Amazingly Jill Mansell

I’m delighted to welcome you here today, Jill.

I’ve just been to your website to look at your list of books and found myself smiling at fond memories as I the read the blurbs. I also realised there were a few I’d missed so obviously I have some catching up to do. In the meantime, allow me to ask you a few questions.

You’re a prolific writer but each plot is different. Are you aware when you begin a new book of how it’s going to pan out? Do you plot or, ahem, make it up as you go along?

I start out with little more than the spark of an idea, some interesting scenario that I might pick up from a TV show, a newspaper or website. Then I create the characters and gradually build up from there, sticking scribbled-on post-it notes to a very long timeline as future ideas come to me. I'm sure planning an entire plot out beforehand would be easier but I just can't seem to bring myself to do it. I prefer writing 'into the mist'...

Your heroines are all different. Some are efficient, some scatty to say the least, some are married with children and some are single. All are appealing. So where do all these diverse characters come from?

Thank you! I don't really know, but most of them are probably versions of me at different ages. My daughter used to find it impossible to read my books because she said all the characters sounded just like me. But I'm definitely scatty and untidy rather than organised and efficient - that's just wishful thinking on my part.

Regarding the nuts and bolts of the job, do you have a system? That is to say, is your workday carefully mapped out or is your writing inspirational in the sense that you might wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and have to deal with it ‘right now’?

I mainly work school hours, even though my children are no longer at school. I like to take weekends off, but it depends how busy I am - at the moment Three Amazing Things About You has just been published so I'm doing tons of online promo and writing blog posts for various sites. I do this in the evenings and whenever I can - it's not something that comes easily to me so it takes ages. Also, I still don't know how to type and have no idea where the letters are on a keyboard so I make millions of mistakes and have to keep going back to correct them. As for inspiration, I would never wake up in the night with an idea and actually go and write it, but I might jot the idea itself down. Nothing more frustrating than knowing you had a great plot twist but being unable to remember it the next morning...

You made a dramatic career change when you moved from the field of clinical neurophysiology to writing. Did they at any time run in tandem? What prompted the changed and have you ever had any regrets?

They ran in tandem for a couple of years - it was surreal, switching between glitzy events in London and wrestling with difficult patients back in Bristol. (Once I was speaking on the phone to my editor and a patient was trying to bite my face.)Then I discovered I was pregnant so it seemed a good time to give up the day job. I did wonder if I'd have the discipline to write at home, but if you don't get the book finished you don't get paid, so that meant I had to do it! And no, no regrets - that little baby who never slept and scribbled all over my manuscripts now types up my books for me, so she turned out to be a pretty good investment in the end!

It seems there is always a recently published or eagerly anticipated ‘Jill Mansell’ book. How long does a book take from inception to publication and what route does it take?

It takes me a year to write a book, then it's another year before it comes out. I don't do lots of drafts - I just write the book, then go through it once to divide it into chapters and tidy it up. (It was many years before I discovered that this was called an edit - I had no idea! All I do is improve the flow of some of the sentences - I never alter the plot.)

It’s rumoured you’re not the world’s best cook. Something that you don’t like doing or, unlike your writing, proves to be unsuccessful?

I can cook lots of things but I find it quite boring so it's not top of my hobbies list. I make fantastic roast potatoes. Baking cakes is what I'm really bad at, but as I can't really eat cakes (thanks to side effects of gastric surgery) it doesn't bother me. I do like watching the Great British Bake Off though!

In this brave new world social networking can take up a huge amount of time (don’t I know it!) Do you limit your access or is it random?

I don't limit my access. I probably should, but I like it too much. I bet my publishers wish I'd spend more time writing books and less time on Twitter...

I’ve just been back to your website and seen Jill’s A-Z of Happiness. Must get myself one of those. In the meantime, and finally, what makes Jill Mansell happy?

At the moment, hearing from people who have finished reading my new book and have loved it. Out of all the novels I've written, this is the one I'm most proud of. (It's also the first time I've ever had a really good idea for a plot!)

It’s been a pleasure ‘talking’ to you, Jill. I wish you every success with Three Amazing Things About You

No. 1 bestselling author Jill Mansell’s novels regularly go on to the Sunday Times bestseller list in both hardback and paperback. Jill lives in Bristol with her family.  Three Amazing Things About You is her latest novel and her favourite – we hope you think so too!

