RNA Conference...what to pack by Liz Fenwick

Liz Fenwick shares her packing list...

The event I look forward to and in fact move heaven and earth (or at least my family's schedules) to attend is almost here. The RNA's annual conference. It is time for me as a writer and therefore very special time. It is a time to be with like minds (here read other crazy people who live in a make believe world in the heads for much of the time) and to laugh. I need to put my liver in training this week for over the course of the RNA Conference I will consume more wine in a weekend that I do in a month or maybe longer....

With all these things in mind here is my essential packing list for the conference...

Paracetamol - (see reference to wine drinking above)
Beroca - for the extra energy and hangover recovery
Real coffee and a cafiterre (a real caffeine hit or five is need to power through packed days)
Tea bags (see above) and herbal ones too
Milk (not for me but for the above two items)
Snacks (the tea & coffee breaks between sessions come with biscuits, but I find I need more for all the thinking and hangover recovery)
Hair dryer
Towel although one is normally provided 
Shoes (special pair for the gala, practical for the sessions and walking around)
Cool loose tops and trousers (for day time wear...assuming this heat continues through the weekend)
Frock something a bit special for the gala
Notebook and pens for me this will be a large lined soft Moleskin to take notes in the sessions and to capture all the amazing ideas that will bubble to the surface during the weekend
Wine for drinking in the kitchen with friends
Glasses and a mug ...there will be some there but never enough
Camera
Flip flops or slippers (the floors of the communal kitchens can be dodgy)
Business cards

I think that's about it it. What else would you add to the list?

Liz's latest book is A Cornish Affair

Running out on your wedding day never goes down well. When the pressure of her forthcoming marriage becomes too much, Jude bolts from the church, leaving a good man at the altar, her mother in a fury, and the guests with enough gossip to last a year.

Guilty and ashamed, Jude flees to Pengarrock, a crumbling cliff-top mansion in Cornwall, where she takes a job cataloguing the Trevillion family's extensive library. The house is a welcome escape for Jude, full of history and secrets, but when its new owner arrives, it's clear that Pengarrock is not beloved by everyone.

As Jude falls under the spell of the house, she learns of a family riddle stemming from a terrible tragedy centuries before, hinting at a lost treasure. And when Pengarrock is put up for sale, it seems that time is running out for the house and for Jude.

www.lizfenwick.com

Linn B Halton talks about research

Research is probably one of the most time-consuming factors when writing a new story. Sometimes it’s relatively simple—searching online to check factual things. I found myself researching the subject of subdural hematomas when I wrote my first manuscript.

For another book the setting was of paramount importance and that meant having detailed knowledge of an old water mill, including the internal layout and surroundings. That was fun as I simply spent a few days re-visiting places I’d been before. I then roughly sketched out my composite building in terms of the internal layout and a few very basic exterior elevations that I could refer back to as the story developed.

In my latest book it’s all about angels and I’ve been researching that for a long time because I’m fascinated by the subject. However, it also involved me attending two Gayatri mantra sessions for one of the chapters. It’s one of the oldest and most powerful of the Sanskrit mantras. It is believed that by chanting the mantra and connecting with it, it will help you carry out the work that fate has determined for you. Your life will be full of happiness as you fulfil your true destiny. The Gayatri is considered to be the essence of the Vedas (knowledge). The mantra is a gift to help us all, like a third eye revealing the inner vision.

Both sessions were held in a church hall in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. I was rather surprised at the empty and large open space I found on entering the building. The vaulted ceiling and lack of furniture meant that simply walking from one end of the room to the other, every footstep echoed around the entire hall.

It was a small group of people and everyone was attending for the first time, although we all returned for a second session a month later.

We formed a circle of chairs in the centre of the floor. We were given a sheet with some information and the mantra we were going to chant.

The Gayatri mantra: 
Aum 
Bhuh Bhuvah Svah 
Tat Savitur Varenyam 
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi 
Dhiyo Yo nah Prachodayat 

Santhi (peace to your mind, body and soul) 

We were shown how to sit—feet flat on the floor, arms relaxed and palms facing upwards. I will admit I wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea of chanting and wondered whether I would end up leaving. It began with a demonstration and the first time I heard the chant performed by just one voice, it was amazing. We made a start and it took a little while until we felt comfortable hearing our own voices and everyone found the right pitch. Then it began in earnest.

