Michelle Douglas

 

Michelle's Bio

                                                       

Making up stories of her own has always been one of Michelle's passions. She received her first rejection letter at the age of eight for Keri the Koala Baby, and has been writing ever since. A love of literature led her to major in English at the University of Newcastle.
She has worked an assortment of jobs. Everything from waitress at a wedding convention centre (where the staff oohed and aahed over fairytale wedding dresses) to answering the complaints line at a call centre for a bank (where the staff didn't ooh and aah over fairytale wedding dresses). All of which have provided her with endless ideas (and characters!) for stories.

Her own "happy-ever-after" came in 1998 when she eloped to England with husband Greg. They were married in Westminster—the town hall not the Abbey—lived on tinned soup for a month so they could afford to spend their wedding night in The Dorchester then flew out the next day to honeymoon in Paris. The sheer heady romance of it all made her wonder if she could breathe life into such encounters on the page.
And she hasn't looked back. She loves staring off into the middle-distance, pen in hand, and scrawling away furiously to bring her characters to life. She's a sucker for happy endings, heroines who have a secret stash of chocolate, and heroes who know how to laugh.

She is currently enrolled in a creative writing master's at the University of Newcastle, fighting a losing battle with her jungle of a garden, and trying to keep her doughnut addiction in check.

Michelle loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted at her website.

Fabulous Christmas Book by Michelle Douglas

Christmas at Candlebark Farm

A home for Christmas...
Pregnant Keira Keely is lodging at beautiful Candlebark Farm this holiday season, whilst she organizes a place of her own.
Grumpy owner Luke Hillier seems too caught up in his own troubles to worry about anyone else's. But when Keira has a crisis Luke is amazingly supportive.
Keira's shocked that she actually likes being looked after by gorgeous, gruff Luke. Maybe now he'll let her help him, too... As fairy lights sparkle and Christmas approaches, could Keira have found her perfect home?

You can also read an excerpt of this fabulous Christmas book here.

Over Christmas, CHRISTMAS AT CANDLEBARK FARM was my reading of choice. What an emotion pack read! I simply enjoyed it.

This information is shared from here. You can check out more emotion packed books by Michelle Douglas by visiting her website.

Here are some mysteries solved about Michelle Douglas favourites!

My favourite books about writing are:

GMC: Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon
I reach for this book whenever I run into a major roadblock with one of my plots. Or if I’m trying to decide if a new story idea has enough oomph. This book makes me focus my mind in a different way, which is often useful.

Building Better Plots by Robert KernenThis how-to comes with a complete tutorial to help you build a novel from scratch. I’ve never tried completing the full tutorial, but I’ll often use the character questionnaires to really get to know my characters before diving into a new story.

Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande

This is one of those inspirational books that can restore a writer’s confidence. It tells you that you CAN be a writer (that you are not crazy for wanting to be a writer), and then offers practical advice. (Plus it has a foreword by John Gardner – see below)

Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahanThe subtitle says it all – a guide to writing more descriptively. There are some great exercises and ideas in this book for incorporating all the six senses in your descriptions.

The Art of Fiction by John Gardner
If forced to pick my all-time favourite, it would probably be this one. He’s bossy and authoritative and high-minded, and I don’t agree with everything he says, but whenever I read him, Mr Gardner makes me want to be a better writer.

She loves hearing from readers, so you can always email her.

Kate Walker

Fun Facts About Kate Walker

Astrological Sign:

Taurus

Favourite Books:

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett
The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart
An Evil Cradling by Brian Keenan
Simona's Jewel

Favourite Songs:

"The Rose"
"Just the Way You Are"

Favourite Movies:

Children of a Lesser God
When Harry Met Sally
Witness

Author Writing Tip:

"Read, read, read — and then write about characters you care about. If you care about them, and feel the emotions that drive them, then a reader will, too. But if you don't put your heart into a book, it won't have a heart."

Author Nationality:

English

Kate Walker's, Biography

• Kate Walker was born in Nottinghamshire, England, but the family moved to West Yorkshire when she was just 18 months old, and she has always regarded Yorkshire as home. She was the middle child in a family of five girls, growing up in a home where books were vitally important, and she read anything she could get her hands on.
  
  Even before she could write she was making up stories. At the age of four she was telling the tale of The Three Little Raindrops Drippy, Droppy, and Droopy to her two younger sisters. She can't remember a time when she wasn't scribbling away at something, and wrote her first "book" when she was 11.
  
