HERE IT IS! The cover for Searching for a Silver Lining!

I have been impatiently waiting to share the cover of my new book, Searching for a Silver Lining, with you... And finally, I can reveal it!

Drumroll, please... Ta-daaah!

I adore it - and I hope you do, too. All the silver grey you see in the picture above will be gorgeous, sparkly silver foil - including the tiny stars. I can't wait to share my eighth novel with you! It will be published on 20th October 2016 and we're planning all kinds of exciting things around the time of the launch, so keep watching my website, twitter and Facebook for all the details.

You can pre-order Searching for a Silver Lining NOW in both paperback and ebook editions. Woo-hoo! xx

Miranda Writes 29 - Overcoming The Fear...

All this year, I am keeping a video diary about writing and publishing my sixth novel, I'll Take New York. This week, I have another #getinvolved challenge for Book Seven and talk about facing The Fear as a writer...

I'm getting back to work after a few wonderful months of new-mum-hood and this week have been checking the page proofs for I'll Take New York - which has been lovely and scary in equal measure. It made me think about The Fear - a phenomenon known only too well to writers. How do you keep writing when the doubts creep in? When the inspiration won't come and you're staring at a blank page? In this week's vlog, I talk about how I tackle The Fear.

Talking of finding inspiration, have YOU booked your ticket for one of my WriteFoxy! Writers' Inspiration Days in November and February yet? They're going fast for both dates, so don't miss your chance to be inspired, fired up and have your love of writing rekindled by an amazing line-up of speakers. All the details are HERE...

So, here's this week's vlog - enjoy!

p.s. This week's YouTube-nominated freeze-frame is entitled, 'Si-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ing!'

Miranda Writes 25 - an EXCLUSIVE extract from I'll Take New York

All this year, I am keeping a video diary about writing and publishing my sixth novel, I'll Take New York. This week, I have a bit of a treat for you - an exclusive extract from the book!

I've been promising to share a sneaky snippet of Bea and Jake's story with you for some time, so I thought it was about time I did it! Below is just a snippet – but watch the vlog to see much more:

…For as long as she could remember, Bea had dreamed of one day owning her own bookstore.

She had loved books all her life. Real books, not electronic ones. Books you could carry in your bag and read on the subway. Books you could pretend to read in neighbourhood coffee shops while people-watching. Books you could snuggle up with and lose yourself in. Books you could fill your apartment with – packed onto shelves, propping up tables and piled up reassuringly by the side of your bed. If she left home without a book, Bea felt naked, bereft. But then, working in a bookshop meant there were always new friends to make and take home.

  Friends who never let her down. Friends she could trust…

I also answer your questions on my favourite characters and whether I have more stories to tell about them after my books are published. Plus, find out which of my characters will be returning in I'll Take New York - here's a clue: one of them comes from another of my novels...

Let me know what you think - I'd love to know if the extract I read in the vlog whets your appetite for more! Or ask me a question for next week... Leave a comment below, tweet me @wurdsmyth or email me at mirandawurdy@gmail.com.

Enjoy!

Writer Spotlight - Rosie Blake

On Coffee and Roses I like to bring you news of exciting authors who are either waiting to be published or published and worth checking out.

This week, I'm delighted to welcome the gorgeous ROSIE BLAKE into the Coffee and Roses Writer Spotlight...

When did you first decide that you wanted to write?

Quite late - I had spent my teenage years always wanting to work in television and it was only in between TV jobs in my early twenties that I realised I really loved writing. I had always written diaries and long rambling emails but then I started a novel, finished a novel, wrote short stories, read books about writing, started another novel and suddenly I realised it was years later and it had completely taken over. Now I don't work in TV but I do write.

What interests you as a writer?

People, people, people. For me a book is only a good book when you invest in the characters. I read widely and enjoy a huge range of books so be it a Lee Child or a Jilly Cooper I just need to care about the characters.

Do you have a typical writing day? If not, when is the best time to write for you?

I still work around writing so no day is the same. At weekends and on days off I write best in the morning so now tend to do research* in the afternoons. I love to write a first draft under pressure so tend to want to race people too.

*google random stuff about Mysterious Pirate Gold/Beauty Pageant Fails/Dangerous Pets

Which authors inspire you and why?

A number of authors got me into writing: Jilly Cooper, Helen Fielding, Danny Wallace, William Sutcliffe, Enid Blyton etc, but there are now a lot of writers I know (mostly through social media and author events) that are living, breathing inspiration and their energy and enthusiasm rubs off on you (for me: Kirsty Greenwood, Mel Sherratt and Rowan Coleman, to name a few). I find the supportive nature of a lot of writers very inspiring. It doesn't feel in anyway like a closed shop.

Tell me about your latest book.

My latest book is my debut novel, How to Get a (Love) Life, which is a story about Nicola Brown – a rather controlling, uptight young woman. After a bet with a colleague she has to go on a search to find love by February 14th. A lot of hideous dates follow, a lot of men pass through and throughout it all Nicola learns a little more about herself. Fave bits: Lewis the idiot rapper, her bat-obsessed brother Mark's take on it all and, of course, the sea kayaking in November. It's a bright, funny read for those who love a good rom-com.

What are the best things about being a writer?

Making up worlds, new characters, exploring settings and writing about places you visit and love. Disappearing into a fantasy of your creation and, of course, seeing the lovely words all finished as part of a book that others will share with you. Wow.

Oh and the regular tea. And cake. And the pretending everything nice is "research for the book".

And the worst?

