FOCUS ON: Exeter/South Devon Chapter

Today we are joined by Lin Treadgold who answered our questions on behalf of the Exeter/South Devon Chapter. Here’s what she had to say:

How long has your chapter been running?

Sadly, we lost our group leader in 2016. Author, Jo Beverley was a good organiser. She became ill and within a month of our meeting we learned she had passed away; it was a huge shock. She had completed her last novel, ready for publishing, and was excited about her future. Victoria Cornwall was now leading two groups and needed support. I had recently joined the chapter and she asked me to help.  As a result, I took over. Prior to these changes, I believe the group had been running for five years. 

How often do you meet?

We meet on the second Wednesday of each month. We plan to organise other events in the autumn and members will be informed via Facebook and e-mail.

Members of the chapter enjoying a good lunch

Do you have a regular meeting place?

Our meetings are held at Weatherspoons, St George’s Meeting House, Exeter, at noon. Housed in an 18th-century former chapel building, the pub serves real ales and all-day pub grub. You can order food and drink at the bar and we usually meet at the back of the building near the main stairs. When there is a larger group we can be found on the balcony above the bar. Exeter St Thomas Rail station is about a fifteen-minute walk from the venue, but the Quay Car Park is close by, situated in Lower Combe Street, Exeter. Car Parking is £2. Public transport is generally good. 

How many members attend your meetings?

We have 35 members, but not all attend at once. Sometimes it’s very cosy with just a few of us. Summer meetings are especially good because we can sit outside in the beer garden.

Do your meetings include a meal?

As stated above, Weatherspoons provide a substantial and varied menu at a reasonable price and no matter what your taste or preference, there is always something to please. How about a glass of wine with your meal?  Take a look at the web site for further information. JD Weatherspoons

Is your chapter open to non-members of the RNA?

We are open to non-members but preferably those introduced by an existing RNA member. However, we are flexible and look forward to meeting new people, especially those in the RNA New Writers Scheme.  Please contact me for further information. The RNA chapters are a good way of cementing friendships, outside of social media. The support we provide is invaluable and we are a very friendly and welcoming group. Most of us are published, but there are a few on the New Writers’ Scheme and we are always glad to welcome new members no matter what their status. 

How long are your meetings?

Usually about two hours, but our chapter is more about sharing experiences and meeting like-minded friends, rather than official business. We meet at noon and usually finish before 14.30 hours.

Can you give an outline of speakers/guests you’ve had in the past year?

None so far but I am open to ideas and ways to improve the group and organise events. All help and ideas gratefully received.  We recently gave out a questionnaire to everyone to see if they would like to make any changes.  Most were satisfied with our existing arrangement, but thought that we should organise an event and we hope to do this soon.

What do you have planned for 2017?

Afternoon tea with a guest speaker sounds like a good idea. We hope to hold this in September.  There is always a Christmas party too. This is great fun and always well attended. If anyone out there is keen to help please get in touch.  

What would you say makes your chapter of the RNA so special?

Most members have a book published and it’s a good time to discuss our plans with other authors.  It is the support and knowledge shared in the group that means a lot to everyone.  Some of our authors are able to mentor new writers and this is an invaluable service for those on the RNA New Writers’ Scheme. Help is always at hand for new writers. If you are published, then please bring your business cards.  We enjoy networking.

Does your chapter have a website, Facebook page or Twitter account?

We have a page on Facebook, ‘Exeter Chapter.’ This is a closed Facebook page, but new members may apply to join.  You can place news about a forthcoming publication or ask a question.

Who is the contact for new members? I’m happy to welcome anyone who has a book in progress, is published, or wants to share information.  Please contact me at lin.treadgold@yahoo.co.uk  Tel 01837 82592

Thank you so much for joining us and for sharing, particularly your memories of Jo Beverley who is missed by all who knew her. We wish you and your members a successful 2017 and beyond.

Natalie Kleinman writes contemporary and historical romantic novels and has thrown a bit of a mystery into the mix in her recently completed Regency. She is now working on a new contemporary. Her next novel, with Harper Collins HQ Digital, is due for publication at the end of June. You can follow her blog at http://bit.ly/2mDF99I

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

Brigid Coady: Joan Hessayon Contender 2015

Today we welcome Brigid Coady, another of our contenders for this year’s award.

