THE SOCIAL LIFE OF THE RUSSIAN ARISTOCRACY

We are delighted to welcome author, Freda Lightfoot to the blog today to tell us about the fascinating social life of the Russian aristocracy.

When in town, the social life of the Russian aristocracy would include concerts, the opera, theatre, dinner and dancing, as well as attending smart clubs. One, called the Café Chantant, was particularly popular with the rich. They would hire a box and indulge in champagne and caviar. In St Petersburg, Krestovsky Island - one of several islands on the River Neva and linked to the mainland by a bridge, was where they would engage in tennis, golf and yachting. In winter there would be skating and tobogganing.

In the summer, many Russian families would visit their datcha, which was generally fairly Spartan. But here they could enjoy boating, bathing, riding, fishing, croquet and picnics.

Social life might be thought of as much simpler than in England, but full formal dress was expected to be worn at all social functions. A silk, muslin or canvas dress was considered to be highly fashionable. At a Court luncheon a low-necked gown was popular, but no décolleté was allowed at an afternoon tea party as that would be very bad form. Hats were worn at all times, including fur ones or hoods in the winter, but removed in the theatre as an act of courtesy to those seated behind. Men would wear uniform or evening dress for social events during the day as well as the evening. No lipstick for an unmarried woman was permitted, or they would be assumed to be a prostitute.

Nine o’clock in the evening was a popular hour for social calls, when glasses of tea would be set in silver stands with handles of gilt or enamelled silver. Tea was served without cream or milk, but very sweet, and with slices of lemon floating in each glass. A Russian lady would often nibble on a lump of sugar before sipping her tea. It was considered to be ‘a want of taste’ if you didn’t take sugar. There would also be cakes of all kinds, some flavoured with caraway and poppy seeds, and fruit and bonbons were also provided.

The linen of the social elite would be of the finest and most delicate, as Russians loved their napkins, tablecloths and bed linen, maintaining a store of the very best they could afford with great pride. Even a newly employed servant would bring her own with her. When anyone paid a visit to the house of a friend, they would take their own sheets with them. The English were excused from this tradition, on account of their incomprehensible habit of sharing family linen. But if a Russian governess’s linen was not up to the mark, she received very sour looks from the rest of the household.

Millie, my heroine, was most grateful that she had learned her etiquette as a servant of the nobility back in England. Even so, she was constantly under pressure from her mistress, Countess Belinsky, to get it right, not helped by the naughtiness of the children in her care, who had led sheltered, cosseted lives. But in the end, the social standing of the aristocrats collapsed as the revolution took hold, their treasures and possessions taken from them. Many were left penniless and starving, assuming they survived.

The Amber Keeper

After her mother’s suicide, Abbie Myers returns home to the Lake District with her young child—and no wedding ring. Estranged from her turbulent family for many years, Abbie is heartbroken when she hears that they blame her for this tragedy.

Determined to uncover her mother’s past, Abbie approaches her beloved grandmother, Millie, in search of answers. The old woman reveals the story of how she travelled to Russia in 1911 as a young governess and became caught up in the revolution. As Abbie struggles to reconcile with her family, and to support herself and her child, she realizes that those long-ago events created aftershocks that threaten to upset the fragile peace she longs to create.

Set against the backdrops of the English Lake District in the 1960s and the upheavals of revolutionary Russia, The Amber Keeper is a sweeping tale of jealousy and revenge, reconciliation and forgiveness.

Extract:

The next afternoon was cold and damp, and both children protested vehemently when I insisted that a walk was necessary despite the inclement weather. ‘We English believe that fresh air is good for you, as is plenty of exercise. But we’ll keep it short today as it looks about to rain.’

Nyanushki came with us to make sure I didn’t get lost, and we took a turn about Alexandrvovsky Park, the children grumbling and dragging their feet the entire time.

‘Can you skate?’ Nyanushki asked. I pulled a rueful face, making her laugh.

‘You’ll soon learn. I’m sure the children will help teach you.’

Noticing the smirk on Serge’s face I rather thought he would look upon this deficiency as an opportunity for making me look stupid. He may be only eight years old, but he was a wilful boy with a defiant streak in him.