It was a beautiful thing. A group of strangers suddenly found themselves chanting in unison and the sound within that enormous vaulted room was nothing short of magical. After chanting for a while we stopped and were guided through a meditation. That in itself was a whole different experience.

Angels by Linn B Halton e-book Releasing on 6th July, 2013 this is part one in a series of three novellas about Ceri’s journey - Angels, Truth and Decisions. 

Ceri thinks she sees angels…everywhere. She struggles to keep separate what feels like two very different sides to her life. As a manager in an advertising company she’s been working with the gorgeous Alex for two years. The have a friendship based upon the image she portrays whilst she’s at work and it helps to keep her sane. One mad, crazy night spent sharing their secrets and a lot of wine result in them ending up in bed together and their relationship changes. When Alex explains that the reason he doesn’t date is because someone broke his heart, how can Ceri admit that she feels a deep connection to him? 

Ceri's purpose here on this plane is to correct a series of incidents that alter the course of many of the people's lives with whom she comes into contact. She’s simply putting right little errors that could ripple outwards and change the course of their destiny. But how can she prove that she really has made a difference? Is it all in her head? 

She's alone for a reason; she's not meant to fall in love in her earthly life. Alex is supposed to cross paths with her and help Ceri during a phase where she begins to question the signs she’s being given. It's meant to be a turning point for them both—but in opposite directions. They are destined to travel very different paths…but Ceri doesn’t know that and neither does Alex… 

 “No one chooses to see angels, why would they?” 

This is a romance story that explores the possibility of there being something more than just the ‘here and now’. If that were the case, how would it work? What keeps us on the path determined for us, when we have free will? How would the spirit world link with us as we go about our lives? Love is a powerful emotion, but can it change the course of someone’s destiny? Ceri’s journey has begun.

Find out more:
http://linnbhalton.co.uk/ceris-journey-has-begun/ 
Website ~ http://linnbhalton.co.uk/ 
http://sapphirestarpublishing.com/

 

Interview with Lin Treadgold

Lin Treadgold was born in Yorkshire and took extensive driver training to run her own instructor training school. After travelling the world and visiting over thirty countries, she retired in 2001 to follow her husband’s work and live in the Netherlands. Do tell us what made you want to write and how you got your first break? 

I have always wanted to write but felt too tied to my job and bringing up the children to think about it. For 25 years I was self employed as a trainer of driving instructors. I got my first break when my husband took a company transfer to the Netherlands in 2001. There was no option but to give up my profession and go with him. This was my best chance to write if I wanted to become a published author. In 2012 I got my opportunity with Safkhet Publishing.

Writers are always asked where they find their ideas. What inspired you to write this book?

The wheels of life always inspire me. Each day brings something new and every conversation is useful. I listen to passing dialogue, I watch how people interact with each other, and in my own way, I turn real life situations into scenes for a book. I suppose I am a people watcher.

Which author has most influenced your work?

Without a doubt it was Mary Wesley and her book The Chamomile Lawn. I never thought I could become a writer until I read her work. She was one of Britain’s most successful novelists at the age of 70. She sold three million copies of her books, ten were bestsellers, and she managed to all do this in the last 20 years of her life. My age being 50 at the time – I was inspired. I also made friends with author Annie Murray (The Chocolate Girls and The Bells of Bournville Green.) Annie helped me to understand more about writing.

Can you work anywhere or do you have a favourite place to hideaway and write?

I would love to spend a month alone just writing, away from home. In the real world I have an office and now that my husband has made a flower garden outside the window, I have a view.

How would you describe your books? Under what genre or sub-genre do they come? 

I think my book Goodbye, Henrietta Street, tends to slide toward a romantic saga; it was written for tourists on holiday; a spot of romance to read on the beach.

Since the book is set on Scilly, I suspect sense of place important to you in your writing. How do you set about the research?

Place is very important to me. I have travelled the world to over 30 countries. I was lucky with Goodbye, Henrietta Street, I have visited the Isles of Scilly about fifteen times since 1969. I felt it was the ideal place for a romance novel and the local people seem delighted I am making a small contribution toward their economy. We hope through the story people will want to pay a visit. My life experiences help with research as well as the usual sources on the internet.

