Little Gems Cover

Thanks to Roseanne for the shout out in your last mission report.

Here's a look at the winning cover for the Little Gems Cover Contest 2010.

Rachel Bailey Chats About Reunion Romances ... Plus There’s A Giveaway! (By Guest Interviewer Gail Fuller)

Three cheers for the Bootcampers! Thank you for hosting my recent interview with talented Silhouette Desire author Rachel Bailey. For those who don’t know Rachel Bailey, you’re in for a treat.

The following descriptors were taken from reviews for her North American January debut novel, Claiming His Bought Bride. 

 ‘Complex. Page turner. Well crafted. Sensual love story.’

With such high praise, it’s no surprise this gifted author’s first book instantly landed on USA Today’s Best-Selling Books list. Congratulations, Rachel!  BTW, for the lucky folks in Australia and New Zealand it’s out now. Look at these gorgeous covers. 

So, what’s more exciting than a fabulous debut release? The immediate follow-up of Rachel’s second Silhouette Desire! The Blackmailed Bride’s Secret Child is on shelves in North America, but don’t fret dear friends in Australia and New Zealand. You can nab this story in March.

Enough of my yammering.   Heeeeere’s Rachel!

Thanks for inviting me, Gail!

Would you tell us a bit about your first release?

It’s about Damon, who’s driven by some dark forces from his childhood, and Lily who has left him once already because he couldn’t prioritize her in his life. They come back together because they need each other – Damon has a chance to finally get his father’s company back from his uncle, if he produces a legitimate heir for the uncle to leave his fortune to; and Lily has found she’s pregnant (from when they were together before). So they both lay down their conditions and strike a deal for a marriage of convenience. Of course, Damon’s pretty keen to turn it into a ‘real marriage’ and when he sets his mind to it, he can be pretty persuasive!

*Sigh* Damon the Divine! :)

With degrees in psychology and social work, it’s no wonder you have such great insights into you characters. When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

It was a slow realization – I can’t pinpoint an exact decision or moment. But it happened about six years ago. Before that the idea of writing books for a living had never really occurred to me. I was a voracious consumer of books and as a child I’d written bad poetry for my mother and had ideas for books (even writing a couple of chapters), but being an author wasn’t something I’d even considered possible. I’m so glad it worked out this way, though!

So are we!

I love reunion stories such as yours, as do many readers. What appealed most about creating stories with this theme?

I love reading books about couples who’ve been torn apart and then found their way back together. One of my all time favourite books is Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Sometimes I think characters (like real people!) need some time apart to help them make the relationship work the second time around. Perhaps they need time to adjust to what’s happened, time to gain some emotional maturity, or time to appreciate what they’ve lost. But, ah, when they come back together—the right couple, the right situation—it’s powerful.

Rachel, would you mind sharing your typical workday with us? Do you sit down in an office at the same time every day? Or write on the go with a notebook?  

I begin my days with a round of dog-tennis—I have four dogs and the excitement level in the house is very high until dog-tennis has been completed for the morning. Then I have breakfast with my husband and get stuck into my writing for the day (aka: spend the day dreaming about heroes and heroines and write all that down J). Then it ends up with another round of dog-tennis before dinner.

Doggie tennis – I love it! Is the score always 50-love? :)

What is your favourite part about being a writer?

Holding my very own book in my hands. And being able to give a copy to my husband and mother who are both so proud of me. J And being able to see it in the shops – I was all nerdy and took a photo. ;)

Would you give us a sneak peak to hold us until we can pick up your second book?

It’s another reunion book! J This one has some of my favourite story elements – a tortured hero who’s trying to hold back his intensely passionate nature, and a reunion between two people who were always meant to be together. And a dog in a small role. I love a dog in a story. Oh, and a few secrets to be discovered along the way…

I have my own copy but my lips are sealed. :)

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m having a phase of historicals. I’ve just finished Anne Gracie’s To Catch A Bride (fabulous!!) and am halfway through Emily May’s The Earl’s Dilemma (a stunning debut – she’s an author to watch!).

Rachel, thanks for sharing this time with us. It’s been fun! 

Want to know more about Rachel Bailey and her books? Check out the following websites:

Rachel's website

The Silhouette Desire Author’s blog

Plus, there’s a spanking new blog entitled, LoveCats Downunder – a group of new category (cat) romance (love) authors. 

If you leave a comment between now and Monday, one lucky winner will have their choice of either Claiming His Bought Bride or The Blackmailed Bride’s Secret Child. I’ll announce the winner on Monday, March 1st (or Tuesday’s early morning hours for the lovely people Downunder).

