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Cruisin’ the News

Share your good news with us each week and we’ll join you in your happy dance. Congratulations to all our members on their achievements this week. Have you got news or a blog to share? Send us the link to cruisin@romanceaustralia.com.

Keeping up Appearances

If you live in or near Melbourne, Anne Gracie is taking a short course in romance writing, to be held over 4 months — a full day workshop on the first Sunday of each month. The course is being run by Writers Victoria at the Wheeler Centre in the heart of Melbourne on 7th July, 4th August, 8th September, 6 October. Bookings and details here: http://writersvictoria.org.au/what-s-on/event/writing-romance/

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Good News

•  Annie Seaton

ITALIAN AFFAIR is up for pre-order on Amazon. ALL Pre-order royalties going to Breast cancer research.

• Annette Kendall

LOST IN KAKADU will be launched on August 1 via Harlequin Escape.

• Kate Belle

Is very excited that THE YEARNING is already attracting 4-5 star ratings.

• Lily Malone

Lily Malone has a busy week! Today is release day for her new novella, The Goodbye Ride. You can get the book FREE for a very limited time exclusively at Amazon.

• Kaz Delaney

DEAD ACTUALLY earned the gong for Best YA for 2012 at the Aurealis Awards in a joint win with Margo Lanagan.

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Contests

• Greater Detroit RWAmerica 2013 Booksellers’ Best Award

Thanks goes to Kylie Griffin for bringing this to our attention – We have some members among the finalists of the Greater Detroit RWA 2013 Booksellers’ Best Award: Michelle Douglas, Melanie Milburne, Alison Stuart & Kylie Griffin.

• Cover Cafe 2012 Contest

Fiona Lowe (BOOMERANG BRIDE) – Contemporary section

Nikki Logan (WILD ENCOUNTER) – Series section

Leah Ashton (SECRETS & SPEED DATING) – Series section

Kylie Griffin (VENGEANCE BORN) – Alternate Reality section

Voting now in progress

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Cruisin’ Member Blogs

Clint fueled up the limo and went cruisin’ the Blogging Highway for great blogs to keep you entertained. Are you an RWA Member? Share a link and a short blurb here each week by emailing the details to us at: cruisin@romanceaustralia.com.

• RWA Blog

May 25 – New Releases with Eleni Konstantine

May 26 – Event Announcements

May 27 – Conference Spotlight with Eleni Konstantine

May 29 – Author Spotlight and Giveaway: Heather Garside with Sarah Belle

May 30 – Cruisin with RWA and Juanita Kees

• Anne Gracie

On May 22 the Word Wenches (Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, Cara Elliot, Susan Fraser King, Pat Rice, Mary Jo Putney, and I) celebrate our 7th anniversary — which is a pretty long time to survive in blog- world. We’re celebrating with a dessert party — historic desserts, of course — and with a lovely giveaway, so next Thursday, it would be lovely if you could drop over and leave a comment. I’ll also be giving a special prize to Australians — just because so many blog competitions exclude us, and allow only americans to enter — so in case I don’t recognize your name, mention australia, or where in Australia you’re from.

• All the World’s a Page

Save me from drinking alone! Following in a fine tradition, I’m interviewing myself on All the World’s a Page. Drop by and share a Blue Lagoon or two with me in the warmth of a balmy Hawaiian night.

Meet Jenny Brigalow and discover her wonderful debut novel this Sunday May 26.

On June 2, chat with Helene Young and her latest suspense filled story, HALF MOON BAY.

• Barb De Leo

has some great guests on the blog this week.  Maggie Le Page talks about coping with disasters including the Christchurch earthquakes and is giving away a copy of her debut novel – A HEAT OF THE MOMENT THING.  Robyn Thomas is giving you a chance to build the perfect hero and she’s giving away an Indulgence title in celebration of her latest release -FAMOUSLY ENGAGED

• Cathryn Hein’s Friday Feast

Prepare yourselves for speed! This week on Friday Feast, Australian author Juliet Madison has the perfect meal solution for when you’re on a deadline or just plain flat out with life. Not only is her Deadline Frittata super tasty, it’s super healthy too. A perfect match for Juliet’s super fun new release FAST FORWARD. Vroom!

• Darkside Down Under

May 21 – GOOD NEWS DAY compiled by Kylie Griffin

May 23 – MAGIC THURSDAY – with Carlie Simonsen

May 30 – MAGIC THURSDAY – TBA

• Jenn J McLeod

Come home to the country with Jenn J McLeod: It all started with a box  -  a look at ten weeks as a published author.

An Author Harvest first – Whitney K-E: Re-visited, we re-harvest Whitney on the release of her debut novel.

Jenn’s monthly contribution to Writing Novels in Australia blog is: Appearing At A Writers’ Festival As A Debut Novelist

• Lily Malone

• S E Gilchrist & Spotlight on Writers

Spotlight on Writers with Suzanne Brandyn who has recently released her new novel, OUTBACK FEAR. She is also running a fab contest / giveaway on her blog to celebrate.

• Kylie Griffin

May 25 – CAT-URDAY: Coffee & Tea

May 28 – NEW AUTHOR SERIES: Carla Caruso – our RWA/NZ newly published authors from Destiny, Escape & Momentum!

• In the Taverna

May 20 – Musa Monday – with RWAus member, Eva Scott

Coming soon from SARA – South Australian Romance Authors, a new blog called ‘SARA – Sassy In the South’. Stay tuned for more details.

• Seanna Smythe

Looking for something to keep you warm this winter? Try a little Edible Delight with Jan Graham.

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Enrico’s Pick Six

Submit your blog site link to cruisin@romanceaustralia.com to share with our readers. Enrico hand picks six blogs to showcase every week.

Enrico’s Pick Six this week:

1. Alissa Callen
2. Cathryn Hein
3. Dy Loveday
4. Eva Scott
5. Historical Belles and Beaus
6. Imelda Evans

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Have a great week,

from the Cruisin’ Chauffeurs

Welcome to the Author Spotlight, Eva and congratulations on the release of both ‘The Last Gladiatrix’ and ‘Marriage Makeover’. You write across a variety of genres : rural, contemporary and even back in the times of the Roman Empire. Do you have a favourite?

Thank you.  I love them all!  I read all sorts of romance and when it comes to writing I can’t seem to settle on one kind to write.  Variety is the spice of life, so they say.

