Lizzie and Dave’s Newsletter 2023 – #2 – July to December
Thelma and Louise head for the RNA conference in Telford, Shropshire.
Adrienne and I gave a talk to other RNA members at the conference on how to become a successful indie author. It was one of the hottest summers on record and I just about melted in the heat. It was great to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. However, I was keen to return home to start work on the final edits of DARK HIGHLAND SKIES.
Before leaving for the conference I gave my study a massive clear out and came across my old New Writers’ Scheme badge. I am now a full member of the RNA but the badge served to remind me how far I’ve come since I published my first novel in 2012. At the conference I met up with fellow RNA member and dear friend Jessie Cahalin who has worked so hard on behalf of the NWS. We talk frequently over the phone but it was lovely to be be able to spend quality time together. If I’m looking a bit peely-wally (i.e. wan, as they say in Scotland) its because the extreme hear triggered a cluster of migraines. Doh.
August 2022
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Once home we celebrated Mother-in-Law Betty’s 94th birthday. Betty is a great supporter of my work and is always one of the first to read my new novel. Long may she reign. Carole Matthews crocheted Betty this fabulous blanket for her bed for her birthday.
August 11th was our 49th wedding anniversary and to celebrate we headed for Oxford and the Pre-Raphaelite Exhibition at the Ashmolean. We had afternoon tea on the roof terrace overlooking the Randolph Hotel – often featured on Morse, and from where Dave longs to be recruited for MI5. We spotted the Didcot Hoard (AD 54) of Roman coins which set Dave thinking about becoming a detectorist, again. Finally – a Scottish connection – we found a portrait of Flora MacDonald.
September 2022
We (Dave, Maisie, Joan and I) had two mini breaks during September. One, to Salt Mill to see the Hockney Exhibition, had long been on our bucket list. Sadly, while we were there HM the Queen passed away – may she rest in peace. Then to Whitby where we met up with Maggie to celebrate a BIG BIRTHDAY. Shan’t say any more or I might live to regret it. As an added bonus, I was able to meet up with Sharon Booth and Jessica Redland in Scarborough where we exchanged novels and chatted about books, publishing and all things connected. Since then Sharon has been snapped up by Storm Publishing and Jessica has a new book coming out.
October/ November 2022
I was thrilled to be shortlisted for Indie Champion a second time. I didn’t win but there’s always next year, right? I was interviewed on Radio Leicester by Ben Jackson which was great fun. What is they say about ‘a face made for radio’?
My novel had its final read through and proof read before being sent over to Sarah at Goldcrest Books. She is a fantastic publisher, easy to work with and has uploaded all my books on to Amazon. I also got in touch with my cover designer Gail Bradley and, fingers crossed, Dark Highland Skies will be available to pre-order late January 2023. It is my intention to update the covers of all my novels over the course of 2023, with Gail and Sarah’s help.
December 2022
Here are some random images from December when I managed to post off all my Christmas cards, in spite of the Royal Mail’s worst efforts. The table is set in the conservatory morning coffee and I was able to bring out my Emma Bridgewater Christmas Collection. My sister Phyllis sent me some beautiful hand made cards but, due to the postal strike, they arrived too late for 2022. I’m saving them until next year! Who knows, you might even receive one.
What does 2023 hold in store?
Well, to have Dark Highland Skies on pre-order. See cover and blurb below. All I need is the Amazon link and I’ll share that with you as soon as I have it. I hope you’ll fall in love with my hero Tor and root for my heroine, Halley, as I did when writing it. August 2023 will see us celebrating our Golden Wedding anniversary. We hope to spend it caravanning in Scotland and, on the actual date (August 11th), stay at the Fife Arms in Braemar.
If you can’t wait for my new novel to be published, or if you haven’t read any of my previous novels, click on this QR Code which will take you straight to my Amazon page.
Lizzie and Dave’s Newsletter 2023- take #1 – January- June 2022
Happy New Year and Welcome to 2023 – I wonder what the year has in store !