That dreadful stage, for me normally around 40k words, where you want to stop, throw what you are writing out of the window and say, "It is hopeless, I am hopeless, where is it going, how will it end, will anyone read it, why don't I make jewellery for a living instead?” etc, etc.

What are you working on now?

I am writing Book 2 and currently loving it (which is worrying as I am about to hit 40k...). It is about a girl who marries a boy, aged 8, in the playground at school. 20 years later her life has not panned out AT ALL as she planned and she becomes convinced it would have been fine if she had stayed married to Andrew Parker. So she decides to track him down. The trouble is he is on the other side of the world... CUE FUN and LOADS of monkeys.

Do you have a dream project you would love to write?

I've actually started work on the dream project. It involves writing with one of my best friends so it promises to be so much fun. More on that another time as I don't want to put pressure on him *stares at him meaningfully over this blog post, plays 'Under Pressure'*...

What are your top three tips for aspiring writers?

1) Get the first draft done and don't worry about the word count. THEN take a look at the main story. Pull out the themes, develop some of your fave characters, throw in a sub-plot. Don't be tempted to edit as you go along or you'll start fretting.

2) Work somewhere lovely. I am starting to realise that a desk looking out on a garden makes all the difference. Or is there a lovely café that you live near? Find somewhere you really WANT to work.

3) Don't force it. I know I achieve little when I am begging the words to come. Go for a walk or take a bath. Have a think about your book but don't write anything down. It's amazing what will happen.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Thanks so much for having me on Coffee and Roses - it's been fantastic! xx

Thanks so much to Rosie for braving the Coffee and Roses Writer Spotlight! You'll love her book - How to get a (Love) Life is a funny, fast-paced rom-com that I loved! Follow Rosie @RosieBBooks on Twitter, visit her on Facebook and check out her website.

Writer Spotlight - Cathy Bramley

On Coffee and Roses I like to bring you news of exciting authors who are either waiting to be published or published and worth checking out.

This week, I'm delighted to welcome the wonderful CATHY BRAMLEY into the Coffee and Roses Writer Spotlight.

When did you first decide that you wanted to write?
Last year. Most authors say that they’ve been writing stories since they were a child, but not me, which is a bit embarrassing. I’ve always been a huge fan of reading though – can’t go to sleep without reading a few pages. But last year, I was casting about for a new challenge: I always like to have a bit of a project on the go. We had not long moved into our new house that we’d self-built and I hit on the idea of writing a novel with a property theme. I attended a few courses, read up about it and decided to give it a go. Now I am totally hooked and cannot imagine not writing!

What interests you as a writer?
Two things immediately spring to mind:
Language
I love words. Sometimes I can roll a word round in my head for days, waiting for an opportunity to use it! It saddens me that I can’t get ‘onomatopoeia’ into more sentences – such a waste of a good word.
Humour
You can’t beat a good laugh. I love a bit of visual humour. Stick me in front of an episode of ‘You’ve Been Framed’ with a cup of coffee and a chocolate biscuit and I’m as happy as Larry. Except when people hurt themselves. I’m not so keen on that. My friend’s daughter once slipped on a banana skin right in front of me; it was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.

Do you have a typical writing day? If not, when is the best time to write for you?
I was talking to my vet about this. He reckons that first thing in the morning before he has answered emails or checked Twitter or Facebook is his ‘Crystal Time’. I love this idea. I’m not sure that my brain is ever particularly crystal clear, but I can certainly concentrate more in the mornings.

My writing schedule starts in the evening. I consult my hi-tech spreadsheet to see what scene or chapter is coming up next and roughly plot it out with a few scribbled notes. Next morning, once I’ve located the notes, (I’m a terror for writing things on random scraps of paper) I write the scene and try not to keep getting distracted by Twitter alerts or by checking the Amazon ranking for Conditional Love! I write until I have to pick my daughters up from school.

What inspires you as a writer?
What inspires me most to write are the funny things people say to each other. Particularly off-the-cuff, unrehearsed remarks. I store them up like a squirrel burying nuts for the winter and then I unearth them and drop them into my story like nuggets of treasure. I’ve got a friend who has come up with some corkers over the years. I intend to plunder a few of his best bits in my next book.

For my own writing journey, I’m inspired by other writers’ success stories, particularly those who have self-published their novels with the intention of attracting the attention of an agent and publisher, lovely ladies like Kirsty Greenwood, Rachael Lucas and Annabell Scott. Following in their footsteps is my number one goal for 2014.

What are the best things about being a writer?
LOADS! So here are my top three:
1. I get to read fantastic books and call it ‘research’!
2. Receiving emails, tweets and messages from complete strangers, telling me how much they enjoyed Conditional Love. That makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
3. Writing. Writing simply makes me so happy, I’ve had a varied and exciting career, but I don’t think I’ve ever been as happy as I am now.

And the worst?
The worst bit is about forty thousand words in when I look back at what I’ve written and decide it’s completely pants! None of the jokes are funny, the plot has gone off at a tangent and ever writing the words ‘The End’ seems highly unlikely.

Tell me about Conditional Love: what inspired the story?
My initial idea was to write a book with a property theme. I’ve always had a passion for property and love moving house. I grew up in Kings Heath in Birmingham (on the same road as Samantha Brick – the woman who claims that women don’t like her because she is too beautiful!) My parents have had three houses on that road, people used to sit at their front window and watch our belongings being wheeled past on a trailer on a regular basis. We were the main source of entertainment before X-Factor.