In your latest release, Marriage Makeover, you tackle the weighty and emotional subject of a marriage broken by the loss of a baby, which is quite a change from the Roman empire. How did you go switching from one to the other?

I wrote Marriage Makeover first and I have no idea where the story line came from.  It turned up one day demanding to be written.  Marriage Makeover was incredibly hard to write.  The storyline is not all dark drama – there’s a cheeky dog named Ernest and a fabulous best friend, Davan.  They both provide moments of levity.

As for my historical romance, The Last Gladiatrix, it started as a short story aimed at an anthology.  I loved the characters so much I kept it and lengthened the manuscript to novella.  It never occurred to me to write historical romances before but now I’ve started it seems I can’t stop.  I’m half way through my next one which tells the story of a minor character who appears in The Last Gladiatrix.  Stay tuned!

Marriage Makeover is due to be released on May 24, can you give us a sneak peek?

Sure thing.  Here’s an excerpt:

Nick could think of no better way to end the week than sharing a drink or two with good mates. The atmosphere at home between him and Tally had become so weird and tense lately you could almost cut it with a knife. Everything he said seemed to cause a fight. Here with his friends, he didn’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing.

Laughing at a joke someone told, he took a drink of his beer. He had no intention of getting drunk tonight. The rain started before he left home and he’d decided to take the car. Normally he would walk the mile to and from the pub. The beer began to take effect, his muscles relaxed and his guard came down. He exhaled and settled in to enjoy the night.

Female laughter rang out across the club. The girls had arrived resembling a flock of colorful birds in all their finery. Screeching like cockatoos. Nick winced at a particularly raucous laugh. Later they would gravitate over to the boys and they’d all have dinner together in the club restaurant. The gang had been doing the same thing for a decade and tonight the familiarity of routine soothed him.

He turned back to the boys who were hotly arguing the capabilities of the players in tomorrow’s football match. The sudden increase in noise coming from the girls’ table got his attention. The girls were up on their feet, laughing and talking, hugging someone. Their super-hyped animation got him curious as to who had them so excited. Then he saw her, Tally, and his heart stopped in his chest.

Talia looked beautiful, her hair tumbling around her shoulders reflecting golden light. Lately it had been scrunched up on top of her head sticking out every which way. She had makeup on too, something she never wore at home… He swallowed hard. Those jeans of hers hugged her bottom in a way which ought to be considered criminal.  Charges should be laid. Her t-shirt skimmed in all the right places. He couldn’t take her eyes off her. 

“Is that who I think it is?” His friend, Greg, nudged him. “Did you know Talia was in town?”

Nick nodded. “She’s staying at my place.”

“What?”  Greg nearly choked on his beer. “You’re a dark horse. Kept that nicely under wraps.” He leaned back against the bar and joined Nick in contemplating Tally. “So…reconciliation on the cards?”

“What? No, nothing like that.” Nick had trouble focusing on anything other than his wife. Why did she have to be so damn hot? And why did she have to be here?

“You’re a foolish man Nick Carmichael. If I had a wife that hot I’d be hell sure of reconciling with her fine…”

“Greg! That’s my wife you’re talking about.”

Greg shrugged. “No reconciliation means no wife. How many years has it been?”

“It doesn’t matter. We are still married and Talia is still my wife” said Nick between clenched teeth.

“I’m just saying.” Greg shrugged and returned to expanding on his theory of football tactics for the coming game.

Nick’s gaze followed Tally as she got a drink from the bar and settled in with the girls. So much for a relaxing night out.

Out of all the characters you’ve created, which one is your favourite and why?

Super tough question!  I think my favourite hero is always the one I’m currently writing.  I kind of fall in love with them.  My favourite heroine is really hard to call.  It would be like choosing a favourite sibling.  I love them all for different reasons.  Davan, the sidekick character in Marriage Makeover is one of my favourite supporting acts.   He’s adorable.  I wish I had a real life Davan of my own.

What process do you go through in order to create three dimensional characters?

This is both fun and challenging.  When a storyline presents itself it’s accompanied with the essence of the characters.  From there I sketch out how they’d look physically.  If I can find a picture of someone who matches that’s a big help.  Then I get the character to write me a letter telling me who they are and what’s happening in their lives.  I’m always surprised by what they tell me and I feel as if I’ve gotten to know them and their motivations.  The letter lets me ‘hear’ the voice of my character.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?

Write with brevity.  In other words, use fewer words and make them of better quality.  I try to make my stories all killer and no filler.  This makes following an arc of story to 50,000+ words quite challenging.  And find a good critique partner.  Mine is invaluable.

What do you wish you’d known when you started writing?

I wish someone had prepared me for the promotional side of the business.  It was a very steep and sometimes overwhelming learning curve and I’m still learning.  I never realised how much time promotion soaked up and how hard you have to work at it.  Just locating opportunities is a full time job!

What’s the next project you’re working on, and how many other manuscripts do you have in the pipeline?

I’m currently working on Barbarian Bride, the next book in my Romancing The Romans series.  I’m about two thirds through the MS.  Then I have two rural romances lined up waiting.  The first is about an Aussie girl who returns from Paris after ten years dancing at the famous Lido to a farm she’s inherited.  She knows nothing about farming and thinks she can look the tough stuff up on Google or get it from a book.  Needless to say she needs help but sometimes knowing who to accept help from when you’re new in town can be a tricky prospect.

Are you a panster or a plotter, or both?

I’m a combo.  Is there a word for that?  A Plonster?  A Panter?  Anyway, I like to create a framework of chapter content then wait and see if the characters agree with me.

Can you tell your readers something about yourself they’d never guess?

I once got to award the medals for Men’s Ice Skating at the Goodwill Games back in 2001.  It was quite by accident.  The person who was meant to award the medals never showed up.  I was there as a guest in the VIP section when an official came running in looking for a volunteer.  Right place, right time.  And boy, do those skaters have tight buns!

Eva is giving away an E-copy of all of her Contemporary romance novels, including: T’was The Night Before Christmas, The Reluctant Wedding Planner and Marriage Makeover.  If you’d like to be in the running to win, just leave a comment for Eva.

This contest is open world-wide and will be drawn on May 29th, 2013.

If you’d like to learn more about Eva or contact her, you can find all her links below:

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Marriage Makeover

The Last Gladiatrix

Welcome to a conference spotlight

from the

Riding the Waves conference!

Today we have Rachel Bailey who will be presenting the workshop SEXUAL TENSION: The Undertow of Romance.

