I’m still waiting to hear about my synopsis – doesn’t time go slowly when you’re waiting. My editor’s been in touch because I need a new contract but she hasn’t had time yet to read my ideas. And that’s all they are at this stage. I haven’t fleshed out the story. I suppose I should have been looking at it but there is always so much to catch up on when one book’s finished and the next is nothing more than an idea.
We’ve been laying down some turf , making life easier with less flower beds to weed. But we’ve also been out enjoying ourselves. One day we took the mountain railway to the top of Mount Snowdon in Wales. It was quite an adventure. It was a glorious sunny day and the views were breathtaking. We expected it to be cold but it was actually pleasantly warm – until the clouds descended. The drop in temperature was dramatic but it added another exciting dimension to the landscape. The only downside was that we hadn’t taken a camera.
On our way back down we descended into sunshine again. We really could not have picked a better day. Some people walked up, some took the railway up and walked down, and some even ran the whole way.
I'm so glad you've found my blog! This is where I share what's going in my life, and where you'll usually find the most up-to-date information on my latest releases. For more detailed information on my books, check out my backlist. And be sure to check out my contest page so you don't miss out!
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Friday, 19 September 2008
Acceptance
I’ve been waiting to tell you the good news – that my Greek book has been accepted. I guess the excitement never goes away when a book is finally approved. I’ve known for a week but I was waiting for a call from my editor with a title and publication date.
The title is THE SANTORINI MARRIAGE BARGAIN and it will be published here in the UK in July 2009.
So now to the next book. I’ve already sent in a brief synopsis but I have to play the waiting game again to see what my ed thinks about it.
Tonight we’re off to the theatre to see an Abba tribute band. We should all be tapping our feet and singing along…
The title is THE SANTORINI MARRIAGE BARGAIN and it will be published here in the UK in July 2009.
So now to the next book. I’ve already sent in a brief synopsis but I have to play the waiting game again to see what my ed thinks about it.
Tonight we’re off to the theatre to see an Abba tribute band. We should all be tapping our feet and singing along…
Friday, 12 September 2008
De-cluttering
Between books is usually the time to de-clutter my desk. Except that sometimes other things get in the way. Amongst other things I procrastinate a lot by reading lots of blogs and I came across one today that I hadn’t seen before – The Writing Playground – and I found a discussion on just this topic. It would appear that most writers have this same problem. Full of good intentions but something more enjoyable always gets in the way.
In this house we have one desk along the whole of one wall in what we call the study – which is in reality the third bedroom – and my DH and I share the working space. (He doesn’t actually use his computer while I am writing – for which I love him dearly) But you should see his half of the desk. It is always unbelievably neat and tidy, not a thing out of place. Whereas my half is cluttered with research notes, scrap paper, pens and pencils in different colours for different purposes. Bills that need to be paid but get put on one side for the more important job of writing. And so on and so on.
DH is tidy in every way possible – a throwback to his days in the forces I believe. His clothes are always hung up every night, his shoes tidied away. Everything is always put back in its proper place so that he knows where to find it the next time. It’s the same in the garage, in his car, in his garden shed. Need I go on?
I'd lvoe to know if anyone else has a husband like this?
In this house we have one desk along the whole of one wall in what we call the study – which is in reality the third bedroom – and my DH and I share the working space. (He doesn’t actually use his computer while I am writing – for which I love him dearly) But you should see his half of the desk. It is always unbelievably neat and tidy, not a thing out of place. Whereas my half is cluttered with research notes, scrap paper, pens and pencils in different colours for different purposes. Bills that need to be paid but get put on one side for the more important job of writing. And so on and so on.
DH is tidy in every way possible – a throwback to his days in the forces I believe. His clothes are always hung up every night, his shoes tidied away. Everything is always put back in its proper place so that he knows where to find it the next time. It’s the same in the garage, in his car, in his garden shed. Need I go on?
I'd lvoe to know if anyone else has a husband like this?
