Novelicious.com | The Women's Fiction Blog for Readers and Writers

Best New Books for May

The sun may not have his hat on just yet, but he’s definitely pulling it out of winter storage. Yes, sunny season is on its way and May offers the perfect opportunity to stock up on books for your summer reading pleasure. There are some excellent books out this month, too; here are a few we’re especially excited about.

The Fortune Hunter by Daisy Goodwin (April 24)

We loved Daisy Goodwin’s My Last Duchess (it helped us through Downton Abbey withdrawal) so we’re looking forward to The Fortune Hunter, which is waiting ever so patiently in the old TBR pile. Beautiful, athletic and intelligent, Sisi has everything – except happiness. Bored with the stuffy etiquette of the 1875 Hapsburg Court and her dutiful but unexciting husband, Franz Joseph, Sisi comes to England to hunt, where she meets Captain Bay Middleton, the only man in Europe who can outride her.

Fallout by Sadie Jones (May 1)

Intense friendships forged in rehearsal rooms above pubs, candlelit power cuts, smoky late-night parties and a thrilling new generation of young writers, directors and rising actors, this novel follows the lives of Luke, Paul and Leigh as they set up their own theatre company in London. When Nina, a fragile actress, strays towards their group, the fallout threatens to be immense.

Every Woman for Herself by Trisha Ashley (May 8)

Every Woman for Herself looks to be a pretty hilarious account of divorce and dating from Sunday Times bestseller Trisha Ashley. The book sees Charlie, broke and rapidly approaching her 40s, returning to her childhood home in the Yorkshire moors after her husband files for divorce. We love the sound of Charlie’s eccentric family and, with the promise of a handsome, bad-tempered hero, this is definitely at the top of our reading pile.

Win! Tickets to An Evening with Samantha Shannon in London

It feels as though everyone has been talking about 22 year old debut author Samantha Shannon lately. Her first novel, The Bone Season, was acquired for a six-figure sum, the film rights were snapped up and she has already been likened to JK Rowling. What must that be like?

Well, we’re giving you the opportunity to find out. We have several pairs of tickets to An Evening with Samantha Shannon at Waterstones Piccadilly on Friday 2 May at 6:30pm to give away.

The international bestselling dystopian author will discuss The Bone Season with acclaimed actor Andy Serkis and producer Jonathan Cavendish of The Imaginarium Studios Directors, which bought the film rights to the novel during a heated auction in October 2012. Your ticket will also entitle you to a free paperback copy of the book.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply email The Bone Season to kerry@novelicious.com. Winners will be chosen from the first 20 entrants.

Feasting on Romantic Comedy – Real Muffins from Miss Marple by Agatha Christie

I adore the places described in an Agatha Christie novel. Whether it is on the English Riviera down in Devon or a wonderful manor house in some remote location, I just want to be there with the cast of characters. Though not the one that gets the chop, obviously, but sometimes I feel that is a chance I'm willing to take. I think it has something to do with the time period, too. And hanging around with the upper classes. Everything feels so glamorous. 

When Miss Marple visits Bertram's Hotel in London, well, I'm rather envious. Even in Miss Marple's time the hotel had old fashioned charm. Refinement, elegance, impeccable service and comfortable chairs in which to consume one's tea and muffins. Yep, I'd fit right in there. Not. Anyway, one can daydream. 

It is in this hotel where the best muffins in the country are served. I'm not talking about American muffins, massive things, served in paper cases, studded with fruit. I'm talking about proper muffins. English muffins. The type of muffin served lightly toasted with lashings of butter.

If you mention a muffin today everyone presumes you mean the aforementioned cake type. Bread muffins have been pushed to the back burner. This is nothing new – the rise of the American muffin was about even in Christie's time. Lady Selina, a guest at Bertram's Hotel, talks about the difference between American and English muffins: "Do you know when I went to America last year they had something called muffins on the breakfast menu. Not real muffins at all."

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy muffins, especially homemade ones, but there is something rather simple and lovely about an English muffin. They are as cosy as an Agatha Christie novel feels. I always rather miss the novels when I close them up. And I rather miss a muffin when it is all consumed. 

The Writer’s Bookshelf – 20 Invaluable Books for Seasoned and Aspiring Writers Alike

While passion and natural talent certainly have their place in every writing career, like most other professions, authors still need to spend time developing their craft. Sure, you can go on the occasional day course with a novelist, perhaps a weekend writing retreat, or even enroll in a long-term creative writing college programme, but one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to evolve as a writer is by investing in a few easy-to-digest paperback guides. Written by experts, these little gems allow you to learn everything from how to plot and structure a novel to finding an agent or publisher for your completed manuscript – for the mere cost of a book. Here are 20 we’d recommend for any author’s bookshelf.

1. Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell

Filled with plot examples from popular novels, comprehensive checklists, and practical hands-on tutorage, Plot & Structure will have you approaching the technicalities of novel writing like a pro. Packed with easy-to-understand charts and diagrams, thought-provoking exercises and brilliant brainstorming techniques for original plot ideas – we love this book.

2. Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Widely considered a writing guide classic, Bird on Bird is like sitting down for a coffee with a direct and feisty family friend who just happens to have a lifetime of writing knowledge and experience. It’s a veritable treasure trove of wisdom, which covers everything from defeating self-doubt and banishing perfectionism to writing ‘crappy’ first drafts (this is highly encouraged). Anne Lamott’s candor is utterly refreshing and her no-nonsense voice will stay with you long after you’ve typed The End.

3. On Writing by Stephen King

You don’t have to be a massive horror fan to respect Stephen King’s prolific writing career. Since the publication of Carrie in 1974, he has published hundreds of fictional works, which have sold in their millions all over the world. If ever there was an author you’d like to sit down with for a one-on-one, he might just be it. Fortunately, for less than £10 you can pick up a copy of On Writing – a book many authors credit as the one that changed their lives. Part textbook for writers, part memoir of King’s life and writing career, On Writing is brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, and will empower and entertain everyone who reads it. Highly recommended.

4. Wanna Be A Writer? (Secrets to Success) by Katie Fforde and Jane Wenham-Jones

Writing Magazine's agony aunt Jane Wenham-Jones takes you through the minefield that can be writing and publishing a book in Wannabe a Writer? with lots of practical, personal and honest advice to even the most basic of questions. The book features contributions from over 100 authors, agents, publishers and journalists, too, including Jilly Cooper, Ian Rankin, Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews and the likes of HarperCollins, Orion and Simon & Schuster.

Novelicious Chats To...Gabrielle Zevin

 Gabrielle Zevin’s novel, The Collected Works of A. J. Fikry, about a prickly bookstore owner who finds love, is a testament to the power of books. Here, Gabrielle talks about finding inspiration in the everyday, beautiful and inspiring women’s fiction, and the importance of a writer’s nap.

Where do you find inspiration for your books?

When I’m speaking to students, they always want to know where ideas come from. When I was a young writer, I wondered the same thing. But now I know, there isn’t a shortage of ideas or inspiration in this world. Ideas come from everywhere: the news, my anxieties, my anxieties about the news; from books I read, movies I see, television shows I watch, art of all kinds really. I am inspired by people on the street, by people online, and by stories that cab drivers tell me. Really, there are so many things to be inspired by if you can manage to stay open enough to keep listening, watching, and learning. In the case of The Collected Works of A.J. Fikry, I was inspired by a lifetime of reading and also, by the many news stories I was reading about the fate of bookstores in the age of the e-book. I wanted to write a book that talked about something I was trying to work out for myself: why bookstores matter and how the stories we read can change our lives.

Can you tell us a little about your average writing day?

I like to start very early, before e-mail starts coming in, before I’ve made any mistakes, before I’ve hurt anyone’s feelings or my feelings have been hurt. Some days, I don’t write at all. I know Stephen King writes 2,000 words a day or some such, but for me it’s important to have days when I don’t write. I like to think about ideas for a long time BEFORE I start writing them. If I need to write a lot, I write in the morning, take a nap after lunch, then go back to work in the evening. The nap, as odd as it sounds, is key. When you wake up, it’s like having a whole new day.