Bio

After selling to Harlequin Desire in 2008, Rachel Bailey’s first three books were released in 2010, and all three became USA Today bestsellers, with one winning a Cataromance Reviewer’s Choice Award. Rachel is a past president of Romance Writers of Australia, and has run writing workshops and been on various author panels. She lives on the Sunshine Coast with four dogs and her hero, and is always trying to scam more time to sit on the verandah and read. You can visit her at www.rachelbailey.com

Tell us about yourself in 10 words or less.

An ex-social worker who writes for Harlequin Desire.

What will participants take away from this session?

The session will be about creating the sexual tension between your main characters. Not just attraction, but the tension that exists between the attraction and the conflicts. We’ll talk about what that is, and strategies to bring that to life in your work.

Will there be hands-on exercises or audience participation?

There will be several hands-on exercises and it would be great if people brought along one of their scenes that might need a little more sexual tension. I might ask for a couple of brave volunteers to share their work with the group, but I promise not to call on anyone without their hand up. *grin* There will be heaps of examples from my work and other published books, so even if you don’t bring something along, there will be lots of of opportunities to see the principles in action.

Which members will benefit most from this session?

This session will be useful for anyone who would like to increase the sexual tension in their writing, no matter what level they feel they’re at. Concepts will be explained in ways that beginning writers will be able to access, but more advanced concepts will be explored as well.

What is the best part/aspect of conference for you?

I love catching up in person with friends – all those little snatched conversations, the mingling at social events, and meeting new friends. I always come away from an RWA conference with new friends. I also love learning new things about writing – a new technique or perspective can totally reinvigorate my writing.

What is your latest/current/upcoming book release and where can members find out more about you?

My book, No Stranger To Scandal was originally out in Australia in April, but will be rereleased in June along with the other books in the Daughters of Power series. The blurb:

She might be the stepdaughter of one of the most powerful media moguls in Washington, but Lucy Royall is no pampered princess—she’s making her own way as a junior reporter. But when congressional investigator Hayden Black accuses her stepfather of criminal wrongdoing, she shows her family loyalty and takes Hayden on. Then, as things heat up, the sexy single dad takes her to bed! Talk about a conflict of interest. Will their illicit passion turn into something more lasting, even in the face of controversy so huge it rocks a nation?

Information about my books and other random things are at my website: www.rachelbailey.com

 
Finally, we are so delighted you’re visiting us in Western Australia. Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to seeing or doing while you’re here? 

After the conference, I’ll be going on a W.A. writing retreat with a group of friends. I’ve never been to W.A. before, so I can’t wait to see the sights while I’m there!

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Thank you, Rachel!

]]> http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/riding-the-waves-conference-spotlight-rachel-bailey/feed/ 5 elenikonstantine logo_yellow_bg RachelBailey NoStrangerScandalAustSmall http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/event-announcements-4/ http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/event-announcements-4/#comments Sat, 18 May 2013 20:00:59 +0000 Juanita Kees http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/?p=16762 ]]> If you have a writing class, book-signing, competition, blog hop, library talk or any other exciting event coming up, please share it with us at cruisin@romanceaustralia.com.

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Keeping up Appearances

• “QUEEN OF HEARTS” PANEL

Love, Lust & Longing at Taree LibraryKarly Lane, Cathryn Hein and Kylie Griffin are headed to Taree Library to take part in a “Queen of Hearts” author panel. There’s a Meet & Greet prior to the panel. They’ll be talking about their respective romance genres and fielding questions from the audience on the night. There will be a lucky door prize/raffle – a signed collection of books from Karly, Cathryn and Kylie. Manning Valley Books will have available for purchase copies of their books at the event and there will be ample opportunity to have them signed before/after the event.

FMI: Call Taree Library 6592 5390.

• Writing Romance with Anne Gracie – Sunday 7 July,  4 August, 8 September, 6 October

If you live in or near Melbourne, Anne Gracie is taking a short course in romance writing, to be held over 4 months — a full day workshop on the first Sunday of each month. The course is being run by Writers Victoria at the Wheeler Centre in the heart of Melbourne.

When: 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Where: Writers VictoriaCost: M $325 NM $390

FMI + bookings: http://writersvictoria.org.au/what-s-on/event/writing-romance/

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Permission to share granted by Escape Publishing.

Here’s a fun fact: if you submit to Escape now, you can be a published (or multi-published) author by Christmas. We’re working to an aggressive publishing program, and we want stories! Here’s our submission page: http://www.escapepublishing.com.au/submission

Why submit to Escape?

• Australian location, global reach
• Actively seeking risky, niche, or cross-genre stories
• Publishes short stories (of more than 5000 words), novellas, and short and long-length novels
• Small, flexible team, with the backing of Harlequin’s knowledge, experience, and professionalism
• No synopsis required! Just a 100-word blurb.
• Two-week turn-around guarantee for initial response

So what are you waiting for? For more information, go to http://escapepublishingblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/call-for-submissions/

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Writer’s Classes, Groups and Library Events

Workshops

May 2013

• Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19 – Romance Writing Bootcamp with Lucy Clark

When: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Where: South Australian Writers Centre

Cost: M $180 NM $300

FMI + bookings: http://www.sawc.org.au/whats-on/workshops-and-seminars?task=view_event&event_id=114

June 2013

• Saturday 8 June – The Internet Not So Scary (social networking for authors)

When: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Where: SA Writers Centre

Cost: M $90 NM $150

FMI + bookings: http://www.sawc.org.au/whats-on/workshops-and-seminars?view=category

• Saturday  June 15 and Sunday June 16 – The Business of Being a Writer

When: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Where: NSW Writers Centre

Cost: M $225 NM $320

FMI + bookings: http://www.nswwc.org.au/products-page/professional-development/the-business-of-being-a-writer/

• Saturday 15 June – From Character to Plot

When: 9:15am – 4:00pm

Where: Gold Coast Writers Workshop

Cost: $95

FMI + bookings: Terry terryspring@optusnet.com.au 0412 618 088 or kathystewart640@gmail.com 0415 553 654 or www.goldcoastwritersworkshops.com

