Tuesday, 31 May 2016

The Wedding Date: A Book In Pictures


The journey of a book is a long one, starting from the initial spark of an idea and ending with the publication of an actual, readable book. I took photos and screenshots of the various stages of The Wedding Date and I thought I'd share them here on the blog!



The Wedding Date started off as 'Delilah Explains It All'. I set up a blog to get to know my characters in short posts (which you can see here)


Out came my trusty baby names book to help choose the names of my characters. As you can see, the book has been well-used over the years (I bought it for 50p nearly 20 years ago so I've definitely had my money's worth!)


Brainstorming: Who is Delilah James?



And what is her story?



Lots and lots of planning!


With the plans in place, it was time to start writing...


And my neatly typed out plans got scribbled all over.


One of many 'TheEnd's for The Wedding Date. Until...


The book was complete, published and waiting on my Kindle!




https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wedding-Date-Jennifer-Joyce-ebook/dp/B0175WV3YC

Delilah James, singleton and smoothie-addict, has six months to find a date for her oldest friend’s wedding. Oh, and to prove to her ex, best man Ben, that she has totally moved on since he dumped her out-of-the-blue nine months, eight days and seventeen hours ago…

So, with her two BFFs playing Cupid, Delilah launches herself into the high-tech, fast-paced and frankly terrifying world of dating. Luckily there’s the hot new guy at work, Adam Sinclair, to practice her flirting on – even if, as a colleague, he’s strictly off-limits!

Yet time’s running out and date after disastrous date forces Delilah to tell a little white lie – and invent a fake boyfriend! But will her secret crush on Adam ruin everything? Does she even care about Ben anymore? And is it too late to untangle her web of lies and take a real date to the wedding…?


Amazon UK | Amazon US | Kobo | iTunes



Friday, 27 May 2016

Cover Reveal: Breakfast at Poldark's by Samantha Tonge

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breakfast-at-Poldarks-Samantha-Tonge-ebook/dp/B01BTVPMJW

How gorgeous is the cover for Samantha Tonge's soon-to-be-released novel, Breakfast at Poldark's? I love it and wish I could jump into the scene and run (okay, okay, walk) down to the beach!

What do you think?


About The Book


Dreaming of the perfect man?
Kate Golightly needs to move forward and what better way to do that then with a trip to the Cornish coast with best friend and boss, Izzy.

The sea wind is just what Kate needs to finally relax and begin to let go of her past. Except she’s suddenly got one big reason to panic! She RSVP’d ‘yes’ to the Queen Bee of her high school’s wedding saying she’s bringing her boyfriend (she doesn’t have one) who looks just like Ross Poldark!

With only two weeks to find the Poldark look-alike of her dreams Kate is under a lot of pressure for the Cornish coast to deliver…

A hilarious and moving romantic novel from bestselling author, Samantha Tonge. A must-read this summer!


Breakfast at Poldark's is out 28th July but is available to pre-order right now!

Monday, 23 May 2016

My Favourite Dating Rom Coms


I love settling down to watch a good rom com and, as my latest novel, The Wedding Date, centres around Delilah as she dips her toe back into the dating world, I thought I'd share some of my favourite dating rom coms with you.

You've Got Mail


Not only one of my favourite dating rom coms, one of my favourite films ever. I could watch it over and over and never get bored. It has Tom Hanks, New York and a bookshop - what's not to love?

Joe and Kathleen have been chatting online via email for a while, slowly falling in love. But what they don't know is, they're actually enemies in real life.

My favourite part: all the scenes in Kathleen's bookshop, The Shop Around The Corner. Although it breaks my heart when it closes down.


Bridget Jones's Diary

Ah, Bridget. I've watched the films so many times it's like catching up with an old friend. Films that are based on books don't always live up to your expectations but Bridget Jones's Diary definitely does.

It's funny, touching (we've all been the dumped one crying in the bath, right?) and delivers one almighty happily ever after.