Later, dressed in their best, I took the children down to tea with the Count and Countess, as instructed, urging them to be good in the hope they would do not embarrass me. No sooner had I taken my seat than a large metal tea urn was set before me and overcome with panic I realised that I was about to embarrass myself.

 ‘I assume you’ve operated a samavar before?’ the Countess asked with a knowing smile.

I’d never seen one in my life before. Fortunately, there was a certain familiarity about the tap from which the hot water must flow, if not the way the tea pot sat on top of the vessel to keep warm. It rather reminded me of the tea urn used by the Women’s Bright Hour at our local chapel, except that nestling in a space below this one, I could see the glowing red of charcoal that kept the water hot, and hear it hiss and spit as it simmered gently within.

Turning the tap I poured the scalding water into the tea pot, serving the tea with only the slightest tremor in my hands. The children sat stiffly in their seats, Irina’s small greedy eyes firmly fixed on a plate of lemon wafers. I knew the children must wait to be offered something to eat so I gave her a stern glance, warning her to be patient.

Serge quietly slid under the table and began to unfasten the laces of my boots and tie them together so that my feet were linked. I glanced anxiously at the Countess, worrying she might have noticed, or if I should chastise the boy. But on seeing what he was doing she began to chuckle. ‘Serge does so love a practical joke.’

Links:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Website

Facebook
Blog
Twitter: @fredalightfoot

Thank you, Freda for a delightful insight into Russian aristocracy.

This blog is brought to you by

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to write something for the RNA blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

Chatting with Romance Matters editor and wannabe Bond Girl, Adrienne Vaughan

We are delighted to have as our guest today, Adrienne Vaughan.

Thank you for finding time to speak with us, Adrienne.

When did you first take over the editorship of Romance Matters?

2012 was a hugely significant year for me, it was the year my first novel, The Hollow Heart, was published and the year I started working on Romance Matters. I joined the RNA NWS – it took a couple of goes – and one of the first editions of the magazine I received had a notice asking for a volunteer to take over from the then editor, the lovely Myra Kersner, who was standing down after an eight year editorship.

A tough act to follow, but I put my hand up, as a new kid on the block, who loves magazines, what better way to get to know people and learn about the business in which I was becoming immersed.

Have you worked in the world of magazine publication in the past?

I was given a turquoise Petite typewriter as a child, and my fate was sealed. I would sit for hours at the kitchen table, cutting out photos and pictures and sticking pages together to make my own magazines. I would often hear my mother, sitting down with a well-earned cup of tea, scream because I’d cut out the middle of Woman’s Own.

I always wanted to be a journalist and having achieved the necessary qualifications, was lucky enough to gain a place at the Dublin College of Journalism. My first stint at work experience on a national pop magazine, catapulted me into a glitzy press reception where I chatted with Rod Stewart and the stunning Brit Eckland. I was hooked.

We’ve seen changes to the latest edition of the magazine. Do you have any plans for further changes?

For many members the magazine is the only channel of communication, so it’s important it not only reflects the organisation, communicating important issues, but gives a feeling of inclusiveness for many who may not be able to make meetings, parties or the conference.

It also needs to be an important source of industry information, this is our professional role and our magazine needs to reflect that. It should be fun too, so it’s a balancing act.

I like to think of the magazine as evolving rather than changing and the more membership participation the better. Instigating the idea that members can advertise their services to each other is positive, encouraging us to use the vast and expansive range of experience and expertise our membership has at its fingertips.

Romance Matters is the association’s shop window, I strive for it to reflect our diversity, our talent and our professionalism and I’m thrilled when I get messages from readers saying they’ve enjoyed an issue, it sounds corny, but it really does make it all worthwhile.

If a member wishes to contribute an article can you advise on the type of topics you would like covered as well as word count? Should they pitch the idea to you first?

As I’ve said, I’m only the custodian of the magazine, it belongs to the membership, so the more contributions the better. Articles about technical issues, the mores of social media, how to write for a particular genre, how to tackle research, any and all of these are welcome. Please check deadlines and get in touch with me as soon as possible so I can plan a particular idea in, and always get in touch with me first, because we can often work ideas into a future issue. I’m not too worried about word count, if an article is particularly lengthy we can turn it into a series.

How about advertising? Who do members contact and are there any guidelines?

