It was a steamy Sunday when members of writers groups from all over Queensland converged on Northgate Hall for the annual Writers Group Convention. The brainchild of short fiction writer, Gillian Lloyd this convention has been going for 13 years. I have attended many of those conventions and spoken once before about column writing.
This year I was asked to speak about my writing journey along with historical fiction author, Melissa Ashley, crime writer Jack Roney and speculative fiction author, Pamela Jeffs. It was great to hear from fellow authors of different genres and as the day wore on we also had a chance to browse the book stands and chat with fellow authors.
I spoke about being in a writing group, entering competitions, being chosen for short story anthologies and finally being contracted to publish my first book – It Happened In Paris with Serenade Publishing. My latest novel – Chateau of Love was published in July.
Writing is a passion and something I am compelled to do but I first had to learn my craft by joining Romance Writers of Australia, taking feedback from my writing group and listening to podcasts and author talks. I also learnt so much during the editing process with the input from my publisher and editor. It’s all these small steps that lead to becoming a better writer.
Writing Groups can provide feedback and friendship in a job that can often feel like a lonely pursuit. It is always wonderful to hear from other authors, editors, publishers and readers and marvel at the creativity and wide variety of genres to be found in the writing world. I can’t wait for next year.
As a young Mum the library was my haven. I looked forward to the kids borrowing books, playing in the park and having morning tea in the sunshine. It was always a favourite part of my week.
It was also special because I was able to borrow the latest novels and escape from Mum life through my book friends. I think Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series saved my sanity. Another new book friend found at the library was young Irish writer, Marian Keyes. I first read her debut novel – Watermelon over thirty years ago.
Watermelon told the story of Claire, a woman who finds out her husband is having an affair shortly after she gives birth. Devastated, she returns to Dublin to live with her family, including her parents and sisters, and begins the process of healing her life. It was this honest, humorous and heartwarming story which made me fall in love with Marian Keyes and the whole Walsh family of characters.
Since then Marian has become a once -in – a – lifetime talent who has been writing for over 30 years. Marian’s books are always an automatic buy for me as they give you the feeling of having a cuppa with a good friend.
When I heard that Marian was coming to Brisbane it was a bucket list moment for me and I had to buy a ticket. So on a rainy Brisbane night I headed into South Bank to hear Marian speak at the Concert Hall. She was just as funny, engaging, honest and wise as I had expected.
It is no secret that Marian has had her own battles and she talked of these openly. She explained that there was the Marian before she’d gone to rehab and the Marian after. She shared that this was her favourite mistake but one that ultimately changed her life.
In her new book- My Favourite Mistake she shares the story of another Walsh sister, Anna. Anna has the dream job. She works in cosmetics for a multinational company, has the perfect partner and lives a wonderful life in New York but… she is not happy.
So Anna implodes her life and moves back home to Dublin, much to the horror of her family who can see their access to the latest make up samples drying up. She also reconnects with her teenage crush, Narky Joey and helps out a dear friend promoting her new hotel.
The book shares the ups and downs, problems and solutions and the course of Anna’s family life and romance. Along the way we catch up with all our favourite family members and old family friends while enjoying the beautiful Irish scenery.
Marian writes from the heart and advised us as writers to write as if no one else was going to read it. Very good advice! With sex scenes she says she doesn’t love writing them (nor do I) but agrees that women have come so far that it needs to be included to show that it is a normal part of life. My feelings exactly!
Marian shared her wisdom. She is my age (61 ) and said she would tell her 30 year old self to find the joy in life. Travel and see the world, enjoy being young and learn about the world. We are here for such a short time it is important to find those glimmers of happiness.
Marian has delighted her readers worldwide with her heartwarming and genuine novels set in her home of Ireland. Later in the year Stan has filmed the story of the Walsh Sisters for us all to enjoy.
It was an absolutely delightful evening and the full house walked out with smiles on their faces and an even greater love for this warm and talented author. So go and dig out a Marian Keyes novel for real stories about real life with a sense of fun and warmth.
On a rainy Brisbane night diehard Natasha Lester fans trekked to West End for the launch of her latest historical fiction novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance. Natasha was in conversation with our favourite journalist and author, Frances Whiting.
This book tells the story of Marie – Madeleine Foucard – hero and only female leader of the French Resistance. She was a remarkable woman who was one of the most wanted by the Gestapo during World War Two. Hers is a story of courage, love and friendship during times of uncertainty and fear.
Marie – Madeleine was a mother, rally car driver, pilot, journalist and leader. She was known as ‘ the beautiful spy’ and her epic escapades seem almost superhuman now. She was so strong, resilient and loyal to those she led and she just kept fighting because she knew it was the right thing to do.