My favourite part: I have two and I'm neither able or willing to choose between them. The first is the fight scene between Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver because it's hilarious and the second is Mark Darcy's 'I like you' scene.





10 Things I Hate About You


Inspired by Shakespeare's The Taming of The Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You is a modern day reimagining set in an American high school. Kat isn't interested in boys while her younger sister Bianca is desperate to break away from their strict father's rules so she can date the school's heartthrob. When their father makes a new rule that says Bianca can date when Kat does, it backfires when Patrick Verona enters and sweeps Kat off her boy-hating feet.

Favourite part: When Patrick serenades Kat over the loudspeaker and gets chased by campus security.



Notting Hill


William Thacker has been single since his divorce but he's mesmerised when he (literally) bumps into Hollywood star, Anna Scott. They come from completely different worlds (plus Anna has a famous boyfriend) but can their love stand the test of time - and the paparazzi?

My favourite part: Any scene with William's housemate, Spike.





So those are my favourite dating rom coms - I'd love to hear about yours. Let us know in the comments below!





https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wedding-Date-Jennifer-Joyce-ebook/dp/B0175WV3YC

Delilah James, singleton and smoothie-addict, has six months to find a date for her oldest friend’s wedding. Oh, and to prove to her ex, best man Ben, that she has totally moved on since he dumped her out-of-the-blue nine months, eight days and seventeen hours ago…

So, with her two BFFs playing Cupid, Delilah launches herself into the high-tech, fast-paced and frankly terrifying world of dating. Luckily there’s the hot new guy at work, Adam Sinclair, to practice her flirting on – even if, as a colleague, he’s strictly off-limits!

Yet time’s running out and date after disastrous date forces Delilah to tell a little white lie – and invent a fake boyfriend! But will her secret crush on Adam ruin everything? Does she even care about Ben anymore? And is it too late to untangle her web of lies and take a real date to the wedding…?


Amazon UK | Amazon US | Kobo | iTunes



Friday, 20 May 2016

Suz Korb's Newest Cover Reveal and Live Novel Writing

Hello, I'm Suz Korb and my new book project is titled: Flutterby Girl. Welcome to this cover reveal blog post, with a twist. And here's the cover...


The twist is that this book hasn't been written yet. I'm going to write it live on Patreon. I've written a novel live before, chapter by chapter, on my blog. And now I'm doing it again with Flutterby Girl!

I got the idea for Flutterby Girl, then I thought up a title, then I got the cover, and now I'm writing the story. It will go up on Patreon chapter by chapter, daily. You can read each chapter if you become my patron. I'm new at Patreon, so if problems arise I hope I can deal with them quick! It should be easy enough though.

I've decided to write my two most recent books live because it pushes me, and it makes my imagination flow more deeply.

Chapter 1 of Flutterby Girl is up on Patreon now and I hope you will join me in this young adult journey.

Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Cover Reveal: The Little Antique Shop Under The Eiffel Tower



RebeccaRaisin-LittleAntiqueShop-CRBanner


Raisin-LittleAntiqueShop

Book Information

Title: The Little Antique Shop Under the Eiffel Tower
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Series: The Little Paris Collection, Book 2
Standalone?: Yes
Release Date: July 1, 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Don’t miss the exciting new title The Little Antique Shop Under the Eiffel Tower by Rebecca Raisin available on July 1, 2016 - pre-order your copy today!