First of all, let me apologise for not blogging for quite some time. Life and writing novel #7 got in the way but I’m now on top of thing (famous last words). So, I would like to bring you up to date on everything (well, almost) that we did last year. So, grab a cup of coffee, kick back and enjoy. Although this is primarily MY BLOG, I wouldn’t have accomplished half of what I have without the love and support of my husband Dave. Here he is wearing the T-shirt I bought him for Christmas and (above) I’m in my favourite velvet dress from Seasalt – where else?
January 2022
Having survived Christmas and our third dose of the Covid and flu vaccines, we decided to forget all about the pandemic and get on with life. I sat down to finish and then edit the manuscript of DARK, HIGHLAND SKIES with a view to publishing later 2022. One morning I awoke to find BT digging holes in the pavement in front of our house and discovered this image by our front gate. The hero in my new novel is Hector (TOR) Strachan and I took this as I sign i should get on with finishing the book. Spooky – right?
February 2022
I hosted a writers’ workshop with Adrienne and Jocelyn which covered planning, character arcs and proofreading amongst other things. On a cold, dark February evening Adrienne and I gave our first author talk of the year to members of Hallaton WI. As usual, Dave played roadie and accountant and used my ‘sum-it-up’ machine to collect money from the ladies who attended. Adrienne and I regaled the audience with tales of the amusing and sometime bizarre things which had happened to us on our journey to publication . . . such as bumping into Dustin Hoffman on Kensington High Street.
March 2022
I was able to celebrate my birthday with friends for the first time in two years and life felt as if everything was slowly returning to normal. My niece Vicky who teaches English at Uppingham Independent School invited Adrienne and I to talk to sixth formers about the ins-and-outs of writing a novel. The jays returned to the garden and cheekily eyeballed us through the window to tell us that spring was on the way. We had our first caravan outing of the year at Chew Valley, Bath where I met up with fellow author Jo Lambert.
Dave took me to my first – and possibly last, auto jumble. I purchased a Fortnum and Mason basket and we spent more money on the entry fee, coffee, burgers and ice cream than we made selling stuff. While he was wheeling and dealing (ahem) I managed some writing in the back of the van on MacBook. So glamorous – not!
April 2022
The highlight of spring was heading south to a campsite near Milton Keynes. There we met up with Carole and Kevin, rejoined the National Trust and explored Buckinghamshire. One of the highlights was a visit to Waddesdon Manor and Ascot House – well worth a visit. The location where we camped only allowed five caravans and banned dogs, so in the morning we were treated to the site of hares grazing just outside the door to the van. Precious.
I love this selfie of the four of us at Stowe, which is Pride and Prejudice personified. Our niece Vicky has also taught at the school there !!
May / June 2022
This slideshow is a record of our time in the Isle of Wight where I arrived with a humongous cold (NOT COVID – I tested) and which hung around for most of the month. We spent most of our time with sister Phyllis and husband Andy before heading for Exeter and our niece Hannah’s wedding. I bought the white trainers for my hols, almost killed myself crossing the road in Shanklin whilst wearing them and donated them to charity shop when I returned home. Whilst we were there, our street held a Jubilee Party for HM The Queen.
The art work I bought in Bembridge which personifies the IOW for us.
So, that’s me until the next blog post which will take us through to the end of the year and contain news about my forthcoming romance – Dark Highland Skies.
In the meantime, here’s a link to my other six novels which are available for download on all Amazon sites, Kindle Unlimited subscribers and as paperbacks.
Bye for now, Lang May yer Lum Reek .
Monday Merry Meet: Author Sharon Booth
Always lovely to read a blog post about Witches and Fantasy.
It’s a new week and to help shift the Monday blues, we’re excited to host our first author visit at The Enchanted Emporium. Yes, it’s the Monday Merry Meet, and our visitor today is romance author, Sharon Booth.
