Natalie Kleinman: Escape to the Cotswolds

Today Natalie Kleinman talks to Helena Fairfax on the release of her new novel, Escape to the Cotswolds.

Lovely to have you in the spotlight, Natalie!

Natalie: Thank you for inviting me.

Please could you tell us a bit more about yourself, how you got into writing, and your published books?

Strangely enough, I came to writing quite by accident. At a point in my life when I needed something new, something different, I enrolled in a ten week creative writing course. That was about fifteen years ago. I was like a child with a new toy but I decided very quickly that this was not something to play with or at. This was something I was serious about. I joined writing groups and progressed through hobby writing to others where members were as hooked as I was. I can’t stress enough how important I think it is to interact with other writers. Five years ago I was lucky enough to find a creative writing school, The Write Place, only fifteen minutes’ drive from home. No longer stumbling with no-one to guide me, I set about learning my craft, a sponge trying to absorb ever more water. Following publication of more than thirty short stories I turned to novel writing and joined the wonderful RNA New Writers Scheme. My first book, Safe Harbour, was picked up that same year and seven weeks after publication I saw my pocket novel, Honey Bun, on supermarket shelves. It was a heady feeling, I can tell you. That was in 2014. It’s taken another three years but I’m delighted that HQ Digital are publishing Escape to the Cotswolds and I love the cover they’ve put out. It even makes ME want to read it!

Your latest novel is set in a small village in the Cotswolds – the sort of place everyone knows everyone. Is this setting based on your own experience?

Only as a visitor. I’ve spent my life living in the suburbs of our wonderful capital city but I’m a frequent visitor to the area. Its peace and tranquillity (perhaps not so much in the towns during the tourist season) and its beauty draw me back time and again. And everybody smiles! If I could afford a holiday home, that’s where it would be.

Your heroine, Holly, is an artist. Do you have any experience in the art world, and are you good at painting yourself?

It’s funny you should ask me that. About six years ago I joined another council run course, this time art, to support a friend who was going through a bad patch and needed an outlet. I loved it and made more progress than I could possibly have imagined but…the thing is, painting is very time consuming. Writing is very time consuming. One had to go. I still have some of my paintings to remind me though.

Holly takes a trip to Pennsylvania. Is this a part of the US you've visited?

I’ve only ever been to Florida and California. I have Google, Google Maps and Google Earth to thank for providing me with so much information.

Are any of your characters based on anyone you know? (No need to reveal names!)

I think you always put a little bit of yourself into some of your characters but otherwise no, they are entirely fictitious.

How do you pick your characters' names?

This isn’t a question I can sensibly answer. Sometimes a name will just come to me and seem to fit. And sometimes that name continues to fit, but just as often a character will demand a change of identity and you know what, they’re usually right.

What's your favourite romance novel of all time?

I don’t have one. There are far too many to choose from and I do so like a good romance. I suppose it’s usually the one I’m currently reading. I’ve just finished Georgette Heyer’s Frederica for the umpteenth and she would definitely be a contender.

What is your next project?

Another romance set in the Cotswolds but this time actually two romances. It’s a dual time line and I have two heroines. And I love them both. Neither has yet demanded a change of name.

Nowadays authors have to spend almost as much time promoting their books as writing. Have you found this to be the case? Is there any particular promotion/marketing strategy that you think has worked well for you?

I joined Facebook in 2012 and it’s a medium I enjoy very much, both professionally and as a way of communicating with friends. Like many others, I was dragged kicking and screaming into Twitter. There are many of its nuances I don’t understand but I am booked to take a social media course in a few months and in the meantime – and especially of necessity now with promotion of Escape to the Cotswolds – I’m finding I enjoy it more and more.

If you weren't a writer, what would be your ideal career, and why?

I’d probably opt for painting and drawing. Like writing, it’s creative and a great way to express oneself. Unfortunately it’s not easy to make a living that way. But I can picture myself back in the Cotswolds or possibly the beautiful Lake District with my easel set up in the shade of a tree, committing memories of a wonderful landscape to something I can carry home and keep with me forever.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

Wine. Red wine. By way of a coincidence publication day coincided with classes at The Write Place. It has become a tradition to take cakes when there is something to celebrate. No alcohol because most of us drive to get there but if you’d looked for me on the evening of 21^st June that’s where you’d have found me. What better place could there be!

