How the RNA Conference provided GINspiration

Today we welcome Catherine Miller who not only tells us about her latest publication but also opportunities at the RNA Conference.

I love going to the RNA conference. There is always so much to gain in terms of the variety of talks,

the 121s available, and the conversations to be had at the bar.

As writers, I think we often have more than one idea vying for attention and The Gin Shack on the Beach was just that. An idea I was generally pushing aside as it was a different genre and I’d thought it could potentially be a side project I could do with The Romaniacs for fun.

Then along came conference. It’s opportunities like this that can help shape and inspire you and the conference in 2016 did just that. There were three moments that helped me decide even if it was a different genre, The Gin Shack idea was one worth pursuing. The first was a lecture with Clio Cornish and Charlotte Mursell. It was about HQ (the new imprint of my publishers – previously Carina UK) and what they were looking for. Clio mentioned older heroines and my ears pricked up because the idea for The Gin Shack was exactly what they were describing.

The second moment was when Mills and Boon authors and editors had a get together drink in the bar. Clio and Charlotte were there as part of HQ and I was invited along. It didn’t take much alcohol for me to start pitching the idea to Clio. To be honest, I think elevator pitches should be rebranded bar pitches. I’m sure that’s where they all happen at conference. Clio loved the idea and encouraged me to send it to Victoria.

The third moment was talking to the formidable and sadly missed, Carole Blake. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to have a full conversation with her in previous years, but time has taught me everyone in the industry is approachable, even agents and editors. I wanted to find out if Hattie Grunewald was still at the conference as we’d met earlier in the year and I was due to submit some work to her as she was considering representing me. (I’m happy to say she now does.) Carole was well known as a gin-lover so I chatted with her about the idea briefly and realised if Carole approved, it must be a good idea.

Not long after conference, I wrote a blurb and was offered a contract on the back of that blurb and a synopsis. So, there are very good reasons for having alcohol-fuelled conversations at conference. Not least because they are lots of fun, but because they can also lead to being inspired in ways you didn’t expect.

This year, I’m hoping the good fortune conference gave to me goes full circle. I’m doing my first solo talk on pitches and synopsis, and conference attendees get the chance to send their pitches to me with the best going to my agent, Hattie. I’m hoping it gives someone on the New Writers’ Scheme or an author looking to get an agent the opportunity they need. I also plan to drink gin. Chat drunkenly about wayward ideas. Try not to show myself up. And generally have a ball. Hope to see some of you at the bar.

Thank you, Catherine and good luck with your book – cheers!

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

Karen Aldous in the South of France

We are delighted to welcome Karen Aldous to the blog today as she takes us to another beautiful location in France.

Your fourth book with Carina is soon to be published. Without giving too much away can you tell us a little about One Moment at Sunrise.

I love Evie Grant, my main character. Evie has everything, a gorgeous little girl, lives in a beautiful villa in southern France by the Canal-du-Midi with a talented and highly regarded singer-songwriter– her life, you imagine, so perfect, every girl’s dream. However, her life is empty, her loneliness desperately painful. This is where her emotional journey stems. The story unravels as her misery is explored and she discovers what is missing in her life.

Is the setting for your latest novel similar to those that came before? How important is location to you?

One Moment at Sunrise is set along the coast from my previous books; on the beautiful, man-made Canal-du-Midi where characters are woven from its history and influential to the story. I enjoy reading stories set in exotic locations, as well as writing them, they allow me to soak up the atmosphere and the holiday mood so I want my readers to immerse themselves in that too. A world away from their daily routine.

How much time do you devote to social media?

I try to limit it because it can be hugely distracting when I’m writing, but there are so many interesting stories, pics and snippets people post - it’s difficult. So, I try to do a half hour three times a day and I like to do a guest blog-post once a month. Obviously at launch times this all goes out the window, but hey-ho, it’s what writers do nowadays and its lovely to connect to readers.

Do you have a regime and do you stick to it or are you adaptable if something else ‘turns up’?

I have to be adaptable – I need balance in my life, I’m a Libran after all! I’ve never been one to rigidly stick to routine. My family and friends are core, so having them around or, taking off somewhere on an impulsive whim is possibly my weakness! Being so curious I can’t sit still long, so in some ways I’m purpose-built for writing but, of course, when deadlines are there, it’s all hands on keyboard!

Is there another book waiting in the wings?