But as I got further along with the novel, I realised that the book was also about different kinds of love: for friends, family and lovers and that the love that we long for isn’t always the one that’s right for us… (cue dramatic drums!)

What was it like to see your published novel for the first time?
I squealed and leapt about from foot to foot, then I did that American thing of circling your arms like you're stirring a big pan of porridge, shouting, ‘Go Cathy, go Cathy!’ Which would have been absolutely fine, had I not insisted that the UPS delivery man wait while I opened the box of books so that I could share the moment with him!

What would be your top three tips for unpublished writers?
1. Don’t wait for the right time, the right desk or the right fancy notebook, just get on with it. Turn the telly off and write!
2. When you think your manuscript is ready (and I speak from painful experience here) it probably isn’t. Invest in a critique, even if it’s only on the first chapter. An expert will be able to tell straight away if your novel is ready to face the world.
3. Believe in yourself. Don’t dream about becoming a published author, make a plan and do it!

Do you have a dream project you'd love to write?
I wrote Conditional Love as a one-off, sorted everyone’s lives out and mentally said goodbye to all the characters. However, I have had so many people asking me what happens next to Sophie, that I’m thinking that I’d love to write a sequel. Fingers crossed!

Anything else you’d like to say?
Just a MASSIVE thank you to you, Miranda for inviting me onto your blog and to everyone else in booky world who has helped and supported me this year. It has made the world of difference to me.

Thanks to Cathy for a fab interview! You can find out more about Cathy at her website, follow her on Twitter @CathyBramley and on Facebook. Conditional Love is available from Amazon in e-book and paperback formats. It's a witty, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a protagonist you'll love and I highly recommend it!

Miranda Writes 5: Advice for aspiring authors and a big trip!

All this year I will be documenting the writing, editing and publishing of my fifth novel, giving you a unique, behind-the-scenes look at my life as a writer. This week, I announce the third of your suggestions for Book 5! Which piece of VINTAGE CLOTHING will Nell be buying from a store in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district and who will be mentioned in my acknowledgements for suggesting it? Plus, I give my top tips for aspiring authors and tell you where I'm off to very soon...

Well, it's been a bit of crazy week writing-wise, but Book 5 is coming together well. I've been writing more about Annie's neighbourhood diner, where quite a few scenes will be set and some fab supporting cast characters have appeared, each with their own stories. Like Marty and Frankie who dole out their wisdom over enormous pancake stacks, and a pair of star-crossed lovers who don't even realise their stars are anywhere near each other! There's also a a bit of a mystery that intrigues Nell - but when she solves it she's in for So much more than she bargains for...

In this week's vlog I'm also talking about my advice for aspiring authors, sharing how I came to be a published author and my top tips for getting the most out of your writing. I'll even give you a bit of sneaky info on my Writing Inspiration Course that I'll be launching in May this year!

So, ready to discover if your piece of vintage clothing has made it into the book? OK lovelies, sit back, relax and enjoy!

p.s. This week's You-Tube nominated freeze-frame is entitled, 'Half-asleep'...

I have an ITALIAN book trailer!

Just found this - and over the moon with it!

Inizio tutto con un bacio, the Italian version of It Started With a Kiss came out in Italy a few weeks ago. The cover is fabulous - see below - but today I discovered my Italian Publishers Newton Compton have put together a book trailer for it, too!



Here's the cover:



Chuffed with that!

Miranda Writes 4 - What's this about a diner...?

All this year I will be documenting the writing, editing and publishing of my fifth novel, giving you a unique, behind-the-scenes look at my life as a writer. This week, the second of your suggestions is announced for Book 5! Who has suggested the RANDOM QUIRKY OBJECT that will be appearing in Book 5 (along with their name in the acknowledgements)? And what's so special about the diner I've just written...?

Thank you so much to everybody who suggested random objects for Book 5. They were so good, I chose TWO! Both objects will appear in Nell's cousin Lizzie's apartment in San Francisco. To recap on the story so far, when Nell Sullivan discovers she's been made redundant (and the news delivered by her on-off boyfriend Aidan, who she thought she was getting back together with), she refuses to be brought down by the blow. Instead, she blows her redundancy cheque on a two-month adventure to the City of Lights - San Francisco, where her cousin Lizzie lives. Nell, who has always been one to play life safe and never take risks, begins to discover what incredible things can happen when you throw caution to the wind and see where life takes you...

Just before you watch the vlog to find out which two people will be featuring in Book 5, I'd just like to mention this daft thing I'm doing for this year's Comic Relief Red Nose Day...


YES! YOU can be mentioned in an exclusive short story I'm writing for Red Nose Day 2013! Simply SPONSOR ME HERE - any amount - and I'll mention you! It is slightly crazy because I'm going to work in everybody who sponsors me into the short story. At the moment, I'm thinking it will be a little bit like Love, Actually, where I'll dream up several stories that work together. Please consider sponsoring me - you'll be helping Comic Relief do their amazing work with people in the UK and Africa who desperately need our help. Thank you!

And so, without further ado, here's this week's vlog... Good luck, everyone!

p.s. This week's YouTube-nominated freeze-frame is entitled, 'Neeeeeeya...'

Miranda Writes 3 - Your Questions Answered!

All this year I will be documenting the writing, editing and publishing of my fifth novel, giving you a unique, behind-the-scenes look at my life as a writer. This week, I'm well into writing the new first draft of Book 5 and have started to ask for your help...

Last time I told you I was going to invite you to get involved with the new Book 5 - and this week I asked my first question:

What is the name of the San Francisco cabbie in the story?