  But everyone told her that she would never make a living as a writer, and that she should work toward a more secure career. So she decided that if she couldn't write books, at least she could work with them, and settled for becoming a librarian.
  
  On leaving school she went to the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth to study English and librarianship. While there, she met her husband, who was also studying at the college. They married and moved back north, eventually settling in Lincolnshire, where she worked as a children's librarian until her son was born.
  
  After three years of being a full-time housewife and mother she was ready for a new challenge, but needed something she could do at home, so she turned to her old love of writing. Her first attempts at writing novels were done at the kitchen table, often working late into the night when her son was asleep, or during a few snatched hours while he was out at nursery school.
  
  The first two novels she sent off to Mills & Boon were rejected, but the third attempt was successful. She can still remember the moment that a letter of acceptance arrived instead of the rejection slip she had been dreading.

Kate Walker's, Interview

• On Writing and Reading...What do you love most about being a writer?The freedom to be my own boss, work any hours I want, dress any way I want. I also love losing myself in a story, being caught up in the lives of my characters. But best of all is knowing that I have fulfilled the dream I had as a child.
  
  What do you like least about being a writer? Deadlines aren't fun, but they make me concentrate. When writing is going well, I think that there's no other job on earth I'd rather do.
  What I really hate are the days when the words won't come, the characters won't "speak" to me, and writing feels like ploughing my way through thick, sticky mud.
  But luckily experience has taught me that with time those days go away.
  
  Do you have a favourite locale or setting for your novels? What is it and why is it your favourite? I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting places to set my books. But as the characters come first, who they are will usually dictate where a book is set.
  
  Which of the books you have written is your favourite? I honestly don't have a favourite. But I'm always most excited by the one I'm working on right now because it is the one that's coming alive in my head.
  
  What is your favourite recent Mills & Boon, Silhouette, or MIRA title by another author? Reading is such a mood-dependent thing that one day I'll choose to read one author, the next day I may want a totally different sort of story. One of the great things about Mills & Boon's books is that there's usually someone who fits today's mood.
  
  What are your five all-time favourite books? Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
  The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett (strictly speaking, that's six books but I couldn't choose just one in the series)
  The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart
  An Evil Cradling by Brian Keenan
  ...And a book called Simona's Jewel that I read again and again when I was nine until I lost it when I was 16. I don't even remember who wrote it but I'd love to read it again.
  
  On Romance...Describe the ultimate romantic meal. The food and the place don't matter. It's the company that makes the time special.
  I've had some amazing meals in very expensive restaurants and they mean nothing to me compared to one meal of fish and chips eaten with my fingers on a very special night.
  
  What is your all-time favourite romantic movie? Children of a Lesser God
  When Harry Met Sally
  Witness if only for the scene in the barn.
  
  What is your all-time favourite romantic song or composition?"The Rose," preferably sung by Michael Ball
  "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel
  
  What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?The ring my husband gave me for our silver wedding. It's 100 years old and has three diamonds one for me, one for my husband, and one for our son.
  I also have a beautiful model of a dragon that I saw in a city 60 miles away and fell in love with but couldn't afford. For my birthday my husband drove back secretly and bought it for me.
  
  How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship? We talk all the time about anything and everything. Talking involves listening and sharing.
  
  What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic? Keep some special time when it's just the two of you and there are no things that "must" be done. The world won't come to an end if the washing up isn't done tonight.
  
  Where is the most romantic place you've ever travelled? There is a magical city in Malta called Mdina it's also called the Silent City because no cars at all are allowed onto its narrow streets. It has wonderful buildings and churches, and there is a restaurant that serves the best chocolate cake in the world on a terrace overlooking a huge plain where so  much of the island is stretched out before you, almost to the sea. 

 This information is shared from here. She loves to here from her readers. You can check out her website or email her.

I was fortunate enough to have recently read :

THE KONSTANTOS MARRIAGE DEMAND
BEDDED BY THE GREEK BILLIONAIRE

SPANISH BILLIONAIRE, INNOCENT WIFE

 The stories in each of these books were fabulous. The depths to the characters she creates are simply marvelous.

And recently her guide to aspiring writers KATE WALKER'S 12 POINT GUIDE TO WRITING ROMANCE came out in it's 3rd edition. Each chapter is full of insightful information for writers. I've read about published authors say how they bring out this book, when they get blocked, while writing. 

