Author Blogswap with Laura Bambrey

 Tori Williamson is alone. After a tragic event left her isolated from her loved ones, she’s been struggling to find her way back to, well – herself. That’s why she set up her blog, The Beginner’s Guide to Loneliness, as a way of – anonymously – connecting with the outside world and reaching others who just need a little help sometimes.

When she’s offered a free spot on a wellbeing retreat in exchange for a review on her blog, Tori is anxious about opening herself up to new surroundings. But after her three closest friends – who she talks to online but has never actually met – convince her it’ll do her some good, she reluctantly agrees and heads off for three weeks in the wild (well, a farm in Wales).

From the moment she arrives, Tori is sceptical and quickly finds herself drawn to fellow sceptic Than, the retreat’s dark and mysterious latecomer. But as the beauty of The Farm slowly comes to light she realizes that opening herself up might not be the worst thing. And sharing a yurt with fellow retreater Bay definitely isn’t. Will the retreat be able to fix Tori? Or will she finally learn that being lonely doesn’t mean she’s broken . . .

Welcome to The Beginner’s Guide to Loneliness! Where you can learn to move mountains by picking up the smallest of stones…

Title:  The Beginner's Guide to Loneliness
Author:  Laura Bambrey
Published By: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 28th July 2020
Links:  UK:   Amazon     US:   Amazon

Author Q & A and blog swap with Laura Bambrey

I had the pleasure of meeting Laura a few years ago at a blogger/author meet up in London, organised by the fabulous Kim Nash. we got on really well and have stayed in touch ever since. So I was absolutely delighted to hear that she had signed a book deal with Simon and Schuster, I got in touch to congratulate her and to confide that I had also signed a book deal with Orion Dash, it was such a fantastic co-incidence and Laura suggested that we do a blog swap to celebrate. So today we are welcoming her to sincerely book angels blog and I am over at laurabambreybooks.blogspot.com.


Hi Laura and welcome to Sincerely Book Angels blog.
Hi Annette - thank you so much for having me over to your gorgeous blog today! Who’d have thought when we met all those years ago that our debuts would be publishing in the same month?!


It was something we could only ever dream of and as we've learnt dreams can and do come true. 

What was the inspiration behind The Beginner’s guide to Loneliness?
Tori, my main character, has been pottering around in my head for a long time. I knew she had a story to tell me, but it took a long time for her to share it. I recon she was waiting for me to gather a bit more life experience before opening up!

I think we have all experienced loneliness at some point (even more so now that we’ve all had to endure lockdown!) Whether you’re completely isolated or surrounded by people, part of a huge family or flying solo - loneliness can hit at such random moments. It can be a flash that dies away quickly or something far more persistent, and exploring that feeling and the way it can affect your life was my inspiration and the theme that I wanted to explore.

Did you always want to be a writer?
I’ve always loved the idea of being a writer - but I was attracted to an abstract image rather than the reality - a character wafting around, sitting on hay bales with a notebook at sunset, playing the part of “writer” in a romcom. It’s only more recently that I’ve fallen in love with the reality of sitting down and actually writing, long hours immersed in an imaginary world, getting those sentences just right.

What other jobs have you had?
I’ve had quite a mixed bag of jobs, from Sculpture Conservator to Trapeze Choreographer and Stilt Walker. I’ve worked in retail, theatres, and the charitable sector as a fundraiser. The one thing they’ve all had in common is the opportunity to study people and gather stories and characters along the way.

How did it feel when your first novel was published?
I’ll let you know on the 28th July ;) Finding out that I had a contract with the Books and the City team at Simon and Schuster for their DigitalOriginals was an incredible moment - something I’ll never forget.

Can you please tell us a little about your publishing story.
Last year, I fully committed to my writing for the first time and I promised myself that I would take every opportunity I came across. I joined the RNA New Writers’ Scheme to help push me to complete my debut novel. Then I spotted the #DigitalOriginal #OneDay open submission call from Simon and Schuster and on the 15th of July last year, I hit send on my submission. Two days later, I received a request for the full manuscript.

At this point I had to come clean and tell Sara-Jade and the team that I hadn’t yet completed the draft. I asked for six weeks to finish writing it, and they very kindly agreed. I spent a very busy summer, and by the end of August, I had it ready for them. October saw me visiting the S&S offices for a meeting about the book, the Autumn and Winter saw me working hard on a structural edit, and early in the new year, 2020, my dream came true when I signed my contract.


Have you ever had writer's block?
Not so much writer’s block - I’ve had Writer’s Doubt. You know what I mean? The “I’m not good enough”, “I can’t possibly...”, “I’m never going to be able...”

If so how did you overcome it?
For me, the best possible way to get past Writer’s Doubt is to sit down and keep writing, even if it’s structural work on the plot rather than actual word count. I interviewed my characters to get to know them better, I made a huge visual plan of what I had left to do and what I’d already I achieved. I set a series of personal deadlines to keep me motivated. And then I got back to achieving that word count - because nothing makes me feel more positive than moving forward with the story.

What motivates you to keep writing?
Deadlines. I love a challenge, and there’s nothing more likely to get my bum in gear than something that feels only just within the realms of being possible to achieve.

Where is your favourite place to write? ( can we please have a picture)
I have an armchair that’s right next to my writing desk. I love to write new words in the chair and edit at the desk. The main problem is Mop, my rabbit, also loves the writing chair so we have a bit of a turf war going on!


What three pieces of advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

1. Write as regularly as you can. It’s a muscle and it needs to be used to get stronger (and to stave off the dreaded Writers’ Doubt)

2. Set yourself achievable targets. I started off by giving myself a tiny 400 word daily word count target. It soon adds up, and even on the toughest of writing days, it’s still achievable.

3. Be yourself. Sounds clichéd, but when you settle in and find your own writing voice, your characters and story come to life.


What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just finished My One True North by Milly Johnson - gorgeous gorgeous book! Next up, Sunshine and Second Chances by Kim Nash.

If your book was made into a film what song would you choose for the opening credits?
Ooh can I choose end credits instead? Then it would be True Colours performed by Ane Brun.

Who would you choose to play your favourite character in the film of your book?
I can really imagine a dark-haired, thirteen year old Chloë Grace Moretz as Rowan.


What is your next book about?
I can’t say too much about it yet as I’m in the very early stages of writing - but it will be a story that explores identity and the healing power of community.

Thank you so much for having me on your beautiful blog, Annette - and I can’t wait to read Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe!

Thank you so much for joining us Laura and Mop, we can't wait to read The Beginner's Guide to Loneliness. Just think next time we meet at one of Kim's shenanigans we will both be published authors, as is she. What a celebration that will be.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Laura Bambrey was born in Dorset but raised in Wales. She's worked as a trapeze choreographer, sculpture conservator and stilt walker, amongst others, and spent most of her time collecting stories from the people she met along the way.

She has spent many years as a book blogger and reviewer of women's fiction and now lives in Devon with her very own romantic hero and a ridiculously fluffy rabbit named Mop. The Beginner's Guide to Loneliness is her début novel.

You can connect with Laura on twitter @laurabambrey, on Instagram @laura_bambrey_books, on Facebook @laurabambreybooks, and via her author blog laurabambreybooks.blogspot.com

Author Q & A with Annette Hannah

'Brimming with friendship and romance, this lovely book will charm your heart' Milly Johnson

Fall in love with this heartwarming and emotional romcom, perfect for fans of Rebecca Raisin and Victoria Walters!

Here comes the bride...

Lucy Woods has always dreamed of running her very own wedding venue. After moving her eight-year-old son to the countryside she's surprised to find the perfect location and her best friend, Abbie, eager to help make that dream a reality! Too bad Abbie's older brother Dominic isn't keen on Lucy or their big idea!

As a divorce lawyer Dominic doesn't believe in love at first sight or wedding vows, he's seen them broken more times than he can count. But when Lucy arrives back in town, his hardened heart begins to crack.

Making her dream come true is a huge undertaking, but Lucy knows that The Signal Box Café is her chance to finally make something of her life. If only the irritating (and oh-so-gorgeous) Dom didn't make her imagine wearing a white dress and walking down the aisle...

Can Lucy and Dominic find a way to each other this summer or will the wedding bells chime for another couple?

Title:  Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe

Author:  Annette Hannah

Published By: Orion Dash

Publication Date: 6th July 2020

Links: UK:   Amazon   US:  Amazon

Hi I'm Annette's daughter Lydia and today I'm interviewing my mum on the blog.

Hi Annette/Mum congratulations on Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe, I'm very proud of you. Welcome to Sincerely Book Angels blog.

Thank you so much for having me and for all your help and listening ear when I was writing it. It seems quite strange but lovely being on the receiving end of the questions.


What was the inspiration behind Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe?

There's a signal box local to where I live and when I first moved here it was manned and you could see the controller in there which I always thought was fascinating. Around fifteen years ago the system became automated and the lovely building was boarded up. Every time I passed it I thought it would make a lovely cafe. It seemed like the perfect place to set my wedding venue. The close relationship that Lucy has with her grandad was based on the relationship I had with mine. We got on so well and could make each other laugh, we had a lovely friendship.


Did you always want to be a writer? 

Yes I have from ever since I can remember, I did try years ago but it was really hard having three under five year olds so I never got further than a few chapters.


What other jobs have you had? 

When I was twelve I worked on a market stall selling eggs, I've been a waitress, a childminder,  a barmaid, an Accounts assistant and Marketing manager.


How did it feel when your first novel was published?

It feels absolutely amazing, I still can't actually believe it's my book, it's also been quite emotional and seeing people's reactions has been so lovely.


Can you please tell us a little about your publishing story. 

I started off being a book blogger and that helped to build my confidence in getting my words out into the public domain. I then wrote three chapters to submit to a publisher but then I thought, what if they request the whole thing? So I ended up panic writing the rest of the book in a month. They didn't request it but that didn't matter because I'd achieved my lifelong dream and written a book. A friend told me about The Romantic Novelists' Association so I joined their New Writers' Scheme and am pleased to say I graduated the scheme when Orion Dash offered me a two book deal. It's been an absolute whirlwind and from the offer to the publication has only taken three months.


What other books have you written? 

I've written three others but they haven't been published yet.


Have you ever had writer's block? 

I don't think I've necessarily had writer's block as I've usually got too many ideas flying round my head. But I have had a sort of fear of going back to a manuscript and will end up doing everything else that needs doing around the house rather than write. I call it my writing paralysis.


If so how did you overcome it?

I literally force myself to sit at the computer and then do a blog post which gets me in the right place and I can usually get back into the story.


What motivates you to keep writing?

The amount of ideas in my head that just keep on coming and need somewhere to go.


Where is your favourite place to write? ( can we please have a picture)

I currently write at the dining table which is quite nice because I can see outside the living room window and watch the world go by.


Do your characters moods ever affect your mood and vice versa? 

Most definitely, I usually have to draw on my own experiences to capture the emotions and in this book there is a certain something that happened in the nursing home that I was trying to read out to you one day and I couldn't speak for laughing.


What three pieces of advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Read as much as you can in your genre, it really helps to see what works.

Write, write write you need to get it down on the paper and out of your head. Once the words are on the paper you can edit them and whip them into shape.

Join the Romantic Novelists' Association's New Writer's Scheme, you will learn so much, make amazing friends and have a brilliant time.


Which authors inspire you?

Milly Johnson, Dorothy Koomson and the late Jackie Collins, there are so many more fabulous authors that I couldn't possibly mention them all but they've all appeared on this blog.


What are you reading at the moment?

I'm just about to dive into All My Lies Are True by the fabulous Dorothy Koomson


If your book was made into a film what song would you choose for the opening credits?

I love Maroon Five so I think I would choose 'She Will Be Loved.' by them.


Who would you choose to play your favourite character in the film of your book? 

I think my favourite character might be Grandad so I would get one of my favourite actors to play him, Dick Van Dyke from diagnosis murder would be good because he still has a twinkle in his eye.


What is your next book about? 

It's called The Cosy Little Cupcake Van and will be out March 2021. It's available to pre-order here 


Thank you so much for joining us on our blog today and good luck with the book. 

Thank you so much for having me and for all your support.

Sincerely 

Lydia Angel x

About the Author

Annette Hannah is a Liver Bird who relocated to leafy Hertfordshire in the 80’s and now lives near a river with her husband, two of their three grown up children and a crazy black cocker spaniel. She writes Romantic comedies in settings inspired by the beautiful countryside around her and always with a nod to her hometown.




She worked in Marketing for many years as a qualified Marketeer which she loved as it tapped into her creative side.




As an avid reader, she began to review the books she read, became a book blogger and eventually plucked up the courage to fulfil her life long dream of writing a book.




For four years she was a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s new writers’ scheme, during which time she wrote a book a year.

After signing a two book deal with Orion Dash in 2020 she graduated to full member of the organisation and is also their Press Officer.




She loves long walks along the river, travelling to far flung places, the odd glass of Pinot Blush and spending time with her friends and family.




You can follow her on

twitter @annettehannah

www.sincerelybookangels.blogspot.com

www.annettehannah.com

Somebody's Daughter by Carol Wyer

One by one the girls disappeared…

When the frail body of a teenage girl is discovered strangled in a parking lot, shards of ice form in Detective Natalie Ward’s veins. As Natalie looks at the freckles scattered on her cheeks and the pale pink lips tinged with blue, she remembers that this innocent girl is somebody’s daughter…

The girl is identified as missing teenager Amelia Saunders, who has run away from home and her controlling father. Natalie’s heart sinks further when it becomes clear that Amelia has been working on the streets, manipulated by her violent new boyfriend Tommy.

A day later, another vulnerable girl is found strangled on a park bench. Like Amelia, Katie Bray was a runaway with connections to Tommy, and Natalie is determined to find him and track down the monster attacking these scared and lonely girls.

But when a wealthy young woman is found murdered the next morning, the word ‘guilty’ scrawled on her forehead, Natalie realises that the case is more complex than she first thought. Determined to establish a connection between her three victims, Natalie wastes no time in chasing down the evidence, tracing everyone who crossed their paths. Then, a key suspect’s body turns up in the canal, a mole in Natalie’s department leaks vital information and everything seems to be against her. Can Natalie stop this clever and manipulative killer before they strike again?

Title:  Somebody's Daughter

Author: Carol Wyer

Publication Date: 9th July

Published By:   Bookouture

Links:  UK:   Amazon       US:   Amazon

Our Review

OMG this has to be the most harrowing in the Natalie Ward series. This is the seventh book in the series and takes Natalie and the team into the seedy underworld of the sex trade. Although alot of it is uncomfortable reading I think it's important to be aware of why young people who have been groomed and abused are reluctant to return home because their abusers teach them to think of themselves as worthless. The pace was fast as more and more bodies showed up. It was good to see Natalie handing over the reigns to another member of the team and how that affected the dynamics of the department. I also love the glimpses we get into their private lives and how the job doesn't allow them to live normal lives.

As usual with Carol's books I felt as though I was involved in the investigation in dealing with a bunch of unsavoury characters. Once we find out who the killer is it becomes clear why they did what they did and as with many of Carol's killers I felt some empathy for them.

It's an absolutely cracking serial killer thriller packed with lots of interesting twists and turns and highlights some of the awfulness that happens in the underworld.

Sincerely 

Book Angel x 

About the Author

Winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer is a best-selling author and stand up comedian who writes feel-good comedies and gripping crime fiction.

A move to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in LITTLE GIRL LOST, the #2 best-selling book on Amazon, #9 best-selling audiobook on Audible and Top 150 USA Today best-seller.

A second series featuring DI Natalie Ward quickly followed and to date her novels have sold over 750,000 copies and been translated for various overseas markets, including into Norwegian, Italian, Turkish, Hungarian Slovak, Czech and Polish.

Next year sees the arrival of the much anticipated DI Kate Young series, with AN EYE FOR AN EYE out in February 2021.

Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing ''Irritable Male Syndrome' and 'Ageing Disgracefully' and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly' featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and the Huffington Post.

She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr Grumpy... who is very, very grumpy.

To learn more about Carol, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk or follow Carol on Twitter: @carolewyer.