I had fifty awesome suggestions on Twitter - so thank you so much if you sent one! I announce the winner in this week's vlog below, so fingers crossed and enjoy! There will be more chances to get involved - watch out for the #getinvolved hashtag on my twitter profile and special requests on my facebook page. And if I use your suggestion, you will get a thank you in the acknowledgements of Book 5!

Enjoy!

p.s. This week's YouTube-nominated freeze-frame is entitled, 'La-Laaaaaaaah!'
p.p.s. I also mention some fantastic writing retreats - find out about BookCamp here

When I Fall in Love 8 - P-Day nerves and new projects

This year I'm taking you behind the scenes of writing, editing and publishing my fourth novel, When I Fall in Love. This week, I have some exciting news about my book being printed and I'll tell you what I'm working on now!

It's an exciting and nerve-wracking time of the year for me - waiting for When I Fall in Love to be published and feeling apprehensive about what might happen with the book, but embarking on a brand new novel, with a whole host of characters I'm just getting to know. Work on Book 5 (which will be launched this time next year and currently doesn't have a title) is well underway and I must admit that I adore the first draft stage of writing novels. This is the time when the story can go in any direction I want it to, when my creativity can run free and when I can enjoy reading the story as it appears before me...

So, here's my short-but-sweet update - and watch out for a lot more vlogs to come as we get closer to When I Fall in Love hitting the shelves!

Enjoy!

p.s. This week's YouTube-nominated freeze frame is entitled, 'Aaaaaaammmm...'

The Perfect Treat for you - and it's free!

So, the weather is foul, they're predicting snow today - yes, snow - and already the British summer seems to have given up the ghost. It's too long to Christmas but there isn't enough of the summer holidays left. What we need is a bit of a treat to pick us all up, make our days sparkle again and bring back some of the magic we've been missing...

Well, fear not! I have exciting news that just might make you grin like a loon...

How would you like to read exclusive short stories by bestselling authors Julia Williams, Claudia Carroll and little old me, together with tales from Avon's hotly-tipped debut novelists Liz Trenow and Mhairi McFarlane? And get a sneaky peek at the first chapters of our new novels - including an exclusive first-look at the opening chapter for When I Fall in Love?

And how would you like all that for FREE?

All of this is in The Perfect Treat - a fab, free ebook from Avon (HarperCollins) that I'm so thrilled to be a part of. It's released on 17th September and you can preorder it for your Kindle right now. Click here to get yours!

My story, Love, Loss & Coffee Cake is the story of how Uncle Dudley and Auntie Mags from It Started With a Kiss got together, after so many of you said you wanted to read more about them. I hope you enjoy it!

Go on - treat yourself!

When I fall in Love - The Book Trailer!!

As promised, here is the first book trailer for my fourth novel, When I Fall in Love! It's available to pre-order right now in both ebook and paperback versions, which is very scary, but exciting, too!

Hope you like it!

p.s. The song on the trailer is my version of the wonderful Imogen Heap/Frou Frou song Let Go, which you might recognise from the soundtrack of The Holiday. It's on my album, About Time, which will be available shortly when I launch WurdyStore - my brand new online store!

Here's the book trailer... Enjoy!

When I Fall in Love - The Story and The Cast!

This year I'm taking you behind the scenes of writing, editing and publishing my fourth novel, When I Fall in Love. This week, I emerge out of my editing cave after completing the line edits to tell you about the story and share my dream cast...

I'm so chuffed to be able to say I've finished my line edit on When I Fall in Love! Sorry for the delay in making this vlog, but the edits turn me into a bit of a hermit by necessity, hence the blog silence. But I'm back now, and I have lots of exciting stuff planned for the next few weeks, including my location video that I shot when I was researching Brighton for the book and news of an amazing competition that I'll be launching, which will be of particular interest to you if you're part of a choir...

So, with the line edits completely done (I love seeing that fact actually written down!), I thought it was about time I told you what the story of When I Fall in Love is all about. Without further ado, here's this week's vlog - and then scroll down to see my characters and dream cast for the film (Mr Richard Curtis, please take note...)

Enjoy!

p.s. This week's YouTube-nominated freeze frame is entitled, 'Things That Make You Go Hmmm...'



WHEN I FALL IN LOVE - Meet The Cast!
...because obviously it's going to be made into a film, right? When I write my novels, it always helps me to have a 'dream cast' - actors who I feel embody the characteristics of my characters and give me a visual reference. Added to that, it's fun to cast for a film - which is what most authors would love to see their books becoming one day. Anyway, on to the cast:

ELSIE MAYNARD played by Carey Mulligan
Image: Stylenoted.com

Elsie is a strong, confident young woman, who is bravely stepping into a new future after facing the biggest challenge of her life, which happened eighteen months ago. She is assistant manager at retro ice cream café, Sundae & Cher, in Brighton. The youngest of three sisters, Elsie is close to her family, although her mother deserted them when Elsie was little. Consequently, the relationship Elsie has with her father, Jim, is very strong. When we meet her, she has just decided to date again, which is a big decision for her; so much so that, distracted by it, she ends up walking out of a chemists' without paying, leading to her being accused of shoplifting - and bringing her straight into the path of Torin Stewart (see below). A chance meeting with former rock star Woody Jensen (see below) leads Elsie to form a choir like no other. When Jim introduces her to his business partner's nephew, Oliver Hogarth (see below), the scene is set for fireworks in Elsie's life.