 Published authors  (Michelle Styles, Donna Alwards) when asked about online courses vs guide books on eHarlequin subcare forum, said, Kate Walker's 12 Point Guide to Writing Romance is a book which we would bring out throughout our writing lives to refer to again and again, as opposed to online courses.

I preordered and then received the 3rd Edition, which had just been published!

And it is an awesome writers tool book for aspiring writers.

Queen Kate, as she is known, is a very generous lady. Recently she shipped cartons of books to be donated to a public library in my country. I'll be eternally grateful to her for that. A very heartfelt thank you, Queen Kate!

 This is the latest lineup, friends:

The Konstantos Marriage Demand M&B Modern January 2010/Presents Extra March '10 Romantic Times Award Nominee
Claimed by the Sicilian 3 in 1 By Request May 2010
The Good Greek Wife? M&B Modern July 2010/Presents Extra October 2010
Mediterranean Tycoons (Alpha Collection) February 2011
The Proud Wife M&B Modern March 2011
One Night in Madrid Collection May 2011

12 Point Guide To Writing Romance - 3rd edition out now

Visit Kate at WeWriteRomance.com!

Kate writes Kate's Corner on the 15th of each month at WeWriteRomance.com

Kimberly Van Meter!

Kimberly's Bio

An avid reader since before she can remember, Kimberly Van Meter started her writing career at the age of sixteen when she finished her first novel, typing late at night and early in the morning on her mother's old portable typewriter.

Although that first novel was nothing short of literary mud, with each successive piece of work she improved her writing and eventually reached that coveted published status. A journalist (who during college swore she'd never write news), Kimberly has worked for both daily and weekly newspapers, covering multiple beats including education, health and crime, but she always dreamed of writing novels and someday saying goodbye to her nonfiction roots.

Born and raised in scenic Mariposa, California, Kimberly knows a thing or two about small towns—preferring the quiet, rural atmosphere to the hustle and bustle of a busy city any day—but she and her husband make their home in Oakdale, which represents a compromise between the two worlds.

Kimberly and her Family in May 2009.

Kimberly and her husband, John, met and fell in love while filming a college production. He was the camera operator and she was the lead actress. Her husband often jokes that he fell in love with his wife through the lens of a camera. A year later they were married and have been together ever since.

In addition to writing, reading and drinking hot chocolate by the windowsill when it rains, Kimberly enjoys photography and is the resident photographer for every family event, including weddings and new babies. The photographs gracing the walls of their home are comprised almost entirely of shots Kimberly has captured, whether on the job or just playing around with the camera. The oldest of four siblings and the mother of three children, Kimberly divides her time between football games, swim meets and deadlines.

This information is shared from here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere. I have always had an active imagination, that coupled with a healthy dose of curiosity for anything that trips my fancy, have created fertile ground for any number of fictitious foundations. I'm constantly wondering "what if?" "why not?" and "Oh, I wonder..."

Q. Are you a plotter or a flyer?
Fly, baby, fly! Plotting is about as fun as smashing a nettle in my eye. I like to meander through a story, being surprised at the twists and turns and allowing the writing process to unfold organically.

Q. What do you enjoy doing when you're not writing?
Well, it's not often that I'm not writing (I'm a little OCD when it comes to my stories) but I do love to read. Settling in with a good book (often historical or paranormal, oddly enough) with no one to pester me is my idea of bliss.

Q, Who are your favorite authors?
No fair. The question is too broad. You'd have to break it down into sub genres. Yeah, that's me avoiding the question but truly...I have too many favorites to list.

Q. How do you manage to work a full time job, raise three children, volunteer, and still produce so many books?
As I mentioned before, I'm a little OCD when it comes to writing. I become a bit obsessive when I'm hooked on a project. It's all I think about until it's finished. So, it takes me about two and a half months to write a book. (Although, it seems to take forever to write a 10-page synopsis!)

Q. What do you enjoy most about writing romance?
The happy ending, of course. I'm a hopeless romantic and I always have been quite the sucker for a well-told love story. So, it makes sense that I write stories with love at the center.

Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
This answer has two parts. The short answer is no; I wanted to be an actress. But in hindsight, I was always writing, so while the glitter of Hollywood caught my eye, it was the quiet lure of a pen and paper that ultimately caught and held me in its thrall. There is something so wonderful about creating something from nothing and that feeling has never faded so it's safe to say I found my true calling.

Got a question? Drop her a line. She's not shy. Email her at author@kimberlyvanmeter.com

This information is shared from here.