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Revisions and Reviews
The revisions are finished and are now with my editor. Molly’s name has been changed to Rhianne and I feel happier with this. So all I have to do now is sit back and wait. I’m feeling quietly confident but you never know…
Meanwhile The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain is now on the bookshelves in the UK – or it should be! My local W.H.Smith still has the August books on their shelves. I was going to have a word with them – which I have done in the past as they’re always notoriously slow – but then I thought, if August is having a few extra days shelf life then perhaps the September releases will as well. So for the moment I’m saying nothing. I’ll simply keep my eye on them.
Julie B. from Cataromance has written a wonderful review about this book and I’m so thrilled that I’m copying it here:
Review: The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain by Margaret Mayo
Cade Dupont has never forgiven Simone Maxwell for cheating him out of his inheritance and he vowed to one day get revenge on the woman who had stolen his heart and then crushed it under her designer stiletto heel. And the day that he has been waiting for has finally arrived…
Simone Maxwell used to have the world at her feet: she was rich, beautiful, intelligent and the darling of the Australian social scene. But with her father gambling and drinking away what little money the family have left, her mother in a nursing home and the family business in ruins, Simone’s life is in constant chaos. However, Simone is no pushover and she’s determined to keep on fighting to ensure that the family business rises like a phoenix out of the ashes and triumphs once again. Unfortunately for Simone, nobody seems willing to take a chance on the business and invest some much needed capital into the family firm - until Cade Dupont comes back into her life with a shocking proposition which she is in no position to refuse: he’ll invest in the business only if she agrees to be his mistress!
Cade was Simone’s first love and the only man she’s ever allowed to get close to her. She’s never managed to forget the steamy summer they spent together - nor has she forgotten his devastating betrayal when he accused her of being the one who had swindled him out of his legacy. Time might have passed since the two met, but the flame of desire still sizzles between them and when Cade informs Simone that the only way she can save her company is by sleeping with him, she accepts, very much aware of the fact that she’s still attracted to this ruthless man who is holding her future in the palm of his hand!
In his bed, Simone realizes that she’s still passionately in love with Cade and the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes that the man she fell in love with years ago, still lurks beneath the arrogant, autocratic and sophisticated exterior. But can they ever have a relationship when they do not trust one another? Or will passion finally lead Cade to realize that the only man he can be happy, is by having Simone by his side as his wife?
Margaret Mayo is a terrific writer of romantic fiction who sprinkles her stories with red-hot passion, heart-tugging emotion, steamy erotic tension and dramatic sexual chemistry. In her latest release, The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain, she sweeps her readers off to the glamorous and exotic location of The Whitsundays, and makes them fall head over heels in love with her gorgeous Alpha hero, Cade, and her sassy, independent and feisty heroine, Simone.
A beguiling tale of business, power, pride and passion, The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain is another triumph for a wonderful novelist whose books never fail to entertain, enthrall and delight.
Meanwhile The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain is now on the bookshelves in the UK – or it should be! My local W.H.Smith still has the August books on their shelves. I was going to have a word with them – which I have done in the past as they’re always notoriously slow – but then I thought, if August is having a few extra days shelf life then perhaps the September releases will as well. So for the moment I’m saying nothing. I’ll simply keep my eye on them.
Julie B. from Cataromance has written a wonderful review about this book and I’m so thrilled that I’m copying it here:
Review: The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain by Margaret Mayo
Cade Dupont has never forgiven Simone Maxwell for cheating him out of his inheritance and he vowed to one day get revenge on the woman who had stolen his heart and then crushed it under her designer stiletto heel. And the day that he has been waiting for has finally arrived…
Simone Maxwell used to have the world at her feet: she was rich, beautiful, intelligent and the darling of the Australian social scene. But with her father gambling and drinking away what little money the family have left, her mother in a nursing home and the family business in ruins, Simone’s life is in constant chaos. However, Simone is no pushover and she’s determined to keep on fighting to ensure that the family business rises like a phoenix out of the ashes and triumphs once again. Unfortunately for Simone, nobody seems willing to take a chance on the business and invest some much needed capital into the family firm - until Cade Dupont comes back into her life with a shocking proposition which she is in no position to refuse: he’ll invest in the business only if she agrees to be his mistress!