Review – Blossom Street Brides by Debbie Macomber

Reviewed by Susan Lobban

When people drop into The Good Yarn store they leave home with a friend as well as an arm full of knitting supplies.

Lydia, the shop’s owner, is happily married but she is worried about her adopted daughter. Bethanne is still in the throes of passion with her new husband, but living miles apart with an ex-husband that pops up uninvited, could dampen that. Lauren longs to be married but her boyfriend is using delaying tactics. Should she cut her losses and start afresh? These women’s lives are interwoven together unexpectedly and they will soon find out that they have more in common than just shared knitting patterns.

This book is part of a long running series set in Blossom Street, which I am new to. However I found this book could be read as a standalone; even though there was a sense of past history with some of the characters, this did not encroach on the story and did not affect my enjoyment.

I am a sucker for wedding stories, however the title is a little misleading as there aren’t any weddings until the latter part of the book. Instead, we follow three women through happy marriage, new marriage and dreams of marriage. Each woman is at a different stage in their lives, but through meeting at the local knitting store they can draw on each other’s experiences and provide a shoulder to cry on. To be honest, the stories were very predictable, but I enjoyed reading nonetheless as there is enough going on to keep you turning the pages. Lauren in particular enjoyed a whirlwind of romance, which was lovely to immerse myself in.

Novel News – Sophie Kinsella Announces Shopaholic to the Stars

There was a lot of over excited, fan-girl squealing at Novelicious HQ last night following an announcement from Sophie Kinsella about her new book.

The chick lit author took to her Facebook page to announce the new novel, which will be titled Shopaholic to the Stars and will be released this coming autumn.

Sophie said: “And… action! I am SO excited to announce the title of my new novel, coming this autumn! Yes it’s true: Becky, Luke, and the rest of the gang are back in… Shopaholic to the Stars.”

My Bedside Table by Frances of Reviewed by Fran

When she’s not knitting, running around backstage at a local drama production or chatting away about books over wine with her bookclub, Frances is reading and reviewing delicious new novels on her book blog Reviewed by Fran. Today, we’re having a peek at her TBR pile (while trying not to steal her Dib Dab). Over to you, Fran.

Once I had agreed to show you all around my bedroom, panic set in. I don’t have children so I can’t blame mess on them, and I don’t think I can blame my husband for everything so here it goes, my bedside table...

Where do I start? We moved into our new house last September. After living in fully-furnished accommodations previously, we didn’t have much furniture to call our own. An eventful trip to Ikea soon changed that with the purchase of wardrobes that are far too big for the bedroom and matching bedside tables. I am very proud to say that I assembled the flat-pack bedside tables all by myself. I even used a hammer, which I’m sure delighted our new neighbours.

Elizabeth Maxwell's Top Five Writing Tips

Elizabeth Maxwell’s latest novel, Happily Ever After, is about a 40-something erotic novelist who meets the fictional hero of her most recent book in real life. Here, Elizabeth shares her top five writing tips including one she stole from iconic women's fiction author, Nora Roberts.

1. Get outside your comfort zone. Do something (rock climbing, hang gliding, reading Proust?) you’ve never done and watch as amazing creative channels open for you.

2. Read. Read. Read. Extensively. Across genres. Good things will happen to your writing when you do.

3. Ass in the chair. I’m stealing this from Nora Roberts because there is simply no better way to put it.

4. Don’t be afraid of imperfection. You can edit later.

5. Accept your style. If you’re a planner, make an outline. If outlines make you nervous, don’t beat yourself up. Just write Chapter One on the top of the page and get going.

News – E-Publishers Thrive on RNA Joan Hessayon Award Shortlist

The Romantic Novelists' Association has announced the shortlist for its prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers with seven of the 17 titles from e-only or e-first imprints or publishers.

Digital publisher Carina UK has two books shortlisted – The Ghost House by Helen Phifer and Desperately Seeking Heaven by Jill Steeples.

Ireland-based Tirgearr’s e-book Thank You For the Music by Jennifer Young also made the list, as did titles from UK-based Endeavour Press with Yes Chef, No Chef by Susan Willis, and MuseItUp with Helena Fairfax’s The Silk Romance. Myrmidon's e-first imprint Pulse also appears with Gracie’s War by Elaine Everest.