Again, just contact me. Members can advertise their books, editorial services, writer retreats, indeed anything that’s of interest to the rest of the membership, just get in touch and we’ll sort the artwork out and get things moving.

Tell us something about your own writing and how do you manage to fit it in amongst your RNA duties?

I’ve always written creatively, I think if you’re a writer, you just write.  Professionally, I have been a journalist and today I run a busy PR practice, setting my alarm clock to rise early and do my creative stuff - novels, short stories and poems - before heading to the office to work with the media, create corporate publications and co-ordinate launches and lunches!

Through the RNA I met three fantastic writers, Lizzie Lamb, June Kearns and Mags Cullingford and in 2012 we set up an independent publishing group, now known as the New Romantics Press and in less than two years we’ve published nine full length novels between us. My latest, the final in the Heartfelt trilogy, Secrets of the Heart, has just been published and for me, it’s now time to seek representation and that elusive publishing deal. In the meantime I’ll continue to work in PR, edit Romance Matters and write and write and write. Well, the do say sleep is overrated!

Thank you for sparing the time to speak with us, Adrienne.

Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure, as is working on our fabulous magazine, thanks again.

Adrienne is a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists, Chartered Institute of Public Relations, the British Horse Society and the proud owner of a Powerboat Driver’s Certificate …just in case she gets the call to be a Bond girl!

Links:

Email: adrienne.vaughan@avapr.biz

Twitter: @adrienneauthor

Books:

The Hollow Heart

A Change of Heart

Hocus Pocus

The RNA blog is brought to you by

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to write an article for the blog or have a book due to be published please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

THE LONGEST-SERVING NEW WRITERS' SCHEME MEMBER?

Welcome to writer, Katy Haye who tells us what it’s like to be a member of the New writers’ Scheme.

I’m a writer because I can’t be anything else. Believe me, I have tried to give up (several times, always at the same stage of writing a book) but I honestly can’t NOT write. I do other things to earn a living, sure, but my head is always full of my books and my characters are every bit as real as the people I meet in daily life.

I’ve been making up stories since I was tiny, and writing them down since I learned how to write.  Because I loved stories and writing, that’s the route I took in education where GCSEs and A Levels were followed by a degree in English Literature and then a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. After that, suddenly I was a little lost. I knew I wanted to write, and I believed I was pretty good at it, but inexplicably I didn’t trip over all the agents and editors beating a path to my door each time I tried to go to the corner shop. Clearly something had gone wrong and I needed some help.

Thank heavens I discovered the Romantic Novelists Association and their wonderful New Writers’ Scheme at that point. I joined up, polished a manuscript and posted it off and, frankly, thought the next step would be for a contract offering me wads of cash in exchange for my peerless prose to drop through my letterbox. I was, in my blissful naivety, shocked to discover this wasn’t the case. My writing still had an awful lot of faults which my reader politely but firmly pointed out to me (actually, in hindsight it was appalling, but my reader was kind enough not to state the matter so baldly). After a day or so of railing against the unkindness of fate and weeping at how cruelly misunderstood my writing was (chocolate may have featured; copious hot tea certainly did), I calmed down enough to look at both my novel and the reader’s report with an open mind. I saw that, uncomfortable as it was to acknowledge, she had a point; well, several, actually.

Putting that manuscript in a drawer to mature, I wrote something new.  While studying for my degrees I had relaxed with Mills & Boon books. Their novels were short and had a very limited cast of characters and they were effortless to read, so surely they must be easy to write, too?  I’d try my hand at them. In fact, I tried several over my next few NWS submissions.  My attempts weren’t terrible – a couple of times they were forwarded to the M&B editorial team because my readers thought they had sufficient merit, but believe me, easy to read does not equate to easy to write. Quite the opposite. Eventually I accepted that I just didn’t have the knack of writing the intense, focussed stories M&B were looking for. Once again I was a little adrift.

Discovering that writing wasn’t as easy as I’d always supposed, and I wasn’t as good as I’d fondly imagined was strangely liberating. If I couldn’t write especially well, then I might as well just write whatever I wanted to write badly and then see what could be done to improve it. Thus freed, my imagination went exactly where it wished. On the basis that if I was going to make it up I might as well REALLY make it up, my next few submissions were full of fairies and genies and ghosts and witches. My feedback got both more complimentary about my writing as a whole, and more niggling about the issues with my work, both of which cheered me tremendously as being proof that I was moving in the right direction.