I know you were a member of the New Writer Scheme. How would you say it kick-started your career?

Without the NWS I wouldn’t have reached this far, that’s for sure. Each time I submitted my work, I received a very professional report, direct, honest, and helpful. As with every critique it is subjective viewpoint. Although I have to admit, upon reflection, they were right most of the time.

Which piece of music is most likely to make you feel happy? 

I’m a 60’s and 70’s music lover. I think memories of happier times are recalled in music. There are too many excellent pieces in my music book to be a strong favourite, but if I was to pick out one of many I think a song which still sends a good feeling inside me is ‘Lady in Red’ by Chris de Burgh.

So can we hope for a follow-up book?

My next novel is in progress. I have a working title of The Wiccan of Dalewood. It’s a cult saga, based on the south coast of England near Lyme Regis. I also have a novella in progress too, entitled Locked Together – a romance story with an unusual twist. My personal motto is ‘Wish it—Dream it—Do it’.

Pippa Lambton’s life has fallen apart and husband Rob is ready to give up their marriage. Three years before, their son Daniel passed away; he was the glue that held them together. Now, Pippa’s left home for the beautiful Isles of Scilly, for a chance to rediscover herself. She meets handsome Norwegian nature warden, Sven Jorgensen, who teaches her about the island wildlife. Pippa finds herself laughing again. She is aware of Rob’s dilemma over his childhood adoption and their turbulent relationship, but after an awkward kiss with Sven, she is torn about how to proceed. There is much to resolve, and leaving Rob could prove a disaster. Is her affair with Sven a holiday fling? How can she walk away from Rob after losing Daniel? Should she leave her home in Yorkshire for Sven and his island paradise?

Thank you Lin for sparing time to talk to us today. We wish you every success with your books. 
Best wishes, Freda 

Find out more: 
Safkhet Publishing
Website: http://www.itslinhere.wordpress.com 
Amazon 

Interviews on the RNA Blog are carried out by Freda, Henri and Livvie. They are for RNA members, although we do occasionally take guests. If you are interested in an interview, please contact: freda@fredalightfoot.co.uk
 

July New Releases

Jenny Barden - Misstress of the Sea

Ebury Press
Paperback
20 June 2013
£6.99 rrp

Plymouth 1570

Drake's ship, the Swan, sets sail for the New World with a crew of pirates hell-bent on Spanish treasure. Among them is Will Doonan seeking both his fortune and revenge for the loss of his brother.

But unbeknown to all, young Ellyn Cooksley has stowed away. And her presence aboard ship will prove to be more tempting to Will than gold . . .

http://www.jennybarden.com/

Henriette Gyland:  THE ELEPHANT GIRL

Choc Lit

Paperback

£7.99

7^thJuly 2013

Peek-a-boo I see you…

When five-year-old Helen Stephens witnesses her mother’s murder, her whole world comes crumbling down. Rejected by her extended family, Helen is handed over to child services and learns to trust no-one but herself. Twenty years later, her mother’s killer is let out of jail, and Helen swears vengeance.

Jason Moody runs a halfway house, desperate to distance himself from his father’s gangster dealings. But when Helen shows up on his doorstep, he decides to dig into her past, and risks upsetting some very dangerous people.

As Helen begins to question what really happened to her mother, Jason is determined to protect her. But Helen is getting too close to someone who’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden…

Website:henriettegyland.wordpress.com

Mandy Baggot: DO YOU REMEMBER?

Publisher: Harper Impulse

25 July 2013

£3.99

First Love. First Loss. Last chance?

2005 was the most traumatic year of Emma Barron’s life. It was the year her mother died and the year she met Guy Duval.

Eight years on, she’s an English teacher with a doting boyfriend and a young son. Life’s been hard but now it’s comfortable. She’s settled and content…so why would she risk it all for another chance with the man that broke her heart?

Guy’s an international renowned footballer newly signed to a top UK team. But behind the confident façade is a man determined to drown the horrors from his childhood with fame, success and money.

Unable to confide in her best friend, Ally, Emma tries to hold her life together as her heart is pulled apart. Did she turn her back on love too soon?

Neither of them know what really happened on 5 September 2005 and as events are slowly revealed can anyone cope with the truth?