Sharon has published twenty-three books, and is one of Rosa’s favourite romance authors — she’ll be here shortly I’m sure, when she has recovered from a fan girl moment – and is followed by Willow and Amber, thanks to her witchlit series based in the Yorkshire town of Castle Clair. With witch sisters and their familiars in a town where magic brews, they were hooked. With the upcoming release of her novel, it’s the perfect opportunity for a chat.
Monday Merry Meet: Author Sharon Booth
Amber:Hi Sharon. Willow will be with you shortly. She’s just finishing brewing the novel dream time draught…
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A Girl. A Ghost. A Castle. A Hot Laird.
A headsup – Girl in the Castle is on Kindle Countdown on Amazon.com for 99c until May 29th. Get it while you can at this price . . . the clock’s ticking . . .
While setting up this promo I thought I’d remind myself how much I loved writing it. While I was over on Amazon I re-read readers’ reviews and thought I would share a couple with you.
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin . . .
“She has a unique gift for creating settings and dialogue that capture Scottish colour, language, humour, and beauty, while realistically including the cold, the rain, and the chill of an ancient castle on a remote island. As someone who has not only lived in Scotland, but also in a medieval castle, I think she’s absolutely nailed that one.”
“Oh my goodness! I read this book to myself with a Scottish accent (I’m from Manchester). What a great setting, a castle with its own moat, Henriette is a historian with a doctorate using all her girl power to rebuild her career and reputation following a misunderstanding. Enter hero Keir, the heir of the castle. Initially, Henri was warned off him by a potential bride he was promised to. Henri was not bothered at the time, she was too busy being good at her job in the library. Will romance get the better of her? Any more would be a spoiler. Like I said, great setting, Scottish dialogue feeds into the castle image. I enjoyed it.“
Girl in the Castle 99p for one week only
Sail across Loch Linnhe to Castle Stalker, the inspiration behind Girl in the Castle
I ‘stumbled’ across Castle Stalker a few years ago when we were touring the highlands. Upon learning that the owner conducted tours of the castle during the summer months we signed up. He brought his launch over to the shore and ferried us over to the castle. I was so excited that I nearly fell overboard into Loch Linnhe. Returning two years later I was able to present him with a copy of Girl in The Castle as a thank you for inspiring me to write such a wonderful love story.
The blurb, quotes and some pictures to encourage you to download Girl in the Castle at this time-limited price.
“She has a unique gift for creating settings and dialog that capture Scottish colour, language, humour, and beauty, while realistically including the cold, the rain, and the chill of an ancient castle on a remote island. As someone who has not only lived in Scotland, but also in a medieval castle, I think she’s absolutely nailed that one.”
“A gorgeous hero in Keir Mackenzie and a brilliantly created cast, including cantankerous ferryman and manservant, Lachlan, whose spats with Aunt Alice, the housekeeper, had me, at times, in stitches, bring the story alive. I could picture the scenes so well.”
My favourite part in the novel is when Henriette says to Keir – I WISNAE PUSHED, I DIDNAE SHOVE. I JUST MET YOU AND FELL IN LOVE
So, dear and gentle reader, if you would like to download GIRL IN THE CASTLE for the bargain price of 99c (usually £2.50) be quick.
Click on this link to read a FREE preview of Girl in the Castle and to download your copy
If you would like a signed paperback delivered straight to your door go to this page – UK only, sorry –
Have a great weekend and happy reading . . .
One of my favourite reviews – Harper’s Highland Fling
Reviews are so important to a writer. I’d love to thank each reader who takes the time to leave one after reading my book. However, as that isn’t possible, I check my reviews to make sure that I haven’t missed one and tick the ‘helpful’ box to let the reviewer know that its been seen and read. Sometimes, I can recognise the reviewer by their pen name, especially if they’ve reviewed one of my other books. However, this one by Souffle Girl has me stumped. Its such a fabulous review that I think it deserves a wider audience.
Sometimes, I ask my readers (via Twitter and Instagram) which of my heroes they like best. Souffle Girl certainly rose to the challenge !