And while I’d had my head down, writing, writing, writing and improving slowly but surely, a revolution in publishing had got underway with self-publishing moving from vanity presses on the wrong side of publishing acceptability to slide into the centre and become part of the mainstream.

I had been seeking a traditional publishing contract, but eventually even that changed. Agents liked my work, but not enough to offer representation, and the last of the scales slipped from my eyes as I realised if I waited for a traditional deal where I would write and the publisher would take care of everything else I would be waiting forever. With help and support from writer friends I’d met through the RNA I decided to go for it and self-publish the YA novel I’d been trying to get published for several years.

When I received my editor’s report this summer I didn’t waste any time or tears feeling misunderstood. I could get straight on with accepting what a fresh pair of eyes had seen in my work and strengthening the weaknesses that would get in the way of other readers enjoying the story.

And so, after an estimated 15 years in the New Writers’ Scheme, my YA fantasy novel, The Last Gatekeeper, is finally a reality. It may have taken a while, but I don’t regret a minute of the time I’ve spent learning my craft.  My first book (written on A4 lined paper in pencil at the age of 11) was entitled Ingolly and the Earthlings - a sci fi novel heavily influenced by Enid Blyton’s Famous Five stories. It was, I can safely admit from this distance, terrible.  By contrast, with the help of the New Writers’ Scheme and RNA friends, I’ve now written a book that is finally fit for other people to read.
ABOUT KATY

Katy Haye spends as much time as possible in either her own or someone else's imaginary worlds. She has a fearsome green tea habit, a partiality for dark chocolate brazils and a  fascination with the science of storytelling.

When not lost in a good book, Katy may be found on her allotment growing veg and keeping hens in order to maximise her chances of survival in the event of a zombie apocalypse or similar catastrophe (you never know!).

THE LAST GATEKEEPER

 Zan knows she’s different. Today she discovers why …
Zanzibar MacKenzie knows she’s a freak. She has EHS – electrical hypersensitivity – which leaves her trying to live a Stone Age life in the twenty-first century: no internet, no phone, no point really. Then Thanriel knocks on her door and the dull summer holiday becomes maybe too exciting. Zan discovers fairies and angels are real beings from other planets, she herself is half alien, and the future of life on Earth rests on her shoulders.

Links:

Website

Twitter @katyhaye
The Last Gatekeeper

The RNA blog is brought to you by

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to write something for the blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

RNA Winter Party: A cold night but a warm atmosphere

Today we welcome Francesca Capaldi Burgess and Elaine Roberts to the blog. Both ladies accepted our challenge to cover the RNA Winter Party for our blog and what a fantastic job they did too!

On Wednesday 19^th November, members of the RNA gathered for the annual winter party, ready to meet up with old friends and make new ones. As with some previous events, we occupied the wonderful panelled Hall of India and Pakistan at the Royal Over-Seas League in London.
It was the first time the two of us had been to the winter party, so didn't know how it would compare to the other enjoyable RNA events we'd attended. It was soon clear that everyone present was bound on making it a joyful evening, judging by the animated chatter and laughter. Many people acquainted only on social media took the opportunity to met in real life. A good deal of head bowing and squinting took place as we all tried to read each other's name badges to find out who we were!

180 people attended, representing the industry across the board, from writers new and established, to editors, agents and publishers, all of whom mingled seamlessly. As usual, the frocks were fabulous, a fact celebrated by a photo call on the grand staircase (due to appear on the front cover of Romance Matters).

Tracy Hartshorn (aka Sally Quilford)

Tracy Hartshorn (who writes as Sally Quilford), the main organiser of the event, did a splendid job. She could be spotted for a good part of the evening on the front desk welcoming guests. Tracy explained afterwards that, “The RNA parties take several months to organise, culminating in just three hours of party time. But what a three hours they are. The mood is always cheerful and positive, and it gives a glow of satisfaction to those of us who do the organising to know that our work hasn’t been wasted. The Winter Party was no different. A good time was had by all, including me!”