Recently I had the good fortune to get the TRUSTING THE BODYGUARD, it is an

awesome story! The love amid the thrill! Wow!

Marissa doesn't like Archer Brant's job, because it was too dangerous. In Archer's words, she cracked his heart in two and handed it to him, impaled on a steak knife!

And yet when she needs protection, she runs to him.

So can you blame Archer, when Marissa turns up with a baby and he is not in the best of moods. As far as he is concerned she could be rundown by a runaway taxicab and he wouldn't shed a tear!

Then why seeing her so visibly scared and physically roughed up fill him with such rage that he wanted to shoot something? 

So does he go and shoot anybody...read TRUSTING THE BODYGUARD to find out!

And I also wanted to let everyone know that one of our blogging friend, Melinda, has come up with a new series "Wednesday Warriors- Tales of The Unpubbed" and she has kindly asked me to be her guest on Wednesday 12th January to show my battle scars! God, these scars hurt, how can I show them? But being a warrior, I'll have to show up!

Melinda said, "Yes, yes Nas will be with me next week!! Make sure you come and check her out on Wednesday on my blog. She's going to open those deep wounds for us so we can get to know her a little better :-) "

You can check this out here!

Lynne Marshall

Fun Facts About Lynne Marshall

Astrological Sign:
    Scorpio

Favourite Books:
The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Cry No More by Linda Howard   
The Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough    
Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Favourite Songs:
The Last of the Mohicans

Favourite Movies:

-

Author Writing Tip:

-

Author Romantic Tip:

-

Author Nationality:

   American Author

BIOGRAPHY

After developing my creative skills by raising two children, they had the audacity to grow up. Bursting with enthusiasm and with no one to shower it on, I discovered fiction writing. The story of my heart came kicking and screaming out of my head in 2000. I had a choice to either write it down or go loopy. I think a little of both happened, because in 2001 I entered the world of romance writing, and what an intriguing journey it has been. Through writer’s groups, national and local conferences, and extension courses to hone my craft, I’ve discovered the most wonderful group of supportive people, and first class friends. I consider it a blessing.

I think my husband thought I was having an on-line affair when I first started spending hours and hours before my computer, typing away. But when he realized that I was pursuing my dream of writing a romance novel, he offered his support. So of course, he was the first one to know when I got “the call” from across the pond on November 8th 2005 at 7:30 a.m. Harlequin Mills & Boon wanted to buy one of my books!

As a registered nurse for over twenty years, it made sense to write medical romance. I love to write about the world of medicine, and the potential for finding love amidst hospital drama, stress, and sometimes grief.

When I’m not writing or working three days a week as a Registered Nurse, I love to read, take day trips with my hubby, or better yet, vacation. I also like to see movies and eat out—Italian and Mexican restaurants are my favorites. For exercise, I take power walks with my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rogan. I find brisk walking helps stimulate my imagination, and I’ve often solved writing dilemmas or come up with new ideas for books while walking my dog. Sometimes I think he’s my muse.

Lynne Marshall's Interview

• On Writing and Reading…
  
  What do you love most about being a writer?I love to be completely in charge of my character's lives. Especially since sometimes, I seem to have no control whatsoever over my own life!
  
  What do you like least about being a writer?The blank computer screen staring at me at 5:30 each morning when I get up to begin my writing day before going to work!
  
  Do you have a favorite locale or setting for your novels? What is it and why is it your favorite?Since I was born and raised in California, I love to keep my stories based in the Los Angeles area. I have created a fictitious medical facility in North East L.A.: Mercy Hospital. Drop by and pay it a visit. My characters usually hang out in the E.R.
  
  Which of the books you have written is your favorite?The answer to that will always be my work in progress.
  
  What is your favorite recent Mills & Boon or Silhouette or MIRA title by another author?The Forever Assignment by Jennifer Taylor
  
  What are your five all-time favorite books (with authors)?The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans
  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  Cry No More by Linda Howard
  The Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough
  Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
  
  What one specific piece of advice would you give a would-be writer trying to kick-start a career?Don't quit! Write your story. Join a critique group. Take every tough critique session with a grain of salt, but listen and learn from what other writers tell you. Go back to the computer and write more. Oh, and don't follow trends. Be original.
  
  On Romance…
  
  Describe the ultimate romantic meal.The ultimate romantic meal involves anything with melted butter and crustaceans. Mmm.
  
