Let's take a minute to talk antagonists in romance. Not every romance has them and there are a few different kinds. Do you like them? Some types but not others? I'm also not talking about romantic suspense, here. I'm talking about a romance where the main story is the two characters falling in love, making … Continue reading The Agony of the Antagonist
Category: Craft
A big warm welcome to anyone visiting my blog for the first time! This is a little space where I write stuff I'm reflecting on about my characters and settings, the writing process and occasionally the publishing industry. If you've found me here, it's nice to have you! I still feel like a bit of … Continue reading Hooks and Tropes, a few years on
I should be editing book 5, which has taken a little longer to draft than I'd like, but I am interrupting that to reflect on something I've been thinking about a lot. One review today made me think more about it. We'll Always Have Venice has had the best start of all my books on … Continue reading Writing Comfort Reads
Where did January go? I have been firmly ensconced in my writing cave banging out a first draft of book 5 (while doing some copy edits for We'll Always Have Venice on the side). I want to get this one down in plenty of time to get some feedback before the April deadline and because … Continue reading Writing Cave
You may have seen a recent Twitterstorm involving the Sunday Times' 'Best Books in Every Genre' headline that excluded romance and romantic fiction. Unfortunately, I think it's only the romance readers and writers who are up in arms. I'm used to this attitude, now, which is a shame and it doesn't mean it shouldn't be … Continue reading I Heart Romance
The Books, Dreams and Prosecco festival is taking place in the Chick Lit and Prosecco facebook group this weekend! Hosted by the lovely Anita Faulkner, it's a whole lot of book joy from authors of romantic books of all sorts. My slot is 2pm on Sunday the 12th (UK time), and I'm talking about 'Creating … Continue reading Books, Dreams and Prosecco Festival
There's been a bit of chatter on Twitter among romance readers and writers about what's known as the third act break-up in romances and I thought I'd weigh in with some thoughts, as both a reader and a writer. It's an unwritten rule that romances are structured with obstacles at the beginning, the emotional development … Continue reading The ‘Crisis’ in Romance
Wow, what a crazy year this has been so far in my writing world. I'm still stunned that Italy Ever After is doing really well in the UK Kindle charts, hopefully helping lots of lovely new readers find my stories. But ultimately, that side of things is a bit of a mystery to me, and … Continue reading I did it!
I'm on Katie's blog today, talking about writing what I love. Check it out and follow Katie's blog for more about her gorgeous books. Guest Post on Katie's Blog
Wise people who are with me on my writing journey have told me on numerous occasions to trust the process. But, as with much of the writing journey, it's something that's hard to do until you've experienced the opposite. I've just finished the first draft of my third book contracted to Boldwood Books, due for … Continue reading Trust your Process
Leonie Mack 