• Monday 17 June – A Talk by Ally Blake*

When: 10:00am – 11:00am

Where: Garden City Library, Brisbane

Cost: free but please call to make booking

FMI + bookings: 07 3403 7745

• Tuesday 18 June – A Talk by Ally Blake*

When: 10:00am – 11:00am

Where: Mount Ommaney Library, Brisbane

Cost: free but please call to make booking

FMI + bookings: 07 3407 7010

July 2013

• Wednesday 10 July* – A Talk by Ally Blake

When: 10:00am – 11:00am

Where: Mitchelton Library, Brisbane

Cost: free but please call to make booking

FMI + bookings: 07 3403 7411

• Tuesday 16 July – A Talk by Ally Blake*

When: 6:00pm – 7pm

Where: Chermside Library, Brisbane

Cost: free but please call to make booking

FMI + bookings: 07 3403 7200

• Wednesday 17 July – A Talk by Ally Blake*

When: 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Where: Fairfield Library, Brisbane

Cost: free but please call to make booking

FMI + bookings: 07 3403 8615

• Thursday 18 July – A Talk by Ally Blake*

When: 10:00am – 11:00am

Where: Wynnum Library, Brisbane

Cost: free but please call to make booking

FMI + bookings: 07 3403 2199

*Library talks with Ally Blake include lucky door prizes and book giveaways!

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RWA Conference

Riding the waves: Writing romance in tempestuous times

August 16 – 18 2013 -The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, Western Australia

For prices, conference details and the online registration form, please head to our web site: http://romanceaustralia.com/freo/

Featuring Julia Quinn, Kim Hudson, Nina Bruhns, Sarah Wendell, Laura Bradford and Abby Zidle – and an amazing workshop program – Riding the Waves promises to be an unmissable event.

Early Bird registration is now closed.

• Registration: Online Registration | Registration Prices

Want to keep up to date? Join our email list

CALL FOR DONATIONS

(authors, members with services or anyone wanting to contribute)

Over the weekend of August 17-18, 2013 two exciting events will be taking place in RWA—the Riding the Waves annual conference in beautiful Fremantle (Western Australia) and the Claytons online mini-conference in beautiful…your house!

We are calling for donations of goods or services as follows:

• CLAYTONS – already have plenty of book prizes but some extra prizes still required. To be posted/emailed to the winner by you. Crits, writer services, writing tools, promotional USBs. Surprise us! Please contact claytons@romanceaustralia.com to let the Claytons team know you have something to donate. We’ll contact you after the event to let you know who won your prize and where to send it.

• RIDING THE WAVES CONFERENCE – We have two separate donation piles – one is for the FUNDRAISER and one is a call for DOOR PRIZES.

CONFERENCE FUNDRAISING
This year, the recipient of the conference fundraising will be Read, Write, Now which is an adult literacy organisation dedicated to the provision of literacy services to help those who cannot read to a level high enough to get through life. We will be running major raffles on Saturday and Sunday to raise money for RWN and we are very excited to be fundraising for a literacy cause this year.

We’d love book-bundles, writer services, baskets of goodies, critiques, three nights at a writing retreat or (where groups get together to donate something larger) e-readers, iPads, laptops or other tech toys.

To donate to this, please contact Tracey Turner (tnturner10@bigpond.com) and let her know what you’ll be donating and then bring it with you to Riding the Waves clearly labelled with FUNDRAISER. Or, if you’re not attending but would still like to donate a prize or get some exposure, then you can ship your prize to: 64 Capel Drive CAPEL WA 6271

DOORPRIZES
Lucky/random draws are done throughout the weekend for door-prizes. Individual book donations or writer swag make great door prizes.

To donate a door-prize, please contact Tracey Turner (tnturner10@bigpond.com) and let her know what you’ll be donating and then bring it with you to Riding the Waves clearly labelled with DOORPRIZE

Thanks to everyone for your generosity and support re: RWA events. It is fabulous how many of our members give back to their RWA.

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Special Events

• Brisbane Writers Festival: 4-8 September 2013

Brisbane Writers Festival brings a page-turning experience to Brisbane from 4-8 September.

• Byron Bay Writers Festival:  2-4 August 2013
  

Indications are that 2013 will be the first year the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival sells  its entire quota of Early Bird discounted 3 Day Passes! If you haven’t already secured yours, move fast.

• Melbourne Writers Festival 22 August – 1 September 2013

The Melbourne Writers Festival is the City of Literature’s annual, two-week celebration for writers, readers and thinkers. The Festival runs from Thursday 22 August 2013 to Sunday 1 September 2013. Our Schools’ Program takes place from Monday 26 August 2013 to Thursday 29 August 2013.

• Sydney Writers Festival: 20-26 May 2013

This year, Sydney Writers’ Festival brings together an exhilarating selection of storytellers who will delight, inform and entertain. So come along, sit back, and let us tell you a story.

• Voices on the Coast: 1-5 June 2013

Sunshine Coast Voices on the Coast has a great lineup of writing events – Literary Breakfast with Robin de Crespigny, Literally Gourmet Feasting,  Queensland Writers Centre workshops, Pitching to Publishers & Cinematic Stories

• Random House Events May – July 2013

Foodies are in for a treat in May with Julie Goodwin and Curtis Stone on the menu, not to mention Kate Forsyth talking about her latest book THE WILD GIRL. Featured in June is Jaye Ford and her novel SCARED YET? And in July, Michael Pryor (The Extraordinaires 2: The Subterranean Stratagem) has a number of workshop activities to help ensure your characters, location and plotting can last the distance of a longer story.

• Penguin House Events May – October 2013

Penguin have a list of author appearances up on their website – including Cathryn Hein and Kylie Griffin.

• Literary Festivals and Events May 2013

For more festival and writing fun, Literary Festivals has a calender packed full of workshops and events.

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Online Events

• Lawson Writer’s Academy 

Classes are run from Margie Lawson’s website using on-line teaching software used by universities. Take a cyber tour before you start your class and introduce yourself.

• Savvy Authors on-line writing courses

Affordable forum-style writing classes

• Announce Online Writing Classes

A double Golden Heart finalist in 2006, Julie Rowe has been writing for over ten years. Julie  teaches a variety of workshops and is the moderator of the Announce Online Classes email loop, which promotes online classes for writers.

To subscribe to the Announce online Classes email loop, send an email to: Announceonlinewritingclasses-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

 I’m excited to introduce this Aussie author to you all, please welcome Kate Bell to Blog Bites. 

I write: Erotic and dark, sexy fiction – with a twist. It’s been described as ‘Unexpected. Interesting. Sexy.’  My female characters take a non-traditional route to their happy ever after via the master of all lovers, Ramon Mendez.