Shani Struthers: THE RUNAWAY YEAR

Omnific Publishing

ebook and Paperback

2^nd July 2013

Dumped by her hotshot boyfriend and boss, Layla Lewis quits her job and heads to Trecastle in North Cornwall to house-sit for a friend-of-a-friend. Trecastle isn’t new to her; it's a place where she holidayed regularly with her now-estranged mother. It’s also the home of Hannah McKenzie, her childhood friend. Hannah has tempted her with a place to live and a job in the local pub. Needing time to nurse her battered heart and escape her “real life” for a year, Layla accepts.

Hannah is a talented artist as well as a barmaid. She lives in the village centre with her boyfriend Jim, a singer in a local band. They are happy together, or as happy as they can be, considering. Hannah loves Jim, but there is someone she loves more and it’s pushing them to breaking point.

Meanwhile, back in Brighton, Layla’s fiery yet loyal friend Penny seeks revenge on her behalf, sending a forged email that could damage her ex’s business prospects. Penny wonders if she has gone too far but is soon preoccupied with her own problems: the sizzle has fizzled in her marriage, and she feels neglected. After getting frisky with Dylan one night, she confesses all to her husband—and he’s been like ice ever since.

Over the course of a year, there is laughter and heartache as all three endeavour to rein in their tumultuous love lives—discovering you can run all you like, but if it’s love you’re up against, true love, good things can only happen when you stand your ground.

www.shanistruthers.com

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Runaway-Year-ebook/dp/B00DPWS6B0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372663449&sr=8-1&keywords=the+runaway+year+shani+struthers

Kate Lace, writing as Catherine Jones: GOING SOLO

Piatkus Entice

Kindle e-book

4 July 2013

£2.99

Kate has almost resigned herself to remaining single for ever. After all, any man willing to take her on, also has to take on an instant family in the form of her adorable baby son. So this dedicated working mother is surprised to find not one but two men vying for her attention. First there's her boss, Greek hotel tycoon Andreas. Powerful, enigmatic and rich, he makes it clear he'd like to take their relationship beyond office hours. And then there's Martin. Kate feels the first stirrings of attraction for her sexy colleague. Maybe she won't have to go through life solo after all . . .

www.katelace.co.uk

Lucy Felthouse: TESTING TOM

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

Format: eBook

30th July

Price: TBC

When Katrina’s ex, Tom, turns up on her doorstep, he’s literally the last person she was expecting to see. After dumping her and running off with a vanilla chick, Tom broke the Domme’s heart and left her seriously hurting. So when he returns, begging for another chance, Katrina is understandably very confused and protective of her bruised feelings. She finds it very difficult to believe that he’s turned his back on a vanilla lifestyle for good and wants to be with her, a professional dominatrix. Rather than letting her head or her heart figure out what to do, whether to forgive him, she decides to put Tom through a series of challenges that will prove his devotion to her—or not. Testing Tom is not something she’d ever expected she’d have to do, but to her, it’s the only way she can be sure whether he’s back for good.
website: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/testing-tom/

Benita Brown: DREAMING OUT LOUD

Headline

Paperback

18 July

£5.99

When Kay Lockwood is left a small inheritance by her mother's old friend, actress Lana Fontaine, she travels to London, leaving behind her Northern hometown and the boyfriend she doesn't quite trust. She falls in love with Lana's house, and the excitement of post-war London, but soon discovers a deeper mystery - who was Lana, and why was Kay so important to her? As she unravels the past, her handsome new neighbour Tom seems to offer her a bright future, but when his own dark secret is revealed, Kay feels hurt and betrayed. Can she ever forgive him?

www.benitabrown.com

Anna Jacobs ‘THE TRADER’S GIFT’ (#4 in the Traders series)

Hodder & Stoughton

Hardback and ebook, also trade paperback in Australia/NZ

£19.99 and £10.99

ISBN 978-1444761245

4^th July 2013

Bram Deagan has a gift for matchmaking and doesn't hesitate to suggest that his friends Dougal and Mitchell find wives. In England, Eleanor Prescott has not forgotten the ship's captain who told her to come to him if she was free. Now she’s a widow, dare she return to Dougal in Australia? Will he still want her? Mitchell Nash has asked his clergyman cousin in Englandwhether he knows any suitable lady. Jacinta, widowed and penniless, is desperate to keep her young son from a cruel relative's clutches, and will do anything to save him, even marry a stranger in Australia.