Gail Fuller, a former Golden Heart finalist, is excited about celebrating RWA’s 30^th anniversary in Nashville this summer. If you happen to see my I.D. badge on the person standing next to you (presuming you remember the name *g*), don’t hesitate to say, ‘hi.’ However, chances are high I’ll beat you to it. RWA conferences have a way of turning this introvert into an extrovert :) 

Thanks so much for joining us Gail & doing a great interview with Rachel!
~Eleni

Nikki's second cover!

While we are still waiting to see Nikki's LCKTB hit the DownUnder shelves, Harlequin have released Nikki's next cover.

Their Newborn Gift is the third book in the Outback Baby Tales mini-continuity and will be released in June in the US.

Congrats Nikki! It is a lovely cover.

Heroines in Winter Coats

In sunny Queensland we are sweltering through the end of a hot, wet summer. Last week we had 100mm of rain in a few hours causing local flooding and sending the weeds in our garden into overdrive. The days are hot and sticky, the nights aren't much better. It's not surprising I'm having difficulty writing a scene involving a fierce winter storm.

Cue the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Hours of watching snow and ice and cold. Research I told my hubby as I settled in on the lounge to watch a bit of ice skating. And a bit of cross-country. And then their was the curling, where the interesting fashions made for compelling watching. But still I struggled with my hero and heroine out in the weather.

Then the David Jones Winter Catalogue arrived.

More hats, coats, scarves and boots than I could poke a stick at. Of course everyone looked happy to be out in the weather, but at least from the chin down they looked like freezing was a possibility. So, in the interests of my story, it was off with their heads. With a little imagination my well dressed hero and heroine really were out in the cold. Of course, when that happens there's really only one way to get warm...

So, does the weather at home ever cramp your style when you're writing. And what's your preference for the perfect writing day - hot or cold?

Mission Report: Helen Katsinis

More great news for one of our Bootcamp Gals. Helen Katsinis aka Eleni, has won the "Little Gems Cover contest" run by Romance Writers of Australia. Fantastic news for the multi-talented, Helen. Can't wait to see it in print. I'm sure it will be as wonderful as the artist who designed it. Congratulations Helen. We're so happy for you. And remember

Bootcampers Rock.

Melissa's next release

Melissa James next book, One Small Miracle will be out in April in the US.

It is the first book of the Outback Baby Tales mini-series, and joining Melissa are Michelle Douglas (May release) & Nikki Logan (June release).


Here is the lovely cover:

Mission Report: Alison Leake

Alison...Alison...Alison... This bootcamp babe is on fire. The results are in from the Emily. The talented Alison Leake came in 4th in the Paranormal/Fantasy category. Awesome result. I wish I could tell you the title and a bit about the story, but, sorry, no can do. Sigh. I can tell you all that Chris Keeslar has requested the FULL MANUSCRIPT of said book that I can't tell you anything about. So, it must be great. We wait again. One thing about bootcampers, we are a patient lot. Congratulations Alison. You are a dedicated, committed writer. Your reward of being published is just around the corner. Again. Congratulations. And remember.

Bootcampers Rock.

Pink Heart Society book club...this week

Roseanne had let us know the good news that Nikki's Lights, Camera...Kiss The Boss is the Pink Heart Society's book club selection for February. The discussion will be on the 23rd February.

So join in and chat about this great book.

Coming soon.... Special Guest Gail Fuller interviews Rachel

Please join our Special Guest Gail Fuller interviewing our Bootcamp Mum, Rachel Bailey.

When: Friday 26th February!

Don't miss out!!!!

Boosting Our Creativity - Part Two

Regular readers will remember that some of the Bootcampers are doing a creativity challenge - a lucky dip envelope full of photos to stimulate our inner story tellers.

I picked with eyes closed and chose a plain white envelope. It didn't look much, but the treasure contained inside! "Breaking the Mould" the newspaper headline screamed. It was the first thing I pulled out. My envelope has three characters- a hip young woman, slightly older well dressed man and a child of about 8. Add in a hand drawn Christmas picture (the real deal from someone's child), a real estate ad for a historic property, a family photo of three generations of men taken about 1900 and a birth notice.

Historical story was my immediate thought. No, you're supposed to be breaking the mould. So I've decided to let my imagination run wild - time travel, secret portals, paranormal activity. And that man has got to learn to loosen up. Not sure where this is going, but I'm on board for the ride.

