April's Competition Monthly!

A new month and more competition details from Francesca!

A couple of the competitions this month offer no cash prizes. I'm very keen that the competitions I pick offer some kind of reward. It's surprising how many don't, apart from the honour of winning. The prize doesn't have to be a cash one to be worth entering.

The Winchester Festival First Three Pages of a Novel competition is offering an editorial meeting

with publishing company Little, Brown. Who knows what that could be worth ultimately to the winner?


The Harper's Bazaar competition is offering short story publication (along with a weekend away) in lieu of cash. This might do a lot for your professional profile – even if they do claim all worldwide rights for that story.


Many competitions claim a right to publish any entry, prize winner or not, and that's generally a no-no in my book. Can you imagine other professions putting up with that? Occasionally though, it's worth accepting something in the rules and conditions, or lack of prize money, for some other advantage.


There's an unusual competition this month in the Txtlit one, with only 154 characters allowed. Now that's quite a challenge!


Good luck to everyone, and don't forget to let us know of any competition success you have.




Harper's Bazaar Short Story Competition
Theme: 'The Anniversary', 3,000 words max
Prize: Publication in Harper's Bazaar and weekend stay in a luxury hotel
Closing date: 30 April 2017
Entry: Free
Details


Luna Press Flash Fiction
Theme: SciFi, fantasy, dark fantasy and their subgenres. 500 words max
Prize: 5 overall winners will split the cash pot of entry fees, plus publication of the Luna Press website.
Closing date: 30 April 2017
Entry: £1.50
Details


Txtlit Monthly Story Competition
Theme: For April, 'The Package'. 154 characters only
Prize: £50
Closing date: 30 April 2017
Entry: £1
Details


Tacchi-Morris Page is Printed Competition
Theme: Open. One side of A4
Prize: 3 x £100
Closing date: 1st May 2017
Entry: £5 / £10 for 3
Details


The Daily Mail Novel Competition
Theme: Crimes and thrillers only. First 5,000 worlds plus 600 word synopsis. Entrants must not be represented by a literary agent.
Prize: £20,000 book deal with Penguin Random House
Closing date: 3 May 2017
Entry: Free
Details


Winchester First Three Pages of a Novel Competition
Theme: Any theme or period. First 3 pages plus synopsis of 600 word max
Prize: Editorial meeting with Little, Brown
Closing date: 15 May 2107
Entry: £6
Details


Bridport Prize Short Story Competition
Theme: Open, 5,000 max
Prize: £5,000 / £1,000 / £500 / 10 x £100
Closing date: 31 May 2017
Entry: £10
Details


Bridport Flash Fiction Competition
Theme: Open, 250 words max
Prize: £1,000 / £500 / £250 / 3 x £100
Closing date: 31 May 2017
Entry: £8
Details


Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award
Theme: Completed or partly written novel, any adult genre. First 3 chapters (5,000 – 8,000words) plus 300 word synopsis.
Prize: £1,000 plus mentoring from The Literary Consultancy and possible publication. Runner up £500 plus professional feedback. 3 x £100 and ms assessment of 50 pages max.
Closing date: 31 May 2017
Entry: £20
Details


Frome Short Story Competition
Theme: Open, 1,000 – 2,200
Prize: £400 / £200 / £100 (plus local prizes)
Closing date: 31 May 2017
Entry: £8
Details


The Fiction Desk Newcomer Prize for Short Stories
Theme: Open, 1,000 – 7,000 words. Entrant must not have been published by Fiction Desk or had a novel or story collection published in printed format.
Prize: £500 / £250
Closing date: 31 May 2017
Entry: £8
Details


1,000 Word Challenge
Theme: 'Secret'
Prize: £100 / £50 / £25
Closing date: 31 May 2017
Entry: £5
Details





Thanks, Francesca! Good Luck to everyone!

If you would like to write for the RNA Blog, then please contact us at elaineeverest@aol.com

Francesca Capaldi Burgess has been placed or shortlisted in a number of competitions including Winchester Writers' Conference, Retreat West, Meridian Writing, Wells Festival and Writing Magazine. Her serial for The People's Friend will begin in the May 27th issue. She's had stories published in magazines worldwide and in three anthologies, including Diamonds and Pearls and 100 Stories for Haiti. She is a member of the RNA New Writers' Scheme and the Society for Women Writers and Journalists. Francesca runs a writing blog along with writer Elaine Roberts called Write Minds.





This blog was prepared by blog team member, Louisa Heaton.

APRIL PUBLICATIONS!

Take a look at members publications for April!

Members, if you have a book coming out in May please contact Sheila Riley and give her your details.