Read Chapter 1 at http://www.annajacobs.com/book.aspx?title=The-Traders-Gift&bookID=68

Anna Jacobs ‘HEIR TO GREYLADIES’ (#1 of Greyladies series)

Allison & Busby

Hardback and ebook

£19.99 and £10.99

ISBN: 978-0749013899

29^th July 2013

1900. When her father dies fifteen-year-old Harriet Benson is sent into service to escape the advances of her vicious stepbrother Norris. At Dalton House, she makes friends with the owners' crippled son Joseph. When he is forced to leave the family home, she goes with him. But she’s unprepared for the unexpected inheritance of Greyladies, a large country house. Could this be the safe haven she so desperately needs, and does the ghost of its previous owner really roam the halls? While Harriet and Joseph grow ever closer, the actions of both their families threaten to destroy their happiness. Will their love, and the legacy of Greyladies, be able to survive?

Read chapter 1 at: http://www.annajacobs.com/book.aspx?title=Heir-to-Greyladies&bookID=70

Carol McGrath: THE HANDFASTED WIFE

Accent Press

E readers, kindle

9th May 2013

Paperback £9.99, kindle £1.99, e readers £2.99

Harold loves Elditha, his beautiful handfasted wife, for many years, and she loves him back. It is Chistmas 1065. When King Edward dies Elditha's husband is elected king. To her horror she is set aside for a marriage that will unite north and south against a Norman threat. But the Conqueror swoops over the channel, burns their lands and destroys King Harold. Can Elditha protect her family from the Conqueror's wrath?

IBSN 978-1909520479

website http://scribbling-inthemargins.blogspot.gr/

Louise Allen: WALKING JANE AUSTEN’S LONDON

Shire Publications

Paperback and Kindle

July 2013

£7.87 (£3.47 Kindle)

Eight walks through Jane Austen’s London visiting the places she knew, the settings for her characters and the world she inhabited. With maps and lavishly illustrated.

www.louiseallenregency.co.uk

http://janeaustenslondon.com

Lynne Connolly: SIXTH SENSE
(No cover available yet)

Publisher Loose-Id

Format eBook

Date 16th July

Price $5.99

Date 16th July

At first, all they can do is look at each other-then they agree to
take a journey together, exploring each sense, one by one.
Jim is a computer genius, Poppy works at a bank. Normally they'd never have
met, but a pair of unforeseen disasters pushes them together in desperate
circumstances.
They torture each other with each sense and when they finally come together,
nothing can stop the combustive passion that burns them through the night.
The gift of a basket of sex toys only adds to their shared adventure.
A shadow from Poppy's past threatens Poppy's very life and if Jim can't
break the ingrained habits of a lifetime, he stands to lose her. If Poppy
doesn't reassess her life, Jim could go out of it before they know what they
have.
Sight, sound, scent, touch, taste-so what's the sixth? They won't find out
until they get there.


Website www.lynneconnolly.com/sixthsense.html

Carol Townend: LADY ISOBEL’S CHAMPION

Harlequin Mills & Boon

Paperback

£4.99

HIS LADY IN WAITING
In her long years at the convent, waiting for her betrothed, Lady Isobel de
Turenne has built the Comte d’Aveyron into a fantasy—a man who will rescue,
protect and love her.… But when the comte finally returns to claim his
bride, Isobel finds instead a man of contradictions—one who masks dark
secrets with desire. Wary of a man’s touch but desperate to grasp her new
freedom, Isobel must decide if it’s solely duty forcing the comte to marry
or whether he is truly her longed-for champion.
Knights of Champagne Three Swordsmen for Three Ladies

www.caroltownend.co.uk

Angela Britnell: PLAYING FOR LOVE

 

Desert Breeze Publishing

EPUB

1 July 2013

Price: $5.99

Kate Brooke, struggling with the aftermath of her husband's tragic death, her overbearing senator father and a decision she doesn't want to make, seizes on a temporary job as Finn Alexander's housekeeper in rural Cornwall. Against both their wills she is bewitched by the handsome cellist, beset with his own family issues and wary of trusting any woman. The secrets they struggle to keep push them apart, until their lives are threatened and they realize nothing is as important as the love they share and the life they can have together.