Cade was Simone’s first love and the only man she’s ever allowed to get close to her. She’s never managed to forget the steamy summer they spent together - nor has she forgotten his devastating betrayal when he accused her of being the one who had swindled him out of his legacy. Time might have passed since the two met, but the flame of desire still sizzles between them and when Cade informs Simone that the only way she can save her company is by sleeping with him, she accepts, very much aware of the fact that she’s still attracted to this ruthless man who is holding her future in the palm of his hand!
In his bed, Simone realizes that she’s still passionately in love with Cade and the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes that the man she fell in love with years ago, still lurks beneath the arrogant, autocratic and sophisticated exterior. But can they ever have a relationship when they do not trust one another? Or will passion finally lead Cade to realize that the only man he can be happy, is by having Simone by his side as his wife?
Margaret Mayo is a terrific writer of romantic fiction who sprinkles her stories with red-hot passion, heart-tugging emotion, steamy erotic tension and dramatic sexual chemistry. In her latest release, The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain, she sweeps her readers off to the glamorous and exotic location of The Whitsundays, and makes them fall head over heels in love with her gorgeous Alpha hero, Cade, and her sassy, independent and feisty heroine, Simone.
A beguiling tale of business, power, pride and passion, The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain is another triumph for a wonderful novelist whose books never fail to entertain, enthrall and delight.
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Revisions
My editor has got back to me regarding Molly & Zarek’s story and she says that Molly gave in too easily when Zarek suggested a marriage of convenience – so Molly’s returned home and begged me to change her story a little. While I’m at it I’m going to change her name. I’ve dithered so long over this one that I’m going to take the opportunity to finally change it. I feel that by refocussing, almost giving her a new persona, that it will help strengthen the story. I'd actually been working on an idea for a new book - but that's now being put to one side while I sort Molly & Zarek out.
Also - My July/August competition has now closed. If you remember I asked which location was your favourite. Interestingly Italy came out top. To my surprise almost everyone said Italy. My DH has picked a winner - and it is - Karen Davies.
Karen, many congratulations, and if you email me your address a copy of THE BILLIONAIRE'S BLACKMAIL BARGAIN will be in the post to you.
Saturday, 30 August 2008
Holiday disaster
We had a lovely holiday in the Canary Islands with our grandson – perfect weather – perfect location – until two days before we were due to come home when our apartment was broken in to.
It’s not nice when you come back after a meal and a pleasant walk and discover that all your cupboards and drawers have been turned over. Our real valuables – like passports and money – were in a safe, but whoever broke in took a camera – with all our wonderful holidays snaps which we were going to put on DVD for our grandson to show his mum and dad – a mobile phone, a watch, sunglasses, and an e-reader (which always goes on holiday with us, it saves carrying so many books around)
It was a disappointing end to the holiday and has caused no end of a nuisance. Nevertheless it was an experience that might find its way into a book one day. Heroine’s place is broken in to, hero to the rescue, sort of thing.
It’s not nice when you come back after a meal and a pleasant walk and discover that all your cupboards and drawers have been turned over. Our real valuables – like passports and money – were in a safe, but whoever broke in took a camera – with all our wonderful holidays snaps which we were going to put on DVD for our grandson to show his mum and dad – a mobile phone, a watch, sunglasses, and an e-reader (which always goes on holiday with us, it saves carrying so many books around)
It was a disappointing end to the holiday and has caused no end of a nuisance. Nevertheless it was an experience that might find its way into a book one day. Heroine’s place is broken in to, hero to the rescue, sort of thing.
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Blog on i-heart presents
We managed to get away on a last minute holiday with our grandson – what an event that was – more tomorrow.
