Back in Print

Good news for me today: Gill Jackson has agreed to publish my latest MS, THE BOY FROM BERLIN. I'm well pleased about this bearing in mind the state of publishing and how difficult it must be for a Company like Hale to sell their books in the marketplace. So from me it's a big thank you to Gill for having faith in me.

Best course on PACING I've ever seen

Mary Buckham knows her stuff. I'm posting this from her just in case some of you might want to fork over $30 and get sixty-five times that much in useful advice. Mary's really really good.

Charlie

March 1-25, 2011
Pacing: How To Create a Page Turning Manuscript
by Mary Buckham
$30 at www.writeruniv.com

What keeps a book intriguing enough to have fans turn the pages and not set it down? How can one author's books have you riveted and another's leave you feeling ho-hum? Ever wondered if there are key craft tips and techniques to balance fast-paced conflict, tension, suspense or mystery, action and emotion? In PACING: HOW TO CREATE A PAGE TURNING MANUSCRIPT you'll learn:

* The ingredients of a page turner
* What hooks are and how to maximize them
* The power of effective scenes: common pacing pitfalls to avoid
* The ten elements of strong pacing
* How to use subplots and secondary characters
* How to avoid a sagging middle
* What a beat is and how to use it
* Great beginnings and endings that have your readers wanting more!

Mary Buckham is co-author of BREAK INTO FICTION: 11 Steps to Building a Story That Sells and an award-winning Romantic Suspense author. She has hundreds of free-lance articles to her credit, a non-fiction book and is a former Magazine Editor. Currently she presents writing workshops online and around the country. Mary encourages you to visit her website at www.MaryBuckham.com for more information about her and her current writing projects.

Fortunate Wager shortlisted for Love Story of the Year

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I am delighted to announce that my Newmarket Regency Fortunate Wager has been shortlisted for the Love Story of the Year 2011 administered by the Romantic Novelists' Association!!

This is my second consecutive shortlisting, so it is especially pleasing. The winner will be announced at the RNA Pure Passion Awards champagne reception on March 7th.

I'm just wondering whether it's possible to drink champagne whilst keeping my fingers crossed.

1st review for Murder Fortissimo!

http://geraniumcatsbookshelf.blogspot.com/

First review for my new book. almost (almost...) makes up for the broken wrist!

Demise of books vastly overstated

BHW author Matthew Mayo sends this encouraging word about the world of books. Were worth a look.

The Ballad of Delta Rose cover image

And here it is.

I'm very pleased with the image Hale have come up with for my July release, The Ballad of Delta Rose.

It's a nice clean looking image and the aged character, mounted on his horse, looking thoughtful perfectly fits the fatalistic feel of the story.

The book is available for pre-order now and currently sitting in the top spot of Amazon's pre-order western charts. The Black Horse series are largely intended for the library trade which means short print runs and pre-ordering is really the best way to ensure your copy. Pre-order HERE - no monies will be deducted from bank accounts until the book is ready to ship in July.

My most hardboiled westerns.

The Ballad of Delta Rose to be published July 29th 2011 from Robert Hale LTD/ Black Horse Westerns

Breaking News

Yesterday my big news should have been publication day for 'Murder Fortissimo'. Instead I was in day surgery having a metal plate put in my badly broken left wrist! Other wrist weak and black fron fingers to elbow but not broken, thank goodness! Luckily am RHanded, so can sign books!

Moral is: avoid Burns Night and scottish dancing!