  What is your all-time favorite romantic movie?The Last of the Mochicans
  
  What is your all-time favorite romantic song or composition?Contemporary-it's a tie: Sweet Love by Anita Baker and Someone Like You by Van Morrison Classical: The Girl with the Flaxen Hair by Claude Debussy
  
  What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?Once, my husband bought me a new outfit (he has good taste, too!), made me wear a blindfold, and he drove me to a romantic restaurant called The Secret Garden. I'll never forget what a romantic evening it was.
  
  How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?We schedule date night out!
  
  What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic?Be spontaneous. Surprise your partner. And if you need a bit of inspiration, read a romance novel.
  
  Where is the most romantic place you've ever traveled?Kauai.
  
  All About me…
  
  Besides writing, what other talent would you most like to have?I'd love to be a ballroom dancer!
  
  Who is someone you admire and why?It's not just one person it's an entire profession. Nurses! It takes a very special person to meet the demands of nursing.
  
  Do you have a good luck charm or superstition?I keep a picture of my critique partners on the desk in my office. Their spirits often help me get my creative juices flowing when I'm having a dry spell.
  
  Share one of your favorite indulgences with us.I was on a strict diet once, which allowed me to occasionally dip a few strawberries in melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. My husband and I took turns feeding them to each other. Nothing ever tasted so sinfully delicious!
  
  What quality do you most admire in a man?I admire a take-charge guy. Someone you can count on when times get tough.

This information is shared from here. Friends she loves hearing from readers. Check out her website. And you can email her!

Lynne Marshall's latest release THE CHRISTMAS BABY BUMP is book three of The Midcoast Medical Trilogy.
 Book one and two are:
The Boss and Nurse Albright
The Heart Doctor and The Baby.

When reading these connected books, it was like visiting relatives and friends of relatives!

An amusing something happened to me. During dinner one evening, my daughter said,

"Mum, you know Claire's got a daughter".(Book 1)
I replied, "Yes, Gina. Now Claire is about to give birth again." (Book 2)

And my husband, listening to this asked, "So, who is Claire? And where did you two meet her?!"
We fell around laughing...he'd thought Claire was someone we met, one of our neighbours!

Today it's Liz Fielding!

Fun Facts About Liz Fielding

Astrological Sign:     Gemini

Favourite Books:       

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Venetia by Georgette Heyer
The Darling Buds of May by H. E. Bates
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
The Colors of Snow by Kate Fenton

Favourite Songs:

"Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers

Favourite Movies:

Sleepless in Seattle

Author Writing Tip:

"Stop saying 'I will write a book,' and start doing it.

Liz Fielding lives in Wales, near Caermyrddyn, Merlin's Fort. The land is steeped in legend, the hilltops crowned with the remains of ancient castles.

She's been married for nearly 30 years to John, a wonderful man she met while they were both working in Africa. They have two children, Ami and Wil, who these days are leading their own busy lives, and a large, elderly black-and-white cat called Rocky who is about to make a guest appearance on her web site at http://www.lizfield.demon.co.uk.

She lives in a tiny village that she loves and rarely leaves, keeping in touch with readers and friends through the magic of the Internet. This year, because she was nominated for a RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America, she made an exception and flew to Washington for the Romance Writers of America conference, where she had a great time playing tourist as well as meeting up with lots of old friends.

She loves to hear from her readers, so do email her at liz@lizfielding.com

This information is shared from  here.

Love Cats Down Under!

"I think most writers are chattier in words than in person. I heard someone say once that if you want to tell stories and you're extroverted, you become an actor. If you want to tell stories and you're introverted, you become a writer. Not sure how true it is, but an interesting thought!"

 As said by Rachel Bailey to me!

By celebrating with new authors over at http://lovecatsdownunder.blogspot.com/  I won this impressive list of books! Yay!

Caught on Camera with the CEO plus Unbuttoned by her Maverick Boss, Natalie Anderson Sexy Sensation
A choice of one of Mel Teshco’s Ellora’s Cave titles Erotica
Bachelor Dad, Girl Next Door, Sharon Archer Medical
Christmas at Candlebark Farm, Michelle Douglas Sweet
At The Billionaire’s Beck And Call, Rachel Bailey Desire

The blog was celebrating with three authors!

Natalie Anderson is a USA Today bestselling author for Sexy Sensation / Riva.
Soraya Lane is a brand new author for Cherish / Sweet, whose first book will be out next year.
Robyn Grady writes bestsellers for *both* Sexy Sensation / Riva and Desire

Wish these authors all the success!