Bad News/Good News

Those of you who are my Facebook friends will already know this, but last week I had some bad news and some good news. 

The bad news was that after a lot of work and three rounds of revisions, I got the final verdict from Mills and Boon on The Welsh King’s Spy—in the end although they liked my voice and thought I had potential, the story wasn’t quite what they were looking for.  The really bad news was that I’d just put on mascara and my first lesson was due to start in ten minutes when I read the email, so instead of crying and sulking, which always makes me feel better, I had to smile and explain circular geometry. I wouldn’t recommend that as a remedy for dashed hopes—I think my poor student is now terminally confused.

The good news was that the editor went on to say that although TWKS wasn’t right, she’d like to continue working with me on my next story. I’m really excited about that because she wouldn’t go to all that work and trouble unless she thought my voice was a good fit for Harlequin Historical. So now (after being wiped out for a few days by a cold caught from my maths student) I’m working on some characters and plots for a few scenarios set in the Twelfth Century. Hopefully I can come up with something that shows promise. Wish me luck!

Update, a local legend and November targets

View from Gelert's grave

I went to Beddgelert last weekend for my writing group's annual retreat. I managed to add about 6,000 words to my work in progress as well as polishing a couple of short stories, so I consider it time well spent.

Beddgelert is in Snowdonia and the scenery is stunning. In my last post I wrote how I get inspiration from scenery, so it won't surprise anyone to learn that I managed to fit in walks each day. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world. I only wish I could have stayed longer.


Something I didn't mention in my 'inspiration' post was local legends. As a writer of historicals, I like to collect local legends. Then I dip into them to help me create depth to a setting. There's a wonderful story associated with Beddgelert and the clue is in the name: Beddgelert is Welsh for 'Gelert's grave'. (Note to self: Gelert is a great name. I must use it sometime.)

Here's a photo of the plaque at Gelert's grave that explains the story. Have tissues ready - it's sad.

And finally...my target for November. I was tempted to join in with NaNoWriMo, but due to family commitments at the end of the month, I thought 50,000 words was over-ambitious. But I like the idea of pushing myself, so I've set a 30,000 word target. That way, I'll have broken the back of my first draft and hopefully have it finished by the end of the year. I'm already 15,000 words in, so I'm well on the way :)

In search of heroes

It takes a special kind of hero to look good in lycra

Yes, I know I've been quiet, but now the Olympics are over, I can get back to posting here more regularly. I will admit to being distracted during the games, but who can blame me with the inspiring heroes and heroines performing there?

I'm going to stick with the heroes in this post. I write historical romance, set in post-Roman and medieval Britain. My heroes are driven warriors, struggling to carve out a life for themselves in dangerous times. I'm always looking for inspiration for my next hero, but living in a time so different from the ones I write about means there's a dearth of brooding warlords roaming the streets.

But now my eyes have been opened. The Olympics were full of exactly the type of man I model my heroes on. Maybe they've swapped their destriers for bicycles and swords for javelins, but they've all made sacrifices to achieve their goals, struggled against set-backs and fought tooth and nail to gain the edge over their rivals. Every Olympian is a winner, whether or not they are a medalist. And they all have a story to tell. If I find myself needing fresh inspiration, I now now where to turn.

Roll on Rio!

I'm a winner!

I just heard that I won a contest run by Nicola Cornick. I'm thrilled! I love her books. I get my choice of a book from her backlist and an Amazon voucher. Now I'm off to browse Amazon to decide what to spend it on.

Also I'll admit that I might have spent some time dreaming about being a famous historical romance author and how aspiring writers would be delighted to win my competitions. Better get on with my outline, then :)