Follow Jill on twitter @JillMansell or visit her Facebook page/OfficialJillMansell.

Are Deadlines Healthy?

Do you think deadlines are healthy?

Sometimes I wonder. After all, isn’t life stressful enough without adding to the pressure? Well, yes – and no - I think. I’m quite good at setting my own deadlines, and sticking to them. I don’t know if I’m my own worst enemy or best friend but if I say I’ll do something I usually stick to it. I throw down my own gauntlet. (I’ve used this photo elsewhere before but I like it so much I just had to use it again) That said I am just as good at displacement therapy as the next person. I play Scrabble on line with my sister. We began with one game but now have several on the go. There’s sibling rivalry so naturally we don’t just put down the first word we think of. What started as just a few minutes of fun to relieve the daily pressure has become a pressure in itself.

Take this blog as an example. When I began writing – short stories to begin with and then novels – I had absolutely no idea of the amount of time I would have to spend social networking and at first I resented how much it took me away from what I truly wanted to do…WRITE. Circumstances, however, alter cases. With two books published in the same year social networking became a necessary and integral part of my day’s activities. And I LOVE IT! Okay, I’m not a great fan of Twitter but I suspect that’s more because I don’t use it properly. I could (and sometimes do) spend hours on Facebook interacting with other writers and with friends, and other writers have now become friends because of it. The blog has only been running for just over a couple of months with a weekly posting, some of them from guests but still requiring my input. I love that too. Time consuming it may be but it’s satisfying and in any case I love the way it looks. I have a fondness for owls, you understand.

Does anyone reading this have difficulty finding time to actually read (yeah, I know, split infinitive). I have a pile of books, literally and figuratively – on my Kindle – and look forward to the occasional train journey so I have a chance to indulge myself.

Back to the subject of deadlines. I have one for my work in progress. It isn’t set in stone but neither do I have the luxury of taking it easy. During the past few weeks I have been struck down three times with one lurgy or another. Not the sort of thing where you can muddle through. I had to succumb. On the few occasions I was able to sit up and take notice I concentrated on social networking. So now I’m left playing catch up with my novel. Pressure? Having spent some time (due to said lurgies it took weeks and weeks) incorporating several changes suggested by my lovely agent, Lisa Eveleigh, of the Richard Becklow Literary Agency, I began last Wednesday by going right back to the beginning. Three chapters fine-tuned and three more the following day. Thus far I've covered 43% of the total. I thought I hated this part of the process but I’m absolutely loving it. So much so that I’m having to pace myself, I’m not sure if the pressure is coming from me or the manuscript but, hey, who cares. All things being equal and lurgy-free I should make that deadline with ease.

Chatting with Sheryl Browne

I'm delighted to welcome Sheryl to the blog today. She was good enough to answer my sometimes searching questions.

I first ‘met’ you when I read your novel, The Edge of Sanity, (great book) in 2014. I now know this was a complete departure from your usual genre. What made you move to a thriller and was it a difficult leap?

Hi Natalie, Thank you so much for inviting me to share a little about myself and my books. 

Thank you also for the lovely comment re The Edge of Sanity. The idea for this book gelled when I found myself worryingly alone on a narrowboat one moon-free, foggy night, but that’s a whole other story! It is a departure from my usual genre. However, it does have something in common with my other books, in that it explores the fragility of love, life and relationships. If a character calls to me, I simply have to write his story. It just so happens that one of the characters in this book is a psychopath. I’m told I make a good one! Hmm? I’m choosing to take this as a compliment. My previous books, described as poignant romantic fiction, will always tend to turn around the family unit, looking at family dynamics and the tenuous bonds that hold people together. In The Edge of Sanity we begin with a family already torn apart by the loss of their young daughter, the ultimate question being: is their love strong enough to survive the cruellest of life’s twists? The Edge of Sanity is a harrowing story of hope amid loss and betrayal.

Going back a bit, I understand you were a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) New Writers’ Scheme. What influence did that have on your writing and on your career?