Chairman: Pia Fenton

Our chairman, Pia Fenton, gave a speech thanking the committee, along with others who’ve contributed to the work of the RNA, for all their efforts. We raised a glass to those no longer with us. Pia thanked those who’d helped with the organisation of the party, particularly Tracy, who got a rousing round of applause.

   



Waiters weaved their way through the guests offering an array of canapés which included mini fish and chips and tiny pies. The bite sized chocolate cakes were particularly delicious. Not only did everything taste good, it looked good as well, the catering as ever living up to the splendour of the venue.





Wendy Clarke, Deirdre Parlmer, Karen Aldous, Rosemary Goodacre

First time attendee, Wendy Clarke told us, “I’m not much of a ‘party person’ and was expecting to spend most of my first RNA party behind one of the pillars – but I’m happy to say that this couldn’t have been further from the truth. From the moment I walked in, the welcoming atmosphere enveloped me and any fears of awkwardness evaporated. I didn’t feel the need to hide behind a pillar once – which was just as well, as there weren’t any.”





Vanessa Savage & Catherine Miller




Having some well earned time off from her adorable twins, Romaniacs member Catherine Miller declared it “another wonderful RNA party.” She went on to say that, “It's great that NWS members are made to feel so welcome.” As New Writers’ Scheme members ourselves we can certainly vouch for this. 

Sue Barnard

Another newby, Sue Barnard, said, “My first RNA party, but definitely not my last! What a great evening. It was wonderful to be able to put faces to names at last, and I made some lovely new friends too. I'm only sorry I couldn't stay longer!”



Rachel Crafts & Maggie Swinburne

Maggie Swinburne, editor of the twice monthly My Weekly Pocket Novels, travelled down from Scotland for the event because she said it was, “lovely to meet people”. She relayed some funny stories to our group regarding her job as editor, along with some tips on what she looks for in a story. She also came wielding the guidelines and is hoping for more submissions.



As the evening wound down and people started to don their coats and flat shoes (what a relief!), it was evident by the smiles and hearty farewells that the evening had been another RNA success. It might have been cold outside but the atmosphere inside was warm and friendly.

A hearty thank you to Tracy Hartshorn and all those involved in organising the evening.

Thank you, Elaine & Francesca for a wonderful blog post. Here they are earning a well deserved rest in between their reporting duties:

Elaine Roberts & Francesca Burgess

If you would like to cover an event for the RNA blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

Helena Fairfax: Suffering from green shock!

It’s a great pleasure to welcome Helena Fairfax to the blog today,

Many years ago I spent a week in a hostel in the middle of the Yorkshire moors with a group of teenagers from an industrial city in Germany. They were on an exchange with a group of English lads from a similar urban environment. All had spent their teenage years in difficult, sometimes extremely tough circumstances, and were from various different ethnic heritages, ranging from Turkey to Korea. One thing these lads all had in common, though: they’d all been born and bred in a city.

I remember sitting in the coach with them on the way from Leeds/Bradford airport, watching them gaze out at the rolling heather, the moors stretching into the distance, all greens and purples, with not a bar, or a café, or a MacDonalds in sight.

 

One of the Germans murmured, with his face pressed to the window: ‘Ich habe Grün-Schock.’ Literally: I’m suffering from green shock. What a great expression!

 

Over the years I’ve thought a lot about that week on the moors, and last year I began to turn the experience into a story. I thought up a heroine who is a Londoner. Kate Hemingway, born Katerina Rudecka, spent time living homeless as a teenager and now volunteers with teenage girls, helping them in their turn to mend their broken lives.

I wondered how it would be if I took Kate and her group of London teenagers away from the city and into the middle of the Yorkshire moors. And then I wondered how it would be if they had a journalist accompanying them - someone from a completely different background; male, upper-class, and (outwardly, at least) appearing to have all the advantages a public-school education can offer. So, a completely random group of people, brought together out of the city and surrounded by sheep and moorland for a week. How would they all get on?

 

One of the teenagers in my novel is from Afghanistan, and I took the theme of my story from an old Afghan proverb: ‘There is a way from heart to heart.’ My story is filled with differences in culture: between town and country, between East and West, between rich and poor. And yet despite all these differences, where basic emotions are concerned, the human heart is the same the world over, with the same capacity for love. At the core of my novel is a romance (of course!), but it also deals with the love between best friends, between families, and with the intensity of teenage love. ‘There is a way from heart to heart’ is the positive, uplifting message I wanted to leave readers with at the end of my novel. I hope I’ve succeeded!