Roseanne's envelope had a fabulous photo of a woman is a slinky dress surrounded by hundreds of pairs of different fire-truck red high heels, something that looked suspiciously like a Leo Sayer album, and a man who looked a little bit like Australian TV host Tony Barber.

Eleni's envelope had an Asian themed room, an appointment for a tournament and a one of a kind ceramic chess set. Oh, and a gardening and haircutting by the moon calendar.

All of these envelopes came from the same basic list, and I for one can't wait to see the stories we produce.

Bootcamper Data File: Nikki Logan

Welcome to our very first Data File. Where we just have quick snippet of info each month on one of our Bootcampers. 

We start this month with Ms Nikki Logan, Harlequin Romance Author. Nikki's Debut book 'Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss' has been released in the US and UK, and is available for edownload at the eharlequin site (go green!).

Next month, her book will be hitting the Australian and New Zealand Shelves.















Name: Nikki Logan

Writes: Harlequin Romance/Sweet/Tender

Current mood: sleepy after staying up late watching winter Olympics

Reading: JR Ward's 'Covet' and Denise Rossetti's 'Thief of Light'


Inspiration: nature, the world around us


Web hang outs:
nikkilogan.com.au ; LoveCats Downunder Blog


Twitter name: @ReadNikkiLogan

Favourite food when writing: anything salty...it's terrible!!

Music listening to: ClassicFM (no ads, relaxing music, get to work unstressed)

Join us next month for another Data File. 

Photo evidence of Rachel's book on Aussie shelves

I went to my local Target today & saw Rachel's book on the shelves. Now this first photo is a little bit of rearranging but on the top shelf, where the Desire titles were.

The next one is of some copies being moved to another shelf for easier access. Hey, I'm short, so I'm sure other people would appreciate it. Consider it a Bootcamper Customer Service.

Oh they look so good.

So Bootcampers around the country (& I'm sure other RWAus members) are going around the country buying Rachel's book AND rearranging shelves. 

Can't wait until next month where Nikki's debut book hits the shelves AND Rachel's second book is out. Stay tuned.....

Rachel hits the Aussie shelves....

Apparently Rachel's debut book has already hit the shelves here in Australia. Woohoo!!!

At the moment, I don't have photographic evidence, but soon I shall. The below is the Australian/NZ cover.

And Rachel is over the Harlequin Romance Authors blog talking about home. Drop by and say hi.

The Pink Camouflage Cap

Anyone who's seen photos of the 2009 Romance Writers of Australia conference will have seen the Bootcampers proudly wearing their khaki caps at the Annual General Meeting. It was a fun afternoon and I think of that day every time I wear my cap.

The other day I went out running, wearing the bootcamper cap. When I say running, this is probably an exageration. In reality I was shuffling along with a painful-looking movement much like that used by gumboot wearing Ultra-Marathoner Cliff Young in the 1980's.

A fit looking young woman dashed past going the other way. I noticed her stride, the effortless ease with which she was pounding the pavement, how nice her running gear looked. And then I noticed her cap.

An exact replica of mine, except for the colour. Hers was pink camouflage fabric. "Oooh, nice," I thought as I hit the brakes and wheeled around for another look. "Very nice," I thought. "I should ask her where it came from."

I tried. Really I did. But my legs, twenty years older than hers, just weren't up to the task of chasing her down. She'd taken off, her cap bobbing jauntily in time with her stride. Last I saw the fabulous pink camo cap, it disappeared over the crest of the hill, with me only about a third of the way up.

I may not have found out the source of the pink camo cap, but I got an extra hill workout, and the rest of my run passed in a blur as I wondered about that cap and its owner. By the time I arrived home, I'd concocted several stories - armies made up of women wearing designer camo, career soldiers bringing home pink camo caps to their wives and girlfriends, army wives selling camo themed outfits to other army wives on EBay.

And my final thought as I kicked off my shoes and stretched: Is pink camouflage an oxymoron? Where would you wear it? Hiding out at a Barbie convention? Sabotaging a strawberry ice-cream factory? I still haven't figured it out, and the possibilities are endless.

Nikki's debut month!

How excited are we for Nikki & her debut book hitting the shelves in the US/UK bookshelves this month!!! Next month, we will see them for ourselves here in the land of Oz. Can't wait to do some shelf re-arranging (oops did I say that out loud - again! *grin*).


Congratulations Nikki & many, many sales to you! 