“The hero of her first book, Tall Dark and Kilted, quite won my heart. Ruairi Urquhart, the Laird of Kinloch Mara, was so thoroughly delicious that I swore I would be true to him. Unfortunately, that devotion has wobbled several times upon reading Lizzie’s subsequent books. She does write such delectable heroes! I have to admit, Rocco Penhaligon might just have taken Ruairi’s crown. I’m really sorry, Ruairi! But look, Rocco’s gorgeous, and he rides a motorbike, and he’s a devoted dad and a loyal friend and . . . Well, you get the picture.
From the moment Rocco slides out from under that car in his garage, he had me intrigued, and as the story developed, I grew ever keener to understand this man more and figure out what made him tick. Together, I feel like we’ve been on quite a journey. Shove over, Harper MacDonald!
Actually, I’m not being fair to Harper. She’s a great character, too. Although she seemed very buttoned up and brusque and judgmental at first, as the story developed I could see another side to her entirely. And who can blame her for being angry? She’s supposed to be spending the summer holidays in Nepal, for goodness’ sake, not chasing after two troublesome teens on the back of a grumpy, sarcastic stranger’s motorbike!
The relationship between Harper and Rocco might be somewhat frosty, as they follow the trail of the errant teenagers, but that doesn’t stop some decidedly heated moments from occurring. It’s clear that, as inconvenient as it is, there’s a huge attraction between them, although neither will admit it – even to themselves. There’s a lot of snappy banter and caustic comments, and the sparkling conversations that Lizzie Lamb does so well.
I have to say, though, that as entertaining as the road trip part of the story is, it’s when the two of them reach Rocco’s house in Scotland that it takes on a new depth. Lizzie writes Scotland so well, and I felt as though I were right there in Plockton with her characters. Perhaps it’s the Scottish blood running through the veins of both Harper and Rocco, but when they reach the house, things change between them. It’s as if there, in that beautiful setting, they can stop the pretence and finally reveal to each other who they really are, and how they really feel.
Lizzie Lamb made me fall in love, not only with her hero, but with his stunning Highland home, too.
The story becomes something else as the relationship deepens, and we see a change in Rocco, and a softer, more vulnerable side to Harper. The heat between the two of them made my Kindle sizzle! This is a couple with real chemistry, and I loved the passion between them, and the gentleness and concern for each other after days of verbal dueling. As the defensive walls are finally taken down, true love, it seems, finds them at last. But with the teenagers due back any moment, time is running out for them. And with so many uncertainties to deal with, can there really be a future for Harper and her Highland hero?
You’ll have to read the book to find out, but I will say that the ending is just gorgeous, and left me feeling quite emotional – not least because I’d had to guiltily admit that Rocco had done the impossible and shoved Ruairi into second place. But if you read Harper’s Highland Fling for yourself, I’m quite sure you’ll understand why.
Read Harper’s Highland Fling and make up your own mind.
For one week only – February 11th 8am – February 18th 12 am
Harper’s Highland Fling will be available to download or 99p/99c.
click here to read the opening chapters of Harper’s Highland Fling and to purchase a copy
If you read and enjoy my novel please consider leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Guest blogger: Lizzie Lamb
Many thanks to the Australian Romance Readers Association – and in particular, Debbie the Webmaster – for featuring me on their wonderful blog. I’m very pleased to be a Guest Blogger and hope to reveal news of my new book in November 2022. Watch this space.
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I was born in Scotland and lived there until I was eleven years old. I’ve never lost that connection with Scotland and when we cross the border and I see the ‘Welcome to Scotland’ sign I feel tingly all over and I know I’m home. Although I no longer ‘sound’ Scottish, I soon find my accent when I’m in the midst of my family and start using the ‘Old Scots’ words: scunner, peely-wally, dreich and swally. It was a no brainer to set my novels north of the border and to remind myself what my Scottish heritage means to me.