Of course…I have so many ideas buzzing around, I can’t tell you so, yes. I never want to stop writing and I will soon start planning the next. Right now, I’m off to the Alps and I need to leave Evie to get on with her life and give my head an opportunity to recharge. You can’t imagine how much I’m looking forward to meeting my next characters and getting to know them.

Have you ever considered changing genre? Is there something quite different you’re burning to write?

Absolutely. I’d love to try a psychological suspense but the one burning desire I have is to write a beautiful sweeping epic. In fact, I began outlining and writing a synopsis as well as carrying out quite a bit of the research last spring, which although is still in its embryonic stage, it’s developing. It’s a dual time line, and a bit of a project. An eclectic mix of family drama, suspense, romance and historical fiction.

And finally, what is next for Karen Aldous?

All the above. And, I’ve also set myself a challenge to improve my writing skills. I’m in awe of writers such as Elena Ferrante, Tracy Rees and, Iona Grey, the recent Romantic Novel of the Year winner and the book I’m reading at the moment; it’s a spookily similar format to the epic I’ve planned, but these authors organise their words so beautifully.

Biog.

Much of Karen's inspiration comes from her travels. The UK, France, Switzerland and USA are just some you’ll be transported to in her books, but wherever she goes, new characters invite themselves into 'Karen's World' screaming to tell their stories; strong independent women capable of directing their own lives - but struggle to control them...especially when temptation strikes!

Karen feels so much of her success derives from support of fellow writers at Romantic Novelists’ Association and The Write Place.

Karen’s books published by Carina are available on Amazon:

One Moment at Sunrise

The Chateau

The Vineyard

The Riviera

Links:

Twitter: @KarenAldous_

Facebook:

Website:

The RNA blog is brought to you by

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to write for us please get in touch: elaineeverest@aol.com

Karen Aldous: The Riviera

Welcome to Karen Aldous who is celebrating the publication of her third novel, The Riviera.

Congratulations, Karen. Can you tell us how you decide on the fabulous settings for your books?

Thank you for inviting me along to the fabulous RNA blog. The Riviera. It is a sequel to The Vineyard but can so easily be read as a stand-alone novel. Settings, come from my love of travel. Wherever I go, I like to imagine myself living in these exotic places and dream up a life – who knows how we construct subconsciously - but my characters tend to be created from this process. I do know that most places I visit, a character comes to life and I’m often inspired by the sheer beauty of a landscape such as Provence in The Vineyard and, The Riviera. Cannes captured my imagination for Lizzie because she was young and drawn to a buzzy, cosmopolitan environment.

How much planning do you undertake before you start to write?

I generally write an outline or synopsis once the idea grabs. For example, when I visited the Canal du Midi last summer, I stayed in this fabulously spacious villa which inspired a character who, I imagined living there. Immediately I sketched the outline of a very lonely girl who, by choice becomes an island within her gorgeous surroundings. I began asking her questions as to why and how she made the choice she did and then asked her how she would find happiness. From there, characters emerge who have brought about her isolation and sadness, and, those who will help her discover a brighter path. This will lead to exploration of all the characters motivations and conflicts. Once the summary is complete, because it is subject to change at any time if another idea works better, I gather the major scenes on cards to begin my structure. More cards are added with important events and then arranged into order to create the time-line. This is added to excel on word so that I can easily manoeuvre scenes, dates or anything new from research which needs to go in. This process can take weeks, months even, but, builds over time and, can be added to as I’m writing another project.

Can you tell us how you promote your e-books and meet your readers?

Before I was published I had a Facebook account so naturally told my family and friends as well as my writer friends. Many were lovely and bought my book and from there it’s been rather organic. When I first published The Vineyard last year, I hadn’t been on Twitter long but to my surprise, there were lots of wonderful readers, book bloggers and reviewers who, from their own love of books, were keen to read it and blog about it. I was astounded at this community. Reading is their passion and they are only too happy to write an honest review and, interview you. I believe book bloggers have such an influence. They have brought my books to the attention of their followers and fellow readers.  Along with these, my amazing fellow authors from CarinaUK and many I’ve met online and chat or Tweet to have been hugely supportive.

I’ve also featured on travel, French ex-pat, Lifestyle blogs such as Pink Ink or LLm – who are other authors lifting other authors and, have been so generous.  Admittedly, it took me a while to work out how it all worked but, I really can’t thank them all enough.

Of course, a major marketing tool for the ebook is a book tour. My Book tour for The Riviera begins on the 7^th September. Amazon or Carina, my publisher also arrange price promos periodically too which I think help ebooks reach readers who wouldn’t normally take a risk on a new author at a higher price, so this strategy is a great help to both us writers and readers. It has been building on online communities which have helped me reach my readers.

What is your typical writing day like?

Gosh, there is no typical day. I’m constantly racing around with grandchildren and a small business I run but, I write anywhere so even when collecting my granddaughter from school, I have my notebook. I’m at my desk from Friday to Sunday and most evenings. Just now however, I have the luxury of writing most days with the children on holidays which is great. My mind can focus for longer periods.

Can you give us a clue to your current work-in-progress?

Yes of course. The house which is set on the beautiful Canal du Midi where Evie, my main character’s only mode of transport is her bike, and it’s a perfect setting for cycling. However, it is heart-breaking. Although she has a beautiful home, the man who has made her so many false promises is controlling her life. She is isolated in so many ways and has to find her way off of this figurative island.  It is only after a near tragedy, when she meets the gorgeous film-maker, Ben that she begins to take a first step.

How do you see ‘Author Karen Aldous’ in five years’ time?

A very interesting question! When I began writing, my dream was to one day be read, to be published. That dream is now a reality. I have readers enjoying my novels. So, as any writer knows, the compulsion to write is something that’s within and, so is the compulsion to improve and aim a little higher; to reach more people and provide gripping entertainment. So that is the next step. First and foremost, I want readers to enjoy my books and so it’s important for me as a writer to not only keep writing but to improve it and offer them something more. I’ve learned so much from my wonderful editors and long may it continue. Learning is always beneficial and, for me, fun, so I do read a lot not only to enjoy, but to discover, how and why something another writer has created, makes it so good, and compelling.

I also love the many workshops and seminars with other writers which the RNA make so accessible. They’re full of new information besides reading books as aids. So, in the near future, I’d like the opportunity to explore a bit more. Become more adventurous, explore ideas and creep further out of my comfort zone. I’d also like to be helping new writers achieve their dream. Now is a good time to start planning a path for my writing future and increase my chances and my desire to reach more readers, so that within five years, I’d like to see Author, Karen Aldous on the Sunday Times or NY Times ‘Best Seller’ list and, dare I add, at the top!

LINKS
Amazon  
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Blog

Thank you Karen and good luck with The Riviera.

The RNA blog is brought to you by,

 Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

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

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

JANE O'REILLY: INDECENT EXPOSURE

Today we welcome author, Jane O’Reilly to the blog.

Tell us something about yourself, Jane.

I started writing as an antidote to kid's TV when my youngest child was a baby. My first novel was set in my old school and involved a ghost and lots of death. It's unpublished, which is probably for the best. Then I discovered contemporary romance.

What gave you the idea for Indecent Exposure?

Initially I intended to write a short novella, and the first draft was only 15K. This took me about a week. Over subsequent drafts, I extended it until it was closer to 30K. I had specifically wanted to write erotica which was not BDSM focussed, and the lovely window of a photography studio near to me gave me the idea of a heroine who takes boudoir photos on the side.

How did you find your publisher?

I was looking for a UK based publisher and I knew that the newly established Carina UK was looking for writers. I submitted in the usual way, with a partial followed by a full. All in, it only took a couple of months from the initial query to acceptance.

What would be the perfect item to help you survive a holiday?

Factor 50 sunblock. I think I must have been a vampire in another life.

What’s next in your writing life?

I'm currently writing more erotic romances for Carina. Three were published in March, and I am contracted to write another four by the end of the year. I am also working on a romantic space opera trilogy (also known as the crazy space book) about a space pirate and a genetically modified woman.

Tell us about your latest book.

Ellie Smithson is a respectable photographer by day –  but after dark, she takes pictures of a more…intimate nature – a dirty little secret she’s kept from her accountant Tom. Then she discovers he is the subject of her next racy shoot.

Links:

Website http://www.janeoreilly.com

Amazon: Indecent Exosure

Thank you, Jane and good luck with you busy workload.

Complied by Elaine and brought to you by the blogging team of Elaine Everest and Natalie Kleinman.

If you have a book due for release and would like to be featured on the RNA blog please contact elaineeverest@aol.com