TRADIONALLY PUBLISHED

Elaine Everest

The Woolworths Girls

Ulverscroft 

Hard Cover Large Print

1st April 2017

A Sunday Times Bestseller. Family Saga.

It's 1938 and as the threat of war hangs over the country, Sarah Caselton is preparing for her new job at Woolworths. Before long, she forms a tight bond with two of her colleagues: the glamorous Maisie and shy Freda. The trio immediately form a close-knit friendship, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. But with war clouding the horizon, the young men and women of Woolworths realize that there are bigger battles ahead. It's a dangerous time for the nation, and an even more perilous time to fall in love...

Margaret Mounsdon

Festival Fever

Paperback

Traditional Large  Print

Thorpe

1 April 2017

Fleur Denman is given the chance of a lifetime to front the Ridgly Parva Arts and History Festival but some locals had long memories and weren't prepared to pass up the chance of reviving the scandal that had blackened the Denman family.

In the face of adversity Fleur sets out to clear her name once and for all but when festival money goes missing Ben Salt the main festival sponsor is amongst the first to point an accusing finger in her direction. When best selling airport novelist Rebecca Ebony, Ben's fiancée, turns out to be Becky The Bully from Fleur's schooldays

she realises she has an insurmountable challenge on her hands.

Karen Clarke

The Beachside Flower Stall

Bookouture

ebook and paperback

13th April

Carrie Dashwood fled Dorset ten years ago when her best friend Megan stole her love, local heartthrob Tom. Now she’s back to help run her aunt Ruby’s flower stall in idyllic Shipley. Trying to persuade herself that her feelings for Tom are in the past, Carrie plans to avoid him and Megan completely. But it’s not to be, because Ruby’s Blooms are arranging the flowers for Megan and Tom’s wedding. Soon Carrie’s hiding from Tom and accidentally inventng an imaginary boyfriend, but with the stall’s finances in jeopardy and Ruby needing her niece more than ever, Carrie has to keep her emotions in check.With bouquets to arrange, family secrets to uncover, and Tom unavoidably a part of her life again, can Carrie keep her cool, save the stall, and find her own happy ever after?

Deirdre Palmer

Moonshine

Paperback and ebook

Crooked Cat Books

6th April 2017

Summer, 1969.  It’s a night when anything seems possible, no dream out of reach.

As Apollo 11 hurtles into space and Neil Armstrong sets foot on the moon,

South Londoners Carol-Anne, Terry and Mark join the celebrations at an all-night

party in a holiday camp in Devon. But as the cheers go up, one of their group is missing: Carol-Anne’s teenage sister, Beverly.When Beverly is discovered in tears back at their caravan, she has a story to tell that knocks the moonwalk into second place. But can it really be true? The special night falls into chaos as loyalties are tested to the limit, with accusations hurled about like beach balls.With Beverly becoming more of a liability minute by minute, it seems best to head back to London. But back home, each of the group is forced to confront the troubles they thought they’d left behind. Has the holiday put an end to their friendship, or can they work out what happened and stay friends? Moonshine is the sequel to Dirty Weekend

JL Merrow

Muscling Through  (2nd edition; first published by Samhain)

ebook & paperback

JMS Books

1st April

The bigger they come, the harder they fall… in love.

Cambridge art professor Larry Morton takes one, alcohol-glazed look at the huge, tattooed man looming in a dark alley, and assumes he’s done for. Moments later he finds himself disarmed—literally and figuratively. And, the next morning, he can’t rest until he offers an apology to the man who turned out to be more gentle than giant. Larry’s intrigued to find there’s more to Al Fletcher than meets the eye; he possesses a natural artistic talent that shines through untutored technique. Unfortunately, no one else seems to see the sensitive soul beneath Al’s imposing, scarred, undeniably sexy exterior. Least of all Larry’s class-conscious family, who would like nothing better than to split up this mismatched pair. Is it physical? Oh, yes, it’s deliciously physical, and so much more—which makes Larry’s next task so daunting. Not just convincing his colleagues, friends and family that their relationship is more than skin deep. It’s convincing Al. Contains comic misunderstandings, misuse of art materials, and unexpected poignancy. Award-winning gay romance with a dash of humour. And no tea.