I’m from:Somewhere other than here I think. Born and raised in country Victoria, I now live in Melbourne’s green wedge. It’s the closest thing to country I can get while living in the city.

Three words to describe me: Unexpected? Interesting? Sexy? My husband would just say ‘Pain in A*’.

 At home I cook: Quickly. Too busy writing. Used to eat all whole foods. Now a can is good. I am a vegaquarian though (that’s a vegetarian who eats fish – nothing with legs – except prawns – but they don’t have brains – do they??).

My worst habit is:Nail biting – been doing it since I was 12 and can’t seem to kick it.

It’s a bit daggy but I love: DISCO MUSIC. Yup. Cleaning day is all about Ami Stewart, The Village People and Saturday Night Fever at my house. Get your glitter and flares on! Get down with a mop!

My first job was: Awful. Cleaning toilets in an engineering factory. I used to waste time reading the porn magazines left in the dunny’s. (I know – but  I’m an erotic fiction writer – what do you expect?)

My day job is: WRITING! I used to be a public servant, but they seemed happy to get rid of me with a golden handshake.

Saving for: Saving??? Ha – don’t make me laugh. Writers don’t earn enough to save. My beloved has promised Miss 8 a trip to Disneyland though – maybe when she’s 33.

Three things people might not know about me are:

• I’m a qualified astrologer. A proper one. I can tell you everything you already know about yourself.
• If it wasn’t for Margareta Osborn, I might not be here.
• I almost daren’t admit this, but, I’m not a big fan of happy endings (cringing with my arms over my face among the howls of protest. Sorry folks!)

Favourite author: Oooh tough call. Can’t name just one, I’m a book slut you see. Not a scrap of loyalty. My current BFF’s include Margareta Osborn, Tobsha Learner and Susan Johnson.

Plotter or panster: Used to be panster, now I plot like a demon. Saves a heck of a lot of time!

I would most like to meet: Ramon Mendez. Anytime soon. I’m ready and waiting (blows kiss).

When I was young I wanted to be:A writer. Go figure. I wanted to write for Dolly magazine. I had high aspirations.

Latest project: The Yearning is a dark, sensual tale of forbidden first love. A young teenage girl lures her charismatic teacher into an illicit affair, the consequences of which haunt them both until they meet again twenty-five years later. (WARNING – no happy endings with this one, but it WILL get you thinking and talking.) Published by Simon & Schuster. Ebook released 1 April 2013, print book released 1 May 2013. http://books.simonandschuster.com.au/Yearning/Kate-Belle/9781922052636

Thank you for sharing with us today Kate.

If you would like to learn more about Kate and her books, go to her website http://ecstasyfiles.com/

RWA members can take a bite. Contact Kerri Williams to schedule your Blog Bite feature on blogbites@romanceaustralia.com

]]> http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/blog-bites-with-kate-bell/feed/ 9 kerriwilliamsauthor KateBelle-glamfrontlores Untitled Breaking the Rules by Kate Belle - lores Bloom by Kate Belle - lores http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/cruisin-with-rwa-75/ http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/cruisin-with-rwa-75/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 20:00:06 +0000 Juanita Kees http://romanceaustralia.wordpress.com/?p=16880 ]]> Welcome to another bumper issue of Cruisin’ with RWA. Follow our members’ good news and blog posts and stay up to date with all the new releases and events in the world of Romance. Sit back and let our chauffeurs, Enrico and Clint, take you Cruisin’…

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Cruisin’ the News

Share your good news with us each week and we’ll join you in your happy dance. Congratulations to all our members on their achievements this week. Have you got news or a blog to share? Send us the link to cruisin@romanceaustralia.com.

Good News

• Charmaine Ross

Is pleased to announce the release of her latest novel PARADISE ISLAND from Crimson Romance

• Rebecca Raisin

Rebecca has received a contract from Really Blue books for her novel, MEXICAN KIMONO

• Suzanne Brandyn

Suzanne’s May 15 release OUTBACK FEAR is a story of one woman’s courage to fight back, a story of redemption and new found love. Come on over and read an excerpt on her Author page and enter the competition to win a sapphire pendant set.

• Annie Seaton

Annie’s long awaited novel,  ITALIAN AFFAIR is up for pre-order on Amazon. She has also signed a contract with Entangled Publishing for her paranormal time slip novel.

• Shona Husk

Has had a busy week: LUNAR EXPOSURE, her first  sci-fi romance was released on Friday May 10 and RUBY’S GHOST, a paranormal romance, on Tuesday May 14.

• Maggi Andersen

THE FOLLY AT FALCONBRIDGE HALL has been released and is available in kindle and print.

• Anna Jacobs

Is thrilled to reissue her first modern novel CHANGE OF SEASON as an ebook.

• Andra Ashe

Is pleased to announce the release of her thrid short erotic romance, THE BIKER AND THE BALLERINA, from Jupiter Gardens.

• Claire Baxter

Is pleased to say that ANYBODY BUT HIM from Random Romance is now available for pre-order on Amazon.

• Lisa Swallow

has signed a contract with Limitless Publishing for her New Adult Urban Fantasy series SOUL TIES, the first book AVA’S WILL is due for release September 2013.

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Cruisin’ Member Blogs

Clint fueled up the limo and went cruisin’ the Blogging Highway for great blogs to keep you entertained. Are you an RWA Member? Share a link and a short blurb here each week by emailing the details to us at: cruisin@romanceaustralia.com.

• RWA Blog

May 19 – Event Announcements by Juanita Kees

May 21 – Riding the Waves Conference Spotlight on Rachel Bailey by Eleni Konstantine

May 22 – Author Spotlight on Eva Scott by Sarah Belle

May 23 – Cruisin’ with RWA by Juanita Kees

• All the World’s a Page

May 12 – Iris Blobel explains some of the challenges facing a “non-English” writer and more this Sunday.

May 19 – SE Gilchrist joins me to take her star turn

• Cathryn Hein’s Friday Feast

We’re in for a mighty treat this week, Feasters. Australian author Eleni Konstantine is sharing her mana’s version of the delicious traditional Greek dish, pastitio. Plus leave a comment and you could win an ebook copy of Eleni’s short paranormal romance SEALED WITH A KISS. It’s all Greek, all tasty good, and you won’t want to miss out!