WOODY JENSEN played by Paul Kaye
Image: Magweb.com

The former frontman of Eighties' one-hit wonder rock band Hellfinger, Woody considers himself a rock'n'roll guru, believing that the universe has ordained him to start a choir. When he sees Elsie leading what becomes a flashmob in a rendition of I Will Survive at a beach café (following a dare from her sister, Daisy - see below), Woody is certain Elsie is the chosen one to help him. With a keen eye for the ladies (in particular, Elsie's boss Cher - see below) and a seriously rock'n'roll past never far away, life is never going to be dull when Woody is around!

TORIN STEWART played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Image: Poptower.com

Torin is a successful barrister, working from a practice in Brighton. He comes to Elsie's aid in the first scene when she is accused of shoplifting - but is a little too pleased with himself for his chivalrous act, leading to the first of what will be many arguments between them. Torin is a man of countless contradictions: full of wit and capable of great thoughtfulness one minute, self-assured and opinionated the next. He is seemingly everywhere Elsie goes and their personalities clash every time. Torin assumes that Elsie is a man-hating feminist, too wrapped up in her own opinions to ever consider anyone else's, while Elsie sees Torin as rude, arrogant, and all too quick to revel in her mistakes. Will it ever be possible for Torin and Elsie to be in the same room together without fighting?

OLIVER HOGARTH played by Tom Hiddleston
Image: Tumblr.com

Oliver is a talented graphic designer, with a love of the outdoors and a passion for kite-surfing. Laid-back, gorgeous and utterly charming, Olly is a character I know you will fall in love with (I have!). He is the nephew of Elsie's father's business partner, and has been designing a new website for Jim's furniture store in Brighton. When Elsie announces her decision to start dating again to her family, Jim secretly sets up a meeting between his daughter and the handsome designer. This sweetly awkward matchmaking attempt begins a deep friendship between Elsie and Olly. But will her past allow her to fall in love with him?

CHER PETTINGER played by Sarah Parish
Image: Filmous.com

Cher is the charismatic owner of Sundae & Cher retro ice cream café in Gardner Street, in North Laine, Brighton. Her café is a gorgeous hub of decadent delights - from the fantastically-flavoured ice cream she and Elsie make onsite, to the irresistible cakes and cookies they create. A lover of vintage style, Cher is known throughout North Laine for her wit and penchant for low-cut blouses! She is a great friend to Elsie and has supported her through the past eighteen months, which has further strengthened the bond between them. With a love life that is famously anything but perfect, she is fearless in her pursuit of Mr Right - but after a string of disastrous relationships could handsome older man Jake Long be the answer to her prayers?

DAISY MAYNARD played by Romola Garai
Image: GordonandTheWhale.com

Daisy is Elsie's eldest sister and her best friend. It is Daisy's dare for Elsie to sing a song at the beachfront café that leads to the fateful meeting with Woody Jensen - setting the wheels in motion for a journey that will eventually lead Elsie to confront her past. A beautiful, successful young woman, Daisy seemingly has everything in life: a fantastic job as an interior designer, a gorgeous older boyfriend, André Durand, a stunning apartment in Hove and the kind of effortless elegance that most women would die for. But with her property developer boyfriend away from home so often and the hopes for her own life she jealously guards, is Daisy really happy?


GUIN ROBERTS played by Emily Blunt
Image: BeautyEditor.ca

Guin is the middle Maynard sister and out of all three is the most like their father, Jim (see below). Married to Joe and expecting their first child, Guin runs her own pottery business in arty Shoreham-by-Sea. She is renowned in the family for her straight-talking attitude and killer sense of humour but also for her caring nature and 'Mother Hen' approach to her sisters. Like her father, Guin is a strict vegetarian, is a believer in natural childbirth and loves the bohemian lifestyle that she and husband Joe enjoy. But will her firmly-held views stand when she is faced with an emergency?

JIM MAYNARD played by Ciaran Hinds
Image: BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Jim Maynard is the kind of father every girl wants. Left to care for his three young daughters alone when his actress wife deserted them to seek her fortune in London, Jim worked hard to build a life for his family - and as a result, they are a tight family unit. Jim inherited his furniture business, Brighton Home Stores, from his father, so by day he is a well-respected Brighton businessman. But at heart, Jim will always be a life-loving hippy, fond of Indian culture and Eastern spirituality. His greatest wish is to see his daughters settled and happy, so when Elsie tells him she is thinking of dating again, he arranges a 'chance meeting' with Olly Hogarth and makes no secret of his hopes for the young man and his daughter...

What do you think? Let me know by leaving a comment below! I'm really looking forward to introducing you to these characters in When I Fall in Love... Coming soon, meet THE SUNDAES - the choir Elsie and Woody create!

When I Fall in Love - Episode 1 - It's the RONAs!

This year I'm taking you behind the scenes of writing, editing and publishing my fourth novel, When I Fall in Love. This week, I head down to London for the swanky RoNAs award ceremony - so I'm taking you with me...

It's an odd honour being nominated for an award... It's wonderful and thrilling and exciting of course, but you never really know what to expect. This was my second RNA award nomination in three years (a fact I'm incredibly proud of) but I didn't feel any more prepared this time. For one thing, I still can't quite believe my luck at being let in to a room of famous authors, yet alone being nominated alongside some of them!

Nevertheless, gold funky hat firmly placed on my head, I travelled down to London to attend the ceremony... and you'll just have to watch the vlog to see what happened!