I certainly was. I get a huge thrill now seeing many members of the New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) blossoming and going on to publication. The NWS offers invaluable advice on where your manuscript might be flagging (or shining!) and generally encourages and supports new writers. My manuscript was sadly flagging, something I was aware of. However, with excellent editorial feedback, I was able to redraft that manuscript, and I couldn’t be happier that that book, Warrant for Love, is finally published. The most important lesson I learned was that superfluous narrative wasn’t needed. If it’s padding, i.e. doesn’t move the story forward, take it out. It’s your story and you have the power to change it (isn’t that fabulously freeing?). Also, if you’re struggling with a particular scene, in that you find it a bit lacklustre in the reading, look at your point of view. Chances are you’re telling it from the wrong one. Simply, who has the most to lose by the end of it? I bear that advice in mind to this day. I don’t think I would be published if I wasn’t willing to take positive criticism on board. So, to anyone considering joining, I’d say go for it. You’ll find yourself with a wonderful support network.  

2014 has been a momentous year for you, both on the personal front and in your writing career. Can you take us through it?

It has definitely been an up and down year, Natalie. Unfortunately, 2014 saw my partner diagnosed with prostate cancer, which means we’ve both been a bit all over the place. I should also mention that his prognosis is extremely good after early diagnosis - and that he is now very positive, agreeing to share his progress with Prostate Cancer UK in hopes of encouraging other men to seek help early. This is pretty amazing, because, initially, like many men, he was reluctant to talk about it – at all. Coincidentally, however, I was asked to contribute a short story to an anthology (Let’s Hear It For The Boys) raising funds for Movember, a charity which aims to raise men’s health awareness. Somehow, in mentioning the book and the charity to him, it prompted him to open up and the rest followed. Obviously, I am now super-pleased that I did write that short and that, in a roundabout way, it has helped my partner and hopefully other men who might be encouraged to seek help, or simply need someone to talk to, whether it be about physical health or mental health problems. Sad news, but not all bad news, I think.

The news on the publishing front is just lovely! Towards the end of 2014, I was signed with Choc Lit for my upcoming novel, currently titled The Rest of My Life. This development is all the more special because Choc Lit read the book on recommendation of someone who restored my faith in my writing. Excitingly, the news was announced first in The Bookseller! Wow! Little me rubbing shoulders with Burt Reynolds and Julian Clary (form an orderly queue, guys). I owe this person a huge debt of gratitude for picking up my book, loving it, and being prepared to say so in the right ears.

Prior to signing your new contract you had several books published with Safkhet Publishing. When did the first one come out and how did they take to your change of genre in The Edge of Sanity?

I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to Safkhet Publishing, who not only commissioned me to write Recipes for Disaster – Sexilicious Romantic Comedy Combined with Fab, Fun Recipes – was published in 2012 and, since then, I’ve just kept writing. My writing has, of course, grown and changed as I’ve explored new genres. I wasn’t entirely sure Safkhet would take The Edge of Sanity but … they loved it. I’m hoping their faith was well placed as the book does seem to be getting some excellent reviews, one fabulous such review recently on Best Selling Thrillers where the book sits proudly alongside such hugely talented authors as, Harlan Coben, Lee Child, Patricia Cornwell. Needless to say, I am thrilled.

my first book for them but opened an imprint for three further novels. Despite my determination, I was at a point then where I wondered whether continuing to pursue my dream was sheer self-indulgent madness. Safkhet believed in me, giving me huge impetus to keep writing. My first book,

So you are now a Choc Lit writer and in very good company. Please tell us something about your soon to be published The Rest of My Life. 

The Rest of My Life is still at editing stage (though I’ve also had some fabulous news about audio rights, etc, recently. Isn’t that amazing? I don’t have details to share yet, but watch this space!).  Briefly, The Rest of My Life follows Adam Hamilton-Shaw, a womaniser with a dark, defining incident in his past, and screenwriter Sienna Meadows, who is having problems with her script. Tagline (for the moment): Two damaged hearts, a sizzling sexual connection. Can love find a way to bring Adam and Sienna together?

What’s next on your agenda?

Well, I have another two books currently being read by Choc Lit. They’re doing well, apparently! My fingers are crossed (which makes typing a little difficult). I’ve also just finished another thriller, the title of which, Death Sentence, was supplied by a chief constable! It needs another re-draft, but I’m hoping it will be received as well as the last.