A Way from Heart to Heart was released by Accent Press on 18^th November.

After the death of her husband in Afghanistan, Kate Hemingway’s world collapses around her. Her free time is spent with a charity for teenage girls, helping them mend their broken lives - which is ironic, since her own life is fractured beyond repair.

Reserved, public school journalist Paul Farrell is everything Kate and her teenage charges aren’t.  But when Paul agrees to help Kate with her charity, he makes a stunning revelation that changes everything, and leaves Kate torn.
Can she risk her son’s happiness as well as her own?
 



 

Biog:

Helena Fairfax writes engaging contemporary romances with sympathetic heroines and heroes she’s secretly in love with. Happy endings are her favourite, and when one of her novels won a reader competition for "The Most Romantic Love Scene Ever" it made her day.
Helena was born in Uganda and came to England as a child. She's grown used to the cold now, and these days she lives in an old Victorian mill town in Yorkshire. After many years working in factories and dark, satanic mills, Helena has turned to writing full-time. She walks the Yorkshire moors every day with her rescue dog, finding this romantic landscape the perfect place to dream up her heroes and her happy endings.

 

A Way from Heart to Heart is available on:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Follow Helena:

Facebook

Twitter: @helenafairfax

Pinterest

Blog

Thanks so much for having me, Elaine and Natalie!

A pleasure, Helena!

Would you like to share your story of how your book was created? Contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com for details.

The RNA blog is brought to you by

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

 

Kathleen McGurl: From short stories to novels

Today we welcome author, Kathleen McGurl to the blog at a very exciting time in her writing life.

Kathleen, you are well known for your blog, Womagwriter. How did this blog come about?

Hi, and thanks so much for having me here on the RNA blog!

I began my writing career writing short stories for women’s magazines. I always quite fancied having a blog, but wanted it to have a tight focus. Then I came up with the idea of putting all the women’s magazine fiction guidelines, news and views into one place online. Initially this was just for my own benefit and fun, then people began to discover the blog and found it useful, then it began to get mentions in writing magazines and in online forums, and before I knew it, it had become quite famous in the little world of magazine fiction writing.  These days, blogging isn’t as popular as it once was, and I no longer write womag stories, so it’s become harder to keep it going, but I try.

Will you return to writing short stories?

For the last three years or so I’ve concentrated on novels rather than short stories. I have a full time job and many other demands on my time, so I find it impossible to do both. These days I write very few short stories – just two or three a year for my writing class end of term competitions. I have to enter these or I’d get told off by my tutor, Della Galton!

Can you tell us something about the thrilling news of your book contract. Did you have to wait long after submission and how did you celebrate?

Yes, it certainly was thrilling news, especially for me!

I sent my book to Carina UK in early May this year. Then in late May I was at the wonderful RNA Summer Party, and had the good fortune to be introduced to a couple of Carina editors. It turned out they’d read my submission that very morning, and they  liked it. I was very hopeful this would lead to a request for the full MS, and spent the next couple of weeks checking my emails about a hundred times a day. Finally, I received an email offering me a two-book deal straight up. I was over the moon. How did I celebrate? With my good friends Pinot and Grigio, of course!

How long did it take to write The Emerald Comb?

I started writing it in March 2012, and it was complete by the summer of 2013, when I began submitting it to agents. I didn’t work on it solidly for all that time – I also wrote and self-published one of my How To books (Ghost Stories and How to Write Them) in that period. So in total, it probably took about a year to write. I am definitely going to need to become quicker.

How have you found the transition from short fiction to full length novels?

It was a struggle to begin with – I felt quite daunted by the prospect of writing 80,000 words or more, and even more so by the thought of having to edit them into shape afterwards. So in 2010-11 I wrote a ‘practice’ novel,  just to prove to myself I could do it. (Eventually I rewrote part of that novel to create my novella, Mr Cavell’s Diamond, so it wasn’t wasted work!) Then I had the idea for The Emerald Comb, and have since written another novel as well. These days I much prefer writing longer fiction – I love having all that space to fully develop characters and plot, and to play around with stories in multiple time periods.