Watch for more in The Little Paris Collection
  1. The Little Bookshop on the Seine (available now)
  2. The Little Antique Shop under the Eiffel Tower
  3. The Little Perfume Shop off the Champs-Élysées
What reviewers are saying about The Little Bookshop on the Seine

‘ This novel is a love letter to Paris, and even more so a love letter to books; it is absolutely a must-read book for book lovers.’ – Rather Too Fond of Books

‘easy to read and devoured quickly, I literally could not get enough and I was so sad to finish it. It was a truly captivating, spellbinding tale of taking chances and living life to the full that I am sure will ring true with many readers.’ – Compelling Reads

‘I love love love this author, and this book cements the fact that this series is a winner!’ – Fiona (Goodreads)

‘I loved every second of The Little Bookshop on the Seine, easy to read, with words oozing charm and good feeling, that just made me feel warm and cosy.’ – Rachel’s Random Reads

‘a beautifully written novel’ – Hilda (Goodreads)

‘A delightful story that's perfect for reading in your favorite cozy chair. … Such a good book to lose yourself in.’ – Janet Robel (Goodreads)

‘It really brought Paris to life … extremely romantic, love is most definitely on the menu’ – Elaine (Goodreads)

‘a great escape to Paris and I’m looking forward to the other books in the Little Paris Collection.’ – French Village Diaries

Book Links
About Rebecca Raisin

rebecca-raisin

Rebecca Raisin is a true bibliophile. This love of books morphed into the desire to write them. She’s been published in various short story anthologies and in in fiction magazines, and is now focusing on writing romance.

Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships, and most importantly believe in true love.

Come and say hello to Rebecca on her Facebook page or Twitter.


Follow Rebecca
MiniTourBanner

A Chat With... Jan Ellis

Can you tell us about your book?

A London Affair is about a young woman called Kate who leaves rural Herefordshire and heads south to work in a super-smart deli and caff in Chelsea. Along with the job come new flat-mates, including the fun, exasperating Imogen and her long-suffering boyfriend, Freddy. Kate thinks she's doomed to early spinsterhood until Immy sends her out into dating land with unexpected consequences for them all.

I hope readers will enjoy following Kate from the King's Road to Cornwall with an eclectic bunch of characters including an old hippy, a Russian property magnate and an ex-boyfriend who doesn't know when to give up.

What was your inspiration behind it?

As usual, I used lots of my own experiences in the book! I've spent most of my life in London so the locations were familiar to me: the yummy mummies sipping flat whites on dusty pavements; the shabby chic Bogey Man bar where Kate has a hot date with Nick; the Suffolk beach where Kate and her friends celebrate the New Year . . . 

What has been your greatest experience of being a writer so far?

It came as a huge surprise to me that I had all these stories lurking in the back of my head. But the best thing, without a doubt, is when people tell me the novellas have make them laugh.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Go for it! Romcom is a booming industry and publishers need books. There's bound to be someone out there looking for a story just like yours. Or if you're really brave, self-publish.

What was the first book you ever bought yourself?

I was a big Brer Rabbit fan when I was about five, so I've feeling it was Brer Rabbit's a Rascal. I still have lots of my old Enid Blytons.



What was the last book you read?

I've almost finished Laura Barnett's The Versions of Us, which I've enjoyed despite being lost most of the time.

Finally, what are you working on at the moment?

I've been commissioned by Waverley Books in Glasgow to write a brand-new paperback (woohoo!) for summer 2017 that has the working title The Bookshop Detective. The publisher had read my ebooks and loved the character of Eleanor Mace, the bookseller in An Unexpected Affair and A Summer of Surprises. So Connie, Harold, Erika and the rest of the Combemouth gang are coming back!






Follow Jan on Facebook and Twitter @JanEllis_writer

www.janelliswriter.com

Jan's Amazon page: http://goo.gl/yqmAey

Monday, 16 May 2016

The Wedding Date Quiz: Which Character Are You?



Which character from The Wedding Date are you most like? Take the quiz and find out! Do let us know your result in the comments below.

What is your biggest talent?


A) I know every word to every song in Annie


B) I'm amazing at creating fabulous hairstyles. I've got my own YouTube channel with tutorials!


C) I have the ability to look like I'm working out at the gym without actually breaking a sweat


D) Throwing dinner parties! It's all about attention to detail and matching the personalities of your guests perfectly




If you were a biscuit, what would you be?