Nikki over at The Pink Heart Society Blog

Nikki Logan along with Jennie Adams are the authors of  


Weekend Wildcard: Go Green with Harlequin Romance Authors


at the Pink Heart Society blog. They are chatting about their February releases which are bundled together in the UK. They are exploring some of the themes in common in  Jennie's 'Australian Boss, Diamond Ring' and Nikki's 'Lights, Camera...Kiss The Boss'.


Please drop in and say hi!

Bootcampers blogging....

Just a little round of where our Bootcampers blog, other than here of course ;))

Rachel Bailey blogs at Silhouette Desire Authors blog.

Nikki Logan and Melissa James blog at the Harlequin Romance Authors blog.

Nikki & Rachel blog at the LoveCats DownUnder blog.

Eleni Konstantine (ie moia)  has her own blogs - Eleni's Taverna, and Eleni's Library.

 

Fiona Gregory's dog Gromit has her own blog called Gromit's story.

And of course our regular Bootcamper 101 Writing Drills  teamsters are Roseanne Smiles, Fiona Gregory & Eleni Konstantine.

    Fiona & Roseanne     

  Fiona & Eleni

                                                                                    


                                        

Boosting our Creativity

I love challenging my creativity and pushing the barriers of my storytelling - a legacy of a crusty old writer who tutored me in a year long short story writing course. He didn't enjoy romance, and tried his hardest to have me write different genres. And that involved throwing challenges my way. I wrote stories based on single words, occupations, feelings - anything he came up with. Each story pushed me to my limits, but looking back it was worth it.

A few of the Bootcampers who crit for each other are enjoying a creativity exercise - we're making and swapping story starter envelopes. You're given a list of items and you need to find pictures of them. These are sealed into an envelope (the style of envelope is part of the creative challenge) and then its lucky dip time - you choose someone else's envelope and off you go. We started the challenge on Friday night. By Saturday, most of us had sealed our envelopes. I was so enthused, I made up a second one to swap with my online crit partner. We swap envelopes next week, and the goal is to write a 3000 word short story within a month, then submit it for publication.

I can hardly wait to see what my lucky dip envelope holds.

Mission Report: Nikki Logan

Okay campers, while we're dancing for Tracey, here's another fantastic piece of news. Nikki's book "Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss." is the Bookclub Pick of the month for February over at Pink Heart Society. On 23rd Feb, Nikki will be discussing writing at: Pink Heart Society.
 I don't have a time yet, as soon as I do, I'll post so those of us who can get there and support our Nikki will. So exciting, and the books on shelves 1st March. Have you checked out the Australian cover? Awesome. Nikki such a brilliant time for you. Soak it all up.

Bootcampers Rock.

Mission Report: Tracey Turner

How excited am I. Two reports in two days. Just found out that Tracey has finalled in the RWA's Emerald writing comp. We are thrilled for you Tracey. I remember when you first started talking about this story. You've combined your talent with dedication and determination, and now it's a full bodied book. Well done Tracey. I'm sure, like me, your bootcamp buddies are happy dancing. Remember girls, Bootcampers Rock!

Mission Report - Annie

Yah for another bootcamper. Annie Newton, entered the NEORWA Cleveland Rocks Romance competition. She used one of her older manuscripts to have something on the boil. After all, that's what writers do. And she won it. Champion that she is. Thrilled for you, Annie. The final entry round judge was, Susan Yates from Wild Rose press. Good on you Annie. More competition wins coming your way. Remember, Bootcampers Rock.

What we are reading....Eleni

It's been awhile since I wrote about what I've been reading. I've actually started up my own blog on reading called Eleni's Library. Here I talk about some books and the reading challenges that I undertake.

You can read my wrap of my January reads including our own Nikki's Lights, Camera...Kiss The Boss here. But here's a look at these reads in visual form:

And my current reads are:

Yes I do have a range of  tastes indeed *g* But now matter how fast I read there's always more fabulous books to put on the TBR pile. And that's a good thing. Though ATM, I seem to like variety - that is reading more than one book at a time. I don't get confused with the stories as they all have their own voices. And also I have them in categories - LOL - that's the librarian in me coming out.

Author of the moment - Keri Arthur

Writing Craft book - Heart & Craft

Category book - Executive Mother-to-Be

Reward book - Sizzle, Seduce & Simmer

TBR pile book - Quest

Library book - Lover Avenged

LUNA book - Walking Dead 

My aim is to beat my 70 books read last year.  (Oh that is Harlequin Challenge word count which has books = 50K, so the shorter ones have to make up 50Ks and be considered one book.) 

I'd be interesting in seeing how I go with a normal word count and the Harlequin one. 

What are you reading at the moment?