Blurb:

Can love blossom in the countryside?

Artist Holly Hunter is turning her life upside-down! She’s leaving the bright lights of London (and a cheating husband) behind her and hoping for a fresh start as she escapes to the peaceful Cotswolds countryside.

Men are off the cards for Holly. Instead, she’s focusing on her little gallery and adopting an adorable Border Collie puppy named Tubs. Or so she thought…

Because no matter how hard she tries to resist him, local vet Adam Whitney is utterly gorgeous. And in a village as small as this one, Holly can only avoid Adam for so long!

Buy link: Amazon

Social Links:

Blog

Facebook 

Twitter 

Thank you so much for interviewing me today. I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

Thanks so much for dropping in on your day off, Natalie :) It's been lovely getting to know a bit more about you. Wishing you all the best with Escape to the Cotswolds.

If you wish to be featured on the RNA blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

Elaine Everest: The Woolworths Girls

I am delighted to see the boot on the other foot today as we welcome our own Elaine Everest following publication of her saga, The Woolworths Girls

Thank you for interviewing me, Natalie. It does feel strange to be on the other side of the blog!

Congratulations on yesterday’s launch, Elaine. We are all aware that the time from acceptance to publication is a long and busy one. Can you tell us something about was expected of you from your publisher during this period?

Thank you, it was an exciting day! Its seems an age since I received the call from my agent, Caroline Sheldon, to say that Pan Macmillan had made a very nice offer for a two book contract. I was at a funeral that afternoon and had to keep dashing from the room to take calls and not grin too much! At that stage about a third of The Woolworths Girls had been written so my main job was to get writing and keep writing as I had a deadline. I did get to have lunch with my editor at that time, Natasha Harding, where we chatted about book two and the sales team and Natasha told me to go ahead with The Butlins Girls (due to be published in 2017).
The editing process at Pan Macmillan goes through many stages and I got to meet so many professional people. I was in very good hands. When attending the first Pan Mac party I got to meet the people who had worked on my book. A strange experience as they knew so much about my characters whereas before that it was just me and my husband and of course you, Natalie!

How au fait were you with these procedures, or did some of it come as a shock?

Having had a few other books published I was aware that working with a major publisher is slightly different to smaller concerns. They are much more thorough with editing and the marketing is amazing. Even so, when emails pop into my inbox I can’t say I’m not a little worried about what they will contain. My new senior editor, Victoria Hughs-Williams, is equally as lovely and kind as Natasha and both have been so helpful answering my questions. A major publisher is there to build an author’s brand and even when attending social media days for authors all staff have been there for us and most patient! It’s an experience I hope all my writing friends enjoy in their careers.

You are fortunate to be working with the hugely respected Pan Macmillan. How involved has your agent, Caroline Sheldon, been in the process?

Well, she secured a very good contract for me and kept me up to date with the complete process. Now I’m secure with my publisher Caroline doesn’t need to be so much involved but saying that we chat often and the whole of the agency are interested in my work and what is happening. I know that if I were to have any form of problem Caroline will be there to hold my hand and stop me worrying. Apart from that we chat about my dog, Henry, and his show career. Hmm perhaps Henry should pitch for his own book contract?

How do you feel about the publishing industry, both professionally and personally?
Gosh! As you know we’ve seen a lot of the industry whilst running this blog. For me I am saddened that so many good writers are not being offered advances when given contracts. Whether digital first or straight to paperback a publisher should show confidence in their authors and writers should be brave enough to ask for an advance. Why should writers have

all the pressure?
Something else I’ve experienced with several of my books in my early years as an author, and will nag my students to ask about before signing a contract, is the marketing side of the book trade. It astonishes me how many publishers, especially digital first, expect a new author to undertake all their own publicity and marketing without giving a helping hand. At The Write Place we have helped new authors who have been left floundering by publishers who don’t even arrange a blog tour or send out a press release.
I’ll get off my soap box now!

Naturally The Woolworths Girls will be available on Amazon. In what formats and will we be able to buy a copy elsewhere?

The Woolworths Girls is available as an ebook and also paperback on Amazon sites and will be in major bookshops. I’m hearing almost daily of supermarkets becoming interested and the book is to also be in libraries in large print format.