Welcome, Brigid, congratulations on graduating the RNA New Writers’ Scheme. Can you tell us when you first decided that you wished to become a romantic novelist? 

I have always wanted to be a writer and also always read romance, so thirteen years ago when I started to take my writing seriously the stories I wanted to write were romantic. It seemed to click and no matter what genre I’ve tried to write there will always be a love story somewhere at the centre of it. I know that the support I’ve received from the RNA over the years has helped me realised I found the right home.

How many years were you a member of the NWS scheme and did you submit a different book each year? Which year’s book did you graduate with?

I was a member of the NWS scheme for ten years. I didn’t submit a different book every year, sometimes I sent the same book or a finished version of a book that I’d sent a partial in for a previous year. I was always sending my script in at the last minute. I think I was despaired of! ‘No One Wants to Be Miss Havisham’ was entered in the NWS in 2009.

How did you find your publisher?

Through the RNA! I met Kim Young when she worked at M&B; we talked about me submitting short stories. After her move to HarperCollins she was still interested so I sent her ‘The Last Kiss’. After writing more short stories, it was a logical step to submit to them.

Promotion is a big part of an author’s working life. How did you promote your novel?

I’m still at the beginning of the promotion and learning my way. I try and be active on social media platforms and start conversations with people. As my book is wedding themed I’m trying to promote through wedding sites and when I have a physical book I’ll be hitting the wedding fairs. I’m finding that it takes up a lot of my time. I’m open to any advice as I come closer to the publication date in June, all suggestions welcome.

What has happened to you as an author since that first sale?

Every one has been incredibly supportive. It has also reminded me that you really can’t give up and that your journey is your own and will take as long as it takes. I’m now writing my next novel and applying everything I learned from ‘No One Wants to Be Miss Havisham’.

How did you celebrate your first book sale?

I was living in Breckenridge so we celebrated in mountain fashion, first by going for a trail run, then drinking at the local bar. Not too much as the altitude makes you a cheap date. When I got back to the UK I celebrated again. In fact I’m still celebrating!

About author, Brigid Coady:

I was born in the UK but raised round the world and spent most of my childhood with my nose in a book. When I was seven I wrote my first proper story about a magic puddle that flipped up to reveal a secret world underground. I’m now a non-practicing engineer who works in project management. I write romance and young adult stories. I’ve been a voice-over and radio continuity artist. I love country music and used to have my own radio show. My boyfriend says I have an unhealthy obsession with Kenny Chesney. I live in London.

Links:

Website

Amazon

Publisher

 Thank you, Brigid and good luck with your writing career.

Catherine Miller: Winner of the 2015 Katie Fforde Bursary

We're thrilled to hear that Catherine is the recipient of this year’s Katie Fforde Bursary. We managed to catch up with Catherine soon after the awards presentation to chat to her about the award and her busy life

Photo courtesy of Jan Jones

When did you hear that you were to be the recipient of this year’s award and what was your reaction?

Katie contacted me in January. It was completely out of the blue and I thought it was related to something else so I was shocked and over the moon.

How did you feel at the award ceremony? Did you have to make a speech?

I took my mum as it was a very proud moment. It was also a memorable moment, because I managed to drop the top half of the trophy. Fortunately it’s made of metal and is very durable so no harm done. I did make a short speech, after dropping the trophy it didn’t seem so daunting!

What does winning the award mean to you?

A tremendous amount. I can’t shout the praises of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme loudly enough. It has taken me from having no idea of how complex novel writing is to having a manuscript that is far closer to the real deal. Katie’s bursary award is an amazing boost knowing I’m heading in the right direction and I hope I’m able to follow in previous winners' footsteps, many of whom have gone on to achieve publication soon afterwards. The RNA is a wonderful association and I’m so glad to be part of it. 

When did you join the RNA New Writers’ Scheme?

This will be my fifth year on the NWS, after joining in 2010. I found out about it from my local writing group and the feedback I’ve received so far has been invaluable.

Have you managed to submit a manuscript each year?