Website: www.angelabritnellromance.com

Pitching at the RNA Conference

Watching Jeffery Deaver on Breakfast one morning reminded me about planning pitches for the Conference. I haven't booked any publisher interviews but I need to be ready to describe my writing in general in a couple of short punchy sentences to anyone who asks. [And those who don't!]

At past Conferences when I've been lucky enough to find myself sitting or standing next to agents and publishers, I've often only managed to mumble something uninspiring.

So now I shall practice my sentences in front of a mirror until I can recite them without hesitation, repetition or deviation and hopefully with a pleasant smile, all at the same time.

When I've had publisher/ agent interviews in the past, I've always felt that I just make a fool of myself. Am certain Ed Handyside of Myrmidon, for instance, will probably have thought, 'pleasant enough woman but rambles a lot.'

On the upside, they are always very polite and when I've asked if I can send them something, have always said yes.

And my default option, if I haven't spoken to anyone is to send the work anyway, beginning my letter with : I was standing next to you at the RNA Summer Party last week but didn't manage to speak to you.

Or : I heard you speak at the RNA Conference and very much enjoyed your talk. Both these worked well and did at least receive individual replies. I suppose I had at least given them something a bit different to say in their rejections - writing them must be a bit like writing school reports. In the end, your work has to go out into the world and stand on its own little feet, whatever you've said.

So best of luck! I'm off to stand in front of the mirror.

Anne

Thank you Anne, for this delightfully humorous take on the process of pitching.I wish you every  success with the next.
Best wishes, Freda

Anne Hewland's latest Pocket Novel with D C Thompson is Pool of Darkness. Do watch out for her next.

JANICE HORTON - HOW TO HOSTESS A VIRTUAL PARTY

It's the turn of the lovely Janice Horton to visit the blog today, with some fantastic tips on how to run a virtual party.

Virtual Party – Real Fun…?

Janice Horton escaped a city-chic lifestyle and a career in corporate brand placement to live in a remote cottage on the side of a hillside in Scotland. Previously traditionally published and now writing as an Indie, Janice writes fiction with humour and heart and with a hint of tartan. Janice is a regular blogger and you’ll often find her partying on Facebook and Twitter. Her latest nonfiction title ‘How To Party Online’ is available now from Amazon for Kindle.

When I tried to explain to my husband that I was planning to host an online ‘virtual’ party to celebrate the launch of my latest book, he thought I’d gone completely crazy. When I told him about the music, the games and the virtual food and drinks that I planned to offer my guests, he could hardly move for laughing. ‘How can anything virtual be fun?’ he scoffed in disbelief.

Well, firstly, let me assure you, dear friends and party peeps, that online parties can indeed be fun. In fact, with a bit of careful planning they can be an absolute blast, entirely capable of sending your online popularity through the virtual roof and your next book zooming up the Amazon bestseller charts!

As well as being lots of very real fun - online parties are environmentally friendly and cost effective. They take advantage of today’s technology and make it easy for anyone to organise a truly global event with an unlimited guest list. Plus, you don’t have to clean the house before or afterwards and you can attend dressed up, dressed down, or not dressed at all (who’s to know unless you’re using a webcam?)!

Since hosting my very first online party I’ve organised more and I’ve attended lots. I love the clever fun themes and the involvement with other online party peeps. I enjoy virtual parties all the more if the fun spills over from Facebook to the Blogosphere and to Twitter. I’ve even ended up in Twitter jail! But how to you go about hosting and organising an online party you may ask? Here’s a few tips:

Decide on a date and time

Pick an online venue – eg: Facebook, Blogs, Twitter, Pinterest?

Think up a fun and original party theme

Create a guest list

Send out invitations

Ask your guests to ‘do something fun and specific’ on the day

Start organising

Plan party spot prizes, a prize draw, or a giveaway

Think about a music playlist – use Spotify or uTube

Think about virtual drinks and food – yes, really!

Mmmm… still not sure about the virtual food and drink?

Then try out these suggestions for virtual ingenuity!

Order a virtual and totally free party pizza at http://www.superpizzas.com/ – choose your toppings and simply email them in to your guests!

Get your ice creams – cones or sundaes at http://www.cybercones.com/– there’s even a variety of flavours and topping s with m&m’s as a choice and it’s all completely free!

Still not sure…? Then why not start an online virtual food fight using http://www.foodfighting.com/

How To Party Online:

Online parties are a fabulous and fun way to launch your book or introduce your product and to engage with your target audience. Social media applications are perfect forums for parties - the venue capacity is infinite, the guest list is global, and the fun and games can lead to bestselling success!

                                                           

This book aims to show you how you can produce measurable results from your very first online party while you are still working towards building up your social network.

The purpose of this book is to walk and talk you through each step of the planning and implementation of four very different online promotional parties. We will look at how much work and effort is involved in implementing each step and we will experience the party format, explore the outcomes, and quantify all the successes.

And I’ll show you how to make it lots of fun!

Find out more:

Janice’s Author Blog: http://www.janicehortonwriter.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow her on Twitter: @JaniceHorton

Like her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JaniceHortonAuthor

Link to Janice on Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Janice-Horton/e/B004S6DKRC/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1/278-4553972-9740221

                                                                * * *

Many thanks, Janice - with the popularity of virtual parties increasing at a rate of knots, your expertise here is invaluable.

Self-Published June Releases

The New Year Resolution by Louise Rose-Innes

The Romance Collective
ebook [Kindle Edition]
5 June, 2013 
$1.99

Last year, divorcee Nicole had only one New Year’s Resolution – to have a date for this New Years Eve – but with no strings attached.  One thing she knows for sure is that she isn’t ready for anything more complicated than a casual date.

So when eco-tycoon and international jetsetter, Ryan Jackson begs her to accompany him to a tropical island for a week, in order to impress his benefactor, Nicole categorically refuses. He’s way too hot and she’s way too vulnerable. Not a good idea.

Yet Ryan won’t take no for an answer.  It’s for a good cause. She would only have to pretend to be his lover. It’s a luxury island resort with all expenses paid. How can she refuse?

Under the tropical sun, things heat up and their pretence goes out the window. Nicole gets cold feet. She’s not ready for this kind of affair. It’s doubtful she ever will be.

But have they come too far? Distancing herself from Ryan will cause him to lose the funding he so desperately needs for his eco-project, but staying with him means she’ll lose something far more valuable… her heart.  And that’s a risk Nicole is simply not willing to take.

The New Year Resolution is available on Amazon.com

website – www.LouiseRoseInnes.com

A Lady with Napoleon's Army by Mary Nichols

ebook now on sale at Amazon
Price £2.31

Catherine Marsh, employed by her friend, Helen, wife of Count Pyotr Mikhailovich Kaspodin to be governess to her children, Catherine finds herself in Poland just as Napoleon is preparing to invade Russia. When the Count is obliged to leave them to join the Tsar, and Helen is killed by a merciless French troop, Catherine must find her way to Moscow to fulfil Helen's dying wish that she look after her children, but with danger all around her, the only way she can do it, is reluctantly to accept the escort of the Austrian Captain Charles Von Hardt, who is in the service of Napoleon and her sworn enemy. But is he all he seems?

www.marynichols.co.uk 

The Duke's Legacy by Wendy Soliman

Ebook

7 May 2013

$1.99

As sole heir to the late Duke of Penrith's extensive estate, Abigail Carstairs suspects that someone is trying to kill her for her fortune. In desperation she turns to the notorious Lord Sebastian Denver for help. Unable to deny a lady in distress, Sebastian inveigles his way into Abbey's hunting lodge where all the prime suspects are gathered.

Distracted by his growing attraction towards Abbey, Sebastian is unprepared when a further attempt is made on her life. As he lays a daring trap for her aggressors, Sebastian finds himself in a race against time to keep her safe...

Website:   www.wendysoliman.com

Song Of My Heart by Margaret Mounsdon

Kindle ebook

99p

Andi Cox lands a dream job looking after the daughters of pop icon Jas Summers. Then the girls start getting kidnap threats and when Jas arranges a charity concert in the grounds of his country house Andi's job is on the line

http://www.margaretmounsdon.co.uk/

The Italian Lake by Margaret Mounsdon

Kindle ebook

99p

Anna Villiers is forced to merge business with rival Phil Anderson and Phil suspects her of colluding against him with Archie Wainwright, local property developer, but Anna has a family secret she cannot reveal, even at the risk of losing her job. 

http://www.margaretmounsdon.co.uk/