I absolutely loved the Women’s World Cup. The teams striving against the odds, the host countries excelling, the superb quality of football, the gigantic world spectacle. I’m going to leave the Spanish federation outrage aside in this roundup, and focus on lessons we can learn as creatives from the world’s female footballers. Here are ten writing lessons for you to take away… Continue reading » “Writing Lessons From The Women’s World Cup”
You don’t have much time to grab a reader’s attention. But if they like your cover and blurb enough, they might just make it to the first page to see if they like your writing. All of which means, you’ve got to make your first page sing like no other. You’ve got one chance. Ready to find out how to draw your reader in? Continue reading » “Top Tips: Nail Your Beginning”
You can do a whole lot in seven years. Eat 364 tins of baked beans. Have nine kids. Drink 2,555 pots of nuclear-strength coffee. Watch all of Grey’s Anatomy. Or, you could do what I did and write 18 novels.
I started out slow, with one novel, then another. In the first three years part-time, I eeked out five books. Then something clicked, and I’ve written three novels a year since 2017. It’s taken hard work, discipline and a whole lot of love to get here. Along the way, I’ve learned so much. But every day, I’m working for myself and doing my dream job. I can’t ask for more! What have I learned in the last 84 months? Read on to find out… Continue reading » “Seven Years As An Author: Ten Things I’ve Learned”
Lesbians Who Write is a weekly podcast I co-host with my friend and fellow author, TB Markinson. Every week, we discuss the good, the bad and the ugly about being a full-time writer, drawing back the curtain on the writer’s life. In 2020, after over 70 podcasts, we’ve given the podcast a fresh look, and I love it. Now, when you come to the website, we’re bright and yellow, make no mistake! I hope you like the new look, too. If you haven’t listened to the podcast yet, why not give it a try? We combine writerly advice with snark & humour. Fill up your ears with lesbians today!
This year, I decided I’m going to do at least one blog post a month to update and track my writing progress since stating My Top Ten Goals For 2016 in January. This is because 2016 is the year I’ve decided to up my productivity and really try to kick on with my writing output. So here we are – pull up a chair, it’s just you and me… Continue reading » “February: 2016 So Far”
It’s just over two weeks since I launched my third book, and I couldn’t be happier with the response so far. People seem to be connecting with the book and the characters which is great – I was sad to say goodbye to them, but I’m happy that readers now get to say hello again! A lot of people have asked me if writing and launching books gets easier with every one you do, and to that I’d say a resounding no. Writing a book is hard, editing a book is hard, and launching a book takes courage – because every time you put a book out there, you offer up a little piece of yourself to the world and you’re never quite sure if the world’s going to like it… Continue reading » “Thumbs Up For This London Love!”
Welcome to Episode 9! In this episode of the Lesbian Book Club, I interview international smash-hit author Jae, whose latest books include Damage Control, Next Of Kin and Under A Falling Star. Jae talks about her writing life, the psychology of being a writer, her huge catalogue of work and how she keeps writing hit after hit. A must-listen for all her fans and for any writer who wants to know more about the secret of writing success!
Plus, I also do a run-down of the Lesbian Charts in the US & UK, a recap of this year’s fantastic London Pride, as well as giving an update on my new book This London Love which is out now! Fill up your ears today!
The Lesbian Book Club is hosted and produced by MyLesbianRadio.com
A few weeks ago, I put the finishing touches to the first draft of book three – it’s called book three as I’m still deciding on the title. This next book is the follow-up to London Calling, the story of Jess’s flatmate Kate and her search for love in modern-day London. When you finish a first draft, there’s always a moment of elation, a big sigh of relief, but then the thought – what’s next? Getting inspiration for your next story is paramount and that means getting out there and experiencing life in all its glory… Continue reading » “Everyday Writing Inspiration”
My new novel The Long Weekend is due out VERY SOON, but to whet your appetite I’ve decided to publish the first two chapters to get you in the all-singing, all-dancing new-book mood. Go on, give the first couple of chapters a hug…
Continue reading » “The Long Weekend: First Chapters Preview!”
The wait is almost over. Yes, nine months after my debut novel London Calling hit the shelves, it’s now almost time to launch my second book, The Long Weekend. It’s been an amazing nine months where in between organising and getting married, I managed to squeeze in writing this book. Now, after a long gestation period, The Long Weekend is being prepared to be pushed into the world and I’m the original proud parent – tired, sleep-deprived but cock-a-hoop with excitement… Continue reading » “New Book Alert! Introducing The Long Weekend”