Thank you again for featuring me here, Natalie. Can I also just add a huge thank you to all the wonderful bloggers, readers and reviewers out there, who give of their time and work so hard for authors? THANK YOU!

 A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and shortlisted for Innovation in Romantic Fiction, Sheryl has six books published with Safkhet Publishing and has now been signed with Award winning Choc Lit Publishing.

COMING SOON from Choc Lit

The Rest of My Life - Two damaged hearts, a sizzling sexual connection. Can love find a way to bring Adam and Sienna together?

Links:

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It’s been a joy ‘talking’ to you, Sheryl. Thank you for joining me.
Natalie

What's in a Name?

What's in a name? Not a lot, you might think, or maybe it’s everything. It’s rare that I have a problem with my heroine although one or two have been known to change identity mid-stream. I’ve never had an issue with my heroes prior to my current novel.

Ryan Donovan presented himself to me even before I put pen to paper or, more correctly, fingers to keyboard. The hero of Safe Harbour is handsome, as all heroes should be, tall and very Irish. I kind of wish I could meet him in real life (I’m not telling my husband that). He came to me as a fully formed character and I didn't change him. He would never have allowed it.

I had a similar experience with Guy Ffoulkes, the hero of Honey Bun who will make himself known to you in the near future when the book is published on Amazon towards the end of March. His identity was set, his occupation, critical to the plot, fitted him like a glove.

So in my work in progress why was I having so much trouble with Joel/Max/Adam? The first draft is finished and, as the edits altered the structure of the story, so did they change his personality. But was I doing the editing or was he? Turns out it was him. It was as if he was saying This isn’t me. How dare you put me in this situation/put these words into my mouth? He won every time. Well, you don’t argue with your hero do you – not unless you’re the heroine.

So what's in a name? In my opinion an awful lot.

An Army (and Talli Roland) March on their Stomachs

When Talli agreed to be a guest on my blog I knew we were all in for a treat. What I wasn’t expecting was to laugh out loud as I read (and related to) the following. Enjoy.

Talli Roland - in between snacks

Writing from home each day, most of the excitement in my life revolves around food. From the second I sit down at the computer to start writing, I’m already fantasising about burnt toast o’clock, when I get to munch on yummy carbon slathered with butter. We all know the benefits of cupcakes and chocolate, and how they can lift us from the doldrums when things may not be going so swimmingly with our writing efforts. But what about all those other mood swings writers experience? What should we munch on then?

I've developed a handy-dandy guide to help with just that question.

Stuck on a plot point. If your creative juices aren't flowing, why not encourage a little saliva? I'd suggest munching on something sour; perhaps some of those super-mouth-pursing penny candies from the corner shop. Or, why not try sucking a lemon?

Bored with the MS. No matter how excited we may be when we begin a new project, it's inevitable that at some stage, boredom will set in. At this point, I'd recommend a bracing bite of a durian. It tastes like feet and I can guarantee you'll feel alert after eating it!

Restless and anxious. Sometimes, reading over one's own writing and the thought of showing it to others can be vom-inducing. I'd suggest a lovely cup of chamomile tea, paired with a digestive biscuit. Ahhhh...

When that character just won't behave! Don't kill them off with abandon. Instead, I recommend cooking up a piece o' meat then stabbing it over and over to release frustration. (Note: I haven't actually done this – yet).

I suck. I’m finished. No-one will ever want to read this rubbish. There’s only one thing for it: sugar sugar sugar! Chocolate, liquorice all-sorts, or even just some granules straight from the canister (I’ve done it in desperation) – whatever you choose, rest assured that in about ten minutes, you’ll get a rush that will banish the blues.

The Amazon one-star review. If you’re published, only two things are certain: 1. your mum will buy your book; and 2. at some point, you’ll receive a one-star review. Such moments are crushing and even soul-destroying . . . until you drink some wine and put it all back into perspective again. Someone doesn’t like your book. So what? They probably can’t read, anyway.

The elusive 'this MS rocks' moment. Grab whatever food is handy and stuff your face fast, 'coz I can guarantee that moment probably won't last!

