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Ten Truths For Writers

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I’m a writer of romance fiction – but romance that lives in the real-world. When I tell people I write books, they normally adopt a goofy grin and react like I’m living the dream. Which I know I am. But here’s a newsflash – living the dream takes work! Books don’t write themselves, ideas don’t spring out of the air and smoking 20 cigarettes a day does not help your productivity. I know, life sucks. Here are ten other writing truths that aspiring writers should note… Continue reading » “Ten Truths For Writers”

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Great British Bake Off 2014

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So here we are again, back in the tent, back watching people staring frantically into ovens. Yes, the Great British Bake Off is currently mid-run on our screens and after last week’s bingate scandal, things are only going to get hotter under the collar tonight. Because later, it’s time to join Paul & Mary and Mel & Sue for pies and tarts week. So many puns, so little time… Continue reading » “Great British Bake Off 2014”

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Public Speaking For Authors: Top Ten Tips

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I am an introvert with an extrovert streak. My introvert likes to write, read and watch an endless stream of Come Dine With Me. My extrovert loves to socialise and is happiest when given a microphone on a stage and asked to sing – at karaoke, at parties, wherever. In July I did my first book reading at L Fest and then my second two weeks later at Brighton Pride – but I wasn’t sure who would turn up on stage for these public speaking gigs. Would my shy writerly side win the day? Or would I be able to channel my karaoke prowess without actually breaking into a rendition of Teenage Dirtbag by accident? Continue reading » “Public Speaking For Authors: Top Ten Tips”

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Top Ten Things About Summer

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As the UK wilts in the summer sunshine, I got to thinking about the best things about summer. Obviously, if you don’t love summer you are a massive curmudgeon and should never be allowed to eat a Cornetto ever again. That’ll learn you. For summer is the season of love, of joy, of getting burnt to a crisp when you fall asleep in your garden. Here are my most favourite bits… Continue reading » “Top Ten Things About Summer”

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Top Ten Things About LFest 2014

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This past weekend saw the third annual LFest come and go, the UK’s only lesbian festival. A mix of arts, culture, music, sports, cinema & workshops, it was bursting with women, wine and song, along with stilt walkers to pole dancers, writers to comedians, ballroom dancers to speed daters. With so much on offer, it was difficult to take it all in – but here are some of my highlights… Continue reading » “Top Ten Things About LFest 2014”

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Books About Town

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Like books? Like sitting down? Then you’re going to love the National Literary Trust’s latest art project, Books About Town. The NLT has commissioned 50 book benches based on authors across the ages, magicked into being by artists from around the globe. Trip around London from now until September and there are 50 to sit down on, ranging from Dr Zeuss to Charles Dickens, Bridget Jones to Virginia Woolf. As 11 of them are lounging in my home borough of Greenwich, I decided to track a few down…

Continue reading » “Books About Town”

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A Day In The Life Of An Author

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This month, I’m taking part in an independent author panel at LFest 2014, giving a reading from my debut novel London Calling as well as chatting about the process of writing. It’s going to be sharp, bold and sassy, and I’ll be appearing alongside other indie authors Clare Ashton, Kiki Archer and Cindy Rizzo. Above is a promo video I did for LFest, A Day In The Life Of An Author – all tongue in cheek of course. I actually spend far more time faffing around on social media every day than is shown here…

LFest is taking place from July 18th-21st at Uttoxeter Race Course. Find out more and buy tickets here.

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World Cup 2014: Who To Support Next?

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As England left the pitch last night after their near-perfect display of mistimed tackles, flapping about and poor first touches, I got to thinking about who I should support now. After all, it’s still the World Cup and I still spent a good chunk of last night cheering on Japan, safe in the knowledge that Columbia were through so nobody was going to get shot. Bitten maybe, but not shot. So now England have limped out, who to support next? For me, it’s all about the players left, who has the best food and where you’ve had the best time… Continue reading » “World Cup 2014: Who To Support Next?”

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