Getting your book into supermarkets gives you hugely increased exposure. Did you know it was ‘on the cards’?
Pan Macmillan are very good at keeping me informed of sales developments and we heard very early on that Sainsbury’s are keen to have it on their shelves.

Obviously you have not been idle during the time you’ve been waiting for The Woolworths Girls to hit the shelves. What have you been working on in the meantime?
I’ve finished writing my book for 2017 which is called The Butlins Girls and is set in 1946 when the popular holiday camp opens after World War Two. Edits are now in and I’ve heard that the cover design is being discussed. Again I’m fortunate to be included in ideas for the cover, which is very exciting.

Finally, you’ve set your book in an iconic setting. Please tell our readers something about it and the story you’ve woven around that great British institution.

The Woolworths store where I set my story actually existed. In fact I shopped there often and remember the old store before it vanished in a terrible fire and was replaced by a modern building. My sagas are set in North West Kent where I was born and grew up and know the history. Set on the banks of the River Thames the town of Erith suffered greatly during the war and my family often spoke of that time and there is still a strong local community. Where better than to have Sarah, Maisie and Freda meet at the end of 1938 as they started work at Woolworths and where better for Sarah to fall in love as WW2 loomed on the horizon?

Links:

Amazon

Facebook Author Page

Twitter: @elaineeverest

Thank you, Elaine. It’s been a huge pleasure for me to be ‘on the inside’ during your journey. I’m sure your readers will enjoy your book as much as I have. Wishing you every good luck.

Thank you, Natalie, for your interesting questions and being so much help while I was writing The Woolworths Girls x

The RNA Blog is brought to you by

Elaine Everest and Natalie Kleinman

This time, from different sides of the table. 

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

Workshops and Groups: Jean Fullerton at The Write Place!

Welcome back to Nikki Moore and another of her features on upcoming writing workshops.

In a couple of days it’ll be the official start of spring. Time for daffodils, brighter days, sunshine, Easter eggs and possibly a few showers too! It’s also a time for new beginnings, and hope. So if you’re hoping to finally write your novel this year, or you need the know-how to start submitting, maybe you should invest in this high quality interactive workshop...

Workshop Title:

The Write Place presents ‘Writing a Novel’ with guest tutor Jean Fullerton.

Workshop Details:

10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Saturday 9^th April 2016 at The Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, Kent DA1 2JZ.

The centre is close to Dartford railway station and the M25. Parking is plentiful and the room (J44) is on the upper floor (lift available). Further details can be found HERE.

What the Tutor Says:

Structuring Your Story - Morning

Have you ever literally lost the plot in a book or forgotten who’s who halfway through? If you have, then I’d be a pound to a penny that’s a book you didn’t finish.

Although each story is unique in order to ensure the reader remains gripped throughout, they need to be introduced to the various characters and have the drama unfold in a way which is both interesting and easy to follow.

My morning workshop will tackle the issue of story structure and how to set a framework for you to hang the various elements of your story on.

It would be helpful if you could bring along an outline of the main characters and a rough plot to work on during the session this could be a first draft.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Publishing Industry but Were Afraid to Ask – Afternoon

Although today there are many options for authors who are looking to publish their work, for most the goal they’re aiming for is a contract with a traditional publisher. However, to do this the author needs to engage with a multi-million pound industry and I hope to give you some insight into how to do this most effectively.

I will discuss the role of agents and editors and what will be required of you as the author. This will be another interactive session with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Aimed at:

The Write Place workshops are suitable for published and unpublished authors, and Jean plans her day around the attending delegates. With past workshops we’ve found that the question and answer sessions can be extremely useful for everything you’ve always wanted to know but where afraid to ask!

Course Tutor Biography:

Jean was born in the East End of London and grew up a short walk from the London Docks in

Wapping and Whitechapel. She spent all her nursing career as a district nurse in East London. She quit her job as an academic at a London university last year and is now a full-time writer.  

In 2006 Jean won the Harry Bowling prize, which secured her first two-book contract with Orion Fiction. Her first four novels were set in the Victorian period before she jumped forward to post-war East London. Her tenth novel, Wedding Bells for Nurse Connie, is released in May. She is currently working on her next East London series for Orion, set in the turbulent years of WW2.