Meanwhile I’m blogging over on I-heart presents today about how I came up with the idea for The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain which – dare I repeat it? is on sale in the UK in September. So if you’d care to pop over and take a look…
Meanwhile I’m blogging over on I-heart presents today about how I came up with the idea for The Billionaire’s Blackmail Bargain which – dare I repeat it? is on sale in the UK in September. So if you’d care to pop over and take a look…
Monday, 11 August 2008
Names
I’m still feeling empty with Zarek and Molly gone. I finally decided to keep the name Molly – by the time I’d finished writing her story she became Molly. So all that angst was for nothing. Thank you again to everyone who commented on the name.
We’re having our exuberant twelve year old grandson for the rest of his school holidays so we’ll be here, there and everywhere and I probably won’t have the time or the energy for blogging.
And hopefully by the time he goes back to school my editor will have read my book.
We’re having our exuberant twelve year old grandson for the rest of his school holidays so we’ll be here, there and everywhere and I probably won’t have the time or the energy for blogging.
And hopefully by the time he goes back to school my editor will have read my book.
Friday, 8 August 2008
It's gone!
Molly & Zarek’s story has made its way to my editor. Hurrah! Now all I have to do is sit back and wait!
I love the feeling when a book is finished, it’s almost as exciting as starting one. What will my editor think? Will she love it or hate it? Will I have many revisions? How long will it take for her to read it?
On the other hand I feel empty. I like sitting at my desk. I like creating stories. I much prefer it to housework! But there are jobs to be done that I’ve neglected. My study to tidy for one thing. I seem to gather so much research stuff when I’m writing, far more than I ever use.
Is everyone the same?
I love the feeling when a book is finished, it’s almost as exciting as starting one. What will my editor think? Will she love it or hate it? Will I have many revisions? How long will it take for her to read it?
On the other hand I feel empty. I like sitting at my desk. I like creating stories. I much prefer it to housework! But there are jobs to be done that I’ve neglected. My study to tidy for one thing. I seem to gather so much research stuff when I’m writing, far more than I ever use.
Is everyone the same?
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
September book
My September book THE BILLIONAIRE’S BLACKMAIL BARGAIN is available from the Mills and Boon website now – a whole month before it hits the shops!
It’s Cade and Simone’s story, set in a stunning location in Australia’s Whitsundays. Simone was unknowingly instrumental in Cade losing his inheritance – and now he’s back in her life and intent on revenge!
Don’t you just love revenge stories?
If you fancy your chances of winning a signed copy of this book then why not enter the contest currently running on my website? All you have to do is email me and let me know your favourite setting for a Modern/Presents/Sexy story. It might be a major city, an island, a country – the choice is yours. The winner will be picked at random at the end of August so you still have plenty of time.
Incidentally one country is already an out and out winner. I’m not saying which it is yet because it could easily be overtaken – I’ll let you know when the contest closes.
It’s Cade and Simone’s story, set in a stunning location in Australia’s Whitsundays. Simone was unknowingly instrumental in Cade losing his inheritance – and now he’s back in her life and intent on revenge!
Don’t you just love revenge stories?
If you fancy your chances of winning a signed copy of this book then why not enter the contest currently running on my website? All you have to do is email me and let me know your favourite setting for a Modern/Presents/Sexy story. It might be a major city, an island, a country – the choice is yours. The winner will be picked at random at the end of August so you still have plenty of time.
Incidentally one country is already an out and out winner. I’m not saying which it is yet because it could easily be overtaken – I’ll let you know when the contest closes.
Friday, 1 August 2008
Greek book
Fifty two thousand words and finished – the first draft that is.
I’ve added and taken away in various places from notes I’d already made, but I’ve deliberately not read the whole book through. I want to do that with a fresh eye. So I shall leave it until after the weekend. Probably Tuesday as I’m having my hair done on Monday.
It’s taken me three months to write this book so a lot of what I’ve written I haven’t seen for a long time. I’m actually really looking forward to reading it. All I hope is that I don’t come across any nasty surprises.