A) A Jammy Dodger because I'm sweet and wear my heart on my sleeve for all to see


B) A Rich Tea biscuit because nobody wants to be poor


C) A gingernut. Because I'm ginger (I may as well say it before anyone else does)


D) I'd be a lemon and thyme biscuit, served with cheese as they're light, sophisticated and compliment a dinner party beautifully




You organise a night out with friends. What will you be doing?


A) Watching a musical


B) Sipping champagne in the VIP area of an exclusive club


C) Pub quiz


D) Dinner at a nice restaurant




You're going to an office party. Who do you bring?


A) My best friend


B) Ugh. Office parties are SO boring. I wouldn't bother going


C) I wouldn't mind going alone. Parties are a great way to mingle


D) My husband




What kind of pet would you prefer?


A) A fluffy rabbit - they're so cute!


B) A chihuahua, which I'd carry around in my bag


C) A hamster - they're easy to look after and don't need taking for walks or anything


D) A goldfish - they don't make any mess




It's your birthday. What's at the top of your wish list?


A) Tickets to see a musical


B) A new camera to film my vlogs


C) Gym membership for a year (so I don't have to waste my own money)


D) A new kitchen I can show off at my next dinner party




What do you look for most in a potential partner?


A) He has to be a good friend first


B) Money and/or celebrity status


C) Someone who makes me laugh


D) Shared interests




Family is...


A) ... Annoying at times. But I love them


B) ... Difficult to get away from


C) ... My friends


D) ... Embarrassing at times




If you were a character from a musical, who would you be?


A) ALL OF THEM


B) Veruca Salt because I'm a little bit spoilt


C) Elle Woods from Legally Blonde


D) Miss Hannigan - I'm not a huge fan of children and the mess they make




What's your biggest career achievement?


A) Erm...


B) I have close to half a million hits on my YouTube channel


C) Working hard to land a job I love


D) Achieving my dream career




Mostly As


You're Delilah James
Delilah is fun and full of life but she often has her head in the clouds and lacks direction, especially when it comes to her career. Friendship is important to Delilah - she doesn't know what she'd do without her best friends to offer advice and support - and she's also loyal in return. She's kind and thoughtful but she doesn't suffer fools gladly.




Mostly Bs


You're Katey-Louise Brinkley
Katey-Louise is driven but she can also be selfish and spoilt. She'll work hard if it suits her but she doesn't like to answer to anybody. She's strong-willed and knows what she wants and is willing to do anything to achieve her goals.




Mostly Cs


You're Lauren McIntosh
Lauren is hard-working but she also likes to have fun too. She's still young and free and without responsibility, which she enjoys. She's loves spending time with her friends and is fiercely loyal.




Mostly Ds


You're Clara James
Clara James is serious and hardworking. She has dreams and aspirations and she won't let anything - or anyone - stand in her way. She can be pretentious at times and likes to show off but she's worked hard for the things she has and sees no reason why she can't flaunt it.






https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wedding-Date-Jennifer-Joyce-ebook/dp/B0175WV3YC

Delilah James, singleton and smoothie-addict, has six months to find a date for her oldest friend’s wedding. Oh, and to prove to her ex, best man Ben, that she has totally moved on since he dumped her out-of-the-blue nine months, eight days and seventeen hours ago…

So, with her two BFFs playing Cupid, Delilah launches herself into the high-tech, fast-paced and frankly terrifying world of dating. Luckily there’s the hot new guy at work, Adam Sinclair, to practice her flirting on – even if, as a colleague, he’s strictly off-limits!

Yet time’s running out and date after disastrous date forces Delilah to tell a little white lie – and invent a fake boyfriend! But will her secret crush on Adam ruin everything? Does she even care about Ben anymore? And is it too late to untangle her web of lies and take a real date to the wedding…?


Amazon UK | Amazon US | Kobo | iTunes