Happy eating! Oh yes... and writing.

Talli Roland writes bittersweet and witty contemporary women’s fiction. Born and raised in Canada, Talli now lives in London, where she savours the great cultural life (coffee and wine).

Despite training as a journalist, Talli soon found she preferred making up her own stories—complete with happy endings. Talli’s novels have been short-listed in Best Romantic Reads at the UK’s Festival of Romance and chosen as top books of the year by industry review websites. Her most recent book, Marriage to Measure, was published in December 2014.

When Serenity Holland proposes to her long-time boyfriend Jeremy, she’s certain ‘forever’ is a perfect fit. As the wedding train steams forward, though, Serenity starts to wonder if they really are an ideal match. From a crusty old ring to a dilapidated house she’s left to renovate on her own – not to mention the appearance of Jeremy’s clingy ex-fiancée – engagement feels more like disengagement. 

To learn more about Talli go to www.talliroland.com or follow Talli on Twitter:@talliroland.

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Delighted you could join us today, Talli…and thank you for the permission to indulge in what might before have been considered forbidden fruit. And speaking of fruit, I had to look up durian. Not sure I'm quite ready for that one yet. Next time I have a guilt trip I shall think of this post.

Natalie

And Now For Something Completely Different

Well, it is for me anyway. As is probably obvious from the title of my book, Safe Harbour, and, more particularly, its cover, I write contemporary romantic fiction. 

However, one of my greatest pleasures when my children were small was reading to them and with them. 

I know I’m not alone in this.You can see above the delight on all three faces so I thought I’d try to understand the appeal to the adult, other than the obvious one of spending quality time with little people. And therein I think lies part of the answer.

Having decided that writing for children was going to be my topic for the week, I stopped off at the library on my way home from my Tuesday morning writers’ group. I’m not even going to tell you how long it is since I last went there. Kindle has a lot to answer for and it isn’t just about holding a book in your hand. Aside from that there are shelves full of books in my home that are still waiting to be read so why go to the library? I found out why soon enough.

Our local library underwent a complete refurbishment a couple of years ago. While it still retains that wonderful hushed atmosphere that prevails in any of its counterparts that I’ve ever visited, it is sleek and modern with a huge computer area and just as large a children’s section, and it was to this latter that I gravitated. What a joy! There were armchairs – adult and child size; tables and books…lots and lots of books. I suppose it was mainly the pre-primary school section I looked at and I discovered almost immediately that I have for many years wrongly been under the impression that most of the illustrations in children’s books were done by the author. Not true, though some most certainly are. I am now given to understand that it is the publisher's job to find an illustrator and that indeed some are so well known that books are written around their pictures or, indeed, that illustrators supply their own words.This is where I admit to a long-held wish. I’d love to be able to write for this age group but, unable to fulfil the other half of the input, I’d rejected it as being out of reach. But if it's feasible to find an illustrator …could I, might I?

I’ve been told it’s hard to write for children. Far fewer words but every single one has to count. I chose six books from the hundreds available and brought them home. I’ve read them all; it didn’t take long; but I was taken back so many years to the excitement and complete suspension of disbelief I’d shared with my daughters. 

So what if a pig could talk or a little bull save the world? There was wonder and joy in all six volumes and each was, in its own way, a morality tale. And I enjoyed them. On my own. Without two small children sitting beside me in rapt attention. Aren't we all just big kids at heart? So isn't that another part of the answer? The child in each of us is just as capable to enjoying something 'aimed' at a four year old. All we have to do is use our imagination...and believe, just for a while anyway. A children's book well-written is suitable for any age group. 

Will I do it, write that book? Almost certainly not. I’ll leave it to the experts. But what a delight to go back in time to such innocence. Time travel. Hmm. Now that’s another genre I’d quite like to try. 

Cathy Mansell - Across the Sea to Ireland

I'm thrilled to welcome Cathy Mansell to the blog today. It's always a pleasure to talk to this delightful lady.

I’ve not long finished reading ‘Where the Shamrocks Grow’. You covered a huge amount of history in this wonderfully inspiring book. Can you tell our readers something about your research?

Although Where the Shamrocks Grow is a work of fiction, some aspects are loosely based on my mother's life, my great aunt and my experience of New York.