We meet a cast of characters whose bravery also shines through but at the heart of the story is a romance. The love story between Marie – Madeleine and her second in command, Leon Faye. Leon is also a hero and a man not afraid to be led by a strong woman.
This meticulously researched novel moves from Morocco, 1928 to Paris, 1938 taking the reader on a perilous journey which surely helped to shorten the duration of the war. The story of Marie – Madeleine Foucard shares how a young Parisian mother feted for her beauty and glamour, comes to lead one of the largest spy networks in France.
Natasha Lester is an automatic buy for me and has many titles available including my favourite, The Riviera House and her last novel, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, which was longlisted for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize. The Mademoiselle Alliance is out now. Natasha Lester is now touring Australia. Watch out for her in a bookstore or library near you. She is a wonderful storyteller.
This week romance readers are in for a treat as the ARRA signings take place around Australia. First stop was Brisbane where there were panel discussions, lunch with the authors and book signings. I went along to the signings in the afternoon to catch up with writing friends and add to my romance library.
I first chatted with my friend Jordan Clayden – Lewis who has published two queer romance books -When Things Happen Together and Such a Small World. He’s busy working on his third. Looking forward to reading that one.
T. M. Clark writes African suspense with a touch of romance. Her action/ adventures include Cry of the Firebird and Tears of a Cheetah. She weaves her fascination with diverse cultures, wildlife and superb storytelling through her books. I had some books signed and purchased Tina’s latest children’s picture book – Quickly, Quickly for my granddaughter.
It was good to meet author, Elaelah Harley. I couldn’t resist buying a copy of her book, Wish You Were French to add to my French themed fiction shelf. I spied Kat from Shelf Lovers and grabbed gifts for friends, before chatting to Rachel Sweasey whose historical dual time line novel – The Last Boat Home caught my eye.
Louisa Duval writes rural romance and witchy fiction under the pen name of Sabrina. I was taken by her title, Worth the Risk. Clarissa Morgan was nearby with her anthologies and next door was prolific romantasy writer, H.M. Hodgson.
My Sunshine Coast writing friends, Catherine Bilson and emerging author, E. C. Helliwell were doing a roaring trade with readers lapping up Catherine’s Pride and Prejudice based series and historical romances. A copy of The Meddling Matlocks found its way onto my shelf.
Rural romance writing friend, Fiona Marsden was there and heading on to the Sydney signings the next day. Her book – Hard Road Home was my last purchase of the day and we had a great chat. Other authors I spied were Sapphic novelist Sam L. Val, Tanya Bird and special overseas guests, Nalini Singh and Julie Ann Walker.
It’s so great for readers to get up close and personal with their favourite authors and there was a happy buzz in the air. Some readers even had trolleys to take their book hauls home. Australian Romance Readers Association provides great opportunities for readers and writers to connect via events, newsletters and a vibrant social media community. There are still events in Melbourne and Perth next weekend so look out for where these writers will be popping up next.
Round One of my edits have been completed for my now hopefully 2025 release ‘ The Chateau of Love’. I’ve sent the manuscript back to my fabulous publisher – Sarah Williams from Serenade Publishing. Thanks to my editor, A.K.Leigh for making my words sing.
It’s always difficult to finally press send, even when you think you’ve edited as much as you can. Now Sarah will edit, proofread and format my story ready to send back to me for a final once over before publication.
I find editing exhausting, particularly hard on the ‘old’eyes.
Every time I finish an edit whether it be for a short story or novel I think to myself ‘never again’. It’s good to be in the lull right now where I can read romance and wonder on the design which will be chosen for my cover.
I’ll keep you updated with a cover reveal and launch date as we travel further along the path to publication.
It is sometimes hard to see the ‘forest for the trees’ with your own work so a good editor will help you nut out plot holes, strengthen your characters and provide valuable feedback. I am pleased to say that unlike my first manuscript I seem to have developed a much better understanding of ‘Point of View’ or POV and am ‘showing’ not telling in so many places.
Being a ‘ Pantser’ I pretty much write my story in scenes until I reach the end. It is funny how during the editing process the ending and starting point are usually changed. This always makes the story better. I’ve learned not to be too precious and am happy to defer judgement to those who’ve been doing this a long time.
So, if you’d like to read a story set in the beautiful South of France filled with history, wine, fashion and food ‘The Château of Love’ might be for you. It’s a love triangle travel romance with a twist and I know you will love meeting travel writer, Saffron and château guide, Claude. Until next time… au revoir.
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