Growing up in the Central Belt with the Ravenscraig Steel Works literally at the bottom of my garden (so not romantic!) I created an alternative reality. In the nearby woods I went in search of faeries under toadstools, nyads at the bottom of wells and dryads hiding…
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Meet Lizzie Lamb, finalist of the RNA Indie Champion 2021
Many thanks to Valerie Holmes for shaping my notes, photos and ramblings into such a fantastic blog post. A great way to end the writing year. Who knows what 2022 might bring ?
Welcome, Lizzie!
Having just listened to your interview on radio Leicester I wondered what it was that swayed you away from fantasy and faerie folk of your younger years to the romance genre?
Growing up in Scotland with the Ravenscraig Steel Works literally at the bottom of my garden I, along with my friends, created an alternative reality. In the nearby woods we went in search of faeries under toadstools, nyads at the bottom of wells and dryads in the trees. Having no luck in finding them I started reading historical novels, starting with the Prisoner of Zenda, Robert Louis Stevenson, Walter Scott, Rosemary Sutcliffe, Margaret Irwin et al. Via their work I discovered the romance of history, castles, knights and feisty princesses prepared to give any dragon a run for its money. Having found my milieu, I never looked back until . . . I read my first Jilly…
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The results are in . . .
Although I wasn’t lucky enough to win my category at the Romantic Novelists’ Association Awards Ceremony I was proud to be nominated. And, in true Lizzie fashion, I made quite an event of it: travelling first class from Leicester to St Pancras with husband Dave, lunch in the Betjeman Arms, overnight stay at the Leonardo Hotel in view of the Tower of London. There was even time for a bit of a shopping expedition on the way home.
Looking back over the event I’ve come to see it as a marker of how far I’ve come over the last nine years. I am very proud of what I’ve achieved:
- six published novels on Amazon with number seven under way
- the establishment of the Leicester Chapter of the RNA (over 60 members)
- the network of friends, readers and other author made via social media
- the help and support I’ve shown other authors via workshops, meetings and talks
One of the best bits of the evening was the chance to meet up with fellow RNA members, many of whom I hadn’t seen for about three years. It was a bit nerve wracking wondering whether it was safe to journey to public transport and to mingle with a large crowd of people when Covid is still prevalent. However, having had both jabs and with my booster lined up the following week I took a rapid flow test and went for it. The room was busier than I expected but was well ventilated and folk pretty much kept to social distancing.
I was ably supported by my husband Dave who’s shared the ups and downs of indie publishing with me over the years. I was also very gratified that my BFF Adrienne Vaughan travelled down to London for the night to show her support. One of the best things about being an author and a member of the RNA is the number of friends I’ve made over the years – that’s what makes me keep coming back for more.
Here’s gallery of some of the images from the evening. You might even spot yourself there !
The award ceremony was the start of pretty hectic month of writing related activities. Restarting the Belmont Belles and Beaux after a hiatus of almost two years. Getting over the shock of discovering that the room which we use was no longer available free of charge (!) and that I’d have to find £80 every time we meet from now on. Luckily, about fifteen members were kind enough to pay their ‘subs’ in advance and we’re covered for most of 2022. Phew. Here we are with our latest ‘offerings’.
I received my booster jab and spent some time online trying to find a new computer and printer. In the end I plumped for a Dell Inspiron desk top (in spite of the young man at Curry’s trying to sell me and Apple Mac!) I’ve investigated Amazon Advertising and my first month is about to come to an end – you’ll know how well it’s gone if you see me flying off into the sunset in my private jet.
One of my former pupils who is now a teacher and writer helped me to create a QR code for my Amazon page. So, I’ve spent some time updating that, too. If you do go over there, I’d really love it of you were to click on ‘FOLLOW’ to keep in touch with me and my writing. No idle moments in an author’s life, is there?