 

You have a busy work life so how do you juggle your writing around the day job and your family?

‘Juggle’ is an apt word here. I have a full time job, but luckily it’s one I do from home most of the time, with a commute to London (from Bournemouth) once a fortnight. My sons are in their late teens and don’t need too much looking after anymore, so I am able to write in the evenings and at weekends. I find it is all a question of priorities – I want to write, so therefore I must prioritise writing over other things such as watching TV, faffing on Facebook or twiddling on Twitter. But then again I also want to go out running or cycling, read books, go to the pub with my husband, wallow in the bath… it’s hard to find time for everything without my head exploding!

So what’s next for Kathleen McGurl, novelist?

My second novel with Carina UK – The Pearl Locket – is already available for pre-order (release date is February 2015). I have ideas for another three historical/timeslip novels, but at the time of writing, I haven’t decided which to work on next. I’m also completing a short non-fiction book (on time-management for writers) which I will self-publish soon, just in time to help with all your New Year Resolutions!

Website: http://kathleenmcgurl.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathMcGurl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenMcGurl

About Kathleen:

Kathleen McGurl lives near the sea in Bournemouth, with her husband, sons and cats. She began her writing career creating short stories, and sold dozens to women’s magazines in the UK and Australia. Then she got side-tracked onto family history research – which led eventually to writing novels with genealogy themes. She has always been fascinated by the past, and the ways in which the past can influence the present., and enjoys exploring these links in her novels.

 

Many thanks for finding time to chat with us, Kathleen

The RNA blog is brought to you by

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to be featured on the blog or write an article for our readers please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

Winter Tales charity anthology - A sisterhood of stories

It’s a delight to welcome Jo Bartlett from The Write Romantics to our blog today with some wonderful news. Over to you, Jo…

It’s funny how contradictory the life of a writer can be.  Most of us will tell you that one of the best things about being a writer is that you are never really alone.  Your head is full of characters clamouring to tell you their story and take you off to wonderful, and in some cases weird, worlds in pursuit of their tale.  And yet… it can be an incredibly lonely life.  Taking rejection on a regular basis, doubting every word you’ve ever written and wondering if anything from cross-stitch to bungee jumping wouldn’t be a better use of your time, are all familiar to the writer – especially the aspiring one.

Serendipity is a wonderful thing, though, and an out-of-character response I made to a post on the RNA’s closed discussion forum, started a friendship that has grown into a sisterhood.  Responding to Jessica Redland’s message there, I immediately spotted a kindred spirit and we were off.  A flurry of email exchanges, each one pages long – we are both big talkers – was just the start.  Before long, we had set up a blog but, realising we couldn’t do it alone, we sent out a message on the RNA forum looking for other new writers to join our ‘gang’.

The Write Romantics have found such support in our group that most of us doubt we would have got this far alone.  We are like a real family, with the occasional minor disagreement, but unfailingly there to support one another.  During the past year, we’ve gone from having only one published writer in the group, to eight out of the ten of us having either a publishing deal or representation.  We might not quite be able to squeeze into the hot-pants of the Spice Girls back in the day, but in writing terms we are the very definition of girl power to the tune of ten.

Realising that as a collective we could do anything we set our minds to and loving the idea of cementing our friendship with a joint project, we hit on the idea of creating a charity anthology.  We wanted it to mean something to us personally and so we decided to support two very special charities - the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Teenage Cancer Trust. These charities are close to our hearts, since Alys has a gorgeous little nephew who battles with CF and, having been affected by cancer myself, when I heard about Stephen Sutton’s story I knew it was one that the rest of the Write Romantics would instantly get on board with.

As new writers, we’ve also been amazed at how supportive other writers can be. We were nonetheless amazed at how many successful writers, climbing up the best seller lists alongside our own Helen Phifer and Rachael Thomas, were willing to help out too.  As such, the anthology features stories from a wide range of successful romance writers and, in all, there are twenty four stories for just over £2.50, which is great value and will be an amazing support to these two wonderful charities.

To find out more about the anthology and the two amazing young men who inspired us, please visit thewriteromantics.com, or to buy a copy head on over to Amazon.

