Monthly Archives: June 2019

My Writing Process | Rosanna Ley

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How I write.

A big question! To be brief… Once I have a detailed synopsis I tend to write each new scene longhand in a notebook and then edit it as I get it on to the computer. More edits follow and then I move on to the next scene. Once I get to the end of the book I’ll go back for more editing and consider if I’ve got the structure right. Final edits are about fine tuning and polishing.

I’ve written all my life and also done a lot of teaching of creative writing here and abroad with a particular interest in both novels and life-writing for therapeutic practice. I moved to West Dorset, my ‘soul-home’ seven years ago and find it inspirational and peaceful. I love travelling and my books are always based in foreign climes as well as either Dorset or Cornwall or occasionally somewhere else in the UK. I like to think of the books as mainly relationship driven – I’m very interested in people!

What you have written, past and present.

I’ve written 8 books for Quercus including The Villa and Bay of Secrets as well as numerous short stories and articles.

What you are promoting now. 

The Lemon Tree Hotel out in paperback 13th June 2019.

Do you plan or just write?

Plan. I do a lot of planning which gives me a good structure to come back to if I then decide to go off piste. Organic writing is lovely and spontaneous but it tends to require a lot of editing…

What about word count?

My books are between 115,000 and 130,000 words long and they always turn out that way…

How do you do your structure?

Before I begin, I think about timeline, viewpoint and narrative tension and decide on the main structure of the novel. I’ll change it if it doesn’t seem to be working. I don’t work to any kind of formula in terms of narrative arcs and points of tension – I don’t want my books to become formulaic and prefer to trust to my instincts.

What do you find hard about writing?

I may have lots of ideas but it’s often hard to form these into an outline that will give me a sufficiently strong story-line (or two) and which will work on all the levels I need it to work. Structural editing can also be very difficult and requires a lot of clear head-space!

It can be hard, working to a deadline and for all writers there is a lot of pressure and often anxiety to deal with. I also hate waiting to find out if readers like my book…

What do you love about writing? 

I love the feeling when I know I’ve written a good scene or even a good paragraph and I’m totally satisfied with it – there’s nothing like that feeling for me. I also love being able to go off in my imagination and take control of another world (control freak – haha). I love it when a character starts speaking to me in my head and I love the process of writing a first draft on a fresh page of my notebook whilst sitting on a warm beach somewhere. I love going to new or much-loved places and planning how to set a novel there. I love research but sometimes get too interested in it. I love it when the finished book is delivered and looks beautiful – but I’m already worrying about the next one and whether it is good enough! 

It turns out there’s a lot I love about writing, which explains a lot…

Advice for other writers.

Read a lot. Write about what you want to explore. Don’t start writing fiction until you hear the voices in your head. Plan or don’t plan – do whatever feels right. Listen to advice from people who know what they’re talking about. Don’t listen to advice. Don’t give up. Go for a walk or do the ironing if you get stuck. Enjoy. (Turns out there are a lot of contradictions in writing advice too)

 

The Lemon Tree Hotel by Rosanna Ley will be published by Quercus in paperback on 13th June, £7.99

SLEEPING BEAUTY: FIVE NOCTURNAL HAIR AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS

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Let’s face it, evenings are for Netflix and napping. We might want to do a five step beauty regime at night but more often than not, it’s not going to happen. That’s why we’ve pulled together five life saver products which will do the work while you sleep. What more could you need!

 

Morning Glamour Pillowcase, £12.99, makeupbox-ldn.co.uk

The Morning Glamour satin pillowcase provides a smoother surface for your hair strands, which reduces matting, breakage, tangling and snagging as you sleep. It’s also non-absorbent, helping your skin maintain maximum moisture. It also prevents wrinkles, allowing you to wake up with smooth, clear and flawless skin every morning.

 

Satin Sleep Turban, £15, Only Curls

Only Curls have updated the traditional satin bonnet into this sleek turban, with a cute bow at the front. Sleeping with a satin cap means no more split ends. It protects your hair from the dryness caused by friction between your hair and moisture-absorbing materials such as cotton. This also helps to greatly reduce breakage, tangles and thinning.

 

Daytox Rich Cream, £26, Waitrose

This decadent cell-reviving cream is enriched with highly active ‘BioDtox’, a mix of citrus, aloe and broccoli. It fills out fine lines and protects against free radicals, while Hyaluron restores a youthful, fresh radiance to the skin. Perfect for dry and stressed skin in need of rich care. Apply at night to allow the cell repairing properties to flourish, given our cells regenerate faster as our body rests.