And, finally – just gearing up to send out my Christmas Newsletter to my friends and followers and write my Christmas Cards. Once that’s done I can return to writing the new novel – working title, DARK HIGHLAND SKIES and sharing some photos of our amazing summer spent in the highlands of Scotland. We travelled over 3,000 miles and we loved every moment.
Have a great run up to Christmas, find some time for yourself and if you fancy a romantic trip to the highlands of Scotland without leaving your armchair please consider downloading one of my super romantic novels, or buy a signed paperback for a friend or family member via my blog page and I’ll post it out to you.
Sue Moorcroft is my #AuthorInTheFestiveSpotlight today – Underneath the Mistletoe – @suemoorcroft @AvonBooksUK
Welcome to a brand new feature on my blog. From now until Christmas, I’ll be sharing two posts a week featuring authors who have Christmas or wintry,…
Sue Moorcroft is my #AuthorInTheFestiveSpotlight today – Underneath the Mistletoe – @suemoorcroft @AvonBooksUK
My best week ever . . .
For those of you who read my previous blog post about being shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists” Association Indie Champion of the Year I have some follow-on news to share.
I learned via Melanie Griffiths (PA to the RNA Committee) that BBC Radio Leicester would like to interview me about my path to publication and my thoughts on being shortlisted for the award.
Many moons ago, when Adrienne Vaughan, June Kearns and Mags Cullingford and I formed New Romantics Press, Radio Leicester – thanks to Adrienne’s PR contacts – sent two reporters to find out what indie publishing was all about. We met in The Bell, Burton Overy and had a fabulous morning talking about books and hopes for the future. A four legged friend even came along to boost our confidence – not that we stopped talking all morning.
The four newly fledged authors enjoying every moment 
toasting the success of Tall, Dark and Kilted my debut novel 
our faithful supporter
But last week’s interview was different. I now have six books under my belt and the RNA kindly arranged everything. Sadly, because of the pandemic I was unable to go into Radio Leicester’s studios and the interview had to be conducted over the phone. As a former teacher, I’m used to public speaking and over the years have held workshops and given talks in libraries and to other writers’ groups without blinking. But this was different. It was the first time I’d been interviewed without any of New Romantic Press being present. Luckily, the journalist who interviewed me, Summaya Mughal, was professional and a really lovely person and soon put me at my ease.
You can listen to the whole interview here. I hope you find time to listen to my interview as it will disappear off the Radio Leicester website by Friday 5th November..
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09xcd8c
Summaya asked me:
- how did I get into writing
- where my love of romantic fiction stems from
- how ‘Scottish-themed’ romance differs from other romantic genres
- what attracts readers to romantic fiction
- how Leicestershire and Rutland Chapter of the RNA came into being
- how did it feel to be nominated for the award
- what is novel #7 about
Summaya said: “I haven’t really read any romantic novels”. Naturally, I had to rectify that. I headed for the Radio Leicester studios two days later to drop off a copy of Harper’s Highland Fling along with a thank you letter. However, due to Covid, the premises were locked and barred so left the package in the mail box. On my way back to the car park I called into newly opened indie bookshop FOX BOOKS. It’s such a rarity to find an independent bookshop which looks favourably on indie authors and is willing to stock their novels. Look out for future blog posts about Fox Books and me.
And, finally . . . I learned that I’d had a press release in the Leicester Mercury, too, so my week was complete.
For now, though, it’s back to the keyboard, getting on with #7 – working title: DARK HIGHLAND SKIES – and biting my fingernails until the award ceremony of October 28th. It would be nice to win, of course it would, but I’ll carry on writing, flying the indie flag and supporting the RNA whatever the outcome
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My WIP stands at 42k but I need to get motoring if I want to have it ready to send to my formatter before spring 2022. My ancient computer is about to give up the ghost but I don’t want to buy a new one and have to learn its idiosyncrasies before I finish the novel. Luckily I store everything on ‘DROPBOX’ in case of system failure and email copies to myself every night before I switch off. Maybe in my next blog post I’ll give you a hint what the novel is about.
Have a great weekend