I have, just about. Overall I’ve written two manuscripts in that time and for the past two years I’ve sent a partial. I remember very clearly in 2013 managing to send a first chapter only because at the time I had six-week-old twins. It took some effort, but we managed to get down to the Post Office.

How do you fit your writing around your busy life and have you always wanted to be a novelist?

Since having the twins I’ve reverted to pen and paper. When I get a spare few minutes I scribble during the day. I then type it up in the evening. I rather like doing it this way as it means I notice errors easier.

I started writing in my teens but, as a dyslexic, developing my writing wasn’t encouraged any more than making sure I knew the difference between there/their/they’re, which I still have to think about before typing. Instead, I qualified as a physiotherapist and even at university

I attempted a novel. Early in my career, I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, an auto-immune condition and eventually it meant giving up my job to maintain my health. Lots of people had told me I wouldn’t be able to become a physiotherapist, and I didn’t listen to them, so why listen to my own doubts about being a writer? If I couldn’t be a physio (a job I loved), I was going to follow my ultimate dream of being a writer.

Thank you, Catherine. We are sure it won’t be too long before you graduate the New Writers’ Scheme and we see your novels in our book stores.

The RNA blog is brought to you by:

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like you write for the blog or have an idea for a feature or series please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

Plus One is a Lucky Number for Teresa F Morgan

Teresa F Morgan tell us how she found her publisher

A mum to two boys by day, romance writer by night. I’m at my happiest baking cakes, putting proper home cooked dinners on the table (whether the kids eat them or not), reading a good romance, or creating a touch of escapism with heroes readers will fall in love with.

Sophie Trewyn has a wedding to attend, and no one to go with, until her friend convinces his best mate, Adam Reid to go with her.  All the pretending, Sophie starts to wish it were true. But with some surprises in store, will Adam regret saying yes?

What gave you the idea for your book and how long did it take to write? 

I’ve always liked the concept of two people pretending to be in love. Is the affection real or pretend? It’s my favourite kind of storyline. Plus One is a Lucky Number is a little bit inspired by the film The Wedding Date. I wrote the first chapter for the Mills and Boon New Voice competition for September 2010 and had it finally finished and polished in 2012 to send out to publishers.

How did you find your publisher? 

Since joining the RNA New Writers’ Scheme, I have been attending the Bath and Wiltshire Chapter meetings organised by Rachel Brimble. Last summer, one of my chapter members (Lorraine Wilson) had just been accepted by Harper Impulse, so I checked out the company to see they were brand new, and thought let’s send it off! The manuscript was with the New Writers’ Scheme and I did contemplate waiting to hear back from them first, but decided to grab the bull by the horns. To cut a long story short, Lorraine helped me get to the top of the slush pile by mentioning my name to Charlotte Ledger, and as they say the rest is history. I believe Lorraine found out before I did that Harper Impulse wanted my book.

How do you fit your writing into your busy life? Are you a lark or an owl? 

I’m definitely an owl. I can’t get myself out of bed early to write. I’m up at 7am anyway with the boys to get them to school. I write best during the day while they are at school (when I am not doing the day job and real life isn’t getting in the way too much) and in the evenings, once they are in bed. I try to write/edit for at least one hour a day – where possible. I work Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, which usually leaves me too tired, so I try to do other (what I call) Writing Related Activities, i.e. reading, blogging, etc. on those days.

What is next in your writing life? 

I’m contracted with Harper Impulse for a second book and so I am trying to work through that at the moment. It’s at about 80,000 words but needs editing and some ‘additing’ (a word I made up in NaNoWriMo 2006). I really want to get it off to my publisher soon, as it feels like for a couple of years now I haven’t actually worked on anything fresh.

Blog: http://teresa-morgan.blogspot.co.uk/

Website: http://www.teresamorgan.co.uk/

Harper Impulse: http://www.harperimpulseromance.com/
Amazon.co.uk: (ebook) Plus One is a Lucky Number

Amazon.com: (ebook) Plus One is a Lucky Number

Amazon.co.uk (paperback release 8^th May 2014) One is a Lucky Number

Thank you for joining us today, Teresa

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

Please contact us at elaineeverest@aol.com if you wish to be featured on our blog or would like to write a craft article.