JL Merrow

Wake Up Call

ebook & paperback

Riptide Publishing

17th April

 South London mechanic Devan Thompson has gone to Porthkennack to track down someone he’s been waiting all his life to know. But Dev’s distracted from his quest by Kyle, a broodingly handsome local of only a few months, who’s already got a reputation as an alcoholic because of his strange behaviour—including a habit of collapsing in the street. Kyle Anthony fled to Porthkennack to escape from the ruins of his life. Still raging against his diagnosis of narcolepsy—a condition that’s cost him his job as a barrister, his lover, and all chance of normality—the last thing he wants is another relationship that’s doomed to fail. But Dev’s easy-going acceptance and adaptability, not to mention his good looks, have Kyle breaking all his self-imposed rules. When disaster strikes Dev’s adored little sister, Kyle steps up to the plate, and Dev sees a side of his lover he wasn’t prepared for: competent, professional—and way out of Dev’s league. With one man determined that they don’t have a future, and the other fearing it, life after Porthkennack is starting to look bleak for both of them

E-BOOKS

Amanda James

Behind the Lie

E-book

Kindle

2nd of April.

Who can you trust, when you can’t trust yourself?

Holly West has turned her life around. She’s found a successful and loving husband in Simon and is expecting twins. She is definitely a woman who has taken back control of her future. Until she gives birth, only for one twin to survive. Holly can’t let it go.

Holly’s world is in a tailspin and suddenly she can’t trust herself or anyone else.

No one believes her, not her husband or her best friend. Because she thinks she knows the truth…her son is still alive and she won’t stop until she finds him.

Sheila Norton

The Vets at Hope Green Part 4: A New Start

EBook

Ebury

13 April 2017

PART FOUR of a serialised novel - a heartwarming and inspiring story about living the simple life and the joy of animals.The last few months have been hard for Sam. But what’s more heartwarming and inspiring than a litter of new piglets? On a call to a farm with Joe, she feels a sense of renewal in her own life as she witnesses one of the most glorious and natural processes of all. Sam's thoughts inevitably turn to her own child – will she be able to cope when the baby is born? And with her love life so shaky, will a fatherless child turn out all right?

INDEPENDENTLY PUBLISHED

Helen J Rolfe

The Summer of New Beginnings

ebook (paperback to follow, sometime in April).

Indie published

4th April 2017

They say trouble comes in threes…

Headstrong and organised, Mia is a single mum who wants to fix the world - but the one thing she can’t fix is her family. Responsible older brother Will has fled Primrose Bay, unable to forgive and forget after the ultimate betrayal. And Jasmine, no longer the wayward baby sister, is determined to prove to her brother and sister that she’s just as capable as they are. Together in the bay after years apart and a separation spanning three continents, it doesn’t take long for the siblings to clash when Mia

calls everyone together in a family crisis. And with jealousy and resentment simmering between them, as well as faces from the past and new loves, the family ties could end up being severed forever. Sometimes we need to lose ourselves in order to find each other again…

Lesley Field

Dangerous Entrapment.

Print

Self published on Amazon

March/ April 2017

Shortlisted for the RNA Awards 2016.

Lady Isobella Rothbury believes herself to be on the shelf at one and twenty, having suffered the humiliation of being cast aside in her coming out season. Now needing to help her cousin she seeks assistance from the Duke of Carlisle. Richard, Duke of Carlisle, was intending to take a new mistress but is intrigued by Isobella’s approach and finds himself developing a growing interest in her. How he moved from considering a mistress to contemplating matrimony comes as some surprise. Harry, Duke of Exmouth, was duped into marriage and plots to capture the virgin he let go.

He will bed and breed from the un-named lady he boasts to his friends. Overhearing the plan, Richard realizes the lady in question is Isobella, and he has no intention of allowing the lady he desires to end up as mistress to a scoundrel. If he saves Isobella will he discover the passion she can bring to his bed? And will Isobella find out that to prevent the man you love from seeking a mistress, you should take on that role yourself

Gill-Marie Stewart

The Complete George and Finn Trilogy

Independently published

Kindle

1st April 2017

The Complete George and Finn YA trilogy contains MUSIC AND LIES, BRIGHT LIGHTS AND LIES and NO MORE LIES. It started with a lie. At fifteen, George Wray knows she is far too old for family holidays. So she tells her parents one little lie, wich leads to her joining step-sister Becky at the amazing Forest Music Festival.

And to meeting gorgeous, secretive Finn. Then having to tell one or two more lies…

Follow George and Finn from their initial meeting, through the ups and downs of their relationship and the mysteries they solve, to a time when, maybe they don’t need to lie any more.

SUMMER with the ROMANTIC NOVELISTS’ ASSOCIATION

 Our Fabulous Summer Party takes place in the Royal Over-Seas League in Park Place, London on

Thursday 18^th May. It begins around 6.30pm and continues until 9.30pm - when many repair elsewhere for supper with friends.