• Darkside Down Under

May 16 – MAGIC THURSDAY – with Anna Hackett
May 17 – WHAT WE ARE READING compiled by Shona Husk
May  21 – GOOD NEWS DAY compiled by Kylie Griffin
May 22- A BITE OF… with Eleanor Maine
May 23 – MAGIC THURSDAY – with Carlie Simonsen

• Jenn J McLeod

Come home to the country with Jenn J McLeod: It all started with a box  -  a look at ten weeks as a published author.

An Author Harvest first – Whitney K-E: Re-visited, we re-harvest Whitney on the release of her debut novel.

Jenn’s monthly contribution to Writing Novels in Australia blog is: Appearing At A Writers’ Festival As A Debut Novelist

• Jennie Jones

• S E Gilchrist & Spotlight on Writers

May 19 - S E hosts Suzanne Brandyn

May 26 - with Cathryn Hein

• Maryde

Browsing Bookcovers with Maryde this week is the talented Suzanne Brandyn. Come see what she likes in covers.

• Kylie Griffin

May 18 - SATURDAY SEVEN (Wild Encounters – Nikki Logan) – Seven paragraphs of a favourite book off my shelves.

May 21 – NEW AUTHOR SERIES: Alissa Callen – our RWA/NZ newly published authors from Destiny, Escape & Momentum!

• Juliet Madison

For fans of smart,funny chick lit, Juliet is sharing her five favorites over at the International ChickLit Month site.

• MRWG Blog

This week the MRWG has a post about having a hobby with a focus on loving your writing.

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Enrico’s Pick Six

Submit your blog site link to cruisin@romanceaustralia.com to share with our readers. Enrico hand picks six blogs to showcase every week.

Enrico’s Pick Six this week:

1. Alison Stuart
2. Bronwyn Parry
3. Cassandra Dean
4. Down Under Desirabelles
5. Elise Ackers
6. Helene Young

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Have a great week,

from the Cruisin’ Chauffeurs

Welcome to a conference spotlight

from the

Riding the Waves conference!

Today we have Laura Bradford who will be presenting the workshop AGENTS EXPOSED.

Bio

Laura Bradford established the Bradford Literary Agency in 2001. She considers herself an editorial-focused agent and takes a hands-on approach to developing proposals and manuscripts with her authors for the most appropriate markets. During her own misadventures as a writer, Laura came to understand the importance of having a friendly but critical eye on your side, a career strategist in your corner and a guide who can lead you through the travails of publication.

Her recent sales include books placed with Berkley, Grand Central, Harlequin, Kensington, Simon and Schuster, HarperCollins, Sourcebooks, Hyperion, Flux, Macmillan, Adams Media, Egmont USA, John Wiley and Sons and Mira Books. She continues to actively build her client list and is currently seeking work in the following genres: Romance (historical, romantic suspense, paranormal, category, contemporary, erotic), urban fantasy, women’s fiction, mystery, thrillers and young adult as well as some select non-fiction.

She is a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) and Romance Writers of America, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and she is an RWA-recognized agent.

Laura has a very impressive client list, including New York Times bestselling authors Megan Hart, Erin McCarthy, Beth Kery and Lauren Dane – so start polishing those pitches!

Tell us about yourself in 10 words or less.

I’m an agent. I have the coolest job EVER.

Have you presented sessions at previous conferences, for RWA or other organisations? 

Yes, I usually do a handful of workshops every year for the conferences I attend.  It depends on the needs/requirements of the organization that has invited me to attend.  The 1^st time I ever did a workshop was at RWA National and it was interrupted halfway through by a fire alarm and evacuation.  I had to deliver the second half of the workshop out on the loading dock of the hotel next to the dumpsters. All the workshops I have given since have been tame by comparison *grin*.

What prompted you to put together this workshop for “Riding The Waves”?

I try to give workshops where I can really give someone some real insight into the business, to deliver information that someone can’t find just by Googling. Since you can find nearly anything on Google, it is a real challenge to find compelling topics.  I decided that I wanted to do a workshop that kind of pulled back the curtain on an agent’s work life, to try to explain how an agent thinks and why we make the business decisions we do.  I want to discuss both good and bad days in the life of an agent, business motivations and the difficulties and pleasures of the agent-author relationship.

Will there be hands-on exercises or audience participation?

There won’t be any hands-on exercises but time permitting, I always like to do some Q&A.

Which members will benefit most from this session?

Anybody who works with an agent or who wants to work with an agent would benefit, I think.  I try to be as honest as possible and I don’t speak for every agent, of course.  Another agent may have a different subjective perspective but I do my best to explain how we work, in general.

Any advice for conference first-timers?

Conferences are great fun and I think that most everyone is there to get the most bang for their buck and maximize the experience.  In my opinion, that means taking the opportunity to meet your fellow attendees, your peers.  I know many writers can be rather introverted and putting themselves out there and meeting new people can be an intimidating prospect.  But I am here to tell you that we all want to meet you, so don’t be shy. Go ahead and say hello.

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Thank you, Laura!

Laura is also presenting a workshop for the Published Author stream,  How to Catch Flies.

AT DAGGERS DRAWN is a tale of blackmail, sexual jealousy and murder set in a Romance Writers’ Conference. Because I normally write historicals, I used the setting of Hever Castle, and introduced the idea of enacting an excerpt from the winning Romantic Novel of the Year – ‘Crown Perilous’.  The thoroughly modern actors are conducting a running battle of jealousy while performing their stately Tudor roles, and that allows for some fun. But the real drama is happening in the present, along with a romance between two people who just don’t want any such entanglement. And, of course, as the hero and heroine start investigating, past and present come together with disastrous consequences.

Excerpt:

‘I’ll tell you what I think of Tony Marston,’ she said. ‘He’s a gadfly. He likes to sting people and feed off the results. In others words, he’s a journalist.’

‘Hmnn. Watch your mouth, girl. Some of my best friends are news hacks. What I want to hear is your opinion of him as a male animal. He’s quite a hunk when revealed soaking wet. You must have noticed.’ Suzanne laughed. ‘Come on. At least admit you’ve felt his charm.’

‘I have not. He hasn’t wasted any on me, as yet.’ Ginger grinned back, reluctantly. ‘But I’d like to see him try, wet or dry.’ She yawned again. ‘I’m too tired to think straight. Let’s go to bed.’

