It’s author interview time! I’m joined by Indie author, Val Collins, writer of psychological thrillers. Hi Val, tell me a bit about you and your latest work. I’m Val. I’m the author of ‘Girl Targeted’, a psychological thriller set in Ireland. I plan to publish my second thriller in February. I was born in Ireland and have lived here all my life. Both my books are set here. I started my working...
If you hadn’t already guessed, I absolutely love Christmas, so I start my Christmas reading pretty early. Given that there are so many fabulous festive books out this year, I thought I’d give a shout out to some of the ones I’m looking forward to reading most. Heidi Swain – The Christmas Wish List After being let go from her job in a swanky hotel just weeks before Christmas, Hattie is feeling...
I’m so excited that it’s paperback publication day for Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage! I don’t know about you, but there is something about a festive read that makes me want to have a paperback copy, rather than read it on a Kindle (though if you’re in the US it is only 99c for the ebook at the time of writing.this!) I’m celebrating with a glass of prosecco and a little cake and I can’t wait to...
Whether the revisions you’re faced with are enormous and terrifying, or small and terrifying, the fact is as soon as you get the email you’re still terrified! Self-doubt comes flooding back and you feel like you can’t do anything, and there’s always a moment of “D’uh! Why didn’t I do that to start with!” As I’ve just finished the first round of edits for book 4, I thought I’d share some hints and...
Soon to be divorced Julia South never expected to be caught up in solving a murder, until she discovered the body of her cafe’s most awkward customer. With a new smug Detective Inspector in town who underestimates her every move, Julia makes it her mission to discover the real murderer, before her village friends are dragged into the frame, and more bodies are discovered. I love a cosy...
As a lot of this blog is about writing, I wanted to write a regular article on my favourite forgotten words. You know the type of thing, those poor lost words that sit at the back of our minds, gathering dust, having been discovered years ago in literary classics like Dickens, or Austen. They are the spices of the literary world, but I refuse to let them sit in a cupboard and be ignored until...
I’m so excited to announce a new 3-book contract with the amazing team at HQ Digital! My new series, set in a gorgeous seaside town called Swallowtail Bay, will be available in 2020 with the first book, Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay coming in March. Here’s the gorgeous cover… In Swallowtail Bay the birds are singing, the sun is shining and the locals are welcoming – but...
Last Friday (25th October) I was lucky enough to take part in a fabulous local author event called Authors at the Grand. It was held at The Grand, Folkestone, a gorgeous hotel where Agatha Christie wrote some of Murder on the Orient Express there. It was a fabulous evening and I got to meet some other amazing authors, lovely readers and sign some books, which still makes me feel weird! So many...
One of the things I love about blogging is connecting with people on a personal level. Sometimes I read a post and it really makes sense to me, or it gives an insight into the person writing it that makes you feel like you know them a little better. So I wanted to share some of my favourite author blogs. I hope you like them too! The Blossom Twins www.theblossomtwins.com The Blossom Twins are my...
Three sisters. One trip to Italy. The chance to change their lives. Amanda has always taken the role of big sister seriously. She has her life in order; a fantastic job in a great restaurant, a wonderful house and a best friend who’s a Rockstar. But, Amanda’s beginning to realise that her life is missing one monumental piece… Sabrina is living the high life in LA. Her Instagram is full of lavish...
I’ve been looking forward to today for such a long time! It’s publication day for Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage! This is only my third publication day but every one is special because you never know if you’re going to get another one! This is also extra special because Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage is the book that got me my book deal. It was the one I originally submitted during the Twitter...
Today I’m excited to welcome historical fiction and saga writer Elaine Roberts to the blog! Her new release Christmas at the Foyles Bookshop is published today! So many, many congratulations, Elaine! Thank you Katie for inviting me to be part of your author interview series, and for showing me compassion when my husband unexpectedly passed away. It’s lovely to be here chatting with you. Tell me a...
The first thing you need to know about me is, I like gin. Lots and lots of gin.
I live in the South East of England in a lovely little town by the sea and spend my time working, running around after my kids, walking our King Charles Spaniel, Wotsit, and writing!
I love history and have a Master’s degree, but have also been lucky enough to work in various castles and museums over the years. I’ve yet to get one of them into a story though – I really must try harder!