If you are an aspiring writer reading this, my advice is to surround yourself with a group of like-minded people - you’ll never look back.

Jo x

(Jo Bartlett, on behalf of thewriteromantics.com)

Thank you, Jo and good luck to you all with your project.

The RNA blog is brought to you by

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to be interviewed about a project or wish to write an article please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

Chatting with our Hon. Membership Secretary, Linda Hammond

Today we welcome Linda Hooper to the blog. Linda is our hardworking Hon. Membership Secretary as well as a very busy novelist writing under the names of Sarah Mallory and Melinda Hammond.

Welcome Linda, your work for the RNA as Honorary Membership Secretary must take up a lot of your time. Would you please explain to members what it entails?

The Membership Secretary's job must be one of the nicest on the committee. I have the pleasure of keeping the membership records up to date and receiving all the applications from prospective members. It does get busy in December and January, when we have the NWS applications and subscription renewals, but everyone is so lovely, even when I have to remind them that they haven’t paid! The RNA is such a friendly organisation and I have gained so much from it that it is a pleasure to be able to give something back.

What is the worse part of the job?

Checking off all the standing orders when the bank statements come in!  There are about 20 pages of names to go through, and since many of us use pen names it can sometimes be a challenge tying up the bank's reference for the payment with the actual author!

 How do you plan your RNA duties around your writing life?

During the busy period around the New Year I have to put aside a few full days to tackle the RNA work, but the rest of the year it's mostly only ten minutes to half an hour a day to keep the records up to date.  It is necessary to attend the committee meetings, but I can write on the train – I find travel is a good time to think through plotlines or difficult scenes.

You write as Sarah Mallory and Melinda Hammond. Can you tell us how you differentiate between the two names? Do you have two websites and two writing personalities?

I am a Gemini, so I think I have two personalities anyway! I couldn't cope with more than one website, so it is set up under Melinda Hammond with an explanation that I also write as Sarah Mallory. I think "Sarah Mallory" is more of a brand, if you like, for the Georgian and Regency romances I write for Harlequin Mills & Boon. I was first published as Melinda Hammond, writing traditional Regencies that are very "sweet" compared to the slightly hotter historicals I write for Harlequin. However, under the Melinda Hammond name I have also written a darker Georgian revenge novel (Lady Vengeance), two dual-time novels and a World War II short story, but I try to make sure the description explains this, so the reader knows what to expect.

What are you currently working on?

This must be proof of my dual personality, I think! As Melinda Hammond I have just finished and self-published a short story, "And The Stars Shine Down",  about the spooky goings on surrounding the rebuilding of a WWII Spitfire , and as Sarah Mallory I have just finished a book based around Waterloo for Harlequin. "A Lady for Lord Randall" is the first of a trilogy called The Brides of Waterloo. RNA members Annie Burrows and Melanie Hilton have written the other two books, based on a fictional artillery unit called Randall's Rogues (we are planning their Facebook Page and Twitter account even as I write this).  I am now in the enviable position of thinking up a new historical romance…..

We understand you will soon be passing on the mantle of Hon. Membership Secretary.  Who is to be your successor and is there a period of training?

You are right, I have nearly completed my time on committee and I am handing over to Alison May at the AGM in 2015. There is a handbook to guide Alison into the job, and I will be liaising closely with her from the end of this year to ease her into the job.

What will you do with your spare time once you give up your RNA duties?

Write!  I have so many stories I want to get into print that I certainly won't have any spare time for extra housework or ironing, I'm afraid!

Melinda Hammond lives high on the Pennines, where the fantastic views provide wonderful inspiration for her romantic historical adventures. She was born in Bristol and grew up telling stories.  Melinda left school at sixteen and worked in offices as varied as stockbrokers, marine engineers, biscuit manufacturers and even a quarrying company. She has published over a dozen books as Melinda Hammond and written even more lively historical adventure romances as Sarah Mallory for Harlequin Mills & Boon.

www.melindahammond.com

www.sarahmallory.com

twitter - @SarahMRomance  

Facebook - Melinda Hammond - https://www.facebook.com/melinda.hammond.77

Thank you so much for finding time to chat with us, Linda.

The RNA blog is brought to you by

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to write an article for the blog or be interview about a upcoming project please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com