When I was younger, I thought Valentine’s Day was a big commercial plot to trivialise love. I thought flowers and chocolates were cheesy and embarrassing gifts with no thought behind them. I was convinced it was better to show love every day in small gestures – making a cup of tea for a partner, letting … Continue reading Happy Valentine’s Day
Category: Inside Info
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
I'm sure you know the feeling, wondering where this year has gone. It's been a strange one, finding our feet in the midst of all the changes in the world that challenge our thinking. I've seen a few other authors blogging about their year and I think I need to do the same, to try … Continue reading And that was 2021
I write 'slow burn' romance, which is all about the tension between the characters before they progress to a romantic (and sexual of course) relationship. They do get there in the end, but it takes a looooong time, with lots of obstacles. https://www.instagram.com/p/CX0UF75AYs_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link My bookstack with the love scenes marked I had fun making a … Continue reading Slow Burn
Bon nadal! (or bon nadae or any of the other confusing spelling variations!) Christmas week is here and I hope you're all looking forward to a break and some time spent with people you love, doing things you love. As a Match Made in Venice is set over winter, it features Christmas and New Year's … Continue reading Christmas in Venice
Venice has held a fascination for English-speakers for centuries. Byron wrote prolifically about the city, the late nineteenth century leaders of the Arts and Crafts movement were activists for the preservation of the old city and now American tourists arrive in droves to wander the canals and fondamente of the city trapped in history. As … Continue reading Bella Venezia
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
Phew, I'm about to send off the edits for We'll Always Have Venice! Then it's on to the copy editor and proofreader and it will be with you all on 28 April 2022 (just in time for my wedding anniversary, which is lovely, considering I dedicated this one to my husband!) In other news, I … Continue reading What’s Going on
The blog tour for a Match Made in Venice is running and it's been fun hearing about everyone's trips to Venice! 'Didi and Piero are my new favourite book couple.' Review quote from @books_with_ella on Instagram As an author, I'm always too wrapped up in the characters and their feelings to gauge the market or … Continue reading Reviews Coming In!
So I absolutely ADORED an Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts, the new Italian romcom on Netflix. It's the most enjoyable thing I've watched in ages and the only problem is the necessity for season two to finish the story (because the thing is only 6 half hour episodes so far). I usually hate cliffhanger endings, … Continue reading New Obsession
Leonie Mack 