 

LQ Liquid Health Supplements Skin, Hair & Nails, £29.99, Boots

Who ever said a shot before bed was a bad idea? This daily supplement is scientifically formulated, with multiple key active ingredients such as marine collagen (7000mg), hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, silicon, glucosamine, selenium and vitamins. Take before bed to supplement the natural production of collagen, which occurs as we sleep.

 

Sesderma Factor G Renew Anti-Ageing Regenerating Cream, £46.34, sesderma.co.uk 

A powerful anti-ageing cream with growth factors and plant stem cells to stimulate cellular regeneration, reduce wrinkles and give the skin back its tautness. Apply just before bed to allow ingredients to work their magic as you sleep, and wake up feeling smooth and revitalised.

 

 

The Nanny Gilly Macmillan Book Review

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the nanny gilly macmillan

The Nanny is one of my favourite books of the year so far. A fast paced thriller with dazzling characters and enough twists and turns to leave you guessing. Five stars.

Seven-year-old Jocelyn loves her nanny more than her own mother.
When her nanny disappears one night, Jo never gets over the loss.
How could she vanish without saying goodbye?

Thirty years on, Jo is forced to return to her family home and confront her troubled relationship with her mother. When human remains are discovered in the grounds of the house, Jo begins to question everything.

Then an unexpected visitor knocks at the door and Jo’s world is destroyed again as, one by one, she discovers her childhood memories aren’t what they seemed.

What secrets was her nanny hiding – and what was she running away from? And can Jo trust what her mother tells her?

Sometimes the truth hurts so much you’d rather hear the lie.

The Nanny Gilly Macmillan is available here.

My Writing Process – Jane Cable

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Jane Cable , writerAs well as being contributing editor to Frost, I write romance with a twist. My first two novels were published independently but now I’m signed by Sapere Books.


My books are relationship driven, because how people fall in love, mess it up, or get it right, fascinates me. But there always has to be something else. My stories are contemporary but the strapline on my promotional material is ‘the past is never dead’ and for very good reason.


My first book with Sapere, Another You, is published on 27th June. It’s a story of family life which draws on the horrors of combat, both in modern times and World War 2 as Marie fights to reclaim her identity outside her marriage and discover what really matters to her.

A bit about your process of writing.
I am at my best first thing in the morning, so that’s when I tend to write if I’m working on new material. I creep out of bed, make a coffee and settle down at my laptop to work up the ideas I’ve been thinking about. I’ll keep writing until I either run out of story or emotional energy, then have a shower and get on with the rest of my day.

Do you plan or just write?
I used to just write, but now I’m working with a publisher I have to plan. It’s more time efficient too, saving endless rewrites. I still need to give my characters room for manoeuvre though, because inevitably they will shape the story more and more as it progresses.

What about word count?
I don’t stress about word count as long as I feel I’m making progress. Every day my Sister Scribe Kitty Wilson and I check in with each other to make sure we’re sticking to our writing goals.

How do you do your structure?

I used to write first then overlay character and story arcs to make sure they made sense. It always surprised me when they did, but Frost’s wonderful editor Margaret Graham says that the rhythm of story-telling is innate in those who have read since childhood. However these days I have a more, well, structured approach after Cornish writer friend Liz Fenwick introduced me to Blake Snyder’s Save The Cat. The approach comes from screenwriting but works for novels too, splitting the story into ‘beats’. I find it really helps me to focus.

What do you find hard about writing?
Getting published! Most of my books have a slightly ghostly element (or at least, could be read that way) and in the past that has made publishers run a mile. At Sapere they understand that if told in the right way, readers love the world of consciousness beyond matter – even in a genre like romance.

What do you love about writing?
I think what I love most of all is being read. It’s being able to create characters and craft their stories in a way readers relate to. One of my proudest moments was when a woman approached me to tell me that The Cheesemaker’s House had got her reading again after her husband’s death.

Advice for other writers. 

The more you write, the better you get at it, so never, ever, be tempted to publish an early draft. Polish it, craft it – work with an editor if you can afford to, but never let a book see the light of day until it’s as good as it possibly can be.

 

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff Reviewed by Natalie Jayne Peeke

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Grace, New York , 1946

Grace , a beautiful, young widow , finds an abandoned suitcase under a bench in Grand Central Station. Curiosity getting the better of her , she opens the suitcase on a hope of finding find a hint of who the owner is. Inside the contents containing a silver backed hairbrush , lavender soap and a pair of baby shoes are all neatly packed.

