Another First

Thought I'd post this now so it's next to the previous post and you won't get too fed up with me mentioning success.

My children's novel, 'Summer of the Eagles' has been accepted by another Canadian publisher! I'm absolutely thrilled about this as I've always hoped to get this one published. It's set on a Scottish island and the first part won 2nd prize many years ago at our annual writing conference, but then languished unfinished while I got on with all the other writing I do (butterfly writer, that's me!). So I finally rewrote it in light of a bit more experience, finished it and found a publisher for this age group.

It's for their Tween range (10-14 years) and will be in e-book form, but I retain the print rights if they don't go on to publish it in print. So it's a win-win situation. At least two friends have already said their sons will want to read it as an e-book, and I haven't even told everyone yet! I've spent most of this afternoon reading the contract and filling out the marketing and bio forms.

So a message to all those at the beginning of their writing careers, or who feel like giving up sometimes: keep going! Each little piece of success we have adds to another and encourages us to never give up. If you love to write, then persevere and send your work out. I'm always happy to help with market advice (I've given talks on markets to local writing groups) so if anyone is looking for a specific kind of publisher please ask if you think I might be able to tell you anything worthwhile.

Rosemary

A Year of Firsts!

This is obviously going to be my year of firsts! And my excitement about all of them is mounting…

In date order, so far (please forgive the excessive use of exclamation marks):

First blog interview here. It turned out to be enjoyable and encouraging, thanks to my lovely hostess and fellow Champagne Books author, Linda Kage. And I have some more lined up through May and June!

First novel being published next week (e-book first). I’m making the cyber launch date Thursday, 5th May – might as well compete with the Scottish elections, and people might remember the date. Will try and remember to announce it everywhere next week!

First tap dancing display. Gulp… just heard about this one last night and it’s scheduled for the first weekend of June. But I love dancing and dressing up, so I only have to get the routine into my head and feet now, along with my fellow mid-life dancers!

First offspring being married. This should be at the top, but I’ve left the best till last. Really looking forward to my son’s wedding at the beginning of July, especially since it’s going to be a lovely low-key affair in a tiny church on one of our Scottish islands. Will definitely post about it afterwards!

I think that's all the main events. Wonder what next year will bring…

Rosemary

Leaf Books Competitions

I mentioned the great little publisher, Leaf Books, in a previous post when they had just brought out their first magazine. Issue 4 is now available and, as always, they have several interesting competitions currently running on their website.

Travel Writing: closes 30th April

Diary Competition: closes 31st May

Short Story Competition: closes 30th June

Review Competition: closes 31st July

Full details are on the Leaf Books site, where you can also download issue 2 of their magazine free, and sign up for their newsletter.

Well worth a visit!
Rosemary

Video Trailer!

I've just put my little video trailer for Dangerous Deceit on my regency blog, if anyone would care to take a look. I'd really love some feedback, good or bad!

Oh what fun it is entering into this strange new online promotion world - at least Google makes it easier with YouTube and Blogger!

Rosemary

Cover Art for First Novel!

Please excuse my excitement, but I'm now unveiling the cover art for my very first novel, Dangerous Deceit! Champagne Books has two excellent artists and Trisha, who did mine, has just won an award for another cover, so I'm delighted with how she has portrayed my heroine. It's not the usual type of Regency style and I'm hoping that will make it stand out! Lydia, my heroine, is young and innocent but very spirited and her hair has a tendency to lose its pins now and then. I asked for a hint of danger and that's what I've got in the mysterious background.

I've shortened my first name to Romy for romantic novels (at least I hope there will be more!), as I've been writing short stories and articles for years under my full name. There's some more detail about Dangerous Deceit on my Regency blog, as I want to keep this reading and writing one for more general posts about different genres and interests. I'm about to update the other blog after this. The novel comes out in May as an e-book first, followed by print about 2 months later, but I'll be announcing it everywhere, of course!

Rosemary