They left the public rooms and crossed the courtyard to the portcullis and the covered bridge across the moat. Beneath it the water, still and oily, reflected light from flambeaux lining their path. In the flickering orange glow the castle itself seemed to be afire, and the air felt heavy, thunderous, weighted with moisture. Ginger sagged. Was the ominous pressure merely tiredness, depression after a long flight plus a long day? She mentally shook herself. Atmosphere, pure and simple. A hot shower would fix her, and a good solid eight hours on her pillow. By tomorrow she’d be ready, poised to absorb and record the hints that would enhance her new and fascinating interest.

What was your inspiration for this story and the characters?

I’ve attended many Writers’ Conferences, and I know how hard it is to give them a different twist. So I thought it would be fun to have some mild disruption. I started with a jewel robbery, couldn’t resist a little blackmail, and then somehow slid into murder.

Because I’m a history nut, I brought in ‘players’ – modern day artists performing Tudor sketches taken from the film of the winning book, and each one carrying personal baggage that would overflow into the conference.

Ginger Beaumont is diminutive, curious, feisty and with a big heart. She stands no nonsense from Tony Marsden, a journalist with the inevitable scoffer’s attitude toward romance writing and a fear of emotional involvement. Did I mention that I always have strong women as the heroines? I also enjoyed parodying the stock figures of publisher, agent, grande dame of romance and film ‘stars’.

Of all the characters you’ve created in your writing career, which individual is your favourite?

A hard one. I admire Nicola in DARK PASSAGE, fighting for the rights of other women and to avenge the murder of her friend. But the woman I most enjoyed creating is Peregrine, in ENCHANTRESS. Her paranormal gift sets her apart, bringing her trouble as well as great rewards. And her love story is different, starting in misery and developing into the great passion that we all should like to experience.

Your books are varied in terms of setting – regency romance, paranormal and crime. Do you have a favourite genre? Are there any other genres you’d like to try?

I have a weakness for paranormal romance, in any setting.  However, the truth is I jump around, never really staying for long in the one place or time. I like my heroines to be adventurous women, often taking on society’s mores, but they can be set in any time, any place. I’d call my genre romantic adventure.

You are accomplished in regards to awards and competitions, how important is it for novice writers to enter competitions?

I think it is important for novice writers to test themselves in competitions – with one proviso: that the quality of judging should be up to scratch. There are a lot of competitions out there and sometimes inexperienced judges can do damage. Organisations such as RWA who train their judges can encourage and give objective advice. I know that many members have been set on the path to success having gained insight through the various competitions offered by RWA.

In my case, I submitted ENDLESS TIME to a competition offered by Random House/ New Idea, and was runner-up. That was my first published book and it set my feet on the road. Sadly, the kind of in-depth editing that I experienced is no longer offered by the big publishing houses. I should add that this was probably the seventh novel I had written before being published. My second published novel (with SAGA Publishers, now extinct) was also a runner up in the inaugural R*BY – a really valuable competition. I shall always be grateful for the huge boost this gave to my confidence in myself as a writer.

I can’t sufficiently emphasize the importance of editing, over and over again. And most competition judges are doing just that – showing what needs fixing.

Your stories take place in exotic locations – what elements make for a great setting?

China, Australia, England, Egypt, Revolutionary France. I have been to the locations in every one of my books, and I truly believe that this has made them come alive in a way that is not otherwise possible. Of course, historic locations have not always survived, and sometimes extensive research is required. But something always lingers on the actual spot.

The Forbidden City in Beijing has been gutted of almost every moveable object. Only the walls, steps and tiles are left. But enough remained for me to feel the history, the magnificence of the Dragon Throne rulers, and send me to the research libraries. DRAGON WIND RISING is the result. Because I had walked those ancient courts, I could mentally live every moment of my heroine’s adventures in old Peking. 

You’ve chosen to self publish some of  your later novels, what do you see as the main benefits of doing this over traditional publishing methods?

Control versus responsibility. The search for an agent/publisher can be discouraging. There is a massive emotional element attached to the treadmill of trying to acquire an agent/publisher. And when a ms is acquired by a publisher, the author does relinquish rights over cover art, blurb, distribution, promotion. Authors publishing independently retain these rights, but they also have to do the work otherwise done for them by another publisher. No book should be sent out into the world without independent editing, whether by an in-house editor or someone else qualified through experience.

Cost is another area where the indie publisher can make her own decision and, at first sight this is a winner. If she can do her own formatting and cover art her costs will be minimal, and she can set her book price low enough to attract buyers. The catch here is lack of expertise. Some people have it, many of us don’t. I pay to have my books formatted by an experienced person who also picks up any errors that have got by me. Readers are unforgiving of errors and poor set-up.  An author whose book is under contract has her book presented well, and if she’s lucky, money will be spent on promotion and distribution, depending upon the ‘House’s program.

When costs have been balanced out, one advantage the indie publisher has is the longevity of her book. Once published, it will live out there forever. The shelf-life of a contract published book is limited.

Cover art is a minefield. I personally believe that this is so important that I pay more than I want to for my covers. The indie publisher is doing herself a real disservice if she doesn’t find the very best, most eye-catching, different covers for her books. There’s a lot of competition out there, as well as plenty of cover artists with varying charges. My motto is: Make It Stand Out.

The Hybrid authors who publish in both worlds can do very well indeed. If, down the track, the indie author decides to go with a publisher offering a good deal, she should retain the rights to her e-book format. It could turn out to be the biggest earner. Amanda Hocking made her name independently before signing with a publisher. Hugh Howie, author of the runaway ‘Wool’, shows how it’s done.

The indie publisher chooses what to publish.  Such freedom is heady, although with the risk that the author’s pet theme just doesn’t interest the reading public. Catching the next new wave is every writer’s dream.

The indie publisher can choose when to publish (or withdraw), can maintain interest between books – particularly with series – by publishing novellas or short stories built around the characters in the novels.

How important is it for a self published author to self-promote? What kinds of promotion do you participate in to build an audience?

Blogs, Facebook, etc. I believe that a writer can waste far too much good writing time on blogging. Announcements on Facebook and Goodreads are a start, and on the blogs of any particular group associated with her work, e.g. The Historical Novel Society. It pays to keep up with what’s going on in one’s particular area. This can also lead to invitations to blog/be interviewed/reviewed. But it’s all too easy to spend half of every morning on reading/responding and creating something interesting for a personal blog.

