Book News: A New Two-Book Deal With Hera

 

I am so excited to be able to share my news that I've signed a two-book deal with Hera for my next two rom coms. The first, The Grown-Up To Do List will be published in September and I can't wait for you to meet Cleo and her friends (plus a bunch of flawed crocheted sausage dogs). We're back in Clifton-on-Sea for Cleo's story and it's been great dipping back into the seaside town again.

I'll be back to share more about the book as soon as I can, and I'll be posting my usual Book Extras.

My Trip To London, Christmas 2016

As a writer, I spend most of my time at home, sitting with my laptop. But occasionally, I get to venture out and on Monday I went to London for my publisher's Christmas party. Last year, I got horribly lost and stressed, so I was determined to battle my geography issues this time.


I set off early so that I could spend the afternoon having a mooch around Tower Bridge (and to wander around aimlessly should I get lost again) before the party. It was a bit of a gloomy day, but I kept warm with a gorgeous hot chocolate with whipped cream and fudge pieces from the Christmas market.

There was a great Christmassy vibe, with loads of Christmas trees (which I kept stopping to take photos of), the market, an ice skating rink at the Tower of London, and a brass band playing carols as it grew dark.

On my way to the bar where we were meeting before the party, I saw the Shard, which looked pretty cool as it beamed lights into the sky. But, the best part was, I didn't get lost and made it to the bar without any hiccups!

The party was fantastic and I got to chat with some of the authors I 'speak' to online - as well as meeting some new authors. There was one final tree to take a photo of, plus the book cover for The Wedding Date on the big screen set up with a slideshow of everyone's latest cover.

There was lots of Prosecco and nibbles to enjoy while looking out over London from 17 storeys up and we even got a goody bag to take home! I was exhausted by the time I made it home after a two-hour train ride, but it was well worth it! Now I just need to find out where to pick up my 'I didn't get lost in London' badge...

Carina Christmas Party

On Wednesday, my publisher organised a party for its authors at the office in London. If you read my post in April about attending Kirsty Greenwood's launch party for The Vintage Guide To Love and Romance, you will know that London and I do not get on so well. Mostly because I'm a geography-challenged doofus. Ok, that's the only reason.


But I was excited to go along and meet the other authors as well as the Carina team. The party wasn't until the evening but I set off from Manchester late-morning, giving me plenty of time to find the office and the bar we'd planned to meet up in beforehand. Ha! I had hours to find them - and I used them all up as I got horribly lost. Surprise, surprise, eh?


Despite being given directions, I managed to get the tube to the wrong station and therefore the rest of the directions didn't make any sense. Not realising, off I went and found myself at Tower Bridge. Although I was heading in the wrong direction, this wasn't so bad as I'd never even seen the Thames, never mind Tower Bridge. So I had a good nosey about before I set off in search of the office.


Some time later (like, a couple of hours), I found the office and the bar to meet up with the authors. As I'd never met anybody before, it was nice to meet up before the party and arrive at the office together. The building is amazing and we were 17 floors up with floor-to-ceiling windows displaying the view of London.


There was lots of festive music and big screens displaying our covers (it was a special moment seeing The Mince Pie Mix-Up up there) as well as canapes and plenty of drinks. After only ever speaking to the other authors on Twitter and Facebook, it was nice to finally them in person - as well as my editor, Charlotte.


After being pointed in the right direction to the right station, I made it home without any detours. I forgot to take any photos at the party (it clearly isn't only geography I'm challenged with) but I did take a few of Tower Bridge...