Your questions will return next week, so feel free to ask me anything - the more questions the merrier! Let me know what you think of the vlog by popping a comment in the box underneath this post or email me at mirandawurdy@gmail.com.

Enjoy!

p.s. This week's nominated freeze frame features the brilliant crime novelist and guest speaker at the awards, Peter James, and is entitled: 'A Nice Break From The Funky-Hatted-One'!



..and, just in case you missed it (because I realise I didn't actually post this on Coffee and Roses - oops!), here's the last vlog:

It Started With a Kiss episode 25: Waiting for the edit notes...

This year I'm taking you behind the scenes of writing, editing and publishing my fourth novel, When I Fall in Love. This week, I've been thinking about other projects while I'm waiting for the edit notes to come back on the first draft, buying new funky hats (oh yes!) and answering your fab questions!

Questions this week come from Kath, Jo and Lisa and cover everything from keeping the love of writing alive to writing in different genres and my plans for my new office. Thanks so much for your fab questions - please keep them coming! You can ask me anything about writing, editing, publishing or anything else. Just leave a comment on this blog post or email me at mirandawurdy@gmail.com.

Enjoy!

p.s. This week's YouTube-nominated freeze-frame is entitled 'Funky New Hat Smirk'

Writer Spotlight: Ali Harris

On Coffee and Roses I like to bring you news of exciting authors who are either waiting to be published or published and worth checking out.

This week, I'm thrilled to shine the Coffee and Roses Writer Spotlight on the very wonderful ALI HARRIS!


When did you first decide that you wanted to write? (Was it a Damscus-esque flash or a slow burn?)

It was completely a Damascus-style epiphany! That isn’t to say I didn’t dream of writing books as a child, but I didn’t believe I could actually do it for a living until my early 20s. As well as being a bookworm as a teenager, I was also obsessed with (double geek alert!) musicals and after my A levels, I was torn between doing an English degree and Performing Arts but in the end, the high kicks beat the classics but it soon became clear I wasn’t a natural born actress. I’d only do improvisation on pain of death and I always chose to write 5,000 word essays over doing performances! Despite these (pretty major) clues that I might have chosen the wrong career path, I was still convinced it was an actor’s life for me. So when I graduated, I took a job as a waitress at a theme restaurant, and then a steakhouse in London to try and earn enough money for drama school. I basically lived Emma Morley’s restaurant experience from One Day for four whole years! Anyway, starved of any creative outlet, I started writing during the day whilst serving tables at night. Bridget Jones had just been published and when I read it – and the wave of books that quickly followed it – it was literally like hearing a West End chorus singing! I remember feeling overwhelmed by how much I related to this exciting new genre, how much it spoke to me. And it was saying, ‘maybe you could do this too’. From that moment on I was determined to be a published author one day. And it only took me… 13 years!!! (via a career as a women’s magazine journalist – it was SO worth the wait – and I adored the diversion, too).

What interests you as a writer?

Primarily, it’s people over plot, every time. Perhaps it’s due to my ‘acting’ (ahem) and my journalism background, but my characters always come first and I definitely find that my books are driven by the need to tell a character – or a collective of characters’ stories. But I am also someone who believes 100% in escapism and I’m unashamedly romantic. I love books that make me feel that life can be richer, better, more magical and more romantic than it feels on a day-to-day basis. They’re the books I choose to read, and that’s the kind of books I aim to write, too.

Do you have a typical writing day? If not, when is the best time to write for you?

I’ve got two children under 3 so nothing can ever be typical! As soon as I think I’ve got a routine cracked my baby girl will refuse to nap or my three year-old son will be sick! On Mondays and Tuesdays my writing completely revolves around them – I squeeze it in by occasionally getting up before them (which as any parent knows is as close to madness as you can get when you spend so long trying to get them to sleep through the night!) but can I emphasise this is only occasionally! I then do another couple of hours at lunchtime when my baby sleeps. Wednesdays are 100% ‘mum days’ but on Thursdays and Fridays my son is at nursery and I have a nanny for my baby girl so for two days I can devote my attention solely to my other baby….my book! On those days I aim to be at my desk, or even better, cosily ensconced in a coffee shop with no internet and no distractions by 9.30am and I write until after lunch – or until I’ve hit 4,000 words. That way I don’t feel guilty for the days when I don’t write at all. Obviously as I get closer to my deadline, all of this will go out the window and I’ll be writing through the night and handing over the kids to their grandparents to get it done on time!

Which authors inspire you and why?

Oh my goodness, so many! I am an absolute stickler for the genre that I write in. I love Marian Keyes (but who doesn’t?!) She just has this incredible ability to write exceptionally prolific tragi-comic novels unlike anyone else in the genre. In my opinion she’s ‘Chick Lit’s’ very own Shakespeare! I also love Jennifer Weiner for writing about real women, being brilliantly funny and clever and also for being such a strong defender of women writers. Then there’s Adriana Trigiani for her wonderfully evocative descriptions and Jo Jo Moyes for her sweeping, thoroughly engaging love stories. Ooh and the next two aren’t fictional authors but they have written books so I can get away with mentioning them! For being a wonderful writer/director of rom-coms and her hilarious observational musings, I love Nora Ephron. And Tina Fey is a modern day writing GODDESS (and someone that I have a massive girl crush on!)

Tell me about Miracle On Regent Street.