Pia Fenton, current RNA Chairman, said: "As always, the list of contenders shows the incredible diversity of RNA authors and I am absolutely delighted that there is such a bumper crop of graduates from our New Writers’ Scheme this year. It shows that romantic fiction continues to go from strength to strength and that our mentoring really works.”

The full shortlist for 2014 is:

My Writing Room by Talli Roland

Oh, to have a writing room!

I used to be quite precious when it came to my writing space. I had a huge corner desk, overlooking a busy central London street. I could daydream for hours, watching the red double-decker buses flash by and the shop girls across the street dress the mannequins in this season’s Versace. Nothing was allowed to invade my desk-top, apart from coffee mugs, pages of story notes, and my lucky pen.

The Secret Dreamworld of An Aspiring Author – Writing Patterns

By Anna Bell

I’ve just finished the first draft of the eighth book I’ve completed. It has been the toughest one I’ve had to write – mainly because of the very lovely little Baby Bell – but also because it was the tricky third and final part of a series. Yet, in other ways, it was easy to write because I know my writing pattern so well now.

Initially, I wrote my first book (now languishing away in an old filing cabinet) and then struggled to write a second book. I think I started three or four more novels before finally starting and finishing one. There was nothing wrong with any of the concepts or plots for those unfinished books, but at the time, I couldn’t get over the tricky 20,000 word hump.

I, of course, hit the 20,000 word hump with this novel. This time, however, I only had very brief time slots to write (in between baby naps or feeds if my husband was babysitting), which meant I had no time to dwell on the dreaded hump. If I was at my computer to write, I was going to write something. The same went for every little doubt that crossed my mind, (including each time my brain told me I was writing the worst novel known to man). Doubts and insecurities were banished. I’m getting better at not listening to those voices and I now know that yes, it truly might be awful, but the editing process will soon polish it up.

Meet Our New Novelicious Contributors!

Earlier this year, we put a call out for new contributors and were absolutely overwhelmed by the fantastic response we got. Not only are you guys fabulously talented and clued up when it comes to books, but you really, really like Ryan Gosling. A lot.

We finally invited two new contributors to join the team (you may have seen them pottering about on these pages recently), and thought it was time we asked you to join us in an official initiation. So, without further ado, a massive welcome to awesome new Novelicious recruits Zarina and Emma! Here’s a little bit of information about these two lovely ladies:

Zarina de Ruiter – Contributor

Zarina grew up in the Netherlands and fell in love with all things English while she devoured stories from the likes of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl from a young age. She's been living in London since 2010 and nowadays mainly reads women's fiction, literary fiction and the classics – with a dash of young adult thrown in when the mood strikes.

Zarina works as an online editor and spends a lot (ie. mostly all) of her spare time reading book after book after book. She is also an avid theatre-goer, culture fiend, globe trotter and lover of cake, Canada, Cath Kidston, cats, cheese, chocolate and cookbooks.

Head over and say hello to Zarina on Twitter @zarinatweets or on her lovely blog pagetostagereviews.com.

The Book That Changed My Life: Joanna Bolouri chooses A Choice of Magic by Ruth Manning Sanders

Joanna Bolouri's first novel, The List, is out in paperback this month. She tells Novelicious why A Choice of Magic by Ruth Manning Sanders inspired her love of reading. 

In the early 80s, my mum bought a 15p book from the local library called A Choice of Magic by Ruth Manning Sanders. I’m choosing this book as the one which changed my life.

Bedtime stories were a big deal when I was a child. My mum, a journalist and aspiring novelist, would read from this hefty book, which contained very few pictures, but was filled with fairytales, magic and folklore from different countries around the world. I instantly fell madly in love with it. She would read a different story every night and once I could read by myself, I devoured these stories like a fat kid in a sweet shop. These weren’t normal fairytales however; the happy endings were rare and the content peculiar to say the least. These stories were filled with the worst kind of ogres, ungrateful children, talking acorns and witch maidens who would steal your eyes from your head.