Realising she has invaded someone else’s privacy, she withdraws her hand and discovers a pack of carefully wrapped photographs. Each photo is of a different young woman, too different to be related , some in uniform , others not.

Who are they ? Who does the suitcase belong to ? Grace doesn’t have the answers but she’s determined to find out.

Eleanor, London, 1943

Eleanor, a Polish Jew now living and working in London as Gregory Winslow’s secretary, He’s the director of the special operations executive (SOE) . Eleanor witnesses the frustration as more and more agents are being captured and presumed dead , shortly after their arrival behind enemy lines.

Growing as frustrated as her boss and having a overwhelming urge to prove herself , Eleanor makes a bold suggestion to the director, a suggestion that would not only change her life but the lives of so many others.

Marie, London, 1944

Marie, a young single mother, a typist for the war office . Marie has always been made to feel useless , first by her father, then by her husband . With her daughter safely evacuated Marie yearns to help with the war effort .

Enjoying the quiet after a long day of constant clacking, Marie relaxes in a quiet cafè, reading poetry by her favourite French writer . Unexpectedly she is approached by a stranger who offers her a well paid job , no description or further explanation. Simply leaving her with a name and a address. With nothing to lose Marie makes a decision that she could never turn away from .

A truly gripping read of mystery, love and heroism. Perfect for fans of Lizzie’s secret & Lizzie’s war by Rosie Clarke. Or fans of stories with a strong female hero , or 12 !

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff

Paperback £7.99
eBook £5.99
Audio download £12.99

Natalie Jayne Peeke: http://www.thebookwormmother.co.uk

HOTEL REVIEW: Hawkstone Hall 

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What will you get if you head to Shropshire’s newest House and gardens? Complete luxury paired with utter comfort and Downton Abbey style charm.

This renovated monestary will take your breath away from the minute you approach via the country track, with rolling fields surrounding the impactful and beautiful grounds leading directly up to the House.

A butler style service giving guests the best experience is the main priority for the staff at Hawkstone. From personally greeting you on arrival, with that much needed glass of sparkling wine, through to rustling up anything you wish for your breakfast (not a menu in sight), you’ll feel like royalty by the time you leave and wonder what carrying your own handbag actually means.

We stayed in a classic room and classic charm is certainly what we were given. Aside from the Queen-size bed, draped in crisp white linens and smothered by indulgent, fluffy pillows, there’s a waterfall shower and retro radio softly sharing classical serenades before you arrive. Not stopping there, little extras including fluffy dressing gowns, complimentary Elemis toiletries and buttery shortbread can also be found in the bedrooms. The views provide serenity beyond belief and give views of the courtyard, surrounding countryside and even the lake in the distance.

The Hawkstone gardens spread for miles and in the sunshine you can explore the apple orchard, lakes and greenery via a private buggy tour or an easy stroll. Re-discovered rivers, ponds and monuments are also dotted around the grounds and pools of water filled with hundreds of fish, which are fun for the kids to spot during your exploration of the outdoors.

Thinking about the food (our first thought too)? The Saloon restaurant has just opened and is situated in one of the oldest parts of the original main house. Executive chef Andrew Watts offers chiefly British dishes with bold flavours and the best bit of this restaurant, NO DRESS CODE. Despite the plush fabrics, luxury feel and stunning artwork adorning the walls, there’s no snobbery in this place.

If you’re not looking for a sit-down meal, you can enjoy sharing platters and bar snacks. We’d recommend taking them up on this offer, or at least ensure there’s a designated driver because once you’re at Hawkstone, it’s pretty hard to find any way out. If you’re after something earlier in the day, the Afternoon Tea is a spectacle in itself, including  finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, tarts & scones, along with a selection of loose leaf teas or freshly brewed coffee, all whilst overlooking the beautiful Hawkstone Gardens.

Whilst Hawkstone Hall is a beautiful, serene getaway, it’s also one of the most luxurious wedding venues you might stumble across. The bridal preparation suite is every girl’s dream, with dressing areas for the bridesmaids, huge bathrooms and everything you need for the big day. There are plenty of options for the ‘I do’ locations, from the opulent Ballroom through to the converted private Chapel. Both exclusive and non-exclusive venue hire is available, starting at £2995.00 for non-exclusive and £8,995.00 for exclusive.

Hawkstone Hall facilitates wellness and yoga retreats, and it’s also worth checking out for a day visit. Hosting events including outdoor cinema nights, you can pop along to experience some good ol’ British fresh air before heading home for your own bed.