With pleasure! It’s a classic Cinderella story, a real cuddle-up-with-a-cashmere-blanket-and-a-hot chocolate kind of a read. I like to think it’s the kind of book that will remind you of classic old movies and those bygone days when Christmas was about magic, not money. It’s a story about a sweet, unassuming stockroom girl called Evie Taylor who works in the basement of Hardy's; a faded, forgotten old department store that has seen better days. For the past two years she's lived an invisible life in London, sorting endless boxes of old-fashioned stock by day and looking after her sister’s two young children at night. Her neighbours think she's the hired help, her self-obsessed shop floor colleagues mistake her for her stockroom predecessor and even her manager doesn't know her actual name. But despite all this she loves working at the store. So when she overhears that Hardy's is at risk of being sold unless it seriously increases its profits by December 26th – just three weeks time - she hatches a secret plan to save it. Evie and Hardy's are both looking for a Christmas miracle to turn their fortunes around, but will it take the form of the handsome American who has swept in to town and shaken things up like a snow globe?


What are the best things about being a writer?

How long have you got? Ok, here goes...
1. Fulfilling my dreams
2. Being able to justifiably live in what my husband calls ‘Ali’s world’.
3. Getting PAID for it!
4. Knowing that people are READING what I write.
5. Hearing from people who have liked what I’ve written.
6.Working in my pajamas.
7. Not having to leave my house unless I want to (all writers are natural hermits, right? Or is that just me..?)
8. Getting to lust after (fictional) men without getting in trouble with my husband (not fictional = not ok!!)
9. Reading my favourite books and rom-coms and calling it ‘research’.
10. Being able to write from anywhere in the world… but mostly choosing to do it in my house.

And the worst?

Honestly? There are no downsides. I’m so lucky to so this for a living I can’t complain about anything… oh hang on, yes I can! Writer’s bottom - Doing this job is proving disastrous for my backside!

What are you working on now?

My second book!! Gosh it feels amazing to say that! It’s called The First Last Kiss and it’s an all-encompassing love story that focuses on Molly and Ryan, a young couple in their 20s who have always seemed destined to be together until something unexpected tears them apart. The story follows the ups and downs of their relationship and each chapter of the novel is a memory triggered by a kiss. The book examines if you can ever hold on to a love that you know is slipping away from you. It is a departure from Miracle on Regent Street in the sense that isn’t necessarily the classic happy-ever-after novel that people may expect, but I hope they will love it all the same!


Do you have a dream project you would love to write?

Well, mostly books 3, 4, 5, 6, 7… ad infinitum! It’s not so much about having a specific dream project, more a dream to keep writing novels as long as I possibly can. Although having said all that, if Andrew Lloyd Webber would let me write a novel that is set backstage on one of his musicals (and give me a starring role, obvs) then that would be AMAZING! I’d need singing lessons first. And some dancing ones. And my acting is a bit shaky, but seriously, Lord Webber, you know where I am if you want me!

What are your top three tips for aspiring writers?

1. Stop treating it as an indulgence. To finish your book you have to write every day. Even when you don’t feel like it or when The X Factor is on. At the very least, set yourself a word count each day. And that includes if you already have a full time job. Even you can only manage 500 words per day by the end of one month you’ll have written 10,000 words!
2. Write from your heart. Don’t try to second-guess ‘what’s selling’ or ‘what the publishing industry wants’. If you tell the story that has spoken to you, that stops you from sleeping, wakes you up in the morning, fires your creativity and that most importantly, that YOU want to read, then and only then will you have written something to be proud of and that other people will want to read too.
3. For my last tip I’m dusting off my jazz shoes and jazz hands to join the cast of Glee in singing…. ‘Don’t Stop Belieeeevin’! Because if you believe it can happen, everyone else will eventually follow! Even if, like me, it takes 13 years! Ooh and if you want any more tips (on writing, not singing obviously) – go to my facebook.com/aliharriswriter!


Anything else you’d like to say?

Just a massive thank you to everyone who’s bought Miracle on Regent Street, is thinking about buying it, has picked up a copy of it, has bought a copy for someone else, might buy my book after reading this interview… And to you Miranda, for thinking of asking me to take part in your Writer’s Spotlight, then asking me, then having me….

Miranda?! Miranda’s blog readers? Are you still there….? *beeeep*.

Thanks so much to Ali for such a fantastic interview!

Miracle on Regent Street is a fabulous read - really warm-hearted and old-fashioned in the best sense of the word. I adored it and would highly recommend it - you should definitely check it out!

You can visit Ali's website here, catch her on Facebook and follow her on twitter.

A-mazing news!

OH. MY. GIDDY. LIFE... l've just had the most awesome news about sales for my new book, It Started With a Kiss...

Are you ready?

*tries to contain glee... fails!*

Here it is...

It Started With a Kiss has sold an amazing 6,000 copies in its first THREE DAYS!!!!!!

I am completely, utterly over the moon! Thank you so, so much for supporting the novel and for believing in my writing! I'm absolutely chuffed to ribbons (not to mention thoroughly relieved!). It's such a massive thing to put your literary baby out into the big, scary world and it doesn't get any less terrifying when there are three out there. So when I know that people are buying my book - and loving it, which has made me happier than I can express - it's the best feeling in the world!

Thank you so much for all your tweets, emails and lovely blog comments about It Started With a Kiss, too - they've really helped to quieten the pesky publication butterflies that have been pounding my stomach all week!

I will be filming a proper response to this for the next vlog, but I just wanted to share the good news with you as soon as I could. I will be walking on air for the rest of the day - thank you! xx

It Started With a Kiss 19 - stately homes and book tours!