I’ve added and taken away in various places from notes I’d already made, but I’ve deliberately not read the whole book through. I want to do that with a fresh eye. So I shall leave it until after the weekend. Probably Tuesday as I’m having my hair done on Monday.
It’s taken me three months to write this book so a lot of what I’ve written I haven’t seen for a long time. I’m actually really looking forward to reading it. All I hope is that I don’t come across any nasty surprises.
The above photos are of Zarek when Molly met him, and then with his hair cut short for the wedding.
(Will someone please tell me how I can put the photos in the places that I want them?)
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Summer
We went down to the south coast this weekend to visit my son and daughter in law. And as we haven’t had much of a summer this year we couldn’t have picked a better time – the weather was scorchingly hot. We enjoyed a boat ride around Poole harbour – which is the second largest natural harbour in the world – and admired the yachts in their moorings. One of the biggest boat builders is situated there and I stood for long moments admiring their craft – imagining my hero owning one of them.
Actually in my book THE BILLIONAIRE’S BLACKMAIL BARGAIN, Cade is a boat builder and I did use this company’s website – amongst others – to get some ideas.
I was back at my desk today working on my final chapter – which always holds mixed blessings. Relief that I’ve almost finished, but something of a headache as well because I need to make sure that I have tied up all the ends. I already have a list of amendments – things that have occurred to me as the story progressed but I didn’t wish to lose my momentum by going back and adding them. This is somewhat unusual for me because I usually try to correct as I go along. It will be interesting to see how it works out.
Actually in my book THE BILLIONAIRE’S BLACKMAIL BARGAIN, Cade is a boat builder and I did use this company’s website – amongst others – to get some ideas.
I was back at my desk today working on my final chapter – which always holds mixed blessings. Relief that I’ve almost finished, but something of a headache as well because I need to make sure that I have tied up all the ends. I already have a list of amendments – things that have occurred to me as the story progressed but I didn’t wish to lose my momentum by going back and adding them. This is somewhat unusual for me because I usually try to correct as I go along. It will be interesting to see how it works out.
Monday, 21 July 2008
Digital books
I was excited to receive an email from DailyLit over the weekend – a digital publisher who emails entire books in short daily instalments - telling me that they are featuring my following three books in their list:
Bedded at his Convenience
Her Husband’s Christmas Bargain
The Rich Man’s Reluctant Mistress
These are part of a growing romance collection that DailyLit hope will help give lovers of romance a place to connect on the web. Even if you’re not into romance it’s worth taking a look at their website as they publish in many different genres.
They also let you read the first two instalments for free – so why not take a look?
Bedded at his Convenience
Her Husband’s Christmas Bargain
The Rich Man’s Reluctant Mistress
These are part of a growing romance collection that DailyLit hope will help give lovers of romance a place to connect on the web. Even if you’re not into romance it’s worth taking a look at their website as they publish in many different genres.
They also let you read the first two instalments for free – so why not take a look?
Friday, 18 July 2008
Cataromance interview
I’ve been interviewed by Cataromance so why don’t you pop over and find out how I actually became a writer and what my working day is like?
Three pieces of good news today. My lounge is back in order. Zarek and Molly have finally made it into bed. And I have my car back. Guess which one I’m most excited about? Zarek and Molly? Wrong! Getting my car back.
It was on May 28th that someone ran into the back of me and I’ve been waiting all this time to have it repaired. The cost to my insurers was just over £3000 and the guy who caused the accident hasn’t even had the decency to answer any letters from them. Thank goodness it’s their problem and not mine.
Happy motoring!
Three pieces of good news today. My lounge is back in order. Zarek and Molly have finally made it into bed. And I have my car back. Guess which one I’m most excited about? Zarek and Molly? Wrong! Getting my car back.
It was on May 28th that someone ran into the back of me and I’ve been waiting all this time to have it repaired. The cost to my insurers was just over £3000 and the guy who caused the accident hasn’t even had the decency to answer any letters from them. Thank goodness it’s their problem and not mine.
Happy motoring!
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