometimes I feel that some (not all) publishers tend to pester a little too much, bloggers do what they do because they love it and don’t get any form of payment (not that we look for that) apart from amazing books. I sometimes think people need a little reminder of that.

I did have one experience with an author that I wasn’t too happy about. I won’t name names because I believe that to be unprofessional but I will say what happened. As you know Sam, I love to interview authors because it gives my readers (and myself) a look into the way a writer works and I love to find out about their journey to publication. I feel it can inspire author writers to keep going and to pursue their dreams. Well this one author I was set to interview emailed back once I had sent over the questions saying that the questions were boring and that I was only allowed to ask four questions. I was also told how they were sick of answering the same questions and emailed me a link to an article where they had been previously interviewed. I obviously politely declined because I find it so disrespectful to tell a blogger there questions are boring. I don’t care who you are, or who you think you are there is no reason to act as if you are above anyone.

Other than that one experience I have found the majority of the bookish community to be wonderfully supportive of each other and I am very grateful to be a part of it.

What an unfortunate experience – it is such a shame that some people forget bloggers do what they do without financial gain and regardless of that, manners matter.

So, is there any type of author or genre that you would have no interest in helping to promote? Do you turn down many requests?

I am always more than happy to help promote any author if I have the time and space on my blog. I am a firm believer in helping authors because we are all essentially in the same boat. Creative people looking to be successful. I don’t think there are any genres of books that I wouldn’t say no to but I do give everything careful consideration. I have my two favourite genres which are Romantic fiction and YA fantasy, I could eat this kind of books and gorge myself on their amazingness.

Can it be awkward if you get on well with an author, agree to review a book and then not like it? How do you handle that?

Not at all, I find that of I get on well with an author then it should be easier to be honest about what you think because if you are on friendly terms you respect the writer as a human being and not just a writer. If there are certain aspects of the book that I don’t like then I will say bit in an honest and constructive way. If I can’t get into a book then I simply won’t review it. If I love a book, then I think it is clear because I gush about it in my reviews.

I know that you write, Daniel – did that interest come from becoming more involved in the writing community, or has the compulsion always been there?

Oh it has always been there since I can remember, but being part of the bookish and writing community has only fuelled it more. I can remember when I was about 7 or 8, I wrote a story on my dad’s electric typewriter about a mouse who hated cheese but loved spaghetti bolognaise. I’m hoping my ideas are a little more evolved nowadays. I have always written over the years, poems, short stories. I was even the Co-Editor of a men’s fashion website for a while writing numerous articles about style. But my love will always be with books and that is what I want my career to be in.

Tell us a little about your writing.

Well I love to write, and recently the ideas have been bussing about in my brain all screaming for attention. The main book I am working on at the moment is a romantic fiction book about a girl who is an aspiring writer, but there are a number of issues along the way. I am also playing around with a 6 book YA fantasy series that is about witches, fae and royalty. I am also playing around with writing m/m same sex romantic erotica under a pseudonym, again this will be adult romantic fiction with fantasy creatures. So when I say there are lots of ideas, there really are.

And from your experience of getting to know writers, how to you view the writing life? You’ll be very aware of the amount of promotion necessary these days – does that put you off becoming an author, or do you think you would enjoy it?

You writers are indeed a busy bunch and I cannot wait to join you all. I get how much hard work goes into writing as well as constant promotion. I love social media and interacting with people, so I really think I would enjoy it. I already have a sample pack of items from a printer so I have ideas for how to promote my books when I get published. It is going to happen, I won’t let it be any other way.

Good for you. I truly believe perseverance is equally important as talent. So what do you think of digital books? Do you like them and do you believe they are a passing fad or here to stay?

I love books in any form but I do prefer physical copies of books because I am little bit old school like that. But at the same time, I do love my Kindle and the immediacy of it all, plus A Kindle or e-reader is easier to carry if you are going on holiday or a long journey. I do believe physical books and digital book have equal rights in terms of shelf space and readership. There does seem to be an ongoing debate about digital vs physical books but I love them both. Having so many wonderful options that allows people access to so many wonderful books can only be a good thing. I think digital books are here to stay and hope they do, just the same way I feel about physical books.

 

Have you any other artistic talents?

Apart from the writing, I am known to dabble in many creative pools. I love to paint, draw and illustrate etc. I also love creating art digitally on Photoshop etc. At the moment I have a number of items available on my online shop which is via a website called society 6. I don’t make an awful lot of money from it but that is not the reason I am doing it. It’s exciting to see my work printed on household items such as bags, (see above!)  cushions, rugs and even leggings/yoga pants etc and actually have people want them in their homes. I am adding stuff to it all the time. I can’t help but be creative. If you like you can check it out here: https://society6.com/danielriding

Thanks so much for visiting today, Daniel. It’s been really interesting to hear about all your projects. Best of luck with them – and see you soon on Twitter! xx

Thank you so much for having me Sam, looking forward to chatting to you soon xx

 

My Big Fat Christmas Cover!

I am thrilled to reveal the cover for my Christmas novel, My Big Fat Christmas Wedding – out soon! Talk about gorgeously romantic! And I love the jam jars in the fairy lights – very Mama Mia!

This book is the standalone sequel to bestselling Game of Scones, and I can’t wait for you to reacquaint yourselves with feisty scone-maker Pippa, exotic fisherman Niko and suave property developer Henrik – or to meet them for the first time

So, here it is… shield your eyes against the sparkles! Find the blurb below.

Things don’t always run smoothly in the game of love…

Former hot shot city girl Pippa Pattinson loves her new life of rustic simplicity, running a quaint teashop on a sleepy Greek island with her hot fiancé, Niko. But it’s been a quick change to slow living – and you can’t blame a girl for wondering, ‘how did I get here?’

As her Christmas wedding approaches, a trip back to snowy England for her ex’s engagement party makes her wonder if those are wedding bells she’s hearing in her mind, or warning bells. She longs for the excitement of her old London life – the glamour, the regular pedicures. Can she really give that all up to be…a fishwife?

There’s nothing for it but to throw herself into bringing a little Christmas magic to the struggling village in the form of a Christmas fair. Somewhere in amidst the sparkly bauble cakes and stollen scones, she’s sure she’ll come to the right decision about where she belongs…hopefully in time for the wedding…

Perfect for fans of Lindsey Kelk and Debbie Johnson, you won’t want to miss the Christmas Wedding of the year!