All this year, I'm keeping a video diary of everything that goes into writing my third novel, It Started With a Kiss, due to be published on 10th November. This week, I take you to another of my favourite places - Himley Hall near Dudley - and talk about book 4 (and 5?!), author advice and book tours!

Thanks so much for your wonderful comments regarding my book trailer! I was so chuffed that you liked it - and the song, too!

So here, finally is the latest episode of my vlog. And I thought I would head out again and show you another one of my favourite places. Himley Hall is the inspiration for Hilford Hall in Welcome to My World - where Erin (a potential Juste Moi date for Alex) works. It's a really gorgeous place and the trees were just starting to turn for Autumn, my favourite time of the year, when I was filming there. Hope you like it!

As ever, please feel free to leave your comments and questions for next week in the comments section below this post. Tell me what you'd like to see next week and I'll try to include it in the next vlog episode!

Enjoy xx

p.s. This week's YouTube-nominated freeze-frame is entitled: 'When I Grow Up I Want To Be... Taller'

It Started With a Kiss week 6: Editing, covers and film deals...

All this year, I'm keeping a video diary of everything that goes into writing my third novel, It Started With a Kiss, due to be published in November. This week, I'm doing things a little differently, so there are two parts to the vlog! Part one is about the editing process that began this week and in part two I'm answering more of your fab questions.

So much has been happening this week, it was impossible to cram everything into one video (you know how much I can talk!) I'm starting the editing process, so I'll tell you about the mammoth seven-hour editorial meeting I had on Monday - and let you in on how writers really feel about edit notes from their publishers...

Thanks again for all your fabulous questions! This week, I'm answering questions from Emily and fabulous book-bloggers-extraordinaire Dot from Dot Scribbles and Leah from Chicklit Reviews. Please check out their sites if you haven't already - they're awesome.

I also have a brand new hat (yeah, baby...)

So sit back, grab a cuppa and prepare yourself for a double-bill of nattering!

p.s. I'm calling this week's YouTube-designated freeze-frame shots 'Invisible Dog' (part one) and 'Invisible Rabbit' (part two).

PART ONE


PART TWO

Writer Spotlight: Jill Mansell

Every now and again on Coffee and Roses I like to highlight published writers worth checking out and not-yet-published writers I think you'll love. This week, I'm thrilled to welcome the very lovely JILL MANSELL.

When did you first decide that you wanted to write? Was it a Damascus-esque flash or a slow-burn?

It was pretty Damascus-esque, actually! I was on the lookout for a way to make money - (yes, I KNOW!) and was keen to write a brilliant song. Sadly this wasn't on the cards, as I couldn't sing in tune or write music or play any instruments. I do get brilliant songs in my head though. I could be the next George Michael, I'm convinced of it...

Anyway, I was working in a hospital and picked up a Sunday Express magazine in the waiting room. Inside was an article about women who had transformed their lives by becoming best-selling authors. Which sounded quite nice, and I was already able to read and write, so that was a good start...

So I joined a local evening class for creative writing and had a go at M&Bs, because in the magazine article Charlotte Lamb said she could write one in a week. Obviously it took me a lot longer...

Long story short, I had seven or eight manuscripts rejected by M&B who said, very nicely, that my work contained far too much humour for them and lacked emotional depth as a result. They were right! So I set out to write the kind of book I would like to read myself, which was a JillyCooper-esque rom com minus the horses. And that book was Fast Friends...

What interests you as a writer?

Absolutely everyone and everything. My brain gets overloaded with questions all day long. If I'm on a train, I can't stop wondering about the lives of the people in the houses we're rattling past. Is everyone like that, or is it just a writerly thing? I have no idea!

Do you have a typical writing day? If not, when is the best time to write for you?

I just write during the day now, keeping school hours. But I'm quite slow and easily distracted. A thousand words a day is enough for me. Two thousand makes me feel shaky and sick.

What inspired you to write To The Moon and Back?

I wanted to write something where one of the main characters is dead, kind of like Patrick Swayze in Ghost, or Elvira in Blithe Spirit. But I couldn't suddenly write a ghost story, so Jamie isn't a ghost. He is, though, one of my all time favourite characters.

What are the best things about being a writer?

Writing in bed. Easy access to the fridge.

And the worst?

Having to get out of bed in order to get to the fridge. (I SOOOO need a butler.)

You have inspired so many romantic comedy writers - which writers inspire you?

Gosh, lots! I love to read rom-com. If someone deals with an issue in a clever way, I'll admire and take note of how they've done it. I love to read and learn from other writers and do so constantly. I can be inspired by anyone. But if we're talking about a specific writer, it would have to be Jilly Cooper. She doesn't know it, but she changed my life.

Do you have a dream project you'd love to write?

Every time I start a new book, I want it to be my best yet. I suppose that makes each one a dream project. Otherwise, it would have to be my Oscars acceptance speech...

Anything else you'd like to say?

I really hope I haven't sounded smug. I do know how incredibly lucky I've been. Never in a million years did I think my life would turn out like this, so a massive thank you to anyone who has ever bought one of my books. Also, my bear would like to say hi. He was my birthday present last year and lives in our fireplace. Here he is, in his Christmas outfit...

Huge thanks to Jill for taking the time to do this interview! Her books introduced me to rom-coms and I'm a big fan of her writing. To The Moon and Back is a fabulous book and I'm loving reading it (my treat after all the writing madness of the past couple of months!)

I'm always looking for new and emerging authors to feature in my Writer Spotlights. If you would like to be considered, or if there's a write you think I should feature, email me at: coffeeandroses@gmail.com