Since the publication of her first novel in 2008, Jean has been a guest speaker at hundreds of voluntary organisation as well at literary and arts festivals and is also lecturers on cruise ships. She has also undertaken talks and workshops at numerous writers’ and literature conferences including Winchester, York and HNS.

Booking details:

Tickets are £70.00 per person. The price will include lunch and all refreshments – including cake! A booking form is available from Elaine Everest via elaineeverest@aol.com who is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

More information about the course and the Write Place can be found at http://www.thewriteplace.org.uk or via their Facebook Group at The Write Place

What are you waiting for? Good luck and enjoy!

About Nikki Moore:

A devoted Dorset girl, Nikki Moore has a HR day job, two kids and a lovely boyfriend to keep her busy alongside the writing. Published mainly by HarperImpulse, she’s the author of the #LoveLondon series, which has been in the Top 100 short story charts on Kobo and the Top 20 in the Amazon UK bestsellers Holiday chart. Some of her books have also been nominated for awards. Nikki is a strong supporter of aspiring authors, loves to chat about writing and reading, and can often be found on Twitter when she should be writing.

You can find out more about Nikki via her blog. or Twitter 

Thank you for covering this event, Nikki.

The RNA blog is brought to you by 

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

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

I'll Drink to That!

Today we meet Karen Aldous 

Karen lives with her husband and dogs in the beautiful Kent countryside where they brought up their three children. She enjoys activities which can be shared with family and friends walking, cycling and skiing.

Inspired initially by Jilly Cooper, Karen continues to adore great stories and writers. She attributes her passion for writing to three Ps - People, Places and Property. Her career allowed her to indulge in them all, providing useful material for her debut novel, The Vineyard.

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

Provence and the Riviera and imagining how lovely it would be to live there, but I didn’t want my main character to inherit a vineyard in France. That would have been too easy for her. I wanted her to be a completely independent single mum who was inspirational, creative and determined to provide for her child. It took me ten months to write altogether if I count the time actually writing and editing but it was in my head for about ten years.

Why did you decide on that particular location?

I chose the location simply because Provence is stunning and I would love to own my own vineyard there.
Cannes has a cosmopolitan and glamorous appeal, not only for my character but also to readers. I know I would want to escape there in a book. I actually used Meopham, my home village in Kent, as my setting. It has a vineyard, it's beautiful and one of my favourite walks goes down through a lovely valley. 

How did you carry out your research?I used the information I gathered whilst in Provence and revisited Cannes staying in the apartment which became Lizzie’s home. It was perfect because it was located within a community rather than the touristy areas. I also did a week-long Wine Growers course at Plumpton College in Sussex. The Internet too is an invaluable research tool; if there is anything it can’t answer, it will lead you to the experts that can.

How did you learn your craft?

I read a lot and over the years I’ve been writing on and off, starting novels or short stories but never really sending anything out. I completed a BSc Hons majoring in Psychology with literature because there were very few creative writing courses around at that time but I subscribed to Writing Magazines and read books on writing. There are so many more nowadays. However, in the last two years I’ve been much more focused on my writing, joining the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) and a novel class at The Write Place Creative Writing School, both of which have been invaluable. My weekly class improved my skills and motivation and the critiques I received from the NWS guided me to the professional standards I needed to attain. Both have been huge contributors to my writing confidence too; the helpfulness and friendliness of fellow writers has made learning my craft a real pleasure.

If your book was turned into a film who would you like to play the main characters?

Jessica Brown-Findlay or Emily Blunt as Lizzie, Jude Law as Cal, Sheridan Smith as Sophie and Emma Thompson as Lizzie’s mother Caroline.

Can you tell us something about your next book?

My next book is set both in London and, the beautiful Lake Geneva, the Swiss Riviera. Gina is fascinated by the Chateau de Chillon and its past haunting inhabitants. As she discovers more from one in particular, her life begins a path she could never have imagined.

If you were to take part in Desert Island Discs what would be your choice of book?

I would probably take the largest notebook I could to write in and write as small as I could because I wouldn’t know how long I would be there. But I know that’s not the point. I think it would have to be Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen provided the best template for women writers and it never fails to entertain as well as teach me

Thank you for sharing with us today, Karen

Amazon UK: The Vineyard

Blog posts are brought to you by Elaine Everest and Natalie Kleinman.

If you wish to have a book featured or contribute a craft item please contact us on:elaineeverest@aol.com