In addition to the chance of meeting up with distant, facebook or twitter friends, there’s the excitement generated by the announcement of the Joan Hessayon Award winner. Last year’s winner was Clare Harvey with her The Gunner Girl.

This year sees another bumper list of contenders whose books have come through the wonderful New Writers’ Scheme, but I don’t know who will receive the winner’s cheque and, like you, will have to wait until the night to find out.

For Party first-timers a few tips:

FROCKS there are a few and some of them are pretty, some of them are glam.

SHOES over the years, shoes have become a major interest for the photographers among us and some are very exciting indeed. 

FOOD AND DRINK A tipple is included in the price of your ticket together with some of the ROSL’s delectable canapés.

So, will we meet there? Tickets are £35 for members and £40 for non-members. They’re available from Eventbrite here https://goo.gl/dyvVyF

You’ll find all the details there except the shortlist. That’ll be coming along shortly…

While I’m here – were you one of the 90 + people who went home from the Awards’ night or the Winter Party with either or both your name badge and lanyard? I’d love to have them back, please.

Anne Graham, Party Organiser

Ask the Industry Expert: Literary Agent, Jo Bell

March saw hundreds of publishers and agents take part in London Book Fair, and this month we're delighted to welcome literary agent Jo Bell to the RNA blog. Amongst other things, Jo will be chatting to Helena Fairfax about her experiences at LBF.

Welcome to the blog, Jo, and thanks for dropping in!

Please tell us a little about the Bell Lomax Moreton Agency, how long it’s been established, and how you became involved in setting it up.

Family is very much at the heart of the Bell Lomax Moreton Agency. My parents, Eddie and June Bell founded the agency in 2000, a natural transition following Eddie’s highly successful career in publishing as Chairman and CEO of HarperCollins publishers.  Today the agency is run by Paul Moreton, my brother-in-law, who also comes from a strong publishing background as head of Children’s Sales at Penguin Books.  After years of learning my trade, from gate-crashing author dinner parties at home, being a sales rep in central London, working at HarperCollins as Children’s Sales Director and UK Sales Director for Parragon Books, the call of agency life led me to join the family business in early 2016. 

What genres do you represent?

At the Bell Lomax Moreton Agency we are encouraged to work on passion projects, authors that we enjoy reading, talking about and spending time with.  For me this covers many genres from contemporary romance, women’s fiction, crime, thrillers & suspense, and humour.  I also love a strong inspirational voice with a passionate story to tell, whether that be a real life story or one in a fictional setting.

What is it you are looking for when a manuscript lands on your desk? Are there any specific plots or themes you’d like to see?

When I’m reading a manuscript, it’s the whole package that I’m interested in.  Firstly, I’m keen to grasp an understanding of who the author is, then I’ve got to be instantly intrigued by the idea or story, and finally I’ve got to enjoy the writing, not just from the beginning of the story but right through until the final word. 

Do you ever find authors outside the slush pile? If so, how?

Yes, we do!  We often read and attend creative writing course anthology launches and prizes.  It’s a great way to meet new authors and get a sneak peek at their work too.

You attended the London Book Fair this month. What was your role at the Book Fair and how important is this event for you and your agency?

All our agents at the agency attend the London Book Fair. We talk to editors about our authors, sell their stories and continue to build relationships with publishers.  Attending fairs is a great way to showcase the authors we represent. It is one of the many important roles within agency life.

What advice would you give someone submitting to you?

Sell yourself as an author, pinpoint your story’s heart concisely, and ensure your cover letter/email is the shop window to your writing.

What’s your favourite romance novel of all time?

The Thorn Birds by Collen McCullough. I read it again recently and got totally lost in the forbidden love story and the vast sweeping landscape of the Australian setting.

Apart from your own authors, which book have you enjoyed the most in the past twelve months, and why?

The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana Trigiani.  I know this book has been published for a few years now, but I only managed to read it towards the end of last year and I devoured it!  Adriana Trigiani’s writing just makes my heart happy and sometimes that, to me, is what reading is all about.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with family and friends, pretending to be a runner and walking our standard schnauzer Reggie (you never quite know what he’ll get up to next!).

If you could describe your working-day in just three words, what would they be?

An inspiring adventure!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us, Jo, and for your thoughtful answers.(We love your dog's name!)
If you've enjoyed Jo's interview, or have any questions or comments at all, please let us know. We'd love to hear from you!

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Helena Fairfax is a romance author and editor. Her novels have been shortlisted for The Exeter Novel Prize,the Global Ebook Awards and the I Heart Indie Awards. You can find out more about Helena's books and editing services on her website www.helenafairfax.com

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Thank you, Helena and Jo, for a most interesting interview.

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