Would we recommend a stay at Hawkstone? Absolutely. This hidden gem won’t stay hidden for very long but offers some of the best hospitality we’ve ever experienced.

THE PRICES

Classic rooms start from £175.00 a night and include breakfast

Evening meals start at £17.95 for a main (Linguine & seasonal foraged mushrooms)

Afternoon tea costs £29.95 per guest

Wellness retreats start at £395.00 per guest for 2 nights and including all activities.

Event and wedding prices vary.

To book a stay, event or wedding venue viewing at Hawkstone visit http://hawkstonehall.co.uk

Now You See Her by Heidi Perks | Recommended Books

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Now You See Her: The bestselling Richard & Judy favourite by Heidi Perks

This much talked about bestseller is a brilliantly written thriller. Riveting and powerful.

Charlotte is looking after her best friend’s daughter the day she disappears. She thought the little girl was playing with her own children. She swears she only took her eyes off them for a second.

Now, Charlotte must do the unthinkable: tell her best friend Harriet that her only child is missing. The child she was meant to be watching.

Devastated, Harriet can no longer bear to see Charlotte. No one could expect her to trust her friend again.
Only now she needs to. Because two weeks later Harriet and Charlotte are both being questioned separately by the police. And secrets are about to surface.

Someone is hiding the truth.
So what really happened to Alice?

Available here.

SISTER SCRIBES GUEST: GABRIELLE MALCOLM ON THE MYTHS OF A WRITING LIFE

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I’m delighted to welcome author, Gaby Malcolm as our guest! She’s an inspiration to me, and here she’s sharing her thoughts on juggling being a writer with home life!

 

When I was asked if I would contribute a guest post I was very eager. When I thought about it for a bit I became less eager, and then plagued with doubts, and then I realised I was running out of time, and then I thought ‘commit something to paper, Gaby, get on with it,’ and then I put the kettle on, and then the cat distracted me, and then I woke up at four o’clock in the morning, and then there was a really interesting item on Woman’s Hour (Jenni Murray is SUCH a good interviewer!), and then …. and then ….

This will be a very skittish and disjointed piece, therefore. Forgive me.

See what I did there? Classic. I call it the ‘Visitor from Porlock’ effect. That’s when you explain how you would have done a lot more, only you were interrupted and you lost your flow, but it was going to be utterly brilliant. Thanks, Coleridge!

There is also the ‘Shakespeare In Love’ Syndrome. That’s when writers depict to the rest of the world how the work just flows from their pen as they sit in their little room, once inspiration strikes. That inspiration does not have to involve sex with Gwyneth Paltrow disguised as a boy. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it.

It’s great when writers portray their process as something strange, easy, or magical.

As a tutor of writing students one of my main jobs is to debunk all these myths about the process. Budding writers sometimes believe they have failed at it if they can’t create a perfect, clean manuscript with the first draft. They think they lack the skills to write if it doesn’t just flow out. LOL is all I have to add to that.

The day I knew I could be a writer was the day I found out I realised I loved re-writes and editing. It’s just the best. I love composition, but when I get to re-writing my brilliant prose, I am happier than a pig in poop! It took me a while. For years I had an academic teaching and writing career. I wrote my PhD thesis during that time and it was then I understood the sheer level of effort and time it took to produce 80-90,000 words. When it was all over, however, I missed it something terrible!

When my life changed, personally and professionally, and the time came to try and reinvent myself, writing was the logical choice. I set myself goals to establish a proper career plan. I aimed to get a full-length book published and find an agent within the first four years, that would see my littlest boy ready to go to school. However, I achieved it within the first two years. A book rapidly followed by representation.

So, I had to juggle and do as much as I could with the children in childcare or at school. That has shaped the kind of writer I have become, needs must. I hit the ground running by 9.15am, once I have the house to myself and work through until 3pm. In that way I have conquered any lack of confidence I had, and developed a ‘get it done’, finisher attitude. I have also grown a really thick skin! I ignore anything other than constructive criticism and have come to admire my own work. Hence, the ‘brilliant prose’ comment above. I like to read me.

 

Gabrielle Malcolm is a freelance writer and artist. She edited ‘Fan Phenomena: Jane Austen’ (Intellect Books), wrote three plays for Moon On A Stick children’s theatre company, and writes scripts for web series and short films for international clients. Her forthcoming non-fiction book, about Mr Darcy, is due for publication in December 2019 with Endeavour Quill.