I love research and when I was writing Where the Shamrocks Grow it was a great excuse to go back to my roots. I walked the streets of Dublin that I remembered as a child, visited Dublin's National Library where I researched the upstairs/downstairs of the period. Scrolled down many Dublin newspapers printed in the 1920s and 30s. The history of the Irish Civil War I recalled from my school days and researched what I wasn't sure of.

American history had always fascinated me because of my great aunt who lived in the Bronx before, and during the great depression. We never met, but I tried to imagine how she might have felt when she lost her savings in the 1929 crash.

It would seem that all your books are set in Ireland. You’ve lived in England for many years. What prompted you to set your work in the land of your birth?

I've asked myself this question many times, Natalie, having lived so long in Leicester. For some reason, I've never been inspired to set one of my books here. Maybe one day. Ireland to me is inspirational, the people, the landscape, the history. Besides I was brought up there, worked and went to school there at a time when I was an impressionable young teenager. I seem to have an affinity with Ireland, Dublin in particular.  Inspiration to write comes easily when I'm there.

You haven’t always written novels. What did you do before and when and why did you change?

When my first husband died from leukemia in the 70s, I found comfort in writing short verse. I then progressed to writing articles on bereavement to give consolation to others going through the same thing. To my surprise these articles were published in National magazines. I found healing in writing so I then wrote my life story for my children. It went for a second read at Arts Council England, and I was encouraged to carry on writing.

This, in turn, gave me confidence to have a go at writing a full-length novel.  Then in 2003 when I had finished writing and editing Where the Shamrocks Grow, novelist, Jean Chapman encouraged me to join the Romantic Novelists Association's (RNA) New Writer's Scheme.  It proved to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. With support from the RNA, and other supportive groups, I am now a published author writing my fifth novel.

Can you tell us about your working day?

My working day has changed over the years. When I started writing first, I had lots of time to write. Usually from nine in the morning and on and off throughout the day, sometimes working well into the night. I thought time was my own.

But that is never the case when you have family and grandchildren. I adore spending time with them, and they are all supportive of my work. When I have time off, I find myself working later and later into the evening. I start at nine but rarely get to my writing until the afternoon.  Promotion and networking take up half of my writing time.  Most authors will identify with this, but as we want to sell books, it becomes part of the working day and night.   

Where is your favourite place to write – and why?

I am fortunate to have a fantastic working place. My husband, Dennis, calls it the crow's nest. It's a small attic room in the roof of the house that he converted some years ago. It overlooks fields and trees. I can be completely alone up here with my characters.

I love it because no one likes climbing the ladder, and it keeps the grandchildren away from my computer. I've been working up here in my special place for years now and have become quite good at climbing the ladder. Some days it is the only exercise I get. 

Do you have any favourite hobbies outside of your writing (not that writing can be called a hobby)

I used to like gardening and decorating, but that fell by the wayside. I love reading and read most genres apart from science fiction. I have a passion for good drama, live or otherwise. Can’t get enough of it.

Your most recently published book, ‘Where the Shamrocks Grow’, has received excellent reviews. Is there another in the pipeline? 

Yes, I'm currently writing another romantic suspense set in Dublin and Birmingham in 6os. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my publisher, Tirgearr Publishing, will like it. It's always a bit nerve racking when you start a new book, wondering if the story will engage readers.  

Your publishers, Tirgearr Publishing, are based in Ireland. Is this a coincidence?

Yes, in a way. When the situation arose to submit work to them, I thought they might be the right publisher for me as my work was set there. As it turned out, my publisher is from California and her husband is a Cork man. I love this combination. It was a right decision.  

Cathy is an experienced writer of romantic fiction. Her early work was stories and articles published in national magazines. She organized an anthology of works funded by Arts Council England, appeared on the TV show Food Glorious Food 2012

Nowadays, Cathy writes novels set in Ireland, depicting the lifestyle and hardships of families in those days. Some of her characters become wound up in intricate criminal plots.

She lives in Leicestershire with her husband, where she writes daily in her ‘Loft Study’

Thank you so much for sharing, Cathy.

Links:

http://www.cathymansell.com

http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com

Amazon: