Romance Writer In Waiting

Writer or not?

2012-01-05T12:52:00.002Z

I'm in a dilemma! I visit lots of blogs and like to leave comments. I refer to myself as "unpubbed", describing myself as a would be writer (of books). But...I have had a short story published here in the UK - and was paid for it.

So...do you think I can call myself a "published author" or not? I feel it's a bit cheeky to say that I am if I'm honest. In addition, when it comes to writing competitions I'm still eligible to enter if I've not had a book published.

Any thoughts? Caroline x

What'da get for Christmas?......

2011-12-28T12:48:00.002Z

....Hope it was what you wanted.

I did! DH brought me a Kindle. Just the bog standard one - that's all the technology I can deal with! But it's enough! I LOVE it!! I didn't get a chance to play with it on Christmas Day - way to busy cooking and looking after guests and flying around all over the place. But since then I've downloaded and read the following:

Lethal - Sandra Brown
The Perfect Concubine - Michelle Styles
One Perfect Night - Rachael Johns
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (quarter of the way through) and
Dracula - Bram Stoker (not yet read) - but I downloaded it 'cos it was free!

I can see I'm going to have to keep a reign on how much I'm spending - but my excuse is that they are a lot cheaper than buying a hard/soft copy from the shops. And I'm also going to have to keep an eye on the reading - I can see it stopping me from writing! Hey ho - see ya. Caroline xx

Sad today...

2011-12-20T18:03:00.002Z

.....sorry I haven't been around for a while - there has been a lot going on.

I lost my gran today. She was 93 and I was there when she passed. It was a blessing in the end as she was suffering with pneumonia and it was sad to see her struggling so. I was so lucky to have a gran like her and for so long - I'm 48 now. She didn't have a bad bone in her body and will be much missed by all of her family.

Other news? Ehh not a lot really - except I did celebrate my DH's 50th birthday on the 14th. We had a great day - and he was well chuffed with the surprise prezzie I bought him.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a propserous New Year. Caroline x

I may be gone some time...

2011-11-01T18:45:00.003Z

...well like I said on my last post, I'm trying to knuckle down to some serious writing. Hence my attempt at giving NaNo a go this year.

As you may, or may not know, NaNo kicks off today, so I've given myself a SERIOUS talking too about the amount of time I spend blogging and not writing. I'm limiting myself to half an hour of blogging a day (yikes!) and then it's knuckle down time on the WIP.

I've decided to go with the "Viking" book. This particular book has been "calling" me to write it for over 2 years now, so I think it deserves to be written! It has a working title of "Viking Temptress." It's a Viking story with a twist (I hope) in that the Heroine is the Viking who is captured by an Anglo Saxon Hero. Like I say, a slight twist on the normal "Vikings" which normally have the Viking as the Hero.

Anyhoo....drum roll please......So far (and bearing in mind it's only the 1st of November)....my word total is.....2449 words. Not bad Caroline, not bad. The only thing is...can I keep it up? I'll stick my neck out and say that I'll post a weekly sub total through out November so you guys can keep me on my toes! Caroline x

2449

It's about time.....

2011-10-24T18:41:00.002Z

....that I buckled down to some *serious* writing. 2011 has been a very poor output year. Yes I can (and frequently do) make excuses - but the upshot is that I've hardly written anything this year.

So...what am I going to do about it? Well I'm going to attempt NaNoWriMo - it starts in November and I'm going to have a go. 50k words in a month! More than I've done in about 2 years I'm sure. It is dooable - I have written that amount before - but it was a while ago. But I need to do it - for my sanity if nothing else.

I've got all these books fighting to get written. But which one? The "Viking"? The "Romantic Suspense"? A "Contemporary Romance's" - a choice of 3 of them! Perhaps another "Roman" or how about the "Regency" that's been brewing? I've even got a "Christian Romance" up my sleeve! Anyone got a favourite that you think I should start with? (((SIGH))) Let me know - if not - it's the Viking that's calling me at the mo.

Caroline xx p.s it goes without saying that the blogging is going to have to STOP!!!!

Pssst. My New Voices entry is up....

2011-10-03T12:47:00.003Z

.... and I would love it if you could have a look see and pass on any comments you may have.

It was hard pressing that "send" button I can tell you and I nearly chickened out! Nerve wracking more like - like airing your dirty laundry for all the world to see.

But it's done now. So if you fancy a read (and would like to vote) you can find my entry here. Just in case I cock up the link - it's on the New Voices (Romance Is Not Dead) website - in the Historical section and it's called "Mistress to the Roman." Thanks - Caroline x p.s as I'm a coward I entered it under my married name of "Caroline Hartin" ;o)

10 Random things about me...

2011-09-11T15:47:00.003Z

Thanks to Teresa for for nominating me for this. So here goes....

1. I got my motorbike licence before my car licence. One day I aim to get another motorbike (or trike) and become an eccentric old lady.

2. I spent most of my early years living in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf.

3. I'm really bad at grammar - a trait that brings constant frustration in my urge to be a writer.

4. The "Teresa" link is the 1st time I've managed to insert a link into a blog; and only because my step son is sitting next to me as I type this and showed me how to do it! So, in essence, I'm rubbish at technology!

5. Since 2001 we have moved house/flat 9 times! The latest was in Feb this year. I've now laid the law down and said this is the last time!

6. I love Spitfire aeroplanes and one day would love to fly in one.

7. I love the mini series "Band of Brothers" and I've watched it every year since it came out - notably on the 6th of June each year - D-Day.

8. If the TV exploded I wouldn't be bothered one bit. But if my computer exploded....well that's another matter.

9. I love motorhoming We have an old 'van - and go to our favourite campsite whenever we can. The fact that the campsite is only 10 miles away is irrelevant. Once we are "away" we are away and on holiday!

10. I used to be a slavish follower of heavy metal and in my 20's and spent all my money going to concerts. I still love rock music. My one regret was that I never saw Led Zepplin.

Thanks Teresa. I'm now going to nominate anyone who wants to have a go Caroline ;o)

Loser Part II...

2011-07-26T19:32:00.003Z

....went to FatClub tonight (aka WeightWatchers) for my weekly weigh in. I've been a good girl since I started (with a bit of help from a nasty stomach bug this weekend , not to mention a bereavement which saw 5lbs off!) I joined on the 29th of March and as of today I've shifted 30.5lbs of fat. I've been averaging 2/3lbs a week and I've only had one "weak" moment where I put half a pound on one week.

So I'm feeling quite pleased with myself. I've got to set a target weight. The DH doesn't like "skinny" and to be honest if I lose too much weight I look ill. But I'm still holding too much flab around my middle - always the danger zone so the doctors say- so I need to shift this. I'm thinking another 10lbs to target.

Of course as any woman will tell you - the hardest part is keeping it off and maintaining goal weight! But I want to do this - not so much for vanity - more for my health. I'm nearing a major "0" birthday (the one after 40 but not before 60) and I need to consider my long term health.

Speak soon - love Caroline xx

Sad Today...

2011-07-20T18:38:00.003Z

My lovely, brave mother-in-law (Rita) passed away yesterday. She was 71 and had been suffering with cancer for over 2 years - often in terrible pain.

Cancer is a horrible disease, and Rita fought a long and hard fight against it. She was initially diagnosed with bowel cancer about 3 years ago. She had that treated and was living with the after effects (colostomy bag etc.). Then about two years ago she went back to the doctors saying the cancer had returned. She was referred back to her original consultant. Without going into too much detail Rita and this consultant had been a loggerheads over her original cancer treatment and when he said rather arrogantly that he didn't think she had cancer, saying it was probably just a hernia Rita wasn't best pleased! She told him she knew her own body - and that it WAS cancer. Cue lots of tests and guess what? She was right - it had returned - a massive tumor on her kidney which subsequently spread. Guess who had to eat humble pie?!

My husband and I are so glad she is out of pain now - although we'll miss her terribly it was SO hard to see her in pain all the time. People say it is a blessing, and I think they are right. But we will miss her. I'm already dreading Christmas, birthdays etc. poignant reminders that Rita is no longer with us. I've been asked to do a reading at the funeral. If anyone knows a fitting bible passage (I do have some up my sleeve) then please let me know.

Thanks for listening. Caroline x

WTF!....

2011-07-09T22:03:00.003Z

...sorry if I've offended anyone - but it's what every editor says - "get them with the opening hook so they want to read more."

Did it work? Probably not!

Anyway there is a bit of truth to the title - I can't believe it's over a month since I last posted a blog! Where does the time go? Not to mention that Blogger has been misbehavin' like no-one recently. Can't comment, or if I can, then only as "Anonymous" - very disconcerting.

Have I been a good and done lots of writing? Ehh no! Just 2 short stories. Pathetic really.

I heard that New Voices (the HM&B Writing competition) is going to be happening soon, so I might give it another go. Not sure what genre to tackle this time. Last year it was a Historical - but the old grey matter is toying with a mystery thriller of some sort and I've been searching the web logging onto the FBI, CIA and DEA websites and downloading information. Yikes! Can I do that? Download information from their websites? I might find myself on some "list" or some such. So if I mysteriously disappear and you never hear from me again assume 1) I've won the Lottery or 2) I'm being interrogated by MI6! You heard it hear first...

Until next time...if there is a next time.....Caroline x

Tag You're It!

2011-06-01T17:52:00.003Z

The lovely Teresa Ashby picked me to list some things about me - so here goes -

Q1 - Do You Think You are Hot?

A - Of course I do! I'm going through "the change" - I'm always hot. Night sweats gotta love them...

Q2 - Upload a picture or wallpaper you're using at the moment

A - Uhh sorry - no can do! I can't upload anything - I'm pathetic at tecci stuff. The picci on my blog site sidebar was done for me! Also that thingy where you say "to read more of this go here" and the "here" is one of those links to another blog site - duh - STILL don't know how to do that either! So take pity on me will ya and at least tell me how to do that simple task!

Q3 - When did you last eat chicken?

A - If there wasn't already a book entitled "100 Ways With Chicken" - I would have written it. We eat chicken ALL the time. Hubby loves the stuff. Tonight it was chicken jalfrezi. Nuff said! Tomorrow it is chicken pasta bake. It's a good job I like it to...

Q4 - The Song You listened to recently.

A. I don't listen to music CD's (shock horror, I know, I know) but I do like to listen to the Radio. There is a song being played at the moment that has struck a chord - of course I can't remember what it is called - but every time I hear it played it gives me goosebumps.

Q5 - What are you thinking as you do this?

A - I need to swiffer - there's a load of dog hairs on the floor! Sad I know - but sometimes housework has to intrude on my love of blogging!

Q6 - Have you any nicknames?

A. My brother (who's 16 months younger than me) could never say my full name when he was a toddler. Instead of Caroline he used to say Caca" which as some of you know is another word for poo! Thankfully, he grew up and now calls me by my proper name. But my dad, bless him, still calls me Caca. Also I go by the nickname of Caz.

That was fun to do! Thanks Teresa for nominating me. ;o) Caroline x

I'm a loser.....

2011-04-28T09:51:00.002Z

....but not in a horrible way! I have (for the first time in around 10 years) managed to stick to a diet! No mean feat I can tell you. I've joined WeightWatchers, and although I was a bit skeptical about their new ProPoints system (I've done WW many times in the past!) I have to say this time round I'm finding it much easier to stick to. So far I've lost 10 pounds (in 5 weeks). Shock horror I even managed to lose 2lbs over the Easter festivities. Hopefully, I'll be able to stick to it. I've taken "before" photo's of my very large rear end straining at the seams in a pair of stretch jeans, and when I hit my target weight I will post "before and after" pictures on line for the whole world to see! How's that for a challenge!? Wish me luck peeps!

My shiny new office!

2011-04-13T12:25:00.002Z

I promised a picci of my new office - so here it is! Like I said in my last but one post, considering how lovely and cosy it is I've done very little writing! Bad Caroline. Must do better. So this weekend it's a short story for me - I need something "simple" to get me back into the swing so to speak. Caroline x

My 1st EVER Sale!

2011-04-07T15:04:00.003Z

.....before you all get too excited it's not for a book, but for one of my short stories. But that doesn't stop me from being cock-a-hoop. The reality is - someone likes my writing, enough to *pay* me for it. Not enough to give up the day job ;) - but enough to treat myself and the DH to a nice meal somewhere nice!

