Reading · No Shelf Control

Howdy!

I’ve been hiding away in my writing cave, bashing out not one but two new manuscripts.

I entered them into some comps recently, and they’ve done alright.

Results below:

1st Place Winner - FictionFive Contest (Women’s Fiction) - Critique Match

3rd Place - The Emily (Novel with Romantic Elements) - League of Romance Writers

Honourable Mention - FictionFive Contest (Women’s Fiction) - Critique Match

Longlist - Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize

Finalist - The Sapphire - Romance Writers of Australia

Finalist - Favourite Australian-Set Romance (What Did I Miss?) - Australian Romance Reader Awards

Finalist - Favourite Debut Romance Author (What Did I Miss?) - Australian Romance Reader Awards

I don’t want to give too much away (who knows if they’ll ever get published), but what I will say is that neither of them is a rom-com.

Gaaaaaaasp!

Now, don’t get me wrong, there is romance and comedy in them, but it’s not the central storyline, and not every ending is a happily ever after. So, technically, they can’t be classified as a romance.

Don’t know who makes the rules, I just follow them.

These new manuscripts fit more into the Book Club Fiction category. Or UpLit, if you will.

One of the stories has been rattling around in my brain for years. But when I sat down to plot it out, it wouldn’t behave. Cheeky bugger. Once I let go of the fact that it had to be a rom-com, everything clicked into place.

Ahhh … much better.

The other story came about when I was having a “break” from writing. My brain clearly didn’t get the memo.

These manuscripts still need a lot of love (like, shit loads), but these competitions have given me some hope that they’re heading in the right direction.

Stay tuned …

This lil’ introvert has been extroverting a lot lately. Can’t complain; book people are the best people.

Last week, I was delighted and honoured to grill Bridie Blake at her launch for The Boyfriend Clause. Okay, it was less grilling and more tearing up. Such a special night.

I insist you grab a copy of The Boyfriend Clause.

Warning: will induce swooning and cravings for scones.

On Valentine’s Day, I ditched hubby and spent it at Readings Hawthorn, chatting all things love.

I sat on an author panel alongside the best of the best: Emma Mugglestone, Brooke Crawford, Holly Cardamone and Susannah Hardy. Hosted by the fabulous Anne Freeman.

We grabbed dinner afterwards, and trust me, romance authors know how to have a good time. My cheeks still hurt from laughing.