I don’t have a blog, but I do check in regularly with the blogs of people who know the industry, such as KK Rusch and The Passive Voice. They are at the cutting edge of the indie publishing world and freely give valuable information on that world. I don’t see the point in creating my own blog, without having some amazing way of distinguishing it from all the thousands out there. Why go up against the big, famous bloggers? Better to spend the time writing the next book. The saying that ‘you are only as good as your last book’ is so true. Not every book will be a winner, but the next one could be. And readers who love your work will be waiting on it, so it had better be in the works.

Word of Mouth.  This is a powerful method of gaining readers and can be helped along by an author giving public speeches (at libraries, service clubs, etc.) as long as it’s virtually the same speech (no massive re-writes) and not too often eating into the real work. But I believe the very best way of spreading interest in a book is by making it so good that a reader just has to pass on praise to everyone she knows. Whenever I get that jolt in the middle that tells me ‘this is a great read’, I can’t help talking about it. That’s what sells a book.

What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received? How did it change your life?

Perform two physical acts – swallow the disappointments, and get back on the horse.

What does the future hold for Frances Burke?

Several million readers – I hope. And the best books I can possibly write.

Website        

Facebook

Goodreads

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Cruisin’ the News

Share your good news with us each week and we’ll join you in your happy dance. Congratulations to all our members on their achievements this week. Have you got news or a blog to share? Send us the link to cruisin@romanceaustralia.com.

Good News

• Juliet Madison

signed a contract with Escape Publishing for her magical romantic comedy novella, I DREAM OF JOHNNY, due for release September 1st.

• First Kiss Finalists

Ella Audrey
Delwyn Jenkins
Jess Langhorne
Jennifer Rae
Ruth Sutcliffe
Alison Van Vreumingen

• Emerald Single Title Finalists

Amy Rose Bennett

Erin Moira O’Hara

Chris Taylor

• Coleen Kwan

New sweet contemporary romance, REAL MEN DON’T QUIT, is out now. Serial bachelor. Celebrity author. Her perfect forever?

• Imogene Nix

Releasing June 15 2013 from SteamEReads - LOVING MEMORIES: An erotic Romantic Suspense.

• The Cover Cafe’s Cover Contest for 2012 is now open for voting and we have some members who have been nominated!

Kylie Griffin (VENGEANCE BORN) – Alternate Reality section

Fiona Lowe (BOOMERANG BRIDE) – Contemporary section

Nikki Logan (WILD ENCOUNTER) – Series section

Leah Ashton (SECRETS & SPEED DATING) – Series section

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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS – LYNNE WILDING SERVICE AWARD

The Lynne Wilding Meritorious Service Award is a member-nominated award (for our volunteers). If no-one tells us how great they are, they may never be nominated. So if there is someone who you know who is a brilliant ambassador for romance and for RWA and who gives much of their time to the organisation we all love, please take a moment to sing their praises to the official nominations committee this month.

Here’s what you do:

1.  By 1 June 2013

2.  In a letter or email, write your nominee’s full name and why you believe they should be considered for this very special award. Also include your own name and address details (you must be a current, financial member of RWAustralia to make a nomination). Feel free to wax lyrical to communicate exactly what it is that makes their contribution so special.

3.Post your nomination to:

Lynne Wilding Service Award,
PO Box 1236 Neutral Bay NSW
2089 Australia

or

Email:

secretary@romanceaustralia.com

It’s that easy.

NOMINATE SOMEONE NOW!

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Cruisin’ Member Blogs

Clint fueled up the limo and went cruisin’ the Blogging Highway for great blogs to keep you entertained. Share a link and a short blurb here each week by emailing the details to us at: cruisin@romanceaustralia.com.

• RWA Blog

May 12 – Event Announcements by Juanita Kees

May 13 – Riding the Waves Conference Spotlight on Laura Bradford by Eleni Konstantine

May 14 – Author Spotlight on Frances Burke by Sarah Belle

May 16 – Cruisin’ with RWA by Juanita Kees

• All the World’s a Page

May 12 – Iris Blobel explains some of the challenges facing a “non-English” writer and more this Sunday.

May 19 – SE Gilchrist joins me to take her star turn

• Cathryn Hein’s Friday Feast

This week on Friday Feast: Lovely Harlequin author Rachel Bailey has a husband who loves to cook her breakfast. Delicious, cheffy breakfasts to make you drool. But Rachel has a secret. She doesn’t appreciate eggs as much as hubby and is on the hunt for ways to disguise the taste. Feasters, your help is required!

• Kate Belle

The Yearning hit the bookshelves on 1 May and Kate Belle has been hitting the blogosphere to talk about it.

Boiled the Billy with Margareta Osborn and got brown stuff on my boots

Dropped in on Dawn at her reading nook with 7 reasons why I love my fictional boyfriend

My call story with Kylie Griffin

Behind the scenes look at The Yearning with Book’d Out

Confessions of obsessions at Elenis Taverna

How reading commercial fiction helped my writing at Manic Readers 

• Darkside Down Under

May 9 – MAGIC THURSDAY – with Kylie Griffin

• Jenn J McLeod

For Mothers’ Day – Jenn J McLeod has something for mums who might need to drop the family a BIG hint!

Jenn’s Author Harvest ‘bales up’ Christine Stinson and Rosanne Dingli – who has a giveaway

• Jennie Jones

• S E Gilchrist & Spotlight on Writers

May 12 -  I will be hosting Mel Teshco on Spotlight on Writers.

• Kate Wigseller

did her first romance relevant blog on her new site -with many more to come!

• Kylie Griffin

May 11 -SATURDAY SEVEN (Skin – Kylie Scott) – Seven paragraphs of a favourite book off my shelves.

May 14 – NEW AUTHOR SERIES: Vanessa Stark – our RWA/NZ newly published authors from Destiny, Escape & Momentum!

• Susanne Bellamy

What was the most important promotional idea you learned as a debut author?

• The Other Side

Petite, passionate, inspirational and wise beyond her years, my guest today is the youngest member of the Romance Writers of Australia, Whitney K-E. Whitney is celebrating the release of her debut novel What Happens in Ireland. Who could resist a hero with a beautiful Irish lilt, naked torsos and dysfunctional umbrellas? I’m hooked!

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Enrico’s Pick Six

Submit your blog site link to cruisin@romanceaustralia.com to share with our readers. Enrico hand picks six blogs to showcase every week.

Enrico’s Pick Six this week:

1. Alicia Honsa
2. Bronwen Evans
3. Cassandra Cornell
4. Denise Rossetti
5. Elisabeth Rose
6. Fiona Lowe

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Have a great week,

from the Cruisin’ Chauffeurs