The short story is entitled "What Friends Are For" - and it's going to be published in The Weekly News (not sure when). I wrote this story in about an hour to sub to my on-line short story writing critique group. To be honest I didn't think it was that good! I've subbed short stories (that have been rejected) that I have thought were a lot better. But hey - what do I know about what editors really want/like!?

So where do I go now? Well to be honest it's kick-started the muse which has been seriously lacking of late since I've moved house. I'm going to tweak some short stories and sub them off, as well as check out Carina Press submissions guidelines. I might send off one of my "Romans" to them. Take care. Caroline x

Yay I'm back....

2011-04-01T15:08:00.002Z

....after what seems like light years I've finally got back online. BT put our landline up yesterday - although it was a close thing as the BT engineer was a bit of a "jobs worth". "Ummm can't go in loft's -health and safety" - then promptly climbed a ladder outside and connected the telephone wire to the telegraph pole! Don't ask!

Anyhoo. Have I missed blogging? Umm those that know me will shout a resounding "YES!" Oh yes indeedy, at times it was a close thing deciding if I did actually have some sort of addiction to it as my withdrawal symptom were obvious (apparently) to my DH. He's convinced that at one point he thought I needed meds to cope! Only joking. I was able to get my fix at work at lunchtime to be honest. I could read all my favourite blogs, but somehow (work cyber police perhaps?) I couldn't actually "post a comment".

So what have I been up to? Here goes:

1. We moved house - and all the trauma that goes with it - successfully. We are now ensconced in our lovely (damp free) bungalow.
2. I've had severe bronchitis for 3 weeks - which is rather ironic really considering the fact that I moved to get away from damp/mould spores!! What's that all about?!
3. MIL is very poorly and we've been down to Essex to see her. She has terminal C, but she is fighting it all the way.
4. I haven't won the Lottery!
5. I've enrolled on WeightWatchers.

And have I done any writing? Considering the amount of time I've had not blogging you would have thought that I'd have done a ton of it! Errr no. Sorry - don't know why, maybe it's a combination of 1, 2 and 3 above impacting on me, but I've not been near the keyboard since we've moved. Not really much of an excuse I know since we've been settled for weeks now. But I need to kick start myself soon or my mojo will go forever. But saying that, having been reading my favourite blogs for a while now I have detected a bit of apathy out here in blog land. Am I right or is it just me?

Going now. Next time I'll post a picci of my brand new shiny office. The office that I've done absolutely NO WRITING IN SINCE I'VE HAD IT! Shame on me..... Caroline x

48 hours to go....

2011-02-09T18:28:00.003Z

....before we complete on our new house! And it's only 24 hours until I go off line until 31st of March. So apart from reading and blogging whilst at work during my lunch hour I'm going to be a bit in the wilderness blogging wise. Cripes what will I do!? I'm addicted to blogging. Hey ho. Caroline x

We've Exchanged Contracts....

2011-02-04T13:09:00.002Z

...at 12 noon today! Yay! We've to wait another week until next Friday and then the new house is ours! Doubly Yay! I'm well happy today. But never let it be said that moving house is easy! I've been rushing around like a headless chicken. Yesterday spent the morning cleaning the new house of plaster dust and general builder's leftovers before the carpet fitters arrived. It was the hardest 3 hours work I've done for a long time! Great for workout though as I'm trying to get a bit fitter.

I've also been having to do most of the other (myriad) of things that need doing when moving house as my poor DH has a very nasty bout of food poisoning (Campylobacter). It started on the 20th of January, and like most men, he thought it would "get better". Last Friday I finally manged to get him to the doctors, and they confirmed Camplyobacter earlier this week. This is now his 3rd week of incapacity. Read between the lines - but the poor DH is housebound if you get my drift!!! Anyone out there know what to recommend? The doctor said he couldn't give antibiotics and he has to avoid dairy products and drink lots of fluid. But as of today - he's as bad as he was 3 weeks ago!! This is making for a lot of lost sleep for both of us! So any tips gratefully received. Fingers crossed he's better next week as we've a marathon move ahead of us.

Hands on heart - I've done very little writing - life is just too, too hectic at the moment. I've a big court case on at the mo, work wise, so my poor brain is addled to say the least. However I do find blogging helps me relax though - so I've not given that up ;)

Anyway - enough rambling - got to do some more packing!

Blinky Blimy!

2011-01-14T15:55:00.004Z

Where does the time go I wonder? It's 2 weeks since I last posted and it only seems like yesterday. It's been a bit hectic here is Chez Hartin. We are (fingers crossed) about 3 to 4 weeks from completion on our new house. So we've been packing boxes galore and generally clearing stuff out! It never ceases to amaze me how much clutter/rubbish/crap one accumulates over the years. It's quite liberating clearing out stuff that you'll never use again.

If I'm honest, writing has taken a back seat somewhat. But saying that I have had some excellent feedback from Michelle Styles. I entered her mentoring contest and submitted my 1st 3 chapters. Michelle, very kindly, said I had a good "voice" and that I did have talent - and that my ms has potential. I need to rework it a bit - no make that a LOT - lol! But Michelle's advice has been invaluable, and I am *so* grateful that she took time out of her busy schedule to write such a detailed critique. So armed with all her advice I'm going to spend a bit of time on this ms and then "send it out there". But before that, I need to do a good query letter and synopsis as most of the agents only take email subs these days with a query letter attachment and synopsis. Happy writing everyone! Caroline x

Happy New Year Everyone!

2011-01-01T16:52:00.002Z

Hope everyone had a great New Years Eve. NYE is either party, party, party, or a "quiet one in". We were in the latter camp - mainly because I'm on-call today! But to be honest I'm all for a "quiet one" these days.

I hope 2011 is going to be good for all my pals in blog land. It's an interesting time for me and the DH. Hopefully we should be moving in January - maybe early February - so it's going to be a busy time for us. I'm looking forward to commandeering the third bedroom and having my very own study! Can't wait to post a picci of that when I can. I love to see where writer's write!

But our joy of moving is tempered by the fact that Colin's mum is very poorly. She was in hospital before Christmas but asked to be let out over the festivities. Thankfully they let her, but she has to go back in on the 4th for more tests and MRI scans. They have found a "mass" near her kidney so we can't rule out the dreaded "C" which she has only just recovered from in the past year. Here's praying that they can do something for her.

Trying to be +ve here, so I'm going to go to bow out now by saying that I completed my 3 chapters for Michelle Styles mentoring competition. I edited them to death. Upped the emotion and sensuality and *tried* to focus on just the H/h. So fingers crossed.

Here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Caroline xx

Merry Christmas everyone!

2010-12-24T16:12:00.003Z

Hope everyone has a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.

We've been snowed in since last Friday. But we've had visitors come by to see us in 4x4's so it's not been so bad! Also friends have been able to bring us shopping and I now have a full fridge and freezer -phew! It's nice to have such good friends to help us out as (like most women) I stress if I think I don't have enough food to feed my family!

I'm going to celebrate Christmas Day when the snow finally melts as I had such big plans for tomorrow! Visiting grandson, then onto my mum and dads to cook a big dinner. But it's not too bad. My grandson is going to (hopefully) be pleased to see granny and granddad later on when we can get there, armed with a sackful of presents (that Santa delivered to the wrong house!) My mum and dad are now going to go to my sister-in-laws house (double phew!) So all in all, it's not too bad. And I've been SO touched by how many of our friends have gone the extra mile to help us out! That to me, is what Christmas is really all about! Caring and Sharing. Merry Christmas one and all. Caroline xxxx

Revision Hell...

2010-12-17T13:22:00.002Z

My current wip - make that Mess In Progress - is causing me to have the proverbial kittens! I need to get it "fixed" by the New Year so I can send it to Michelle Styles. Michelle has kindly picked me as one of her 5 finalists for her annual mentoring contest. But to misquote Winston Churchill, "never in the field of human writing has so few words, caused such severe angst!" Every word is like pulling teeth I kid you not.

But we're snowed in today - so I've no excuse not to get writing. I *will* lick this ms into shape. See you later! Caroline xx

Picture of the new bungalow!

2010-12-06T13:12:00.004Z

Me again! I promised a picture of the new bungalow - so here it is. Like I said earlier it's not quite finished yet - but hopefully by the middle of January it should be ready! It has lovely views of a Saxon church as well! Caroline x

Excited! Part 2....

2010-12-05T14:48:00.003Z

....We've bought a house! Well, not exactly a house, but a brand spanking (not quite ready yet) bungalow! 3 bedrooms, detached with garage. Colour me happy!

It's quite scary to think we'll be mortgage payers until we are 70, but that's what you get when you decide to buy a house at our age! We've been renting the cottage we currently live in for quite a few years, and were given the heads up about a "Homebuy" scheme run by a north Wales Housing Association. We had to fill out all the paperwork - of which there was a lot! - and following a successful application were eligible for the scheme. So in a nutshell it was up to us to go out and find a suitable property up to £122,400. Of this, we have to find 50% of the cost, and the Housing Association gives you an interest free loan for the other 50%.

To be honest we did struggle to find a suitable property. DH has mobility problems so can't climb stairs. So a house with stairs was out of the question, and we had struggled to find a suitable bungalow. Anyone in the UK will tell you that 122,400 does not buy you a bungalow (of any decent standard anyway - and definitely not one that doesn't need a shed load of work doing to it.) We had until the 30th of November to find a suitable property, but we were struggling to find anything suitable! Back track 2 weeks ago. At work I get a phone call from one of the Estate Agents I'd contacted re properties. She asked if we had found anything. I said no. She said that a developer had 2 bungalows for sale and that he would consider selling us one for 122,400. Well you could have picked me up off the floor!! We went to have a look, and it is gorgeous, and as I said earlier, it's 3 bedrooms and brand new, and should be ready to occupy it by mid January. At the moment it is undergoing it's "2nd fix" and the plasterboarding has just been done.

So, to date, we have secured a mortgage for our 50% (61,200) and the Housing Association is processing the necessary paperwork. If I'm honest, it's been a rollercoaster of a past 2 weeks! We still can't quite believe we have a bungalow for such a small amount of money! The scheme is a good one, in that we don't have to pay back the 50% from the housing association until, 1. We die, or 2. We sell the house. With number 1 - that will be however inherits the house and we won't be around to care - LOL.

So I keep pinching myself, and wondering if I'm going to wake up from a dream. I'll post a picture of the bungalow next week so you can all have a nosy! But all being well, we should be moving in the New Year. One of the highlights for me is that I can have the smallest bedroom as my very own Study! I could even consider myself a "proper" author then, rather than type my stuff as I do now on my laptop sitting in the front room.

Keep your fingers crossed for us - in that it all works out OK. I've a horrible feeling something bad's going to happen - like the developer decides to pull out. But that's -ve thoughts so I keep telling myself to be +ve. +ve, +ve, +ve. Take care. Caroline xx

Excited!

2010-11-26T17:14:00.003Z

I recently entered Michelle Style's Pitch Competition which was open to all those who subscribe to her on-line newsletter.

Michelle wanted a 150 word pitch, similar to the middle paragraph that would go into a query letter. So in effect, the Hook and the Twist, that would entice Michelle to want to read more.
So I toiled over my entry. (How can so few words, cause so much angst! Pitching is so hard!) Finally I had something cobbled together and I was able to hit the "send" button. Fast forward to a few days ago, when I got a lovely email back from Michelle saying I made her top 5! Yay! Beyond happy!

I now have the opportunity to sub the first three chapters (and synopsis) to Michelle by the early New Year. She will then choose one person to mentor for a year. How exciting to have the chance to work with a published author - and one who writes books I *love* to read! So wish me luck. I need to seriously edit my story as it needs a lot of work doing to it. It can be done - I'm determined to lick this ms into shape. Caroline x

Back To The Drawing board.....

2010-11-20T18:49:00.002Z

......again! Why? I recently got my NWS Report back. 10 pages of excellent advice - I'm eternally grateful to the reader for taking the (enormous) amount of time she/he must have taken to provide so much information on my MS.

The MS was one of my "Roman's" aimed at HM&B. In a nutshell she said she liked the story; that I wrote dialogue well, and write good sex scenes ( ;0 ). However, there were a few major elephants in the corner namely:

1. I have "craft" problems. I need to seriously look at conflict and character. Reading through her comments she's absolutely right of course! Duh on my part. Way too much external conflict and not enough internal conflict. Oh how many times have I read this - and then duh - *I* ignore it. (Sigh....) But having gone through my MS I can see where (hopefully) I can "repair" it. It's going to need a total re-write mind - but the story, I hope, should be all the better for it!

2. Embarrassment alert - Maybe I should keep this one to myself - but hey - I'm in a sharing mood. The other elephant in the corner that the reader picked up on was grammar and punctuation! When I went through my MS, I couldn't believe how many times it was marked for grammar and punctuation mistakes. Ye gads! Why do I have such a problem with the (dreaded) apostrophe? (Hangs head in shame).

So. Enough rambling. It's back to the drawing board. I need to make some serious changes to the MS. Make my hero less of a nasty character - even though he is bitter and twisted and wants revenge - and give both H/h much, much more internal conflict. Wish me luck peeps! Caroline xxx

Feeling enthused....

2010-11-06T18:44:00.003Z

....at last! Why? Well yesterday was our RNA Chapter lunch. I haven't been for a while due to babysitting restrictions, but yesterday I was determined to go as it was the lovely Trisha Ashley's book launch for her new novel the "Twelve Days of Christmas". Started reading it last night and it's great! Pure Vintage Trisha! (Go buy it!)

As well as the book launch it was great to catch up will like minded romance writers - both pubbed and unpubbed. I *always* come away buzzing at the end of the afternoon. What made me so happy this time round was that a lot of them had read my New Voices entry, and all of them were so complementary about it. So with my mojo recharged I've decided to do 2 things. 1. Edit and polish up my NV book and send it off to HM&B, and 2. start a new book. I'm a bit late for NoNaNo etc. but I'll give it a shot, and aim at getting a "dirty" draft done by the end of Christmas. I'm changing track slightly, going for a "Viking" instead of a "Roman". We'll see how it goes! I was so happy when I got home I just went "pah!" when I saw that I had received *another* rejection letter in the post. 5 in 2 weeks. Not bad, even if I say so myself - LOL! Take care. Caroline xxx

Rejection Letters X4....

2010-10-30T15:10:00.002Z

....I kid you not peeps. Four- FOUR - rejection letters in 2 days....*sigh*. 3 from Fiction Feast and 1 from Woman's Weekly for my short stories. Ah well onwards and upwards. I've got a few more to send out this week hopefully - so you never know.

PC seems to be behavin' itself (fingers crossed) so I'm back in blog land. But saying that I'm trying to cut down - I've done very little writing recently. My mojo seems to have taken a holiday and I need to kickstart her by concentrating of getting words on paper so to speak. Caroline x

M.I.A....

2010-10-27T13:21:00.002Z

....computer at home has serious Gremlin probs so I've been MIA for a while! Typing this at work where I have limited time. But as Arnie says, "I'll be back"... Caroline x

Cream crackered - Part II

2010-10-17T14:23:00.003Z

Just realised that I haven't blogged for ages - sorry! I've been a bit hectic with "life" recently - my poor old gran (92) has been in hospital. It was touch and go but she is now back in her OAP Home and feeling a lot better. She's not quite "right" but she's a lot better than she was.

The one thing about a loved one in hospital is just how time much your life revolves everything medical. As the only one in my family to drive, I was going there every day (which I didn't mind of course), but also I was the only "taxi" available for my family ferrying them to and fro as well. Again I didn't mind, but boy is it tiring!

Other things going on? Well we're looking at moving (those that know me will scream "again" - hee hee) but we have the opportunity to purchase a house with a loan from the Welsh Assembly Government - which helps those (us!) that can't afford a 100% mortgage. It's a good scheme, and they told us that we meet their criteria - so it's all systems go. House hunting as we speak!

So all in all I've been a bit scarce on the blogging and writing front recently - I hope to get back in the saddle soon. And guess what? I haven't even had a chance to vote yet on the NV 2nd Chapter. Shock horror - I'm surprised the site hasn't crashed I was on there so much - LOL. Take care. Caroline xxx

Am I losing the plot....

2010-10-02T14:54:00.004Z

....or what?

Now it maybe old age creeping up (I'm nearer to 50 than 40!) but I've been saying some mighty odd things lately. Here are a few:

1. To the husband: "Now no eating between snacks - dinner is nearly ready."

2. "I'm putting my foot down with a firm hand."

3. When referring to my dogs and their daily "habits" : "They are so Pavlova dogs."

4. Referring to *everything* as "Watchyoumacallit" - which annoys the DH something chronic!

Of course there are so many more - but taking into account the above - I can't now remember any more of them!

So... any thoughts? Have I lost the plot? Has my addiction to New Voices seriously addled my brain (yes!)? Or am I just going eccentric, as I approach middle age? Let me know will you. Caroline x

Cream Crackered...

2010-09-25T10:10:00.002Z

....don't know about you guys out there in blogland - but I'm exhausted. New Voices has closed (for now) and to be truthful I've been consumed by the whole thing! I've loved it. Reading (and commenting) on way too many entries - over 800 at the final count - can you believe that there are so many of *us* out there? Wow so many of us with dreams of becoming published by M&B it's amazing!

And what's even more amazing is the sheer variety of the entries, considering that the premise is that the H/h get together at the end! There have been some FANTASTIC entries - the writing is amazing and there are some authors out there who have the "Voice" that (I think) M&B are looking for. A lot of the authors I *know* through reading their blogs and following their journeys, and I seriously hope they get through, I really do.

I'm still checking my entry every day - VERY SAD Caroline - I know, I know - but it's addictive stuff I tell you. Goes without saying that I can't wait for Round 2. I just pity the poor editors having to pick just 10. Caroline xxxx

Pssst. My New Voices entry has been sent....

2010-09-16T12:25:00.002Z

....and gulp, I decided to send it under "Caroline Storer", I had planned on chickening out and sending it under another name - but considering how blunt (but I hope fair) I've been to other authors, I thought it only fair to allow them to get their own back!! So be kind people, and go and have a look. I've got broad shoulders, so don't hang back. I would welcome any feedback - after all that's the only way we will "grow" as authors.

So...It's called "The Roman's Revenge" in the Historical category.

I wanted to post one of those link thingies where it takes you direct to a site - but even after a year of blogging I *still* don't know how to do it! So if any of you fellow blogger's have a few minutes to spare to tell me how to do it I will be eternally grateful - be warned tho' -I'm rubbish at anything IT!

New Voices Competition....

2010-09-08T06:26:00.005Z

.....Don't know about you - but I'm hooked. It's like the X Factor! I haven't read all the entries - it could become addictive I tell you - but I got up at 6am to get some more read (just don't tell the DH!). And talking of the X Factor am I speaking out of turn when I say that some are good and some *ahem* are not so good?

But saying that, all the entries so far - especially those subbed on the 1st day (how brave are they?) deserve a huge round of applause. I've not subbed yet and I'm so stressed about it. It's a 1000 x worse than sending it off to an editor/publisher I tell you! Your baby out there - ready to be read by everyone and anyone! OMG pass me a paper bag I'm hypering.

Anyway what am I going to do? Well I'm going to do a "Jackie". That's a Jackie Ashenden to you and those in blogland who know who I'm talking about. Jackie subbed it under her own name (and it's great BTW - "Talking Dirty With The CEO - check it out) - and that's what I'm going to do. Next week. I'm too uptight to do anything right now - I need to go and Mr Sheen my chapter (polish!) some more. But before that I'm off now to read some more entires before I have to go to work. Bye. Caroline x

Blog Party and a Competition....

2010-08-27T11:51:00.001Z

.....go over to this site.... christinaphillips.blogspot.com. for the chance to win a book. I've done so - because as you all know I love anything "Roman".

Other news? Feeling SO relieved now my NWS MS has gone! A huge weight has been lifted. Now all I need to do is get my New Voices 1st Chapter licked into shape! Caroline x p.s have a great BH Weekend.

AT LAST!.....

2010-08-22T19:55:00.002Z

.... I've finished my WIP! Edited to beyond death it's finally ready to send off to the NWS YAY!

Wish me well folks - but believe me when I say I'm not going to worry about it until it lands back on my doorstep. Why? Well I've got to get another MS licked into shape to submit to the M&B "New Voices" comp that starts in September. Busy, busy! Caroline xxxxx

A new addition to the family!!!

2010-08-16T13:18:00.006Z

Before you gasp too loudly - rest assured I'm not preggers!

No the new addition to our family is our "previously loved" Winnebago. "Winnie" as she is now called. The DH and I are beyond happy - and since we picked her up last Thursday we've been out in her every day. As you can see she's nearly as big as our small church cottage! She's an American import and has been built to a high spec. There are 2 double beds, a WC, shower, gas hob and fridge - all modcons. As I said she is "previously loved" being 19 years old. But saying that she's only done 59k miles since new, so, hopefully she still has a lot left in her. But the best bit is that she's automatic - which is a real plus for us as the DH has mobility issues.

Not one to do things by half the DH decided to buy our motorhome from eBay! Nothing new there you might think - but that was the first time we have EVER bought anything from eBay. Talk about going in big time! But it all worked out well and she's great!

Writing wise I'm *still* trying to get my ms ready for the NWS. It's been a bit like pulling teeth to be honest, and I'm going to stick my neck out here and say that I am one author who hates editing! There I've said it!! Anyhow best be off. Caroline x

Super quick "R"!

2010-07-31T15:20:00.003Z

Boo! Hiss! I've had another "R" for one of my short stories today.

I sent it on the 19th of July and had a nice rejection letter dated the 30th of July. That's got to be a record turnaround IMHO.

Hey ho! Best get writing and send some more "out there..."

Hope everyone in blogland is OK? I'm blogging about enjoying all the coverage from the RWA conference in Orlando. You never know one day I might get there myself.

Have a good weekend (what's left of it). Caroline x

What I've learnt about....

2010-07-18T15:24:00.003Z

....writing short stories over the past couple of months...

1. First off I'd thought I couldn't write "short", but with a bit of planning and just actually knuckling down and writing one, I found out that I could!

2. You type "The End" a heck of a lot sooner than when writing a book! This is obvious really, but it does focus the mind somewhat and gives you a much needed boost to reach the end I can tell you - especially when the current ms is on a "go slow".

3. Less is more. You really have to make sure the story is well constructed from the beginning to the end. There is no going off tangent etc. I tend to write 1000 word stories so you don't have a lot of words to play with.

4. Grammar and punctuation have to be spot on. Editors will just disregard a poorly written story.

5. The opening hook *really* has to hook the reader/editor into your story.

6. Don't introduce too many characters. 4 is usually regarded as the absolute maximum. Too many, and you confuse the readers.

7. Show don't tell. It's normally a 70/30 dialogue/narration split - with the dialogue pushing the story onwards the whole time. (Although I have read some stories that do buck this trend and have been almost 100% narration - but this is the exception rather than the rule.) Writing dialogue for my short stories has really helped my book writing. I'm finding my characters appear more human and not so stilted on the page now (I hope!) Although there is a slight difference, as I write historical so dialogue like "Chillax mum" don't quite fit into my historical MS's!

8. The short story market is ferocious. There are very few publications taking short stories and the competition is fierce.

9. You still get "R's". I've had one so far. But somehow a short story "R" doesn't seem as bad (well for me anyway!) as getting a form "R" for a book that's taken me a whole year to write. At least with a short story you can lick your wounds for a couple of hours, the maybe the next day just forget about it as you've written another short story that (IYHO) is better than the last one. Also you can always re-sub the rejected SS to another publication in a matter of hours as well.

10. Idea's for short stories are all around you. I often find that "real life " stories and news items can often be used/adapted for a short story. My latest short story was inspired by an article in a magazine about how school cooks "disguise" vegetables in order to get children to eat their "5 a day".

Well there you go. Caroline's insight into short story writing. On the other side of the coin - the latest WIP is nearly finished/edited and will be winging its way to the NWS at the RNA. Caroline x

Am I green.......

2010-07-08T09:12:00.003Z

.......with envy? Yup! Why? 'Cos I wish I was going to the RNA Conference In Greenwich that's why!!! (Pause for MEGA *sigh*)

There has been furore in blogland recently regarding the RNA's upcoming conference at Greenwich which starts tomorrow. It sounds fab, and I *so* wish I was going. But a wedding this year (mine if you didn't know) has wiped out the funds somewhat. Never mind, maybe next year!

But in the spirit of goodness I just want to say to all of you who are going/are there I hope you have a GREAT time! Enjoy the workshops (especially Kate Walkers and Kate Hardy's - I bet they will be fun); enjoy the socialising and general smooziness of the event, but most of all I hope you all come back enthused with the writing bug!

To those of you who can't get there, here's hoping blogland will be full of lots of lovely photo's (especially of the shoes/outfits) when everyone gets back at their respective desks so we can have a right old nosey!

Enjoy! Caroline xxxx

10 Things You Didn't Know About Me...

2010-06-24T08:56:00.003Z

Someone, somewhere in blogland nominated me for this a while ago. For the life of I can't remember who they were! But in the spirit of the "award" here are 10 things about me..

1. Most of my formative years were spent abroad. My dad was in the RAF, so I've lived in places such as Germany, Quatar, Saudia Arabia and the Persian Gulf amongst others.

2. I used to swim competitively. 200m butterfly was my best event. Now? 2m would probably kill me!

3. The day job prior to the one I have now, involved working with asbestos. When I die my epitaph will read, "it wasn't the cough that carried her off, it was the coffin they carried her off in."

4. I always wanted to be a marine scientist. Even now after 30 years I can still remember the scientific names of seaweeds. Fucus vesiculosus anyone?

5. I love the film Zulu, and one day I will go to Rorkes Drift.

6. I love motorhoming. In an ideal world the DH and I would travel the world in our motorhome. I would write (and get paid) for my books and short stories and this would fund our adventures. (Well you have to dream don't you!)

7. My dad was an electronics engineer and to this day says that he fitted circuit boards on ICBM's! I still don't know whether I believe him or not. (OK, not exactly related to me - but it is a good one!)

8. I love heavy metal music. I was well into the rock scene in my youth. It sill surprises my step son (now 25) when I recall all the songs from bands such as AC/DC, Metallica, Motorhead etc. which he is now into!

9. I go to church. Our congregations averages 14 on any one week! Small, but friendly at the same time.

10. I love tills or anything that money goes into! I should really work in a shop or a bank!

Well that's it! As most of my fellow bloggers have already done this list - I nominate anyone who hasn't already done their "Top 10". Caroline xxxx

Just popping out of the Bat Cave to say....

2010-06-07T16:14:00.003Z

......

1. Got a "R" from Take a Break - Fiction Feast for one of my short stories. 3 still out there tho' so fingers crossed.

2. Is it me - but is there general apathy out "there" at the moment? A lot of my blog pals seem to be finding it very "hard" at the moment. My creative well has dried up at the moment - so I'm plodding on with edits - it's about all I can manage!

Back into the cave now. Bye! Caroline x

It's time to go into the Bat Cave......

2010-05-22T18:29:00.004Z

.....and not come out until:

1. My NWS MIP (Mess In Progress) is done and dusted! I *need* to get this ready by 1st July at the latest on the premise that the NWS (and poor Melanie Hilton) is snowed under come the August deadline. So head down and "GO!"

2. I need to finish my latest WIP (not to be confused with the MIP above!) This is book 3 that needs a final edit - and as Jane Holland pointed out on her recent blog - "why does the edits and rewrites take more time than the actual 1st draft...." *sigh*

3. I'm also enjoying, at the moment, writing lots of short stories which I am subbing to the WOMAGS (Women's Magazines). I never thought I could do "short" but I have surprised myself by actually having some "out there". I've also joined an (invitation only) blog group (there are 12 of us) who sub (anonymously) a short story every 2 weeks. We then critique each others stories and this gives valuable feedback on plot, character, and (more importantly) whether there is a chance it could be good enough to be sent to various editors at the WOMAGS we all target.

SO WHAT DOES ALL THE ABOVE MEAN? Well my amigos it means I'm going to go AWOL for a while. Less blogging, less commenting until numbers 1 and 2 above are done and dusted.

I can feel the withdrawal symptoms fast approaching - this bunny *loves* blogging. But wish me well and god speed (etc) and I'll "see" you all soon....(sob).......Caroline xxxx p.s. well.....maybe a couple of my "favourite" blogs will still get read and....well you get the picture.

Has it been THAT long?.....

2010-04-30T15:45:00.003Z

.....since I last posted? Nearly 2 weeks. Time just seems to be flying (unlike the planes recently lol).

Writing wise I've been hit by the short story bug. I was lucky enough to get onto a private blogsite that consists of 12 writers who target the womag short story market. The remit of the group is to submit a story once a fortnight which is then critiqued by the others. Honest, and frank advice is given about it's chances "out there". The group consists of some published short story writers, and some (like me) unpubbed. I feel quite excited about being in this group, and this has fueled my creative juices to such an extent that my brain has been working overtime. I think I'm up to 28 short story plots that have either been fleshed out, written, or in a folder marked "TO DO".

Other news? My dear M-I-L who has been in hospital since September may be able to come out next week. Fingers crossed she can as it is her 70th birthday on the 8th of May and it would be fantastic if she could have a party with friends and family. I'm doing the "Race for Life" next weekend in aid of Cancer Research which I enlisted for as MIL had bowel cancer so wish me luck. Caroline x

Blame it on the sunshine....

2010-04-18T16:57:00.003Z

....but not as the song goes "on the boogie". Blame what? My very poor attendance at the PC this week that's what! The sunshine has been 'acallin' and I've been very naughty sitting outside in the garden and soaking up the rays. My only excuse - it was a loooong winter this year and I'm making the most of it. Also doom and gloom in the Sunday newspapers today saying that the ash cloud from Iceland is going to mean a bad summer apparently. *Growl* What worse than last year? Surely not! So all in all I've not had much enthusiasm to do any writing this week on the wip.

I have done a few bit'n'pieces - namely getting my first ever short story out into the post and landing on some poor editors huge intray. I've also finished another short story and I'm fine tuning a 3rd. So at least that's something to report.

Sorry Judy - your critique is about 1/2 done. Promise to get it done this week.

Like I say - Blame it on the sunshine....

Best go. At least I wrote this blog today....that's something I suppose. Caroline x

5 - 5 - 5 Blog Award - sort of!

2010-04-08T17:56:00.002Z

Thanks to going onto Masey Yates Blog I got this Award by default!

Question 1: Where were you five years ago?
1. I was living in Gwynedd, just over the "border" in North Wales.
2. I hadn't even thought of writing then. I was a "reader" only.
3. I was working for Anglesey County Council - but full time. Now I only work part-time - BIG result!

4. We only had one dog. Now we have 2 - another rescue dog.

5. I was engaged, but now I'm married.

Question 2: What is (was) on your to do list today?

1. Take the grandson out for the day. We did and had a great day.
2. Re-read my story and edit. Done it.
3. Take dogs out for a long walk. Done.
4. Hoover. Failed. Too busy taking grandson out and having fun! Yay!
5. Write blog. Done.

Question 3: What five snacks do you enjoy?

1. Chips. (French fries!)
2. Digestive biscuits
3. Crisps .
4. Toast and jam
5. Tea (especially if answer 2 accompanies it!)

Question 4: What five places have you lived in?

1. Germany
2. Quatar
3. Saudia Arabia.
4. England.
5. In my head - creating stories - a great place to be IMHO.

Question 5: What five things would you do if you were a billionaire?
1. Buy a villa somewhere hot for breaks.
2. Buy a house in the UK with a study that overlooks the sea.
3. Sort out all my friends and relatives so they don't have to worry about money again.
4. Put my MIL in a private hospital so she could be sorted out asap. She's been in hospital since Sept 2009 - I kid you not!
5. Give a whack of money to my favourite charaties including the setting up of my own dog and cat rescue centre!

Thanks Maisey for nominating me - sort of!

And now for something a bit different...

2010-04-08T07:34:00.003Z

Now the wedding and honeymoon is over it's back to the writing. But something a bit different for me. I've just written a short story! First one ever, and to be honest it was quite fun, and quite easy to do! I've always had a bit of a mental block when it came to short stories because I had always convinced myself that no way could I put together a story in so few words! I like to read short stories but I write books. 75k the norm. Not 1500 words.

But never say never. I decided to have a go and well...it worked. I finished one. The story is about a wedding (no really!) but it has a twist at the end. From my limited research into the short story market editors like stories with a twist in the tale - a lot.

My lovely CP Suzanne (Jones) had a read of it for me - because as we all know - she has been uber successful recently on the short story front - and well...she liked it! Yay!

So I'm going to fine tune it today and send it off to Take a Break Fiction Feast and see where it goes. Probably back in the SAE - but hey - nothing ventured nothing gained.

On a serious note I did enjoy writing it, mainly because "The End" came a whole lot sooner than writing a book. And it was good to craft a story from beginning to end in a matter of days rather than months. I'm currently taking 7 months to write a book and that's a long time before I see the light at the end of the tunnel. The short story also focussed my mind on the nitty gritty details of writing as I had to think a whole faster as to where the story was going and how it would end. With a book you can just write it and edit later, layering / deleting etc. With the SS it has to be "right" more or less from the outset, otherwise you don't have a story. And as I said it was nice to see a final resolution in a matter of days with the short story.

Anyway enough wittering. Fingers crossed. and happy writing. This weekend it's back to the wip - book. Take care. Caroline x

Wedding photo's!

2010-03-29T08:57:00.008Z

Doing this very quickly - as I am at work! So no chat - just pictures! Caroline xxx

And another one!

2010-03-27T10:18:00.001Z

This morning! Drove over new manhole cover and blow me down it's snapped in half again. I've lost count of the "broke" things now. It's getting to the stage where I just laughed this morning! Caroline x

Honeymoon!!!

2010-03-26T09:53:00.004Z

This quote was on Kate Hardy's blog this morning - "However, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction – which means I’ve also been hit by three baddies this week."....and it got me wondering about the week I/we have had!! Why? Well as all you kind people know I got married last week and this week is supposed to be our honeymoon. We had planned to stay at home and do days out etc. But there have been lots of "broken" things that have happened this week. Let me fill you in - and for any of you with "special powers" who read tea leaves etc. all I can ask is "What does it mean!!!!????"

1. Sunday morning - early 'phone call from someone close to us telling us that their relationship is over (Broke 1) - serious talking to and lots of advice given - finger crossed etc.
2. Monday morning (8am!) - 2nd phone call saying their relationship is SO over that nothing can save it now - *sigh* (Broke 2).
3. Tuesday. New mattress delivered by Argos (no sniggering now - we've needed a new one for ages now honest!). Delivery vehicle drives over manhole and smashes it to pieces. (Broke 3). Lots of phone calls to Argos re reimbursement etc.
4. Wednesday. Visit to dentist to fix broken tooth. (Broke 4).
5. Thursday. Not too bad - had a nice morning with grandson. But then in the evening washing machine broke down along with back window screen wiper on DH's car. (Broke 5 & 6)
6. Friday. Took dogs out in DH's car. Switched radio on. Nothing. (Broke 7). I'm suspecting that the electrical gremlins have got in DH's car.

So like I said - lots of "Broke" things this week.

Some good news though - apart from all the above - we have had a few nice days out and I'm picking up the wedding CD ROM this afternoon. Yay! Caroline xxx

Sorry Guys!

2010-03-20T09:07:00.003Z

Sorry Guys! The links to some of the wedding photo's are via my niece's Facebook site. So *I* can see them but you can't. Technology and me are always the tenuous of friends at the best of times - and this is one of them. But as soon as I get back to work on the 29th I promise to post some. Caroline x

Duhh!

2010-03-19T19:33:00.001Z

Duhh - got it wrong - but if you jiggle with it you might be able to view my niece's pictures! If not - sorry!

More picci's

2010-03-19T19:31:00.001Z

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3578530&id=603396357

Another picture of me and Colin and my mum and dad. I've pinched them from my niece's facebook!

Testing!

2010-03-19T19:28:00.001Z

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3578522&id=603396357

Try this? It may work or it may not. If it does I'll post some more!

Birthday and Wedding Day.

2010-03-17T15:02:00.003Z

We had a GREAT DAY yesterday - thanks to ALL of you who have posted comments. My wedding day was fabulous. The sun shone (unlike today - it's raining and cold!!!) everyone turned up, there where no glitches, and we had a lovely sit down meal. Our reception finished at around 6pm and when we got home we were totally exhausted. No way could I have coped with an evening disco. Way too old for that one. I am now Mrs Caroline Hartin. Yay - not before time some said yesterday.

As well as yesterday's BIG DAY on Monday it was my birthday and my two friends from London came up early to take me out. We had a great afternoon having high tea at a local posh hotel. It was the first time I've ever had "proper" afternoon tea. Sad I know but true. Then after tea we all ended up back out my house and cracked open the bubbly. We then staggered back to the hotel where I was staying the night (as tradition dictates before the wedding) and had a right laugh drinking more champagne. So it was great to see my oldest, bestest friends in the whole wide world just before my big day. Kath, Paula and I have known each other for 28 years now.

Hope this post gets to everyone - as my phone line is actually down at the moment; and I can't post piccis until I go back to work on the 29th as I don't have the facilities here on my pc - sorry! Caroline x

Forgot To Mention...

2010-03-14T17:48:00.001Z

...this great site for fab information on Publishing Houses and Agents - Passionate Pen. Check it out and keep it as a favourite - I know I have. (www.passionatepen.com)

Making everyone cry - me included!

2010-03-14T17:13:00.002Z

I sent an email request off last week to Radio 2's "Sunday Love Songs" hosted by DJ Steve Wright (0900 - 1100am). I asked for a dedication on his "Getting Hitched" spot for today. And guess what? He played it! Woohoo. Dead chuffed. On national radio - a first for me at least. I send the dedication in for our forthcoming wedding, along with a dedication for Colin's mum (since it's Mothering Sunday today) as she can't be with us on our wedding day as she's still in hospital (since September - bless). So if you want to be as sad as me and have a listen it's on the Radio 2 website - iplayer - around 44 minutes into the show.

So that's why I made everyone cry. Weddings don't half up the emotional tempo - I'm feeling very teary at the moment - but nice teary - if you get my drift. I'm just an old softie really.

Birthday tomorrow - my best mates in the world (Kath and Paula) are coming up from London tomorrow and taking Colin and I out for afternoon tea. Then it's getting ready for Tuesday and the big day! Finger's crossed - everything is done and dusted. All it needs is for everyone to turn up and have a good time. Caroline xx

10,9 more.....

2010-03-07T15:51:00.002Z

.....days to go before "the day" - i.e. my wedding day. Everything is done and dusted. People booked and paid for - all that remains is for me and the DH2B to turn up. Considering the distractions in organising said do I've been quite good and gotten some writing done (well editing wip no 3 at least.). And I've been (quite) good and not been blogging too much - only my fave sites of course. Next week is a bit hectic though. Busy week at work then its my RNA Lunch on Thursday. Trisha Ashley is promoting her new book and the girls are giving me a "shower". Then on Friday it's my hen night with the girls from work. Then next Monday (15th) is my birthday, then the 16th the wedding. Yay. Caroline x

Fishguard Writing Course

2010-02-26T20:15:00.002Z

As I said earlier this week, I had a blast in Fishguard last weekend. Kate Walker's writing weekend is a must for those of you serious about learning the craft of romance writing.

I learnt SO much. Yes I've read a lot of "How To" books - Kate's included - but there is no substitute for the real thing. Kate was so giving of her time - even though on Saturday evening (when she didn't have to btw) she gave us an additional workshop when she clearly wasn't feeling the best.

One of the things that was clear to most of us was that we all felt we would benefit from an advanced course on romance writing; and I believe this is going to happen. So armed with my £10.00 deposit I've booked myself on next year's course (God willing) and I can't wait to meet Kate again for "Part 2".

What did I learn? Loads and loads. Too much to blog about. The main thing? I need to get my bum on the seat and write. So saying that I have been good this past week and as of 8pm this evening I've typed an extra 8k on the current wip. This is good, as I have serious issues with the word count on this wip. I still need to find another 9k or so. But this is dooable. I need to layer in description/character/background etc. so I'm hopeful of making up the shortfall.

Take care. Caroline x

New Year's Resolution - Part 2!

2010-02-23T07:22:00.002Z

I've just come back from Kate Walker's writing weekend in Fishguard. In a word it was "fantastic" - and anyone wanting to write romance really should go on one of her courses. I've read so many "How To" books - but there is no substitute for the real thing. You just get so much more when a published author like Kate shares her wise words and wisdom!

Can't ramble on for too much as I've got to go to work - but all I will say is that Kate's workshop weekend has fired me up so much that I want to write so much that I will now - finally - keep to one of my New Year's Resolutions. The one that said "less blogging and more writing". I am severely going to limit myself (promise!) to no more than 1/2 an hour a day from now on! Yay! Thank's Kate. It was great! Caroline x

A sneak preview.....

2010-02-15T14:03:00.002Z

At long last I've got myself an outfit for my wedding! This had been causing me major stress I can tell you. The photo on the left is the fascinator that goes with the outfit....

Will be back next week to post about how wonderful a time I had at Kate Walker's writing weekend in Fishguard! Take care - Caroline x

Do you have a favourite author quote?

2010-02-06T17:58:00.004Z

I love reading books on "How To Write a Romance Novel". I also love to read quotes attributed to authors. I find they inspire me - and if I'm honest I *wish* I could think of something so witty to say! So without further ado here are some of my favourites. Oh and do you have a favourite author quote you would like to share....?

1. "There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and open a vein." Red Smith.
2. "So you want to be a writer? I offer one simple piece of advice - "Don't give up your day job!"" - Dallas Schulze
3. "It's a damn good story. If you have any comments, write them on the back of a check." Erle Stanley Gardner
4. "Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." Rudyard Kipling
5. "I hate writing, but I love having written." Dorothy Parker
6. "It takes a great deal of history to produce a little literature." Henry James
7. "There are three rules to writing fiction. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are." Somerset Maughan
8. "My main advice is to get a cat. They're the best possible company while you're writing, and provide an excellent object lesson in how to cope when things aren't going well. Lie by the radiator, and go to sleep." Michael Marshall Smith.
9. "The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense." Tom Clancy. And finally (for now at least.....)
10. "I think, in a way you should find writing difficult - each new book should present a fresh challenge. I'd be very worried if I found it easy." Linda Newbery.

No really. I'm not panicking but.......

2010-02-03T17:12:00.005Z

....my wedding is fast approaching. This is what's on my "Done", "To Do" and "Failed" List.

Done List
1. Wedding ring bought
2. Photographer booked
3. Reception booked
4. DH2b outfit bought
5. Invitations sent out (there's only 20 - so that wasn't too hard)
6. Registry Office booked
7. Girls at work are organising my hen night - lovely!

To Do List.
1. My outfit needs to be bought. Have booked a day off work next week and I'm dragging my poor mum around the shop until a) I get and outfit or b) I run screaming into the hills never to be seen again. Unfortunately b) is odds on favourite at the moment!!!
2. Need to get myself some flowers.
3. Need to arrange transport for my family (I am the *only* one in my family who drives!). So I need to organise a small mini bus to pick them all up etc. etc.
4. Need to get a cake.

Failed List
1. No surprises here (for those who know me anyway) - but I have failed to lose any weight! (So sorry Kate (Hardy)). I'm one of those women who when stressed just eats. I've always envied friends and family who say "I'm so stressed I've lost 20 pounds." Grrrrrrrrrr.
2. Promised myself that as this is only a small informal wedding (which it is) I won't stress about it. FAILED Miserably. Can I blame the girls at work? *They* have been more concerned about the plans for the wedding than I have. "You haven't got an outfit yet? Aren't you worried?" "You haven't ordered flowers yet? Oh!" Ewwwww. Up until then I wasn't too bad - but I am now!!!!!!!! Got to have a break to cry into my tea.

Only consolation - DH2b loves me as I am! Thank goodness - but still - I do need to wear *something* nice!

As for writing? Well actually I have been doing edits on Book 3 funnily enough. It takes my mind off the above. That and blogging on my favourite sites. That helps enormously - and I've won 2 books in the last week - so a bonus.

Take care. Caroline x

Where Does The Time Go?

2010-01-26T08:35:00.006Z

First off. Feeling chuffed that I got into the top 11 of Donna Alwards Perfect Pitch Competition. It was the first time I tried something like this and I learnt a lot. Donna very kindly gave me some excellent feedback and she liked my story. Yay!

Had a nice weekend. Makes up for the last 2 - still apologising for my mega whinge last week - sorry! It was my (step) grandsons 2nd Birthday - and as I've intimated in the title line - blimey where *does* the time go? It only seems like yesterday when he was born. As you can see I've posted some photo's of his lovely (but noisy) birthday party! Take care. Caroline x

UPDATE!

2010-01-21T17:52:00.002Z

Hi all. Got to apologise for the mega whinge earlier! Have been positive this afternoon and been a good girl by sitting at my desk and putting together my Pitch for Donna Alwards "Perfect Pitch" competition. (It's on her blog site but hurry if you are thinking of entering as it ends this Friday.)

Fingers crossed that she likes it and that I haven't sent too much i.e. more of a synopsis than a pitch.

But as the old saying goes "you have to be in it to win it". Take care. Caroline x

Writing....but not the "write" sort....

2010-01-21T08:37:00.003Z

You know we all get one of those (ugghhh) weeks...well this week and last week were mine....So apologies for the mega whinge that is about to be dumped on you poor people.

1. Monday 11th - take DH2b to A&E. He's been laid up for a week prior to this with swelling in his foot. (Being a man he kept saying "I'll be all right".) 7 frigg*ing hours later go home. Foot not broken - just badly sprained. Spend next 4 days wearing metaphorical nurses uniform tending to "patient". (Did feel sorry for DH2B though as this is an underlying problem. DH2b has cream crackered feet that just "go" on average 6 times a year - which means he is laid up. )
2. Tuesday 12th. Given a piece of work to do in the day job that has me typing furiously and stressing mega big time all of last week, all of the weekend (except Saturday - see later) and all of this week so far. In short I've become a barrister providing legal advice on stuff that is WAY out of my comfort zone. This is all well and good but I am NOT a barrister! So I've been writing stuff that I don't want to write and totally not doing the writing I want to (romance) as I'm just soooooo tired! I know all you hardened cynics will say that you write no matter how tired you are - but not me - I just can't concentrate not to mention being brain dead.
3. Saturday 16th - Have a break to visit my gran in her OAP home. Turn up with mum to find call out doctor there who advises she has a possible thrombosis and has to go to hospital asap! Take mum to A&E. Get there at 3pm. Leave at 10pm. No word of a lie one of the doctors who was there on Monday the 11th nodded at me as if to say "oh hello you again...."
Today - Thursday 21. Back to hospital with DH2b for a check up on his shoulder - which was operated on last summer.

Like I said one of those (2) weeks. Now POSITIVE thoughts!
1. I will do MY writing this weekend.
2. Grandson is 2 on Saturday and we are going to have a fun party.
3. Going to enter Donna Alwards "pitch" competition. MUST do this today as it ends tomorrow.

Sorry for the whinge and thanks for listening. Caroline xxx

There really is a Romance "formula"....

2010-01-14T18:14:00.004Z

After reading many a "how to write" a Romance book I have had it drummed into me that there is no magical "formula" for writing a romance, whether a category romance, historical, or chic lit.

But I'm going to rebel (courtesy of Deborah Hale - romance author) and suggest that there is a "formula". And here it is....... (H + h x A) ÷ C + HEA = R

Now many of you hardy romance writers will spot what the formula is right away. For those who don't here's the breakdown:

H = Hero. h = heroine. Put them together and there has to be A = attraction. Without the A there can't be a romance. Fine, but to sustain any romance novel then C must kick in somewhere - usually at the beginning of the book - preferably on the first page. C = conflict which will do it's utmost to break up (divide) the H/h. "C"'s are those internal (and sometimes external) issues/conflicts that torment, tease and down right confound our H/h right up until the end of the book - which is obviously the HEA - the Happy Ever After. So all those variables will finally result in the R - the Romance (book) that we aspiring authors all aim to produce, and hopefully one day, God willing, will get published.

Easy ehh? No not really! Downright hard work in reality getting the "formula" right. (This probably explains why I was so rubbish at maths at school!) Again thanks to Deborah Hale for this post. I hope she didn't mind me pinching her formula. Take care. Caroline x

The WIP is finished but.........

2010-01-08T17:36:00.002Z

but.....I'm 13k words short!!!

OMG I kid you not. As I write HM&B Historicals (or try to!) the word count needs to be 70 - 75k. I've just typed "The End" at 54,879.

I know, I know. SERIOUS problem. There are some bit'n'pieces where I can fill in - such as an epilogue - but seriously I still need to find at least another 12k. (I'm breaking off here to have a major panic attack. Pass me a paper bag someone please.)

Right. Calm. Deep breaths. I need to solve this problem. So... here's what I'm going to do:

1. Read ms again. Fill in major gaps. Layer like it's never been layered before.
2. Add extra scenes where I can. Perhaps another love scene - although I don't want to just do a "filler" exercise! This is dangerous and potentially not good.
3. Read Kate Walker's 12 Point Guide to Romance Writing - again - for some much needed tips!
4. Ask you lovely, lovely, lovely people in blog land what to do. Has this ever happened to you? Any wise words of wisdom to share? Pleeeeese share any tips you may have. I will be extremely grateful trust me.

Going now to have another panic attack........

Caroline x

Aw Mum - but it's cold outside!

2010-01-05T15:57:00.005Z

Could two dogs get any closer to the fire if they tried?

Baby it's cold outside!

2010-01-04T19:16:00.001Z

Hello all! Hope you all having a good New Year - yes I know it's only 5 days in -but I'm aiming for optimism this year!

Managed to keep to my N Y R so far! Blogging *after* I've done my daily word count has proved the hardest. Is it only me or do others out there love blogging as much as I do?!

Like most of the UK it's blinkin' cold out there at the moment! But (fingers crossed) where I live has so far escaped any major blanketing of snow! This is because we are an island, and as such the salt air does help in keeping away the white stuff. Ten miles up the road is a different story of course as the Snowdonia mountain range is awash with the stuff. Lovely to look at but treacherous none the less! The mountain rescue team have been busy over the holiday period. Apparently they had to rescue 2 men who decided to climb Snowdonia in jeans, thin anorak and trainers! I tell you! How stupid can you get. Unsurprisingly they fell foul of the cold weather and had to be rescued. Both are suffering from hypothermia and are still in hospital!

Ah well. Enough whinging! Back to the wip - which I am managing to plod on with, albeit at a tortoise pace! Take care. Caroline x

Happy New Year Everyone!

2009-12-31T15:27:00.003Z

All my favorite blog sites are choc ablock with N Y R and Goal Settings which all makes interesting reading as well as giving me much needed motivation!

So call me a lemming I'm going to hang myself here and list mine. It will be interesting to see if I keep any of them! So - deep breath - here goes!

1. Write more. Rather obvious I suppose. But this needs to be done at the expense of the internet. I love blogging and get side tracked way too much. So N Y R number 1 is to write 1000 words a day - and then - and only then - do I switch on the internet! (People let me tell you this is going to be the hardest one to keep!)

2. Lose weight. Way too heavy. I need to lose weight because at the grand old age of 47 I'm getting married again - March 16th 2010. I need to lose weight so I don't look like a total lump of lard when I try to find something half decent to wear on my *big* day.

3. Try not to get too stressed at work - which is quite hard since my boss is a TOTAL stress puppy - who when stressed infects all of us his stress!

4. Exercise more! I do walk the dogs most days but I need to up the ante. See 2 above!

5. Try to get published - I aim to send out more partials to various publishers - rather than finishing off whole books first. I know some authors say you should write the whole book 1st - but I'm going to give the "partials" a go for a while - say the 1st 6 months of 2010. However I do have to finish off one whole ms as I intend to submit this to the NWS this year.

Well there you go! Like I said it will be interesting to see if I achieve any of these - but N Y R are there to prompt you on I say.

Happy New Year everyone! Take care. Caroline x

Flippin' 'Eck! It's ugly out there!

2009-12-15T14:32:00.003Z

Have you seen the furore on the iHeart Presents blog over the competition results? If not go take a look - but I think everyone in the whole world of romantic writing has blogged on it - me included! I did try to keep out of the heated debate - merely pointing out that HM&B are out to publish books and the publishing world is a highly competitive business. 'Nuff said I think! Phew but it's ugly over there - which is quite sad really as EVERYONE I've ever had dealings with in the Romance Community has ALWAYS been lovely!

Anyway enough of the negativity. Yes I was disappointed both for myself and my two CP's whose entries were tons better than mine (waves as Suzanne and Judy) - but I am still going to be +ve about the whole thing. I've got lots of fingers in lots of pies at the moment. So here are my New Years Resolutions:

1. Polish up the 1st 3 Chapters of Historical Number 3 and send it off to HMB - whilst finishing the whole book off by end of January.

2. Re-jig Historical Number 2 and send it back to NWS (2010) - to see if it gets anywhere. (It did get a very good 2009 NWS Report.)

3. Instead of writing whole books (some would say that you should but....) I'm going to have a go at writing the first 3 Chapters and the synopsis on the one's I've got posted on the sidebar. Get them out and see where I get with them.

4. Try to be more productive. I've been really bad these past few weeks. "Life" keeps getting in the way at the moment. (Dad in hospital and my lovely M-I-L still in hospital - 16 weeks and counting - bless her!)

Anyway - Have a great Christmas everybody - just in case I don't blog before the 25th!

PLL - Peace, Love and Light - Caroline x

2/10 - Could do Better! (See me after school)

2009-12-03T16:38:00.002Z

After a really productive week 2 weeks ago - lasts week effort was pathetic! Only managed to type 1.5k words. *sigh* The reason? Tired. Day job mega busy. Very sick relatives. Xmas shopping. Babysitting. That's it really - that thing called "life" that gets in the way of our publishing schedules (wow that sounds pompous!) But you know what I mean. We set ourselves targets. Sometimes we hit them, other times we don't. So my target this week is to try and do 5k words by Sunday evening. I'll let you know!

2009-11-24T18:18:00.000Z

Opps! Missed a bit of the link!

http://blog.onpaperwings.com/2008/07/andy-warhol-rejection-letter.html

A "great" Rejection Letter!

2009-11-24T18:07:00.002Z

I can see the frowns and scratching of heads already. How can a rejection letter be great you ask!

The answer my friends is when it's one sent to Andy Warhol! Go to this site and check it out!

http://blog.onpaperwings.com/2008/07/andy-warhol-rejection-letter.html

Take care. Caroline x

A kick up the backside works wonders....

2009-11-22T17:59:00.002Z

Since I gave myself a metaphorical kick up the backside last week I've managed to write 11,391 words of the current wip this week. Trust me this is amazing for me considering how little I've done recently. This word count also goes towards my unofficial NaNoWriMo target which I also set myself last week as well. Hopefully I'll be able to keep at this pace and finish the first draft by the end of the year. Take care. Caroline

"How do you plead?" - "Guilty m'Lord!"

2009-11-20T19:15:00.005Z

Yuk! Just clocked the I (heart) Presents blog about feedback from the editors concerning the latest HM&B Writing Competition. They have identified 7 major sins that we newbies are guilty of with our First Chapters (FC). They are:
1. Not enough dialogue
2. Dire dialogue
3. Well worn plots and characters
4. Random meetings; meandering action
5. Inappropriate first kisses
6. Unattractive hero
7. Sexual premises

Moi? Yikes having read the above I am convinced they have targeted my First Chapter (FC) and no one else's! Seriously folks I kid you not. And to prove it I now put my case to the jury as follows (as per the 7 sins above) :

1. My FC is too full of the back story - having read it again after my CP pointed it out to me it is. So "guilty as charged."
2. I think the dialogue between H/h is static and stilted. So "guilty as charged."
3. The story revolves around the heroine mistaking the hero for someone else. So "guilty as charged" on the well worn plot and characters.
4. Heroine meets hero in a dark stable block. So "guilty as charged" on the random meeting.
5. Hero kisses heroine in the FC so "guilty as charged."
6 . Have to say I am "not guilty here" as there was no rumpy pumpy in the FC (Phew!)
7. Juries out on this one. He's angry with her but not a total "B" if you get my drift! "Hung jury" on this one.

Umm. Like I said. Call me paranoid but...ya have to admit the evidence is pretty stacked against me. Ah well. I gave it a go didn't I?

Take care. Caroline x

UPDATE!

2009-11-14T21:16:00.002Z

YAY! I've cracked my writer apathy. Managed to type 2,935 words today. Gonna stop now as X Factor is about to start! NaNo (my way) is gonna help me finish this wip come hell or high water! Take care. Caroline x

Better late than never....sort of!

2009-11-14T15:54:00.002Z

What am I rambling on about? NaNoWriMo - the "write a novel in a month". I wasn't going to do it -mainly because I'm a coward, but mainly because I'm 35k through my latest wip and I didn't want to start something new.

But because I've been so sparse recently on the writing front - ( mainly due to the latest "R" if I'm honest) - I've decided to set myself a target. To do at least a 1000 words a day until the middle of December. I've extended "my" NaNo time until then.

I've been spurned on to do this by reading Nicola Marsh's blog yesterday in which she talks about "sprinting" - writing something/anything in short sharp bursts - fitting it in around "life". I can do this I decided - so this morning - another first for me as I'm normally a night writer - I just fired up the PC and typed. 30 minutes later - 866 words done. Yay! Writer's apathy broken at long last! Now all I need to do is keep on top of it. Take care. Caroline x

Love Inspired Historical

2009-11-12T20:42:00.003Z

I've just finished polishing off my latest WIP - a Love Inspired Historical - a HM&B Steeple Hill imprint.

For those not familiar with this line it is HM&B's Christian imprint. I've read the guidelines and had a go! This book is a "Roman" set in and around Rome in AD63. My heroine is a Christian. The hero isn't! That is the basis for the internal conflict in a nutshell. The external conflict revolves around the fact that the action happens in and around Rome before and after the "Great Fire of Rome", when in order to deflect blame from himself, the Emperor Nero blames the poor Christian's for starting the fire, and so begins their persecution.

I'm going to print it off - one final proof read - and then send it off to the New York offices next week. So wish me luck people. Take care. Caroline x

What "type" are you?

2009-11-06T18:16:00.003Z

On Michelle Styles blog the other day she discusses (very well btw) the Myer-Briggs personality tests. I remember doing these "tests" when I was doing a Management Course. In all honesty I don't remember much about the course but I do recall these tests and the Belbin Team Role Inventory - which I did find interesting at the time.

Belbin assess how an individual behaves in a team environment. It is a behavioural tool, and not a psychometric test. Whereas Myers-Briggs sorts people into 16 types dependant on types of behaviours the Belbin Inventory scores people on how strongly they express traits from 9 different Team Roles. Phew - confused - I'll explain. These roles are as follows:

1. Plant - plants are creative, unorthodox and a generator of ideas. Bright and free thinking they refrain from getting bogged down. But...the downfall is someone like the absentminded professor-inventor - who often has a hard time communicating ideas to others.

2. Resource Investigator (RI) - the RI gives a team a rush of enthusiasm at the start of a project by vigorously pursing contacts and opportunities. RI's are makers of possibilities and an excellent networker. But...they have a tendency to lose momentum towards the end of a project and can forget small details.

3.Coordinator - Often the chairperson who steps back to see the big picture. They are confident, stable and mature. But...they can be accused of being manipulative and will tend to delegate all work rather than do it themselves!

4.Shaper - is a task-focused leader who abounds with nervous energy. Winning is the name of the game; and the Shaper will "shape" others into achieving their aims. They can challenge, argue or disagree with others in pursuit of goal achievement. But...two or three Shapers in a group can lead to conflict, aggravation and in-fighting!

5. Monitor Evaluator (ME) - are fair and logical observers and judges of what is going on. ME's are methodical, analytical, taking every thing into account to come to the right decision. But....ME's can be excessively cynical, damping enthusiasm for anything without logical grounds and they have a hard time inspiring themselves or others to be passionate about their work.

6. Teamworker - the greasy oil between the cogs that keeps the team running. They are good listeners and diplomats, talented at soothing over conflicts. But...as they don't take sides, this can, sometimes, mean that they are not able to take decisive action when needed.

7. Implimenter - Turns ideas into positives. They are efficient and self-disciplined and can always be relied on to deliver on time. Motivated by loyalty which means that they often take on jobs everyone else avoids or dislikes. But....they can be perceived as closed-minded and inflexible since they will often have difficulty deviating from their own well thought out plans.

8. Completer Finisher (CF) - is often a perfectionist who will go the extra mile to make sure everything is just right. Will double check and check again. Strong inward need for accuracy, rarely needing any encouragement from others because of their own high standards. But...they may frustrate other team members by worrying excessively about minor detail and refusing to delegate tasks that they do not trust anyone else to perform.

9. Specialists - are passionate about learning in their own particular field. Great depth of knowledge and they enjoy imparting it to others. Constantly wanting to improve their wisdom. If they don't know it - they will go out and find it. But... because they are specialists then sometimes they will be uninterested in anything which lies outside their "narrow" confines.

When I did the test I came out as a Completer Finisher with Plant tendencies! So is that a good combination for a writer? Hopefully yes. I would imagine if you were a strong Coordinator / Shaper you probably wouldn't finish writing anything! I'm sure an Editor working with a new author who is a Shaper would find it a recipe for disaster! Can you imagine the arguments when the poor editor asked for changes to a MS?

I'm sure these groups are not cast in stone, and many of us could probably see traits in ourselves that fall into most of these groups.

So what Group(s) do you think you fall in? Come on 'fess up if you dare!

Take care. Caroline x

Critique Partner anyone?

2009-10-31T10:16:00.003Z

Ummm. I might be hanging myself out on a limb here....but here goes. "Does anyone fancy being my critique partner?" There I said that very fast and with a wistful tone in my voice I can tell you.

(If you don't want to reply via this link then my email address is storercaroline45@yahoo.co.uk )

If not. Then does anyone know if there are any blog sites that cater for this particular field? As you can see from my blog site I write historical HM&B but also mainstream HM&B as well.

Other news? I've put to bed the big "R". Thanks for all the cyber hugs both on the blog and via email. Much appreciated I can tell you. Will now get cracking on finishing off Roman historical number 3. Are Romans in or out I wonder? Michelle Styles wrote some great ones a few years ago that got me hooked. But since then not a lot. I wonder if they will come back in fashion again? I think there are a few Hollywood blockbusters out next year featuring Romans. I'm sure I read that somewhere. So you never know they may come back with a vengeance!
Take care. Caroline x

The Big "R" - Rejection that is.....

2009-10-28T17:31:00.003Z

Big Big (((Sigh))). I'm feeling sorry for myself. After waiting a long time I had a letter back from HM&B today. "Thanks but no thanks". It was a standard rejection letter. It annoyed me a bit (can I be annoyed? Is it "allowed"?) for the following reasons:

HM&B - " Ensure that your characters and conflict are character driven."
NWS - Report - " You write with fluency and skill, and in Justina and Marsallas you have created two very attractive central characters. In particular you did a very good job of showing...(rather than telling)."

HM&B - "Focus on the internal emotional conflict of your characters".
NWS - Report "The developing love story between Marsallas and Justina is strong and emotional. You depict the historical background with a very good sense of detail...I like very much the concept of Marsallas demanding that Justina be his mistress to repay her perceived betrayal of him..."

HM&B - "Use secondary characters to add richness and depth to your central romance but don't let them take over."
NWS - Report - "Your secondary characters are also delightful and I feel that you have created a very nice set of characters without diverting attention from the central relationship,"

HM&B - "Target your book to a particular series - this means you need to read current books in the series you are aiming for..."
NWS - Report - "You are aiming the book at Mills & Boon's Historical romance series and it is clear that you have researched the publisher and what they are looking for."

So that's it rant over. Best to vent my spleen and all that. (I'll probably regret putting this out on my blog site tomorrow - but there you go!) I'm half way through my current WIP - another Roman aimed at HM&B Historical. It may be that "Roman's" aren't in at the moment. I'll finish this one off, send it off and then perhaps consider switching to another time period or have a go at a "Modern" or an "Intrigue".

Sorry for the rant - but thanks for listening! Take care. Caroline x

Photo's!

2009-10-21T14:25:00.006Z

On Kate Hardy's blog yesterday there were some lovely photo's of clouds and she asked us to let her know if we had some that we liked. Well as luck would have it I came out of my door this morning and saw this wonderful sunrise over the Snowdonia mountains as well as a "misty" inversion over the Malltraeth Marshes. Spectacular! Take care. Caroline x

Alas poor WIP, I knew it well!

2009-10-19T12:36:00.002Z

Forgive my misquote (Hamlet) – but…’Tis Done. Or will be by the end of tomorrow! What am I rambling on about? The HM&B Writing Competition that's what! I've preened, pruned, slashed, cut, and editied the poor Chapter to within an inch of it's life - and now finally - it will be sent off.

So have I covered the basic’s? - Namely:
Are my character's physical descriptions vivid? Are main characters sympathetic despite their obvious flaws/faults? Is it obvious what the story is about from the first chapter?
What are their internal/external conflicts? Can I sympathise with then as the story progresses?
Are secondary characters necessary; and if so do they take over? If they do, is it a problem? Do they add interest and issues to the story?
How is the dialogue? Does it flow? Does it carry the story forward? How my pace? Is it too slow; too fast; not enough?
Does my chapter have a good romantic tone and what’s my voice like?
The above is not an exhaustive list. And if I’m honest I’m not sure if I’ve got it completely covered! But there you go. It’s going off whatever.
Take care. Caroline x

RNA - Dragon Chapter

2009-10-09T15:17:00.003Z

I've just come back from the monthly RNA (Dragon) Chapter meeting. we have here in North Wales. I haven't been for a while as "life" kept getting in the way. But I'm glad I did today. I always come away feeling enthused - and today was no different. We are a group around 15 or so. Roughly half are published and the published authors ALWAYS give us unpubs. loads of moral support and lots of helpful advice.

Today was particularly good as a lot of us had our NWS reports/critiques with us. Lots of +ve reports all round (it was a bit like comparing school reports!) and lots encouragement from the published authors as a result. One of our ladies had a second reading and that was so encouraging it actually listed the agents/publishing houses she should send it to. Way to go!

I broke with tradition and actually asked one of the authors if she wouldn't mind reading the first 3 chapters of a HM&B Historical. I felt a bit cheeky doing so - I've never done it before so it was a big step to do so - but she didn't mind at all! So thanks June (Francis) (HM&B Historical author) it means a lot to me. Here's hoping it's not the dogs dinner and she thinks the story has promise....I'm feeling nervous already!

So if any of you are members of the RNA and don't go along to a local chapter - please do so. You won't regret it!

Take care. Caroline x

How Do I Write?

2009-10-07T12:37:00.004Z

As a "newby" in the field of romantic fiction writing I thought I would share with you my creative process (lol - wow does that sound pompus or what!) Before I start I have to say I lovvvvvve reading about how authors approach their writing and can't get enough of reading about it. I also love reading as many books on the writing craft as I can possibly get hold of. I justify this by saying that a writer is doing a "job" and therefore needs to be adequately trained in doing so. And trust me as a relative newcomer to all things writing (romance that is) I need as much training as possible.

So what's my writing process like? Well if I have to put myself in a "camp" then I am definitely a "panster" writer. I start off with a idea for a book - normally the opening chapter or a scene in my head - and then off I go. So far things have worked out well and I've been able to finish 2 full novels - not a lot I know - but I consider myself a fledgling. Most times the book has changed beyond recognition from my initial idea (although the opening chapter so far has always stayed the same) and I've managed, so far, to avoid writers block and the sagging middle. Of all the things I find the hardest to deal with - then it is the sagging middle. How to take a book out of the duldrons and inject enough fizz to make anyone (normally the poor reader at the NWS) want to finish reading the book! Another niggle I have is the fact that in the day job I tend to write a lot of dry stufy letters and technical reports. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get out of this particular mindset and try and write fun, flirty dialogue rather than the falling back into "official" writing, and not letting my wip get too stuffy!

As you can see from the picture I also like to do a story board. This is my current wip. Spot who the hero is! No prizes there - it's the lovely Hugh Jackman. The "diagram" thingy is something I found on WORD recently - I use one for each of the H/h and put all their relatives/where they live etc. in each of the circles as an aide memoir when I'm typing away. Having been over to the Pink Heart Society blog this morning the lovely Kate Hardy has done a great post about her writing. Wow to be as productive as Kate would be amazing. But that is definitely not me - unfortunately. I tend to do my writing in dribs and drabs fitting it around work and life, BUT there is one thing I am disciplined about, and that is trying to write something every day. Even if it's a bit of editing, plotting out (on paper) the next chapter whilst in bed, or actually typing away. I find that my best time to write in the evenings, and at the weekend in the afternoons once "life" has slowed down and all the chores have been done. I have tried to write in the mornings - sometimes it's ok and the words flow, but mostly life intrudes and it isn't doable. So there you go. Now I'm off back to work (day job) having done this in my lunch hour. Take care. Caroline x

Ahhh!

2009-10-05T15:16:00.004Z

Saw these and went "ahhh". These are my dogs Molly (on the right) and Bob (on the left). Most of the time they are cute. Some times they rule the house! Take this picture. We went out for the afternoon and came back to find the terrible duo firmly encamped in OUR chairs! The silly jumpers were our idea of a joke. Obviously they didn't like it and made their objections known. Take care. Caroline x

What a week that was!

2009-10-01T16:00:00.003Z

It's been a long week to say the least. Out of respect for my lovely M-I-L I haven't said anything. But now she's on the mend I feel able to do so. My MIL underwent major surgery a week ago for bowel cancer, and repair to a (very large) hernia. It was a success thank goodness. They have got rid of the cancer which had spread to an ovary (which was removed as well) and have repaired the hernia.

There has been a minor setback this morning - she does have an infection in the wound so they may have to operate to clean out this infection we think - it all depends on the result of a CT scan that she will have to have.

But that aside, through it all my MIL has been very, very positive - which is always good. But I have to say not so easy to keep up day after day. I'm not sure if I would be able to be so +ve all the time! Now she just needs to heal and get her strength back.

My DH went down to Essex to be with his mum and has been away for a week now. I had planned to keep occupied by writing. In truth I have done some - but was only able to do so once I knew my MIL had come through her operation.

Then, if that wasn't bad enough my best mate Kath had a car accident. She ok - but has severe whiplash. So Kath if you're reading this get well soon babes!

Take care. Caroline x

To Boldly Go...

2009-09-24T14:21:00.004Z

I participated in the on-line e-chat with the HM&B Editors last night! It was fun and I even asked a question which they very kindly answered . (Sad to be so excited I know but it was my "first time" and I'm just a simple lassie).

Following the on-line discussion I'm definitely going to be entering my "creation" and see where I go - if anywhere. I've also decided to broaden my horizons - writing wise (hence the title of this blog.) I've squillions of ideas for books (well OK maybe about 30) and sometimes they all fight at once to get written. So for a change instead of writing the full book and then subbing to HM&B which is what I normally do, I've decided to write the first 3 chapters and a synopsis and see where I go. The two books fighting to go first are a (Historical) "Love Inspired" and an "Intrigue". Different genres for me completely - but they are both shouting at me to get out!

I haven't told the dh my plans yet. If he finds out that I'm attempting more books he'll go mad. He sits in the "finish one book at time" camp. Maybe he's right, I don't know - but I'll keep you updated. Take care. Caroline x

M.I.A.

2009-09-23T14:21:00.003Z

I've been a bit lax lately. Not writing either my current historical wip or my blog (although I have been blogging on my favourite blog sites (too much perhaps?!)

And the reason why? Well I have been trying to put together my HM&B 1st chapter and synopsis. I've finished it now - but in all honesty I don't know if I've written a Modern or a Modern Heat! It could quite easily sit in either camp! Now is that a good thing or a bad thing? Me thinks bad - it should be one or the other I would suggest. So I'm going to leave it for another week and re-visit it again to see what camp I think I should be writing in and tweek as necessary. I read both the Modern and Modern Heat because I love both the genres (+ HM&B Historical). Yowser this writing lark ain't easy you know! Take care. Caroline x

Crows of Doubt...ever circling closer!

2009-09-14T18:07:00.003Z

Eww! Gone through my HM&B contest first chapter - again (and again and again....you get the drift!) and I have concluded that it sucks!

Why? Well for the following reasons:
1. My initial optimism has been replaced by pessimism - in other words the crows of doubt have circled, landed, and have pecked me to pieces, and then they've flown off cackling to themselves.
2. No matter how many re-writes I do it still isn't working.
3. I seem to lack realistic dialogue. My H/h talk like something out of a (bad) 1950's B movie.
4. I've read recently about "character arc", "story arc", 3 point planning and I haven't a clue what they mean. I just write a story. Is that so bad? I don't know!

I've just whined to the darling dh. He's very supportive bless, and has just told me to submit it anyway. He's also reminded me that perhaps it's time to re-read my myriad of "How To Write" books. Yes me thinks Kate Walker needs to come off the bookshelf once more. Take care. Caroline x

I'm back!

2009-09-09T19:12:00.003Z

Phew! The old saying about needing a holiday to recover from the holiday isn't far wrong!

Sometime I wonder how on earth I used to live and work in London - and did so for 20 years! Four days staying with my best friend Kath and visiting with friends/relatives and I'm cream crackered! But saying that I had a great time - thanks Kath for being my best mate (26 years and counting) and being a fab host.

I did the Jack The Ripper Tour - highly recommended. Yes it was geared up for tourists. Yes there was a lot of other groups....but highly entertaining nonetheless and our guide wasn't the normal (resting) actor but a bona fide AUTHOR! I felt an instant empathy with her - she was very knowledgeable and has written a couple of books about JtheR as well as co-presenting a couple of documentaries on the History Channel.

I have to admit (I'm sure I'm not the only one) who has a macabre interest in JtheR. I've read a lot of books about him and have seen virtually every film etc, but seeing where all the murders took place was like putting the final pieces of a jigsaw all together.

But if there was one part of the tour I found the most fascinating, then it was the sheer scale of the poverty that was the norm in that area. People lived in such extreme poverty it beggars belief. The guide said that for 4 (old) pennies you could sleep the night away in a wooden coffin - sometimes with as many as 20 people in a room. If you couldn't afford 4 pennies then for 3 old pence men, women and children used to drape themselves over ropes that were strung up from one end of a room to other and sleep standing up! Sometimes there were as many as 50 people in a room all sleeping standing up. Can you imagine that - it really does make me shiver. As an EHO in the day job, it makes me proud to think that the founder of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health - Edwin Chadwick - was one of the few people who made a change in how people lived at that time - real pioneers in the fight for decent public health. Anyway enough ramblings for now. Gotta get that M&B Chapter polished as best I can and work on the (dreaded) synopsis. Take care. Caroline x

On Manouvers - Londinium Here I Come!

2009-09-02T15:37:00.002Z

Update: Mum is much better. Thanks for you kind comments.

Tomorrow I'm off to London for a girlie weekend - catching up with some old friends and some of dh's relatives. I've been looking forward to this for ages.

I've got a few things planned. My bestest friend in the whole wide world - Kath - has booked us in at a Spa for Friday and I've got a pedicure booked - lovely.

On Saturday I've booked us to go on a "Jack The Ripper Walk." Sounds macarbe I know but it's something I've always wanted to do - and I've been fascinated by JtheR since I was young. So hopefully as well as being scared witless I'll enjoy it as well. The tour starts at 7pm for about 2 hours and we walk around all the areas that JtheR haunted.

Sunday we plan to do one of those "tour bus" trips around London which is funny as I lived in London for 20 years and Kath still lives there. It's just that we never did the touristy bits! How sad is that.

Anyway I'm taking the camera - so hopefully will be able to get some piccis to post. Take care. Caroline x

It's not wot it's like on the telly!

2009-08-30T11:21:00.002Z

Had to take my poor mum to A&E on Friday evening. (Too much warfrin in her blood caused her eyes to hemorrhage - looked like she'd gone 10 rounds with Frank Tyson!) Anyway as I intimated in the title the A&E department of the hospital wasn't much like Casualty, ER or Holby City. Yes there were air ambulance's coming in at a rate of knots, and the doctor's and nurses were rushing around like headless chickens - but as far as I could see - and we were in there for 8 hours |(!!!) - there was none of the intrigue that seems to be part of the weekly soap opera's we see on the telly. No nurses lusting after handsome doctors etc. No obvious signs of doctors being ruthless so they can limb the ladder to success. No nothing like that.

Was I disappointed? After all like all good authors - I did have the notebook ready to job down some kernel of wisdom for a potential book or two. No I wasn't. In truth I was impressed by how busy and dedicated they all were. Even though it was a long night - there were two RTA's so everything goes into "emergency plan" mode and we had to wait (quite rightly) until they had been sorted out there was nothing really I could have used in a book - and I'm sure the likes of Kate Hardy have done emergency A&E's in many a book.

The only thing that did annoy me was the attitude of some of those waiting to be seen. As I said the RTA's got seen first - but some of those waiting around didn't quite see it like that. They were under the impression that their cut hand (sustained by falling down drunk) was more important than some poor man who'd had a crushed chest! I ask you the nurses had more tact than I would in dealing with this person (+ others as well!)

So a big cheer to all NHS staff who's job I don't envy at all. Thanks for all the hard work you do. Take care. Caroline x

Life according to...

2009-08-28T07:16:00.003Z

To make sense of this Blog go over to Kate Hardy's Blogspot. Trust me all will become clear!

"My life according to Caroline Storer
Pick your Artist: AC/DC
Are you a male or female?: Whole Lot of Rosie
Describe yourself: All Screwed Up (!)
How do you feel: Kicked In The Teeth (I'm tired today)
Describe where you currently live: Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be (I'm at work!)
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Bedlam In Belgium
Your favourite form of transportation: Walk All Over You
Your best friend is: (a) Girls Got Rhythm
You and your best friends are: Back In Business (I'm off for a girlie weekend next week!)
What's the weather like: Up To My Neck In You (it's raining!)
Favourite time of day: You Shook Me All Night Long
If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Riff Raff
What is life to you: Ain't No Fun (waitin' round to be a millionaire)
Your last relationship: Highway To Hell
Your current relationship: Whole Lotta Love
Your fear: T.N.T
What is the best advice you have to give: (don't get) Caught With Your Pants Down
Thought for the Day: Beating Around The Bush
How I would like to die: Shot Down In Flames
Looking for: Sin City
Wouldn’t mind: High Voltage (to get me back on track with the wip!)
My soul's present condition: If You Want Blood - You Got It (ode to my current wip)
Most Faithful Companion: Givin' The Dog A Bone
My motto: For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

Phew! That was harder than I thought! But fun! Take Care. Caroline x

"How Beautiful Thou Art"

2009-08-26T12:55:00.003Z

We often take things for granted. I know I do. This, believe it or not, is the view from the front of my house. I live on the brow of a hill that sweeps down over the Malltraeth Marshes then over to the wonderful, beautiful vista of the Snowdonia mountain range. Like a lot of the country we haven't had a good summer weather wise, and normally it's been a dash to the car to avoid the rain (like today - we've got the remnants of Hurricane Bill). But yesterday was an exception. After the rain had cleared viola! the splendour and beauty of Snowdonia is there for all to see. It's just that I sometimes forget about it. Take care. Caroline

Fishguard Here I Come!

2009-08-25T18:53:00.002Z

The fabo dh took the massive hints I've been dropping about what I'd like for Christmas this year. (Unusually for me I never know what to ask for!) But this year is different... This year I know what I want - and woohoo today I got it. Booked onto the Writing Weekend course that is going to be held in Fishguard in Feb next year - and the workshop I going on - Contemporary Romance hosted by Kate Walker - double whoooo! Excited? Moi? YOU BET!!

Mind you all the above depends on whether I actually filled out the on-line application form and PayPal thingybob correctly - but I think I did it ok! Take care. Caroline x

That's My Boy!

2009-08-25T15:10:00.002Z

I was going through my photo's of my grandson Corey! Came across this one - that I hadn't spotted at the time. It made me LOL - knowing how much he loves his food it kinda sums him up. Take care. Caroline x

Layering the Emotion

2009-08-24T15:48:00.003Z

I re-read the first chapter of my HM&B Competition entry last night (well OK the only chapter so far) and.......ewwww what a load of cr*p! And I mean that most sincerely folks!

What had started out as promising first chapter (hah! who am I kidding!) is now being pecked to pieces by the "crows of doubt" who seem to be swarming in ever decreasing circles as I type. (It didn't help when I read Lynn Rae Harris's opening chapter last night of her debut HM&B book - you know the one - the one that won her the competition last year!)

I now need to "re-visit" my wip and think serious, serious editing (read "total re-write") and layer in the emotion - I've decided my wip is lacking the emotion quotent that is a pre-requisite of any HM&B. Kate Walker (in her 12 point Guide to Writing Romance ) devotes a whole chapter of her (excellent) book to the subject of emotion. Michelle Styles, Donna Alward and Kate Hardy all go into great length about layering in the emotion on their blogsites. And now so must I. So I'm going to get out the metaphorical "cake filling" and I'm going to start layering it in right now. Before it's too late. And if I can quote one of the quotes in Kate's book "The 3 most important things in making a book a best seller are emotion, emotion, emotion." (HM&B editor) Right got it? Yes absolutely got it. 100% got it - I think!

Take care. Caroline x

Day of Rest?

2009-08-23T14:25:00.003Z

Today I am mostly....chilling out. It's Sunday. No take that back I can chill out when..
1. I've made the Sunday dinner
2. I've done the washing and ironing
3. I've cleaned and hoovered (although dh may do this!)
4. Made supper and finally,
5. Done some of my wip..

Take care. Caroline x

Sunday funny...

Romance Writer In Waiting

Writer or not?

What'da get for Christmas?......

Sad today...

I may be gone some time...

It's about time.....

Pssst. My New Voices entry is up....

10 Random things about me...

Loser Part II...

Sad Today...

WTF!....

Tag You're It!

I'm a loser.....

My shiny new office!

My 1st *EVER* Sale!

Yay I'm back....

48 hours to go....

We've Exchanged Contracts....

Blinky Blimy!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Revision Hell...

Picture of the new bungalow!

Excited! Part 2....

Excited!

Back To The Drawing board.....

Feeling enthused....

Rejection Letters X4....

M.I.A....

Cream crackered - Part II

Am I losing the plot....

Cream Crackered...

Pssst. My New Voices entry has been sent....

New Voices Competition....

Blog Party and a Competition....

AT LAST!.....

A new addition to the family!!!

Super quick "R"!

What I've learnt about....

Am I green.......

10 Things You Didn't Know About Me...

Just popping out of the Bat Cave to say....

It's time to go into the Bat Cave......

Has it been THAT long?.....

Blame it on the sunshine....

5 - 5 - 5 Blog Award - sort of!

And now for something a bit different...

Wedding photo's!

And another one!

Honeymoon!!!

Sorry Guys!

Duhh!

More picci's

Testing!

Birthday and Wedding Day.

Forgot To Mention...

Making everyone cry - me included!

10,9 more.....

Fishguard Writing Course

New Year's Resolution - Part 2!

A sneak preview.....

Do you have a favourite author quote?

No really. I'm not panicking but.......

Where Does The Time Go?

UPDATE!

Writing....but not the "write" sort....

There really is a Romance "formula"....

After reading many a "how to write" a Romance book I have had it drummed into me that there is no magical "formula" for writing a romance, whether a category romance, historical, or chic lit.

But I'm going to rebel (courtesy of Deborah Hale - romance author) and suggest that there is a "formula". And here it is....... (H + h x A) ÷ C + HEA = R

The WIP is finished but.........

Aw Mum - but it's cold outside!

Baby it's cold outside!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Flippin' 'Eck! It's ugly out there!

2/10 - Could do Better! (See me after school)

A "great" Rejection Letter!

A kick up the backside works wonders....

"How do you plead?" - "Guilty m'Lord!"

UPDATE!

Better late than never....sort of!

My 1st EVER Sale!