Fine china, and a good cup of tea. An afternoon with Susanne Bellamy

Clear mountain air, tea, and an unsurpassed view - the writing world of Susanne Bellamy

There are only twenty-four hours in a day, but for fellow Queensland author, Susanne Bellamy, it

seems as though she’s managed to find a few extra.

In the last six months, Susanne has had several books released. Beautiful books of love, friendship, suspense, mystery, and exotic locations.

I caught up with Susanne to ask her how she does it. Did I mention that Susanne has a fondness for cups of tea from a fine china setting?

Q. I’m in awe of how much you can fit into your day, Susanne. Do you have a set routine, or just a well organised to-do list?

I work best under pressure! Deadlines are like the proverbial carrot for me. Both One Night in Tuscany and Sunny with a Chance of Romance (one of my favourite titles) were written under pressure after I was invited late last year to contribute two stories, the first to a Christmas anthology and the second to a holiday anthology. Both are set in places I have visited and know - Tuscany, and Caloundra in Queensland. I wrote each story in a fortnight with a serious word count that had to be achieved every day.

Caloundra, Queensland

Those stories aside, the more time I have, the more I pfaff. I tend to do housework and admin type things first up but when it gets to mid-afternoon, if I haven’t got my word count for the day, I’m ‘head down and fingers flying’ because I suddenly realise my husband will be home in a few hours and what have I got to show for it? That’s good motivation! 

Q. Do you like to work in total silence, or with some music or family noises in the background?

I need peace and quiet. When family is around, I prefer to shut down my laptop or do easier things like a blog post or questions for guests on All the World’s a Page.  

However, on odd occasions I will play music to get into the mood of a scene. While writing my first novel, White Ginger, I listened to Etta James’s At Last , and Il Divo’s The Man You Love  on play loop. Music evokes emotion and, for me, these two songs were everything I wanted to capture in those two scenes. 

Q. How much do you think your writing environment affects your productivity? Perhaps you could share a few snaps of where you like to write.

Some days I just need a good kick up the you-know-what! That said, if I’m not finding my Muse, I move between spaces. I now have five different spaces in which I can write. 

Susanne's writing companion, Anna. 

The best one, especially on a cool winter morning when the sun is out, is my big enclosed verandah. I look out over the valley to the far range of hills and get inspired. I have been known to curl up under my doona with my laptop when it’s really cold though! (Don’t mention the PJ’s! ;) )

Another favourite spot is my mother’s recliner, which I inherited. It’s comfy and I feel her presence when I sit in her seat. 

Q. Is there one single thing that triggers the inspiration for your stories, or is it more connecting a lot of ideas to form a concept that you think would make a great story?

There are moments when an idea strikes like a bolt from the blue and the story is born almost complete in overview. Engaging the Enemy was like that; I saw an abandoned red-brick building as I rode a Melbourne tram and bam! The first meeting was suddenly there in my mind as the protagonists fought over that building. Similarly, the Amalfi Coast road inspired One Night in Sorrento and I ‘saw’ the meeting of the protagonists as I watched passing traffic. An accident on that road with its 1600 bends and slow points was too good to resist. ‘Sunny’ began its evolution as I watched kite surfers off Bulcock Beach in Caloundra and one particular kite surfer and his black kite were riveting!

However, One Night in Tuscany was more a process of linking disparate ideas. My publisher wanted a Christmas story, I chose to set it in Tuscany, and I wanted a Christmas Day wedding (one year later) in a nod to my parents, who were married on a snowy Christmas Day in London. The story came out of connecting those elements.

Winning the Heiress’ Heart is book 3 in a series (The Emerald Quest), which can also be read as stand-alone books. I was invited to write the third book, an historical romantic suspense, which had to be set post WW2 in Hawaii. I had to weave in elements from the earlier two books as well as set up certain characters and events for the final book. I loved this challenge! Hawaii 1960 was a brand new state and perfect for Eva’s new life with her nephew, Seb. I channelled so many elements into this; South Pacific, the musical, James Michener’s Tales from the South Pacific, Elvis and Blue Hawaii, and several of my mother’s memories of wartime London which became part of Eva’s childhood.. 

Q. Your catalogue of books is now quite extensive, both in numbers, and in styles. What is your preference: a short, romantic story set in a gorgeous location; or a longer, more in-depth suspense novel such as Winning the Heiress’ Heart?

While I loved writing each of the short stories and novellas—they give me a quick ‘completion’ which is good for the soul—my preference is for full-length novels. I love getting into character and conflicts in more detail. Although if you ask me this question when I’m mid-point in writing a longer book, I suspect my answer would be the opposite!

Q. Do any of the characters in your books share any traits that you see in yourself?

Not consciously, although I prefer to make my protagonists innately decent people. On a subconscious level, family is a core value for most of my main characters. It has taken me time and several books to realise that this is one of the top priorities for me; I couldn’t relate to a character who didn’t have this same core value. I gave my very first heroine (White Ginger) my own phobia; writing what you know when you begin is helpful to understanding the emotional needs and making them believable. Now, in later stories, I much more confident about researching and applying different character traits.

Q. You’re relatively new at being a published author. Have you any tips for aspiring writers?

Good beta readers and critique partners! As writers, we are too close to our creation to be objective and we need outside eyes cast over our work; we also need to put aside our initial reactions to constructive criticism, think about those comments and use them appropriately. A negative comment can be a great learning tool!  

Q. And finally, what can your fans expect from you next?

My next release on 20 September will be Second Chance Love, which is one of A Bindarra Creek Romance series. Set in the fictional rural NSW town of Bindarra Creek, it is the story of Claire and Angus. Once teenage lovers, they meet after fifteen years apart.

When Claire Swenson inherits her great-aunt’s home and returns to Bindarra Creek as town librarian, Angus McGregor is the first person she meets. The second is his eleven-year old son.Just because Angus wants a second chance doesn't mean that Claire will put aside her determination not to commit to a relationship.No matter how sexy he is, or how well they work together as they fight for the community and to save Angus’ property.Can he convince Claire that love is sweeter the second time around?

One Night in Tuscany

(This was originally published in the 2014 anthology as A Tuscan Christmas)

When Verity Peters’ boss, Marco Philippi, asks her to translate an urgent document before she heads off to the staff Christmas party, the last thing she expects...or wants...is to be trapped in the elevator with this distant man.

But is Marco really the cold man she thought he was? Can one night in Tuscany lead to a lifetime?

BUY HERE

Sunny with a Chance of Romance

Charli Jones needs a man. Not just any man but a surfer dude willing to help her win the challenge set by her media boss. Damian Bartholomew, former neighbour and her best friend’s older brother, fits the bill. In more ways than one.

But Damian has a secret. Will Charli risk everything to win the challenge or will she follow her heart? 

BUY HERE

Winning the Heiress' Heart

Eva Abbott sells her inheritance in England, Bellerose Manor, to provide for the care of her nephew. She buys a pineapple plantation in Hawaii but discovers her neighbour, Luc Martineau, will do anything to take it from her. When Eva discovers a diary which may solve their financial problems, villains follow her to Hawaii and attempt to force her to reveal the whereabouts of the heirloom emerald necklace. Is Luc an ally or an enemy? Is he after Eva or her land?

BUY HERE






Contact Susanne here: http://www.susannebellamy.com/

Honor's Promise - Liam's Journey :::: now up for pre-order

Yes that's right folks. You can pre-order your copy of Honor's Promise - Liam's Journey now. It's
Book 2 of the Robinhill Farm Series, a deliciously warm, funny, and poignant series set in rural Ireland.

Click here to pre-order, and have the book delivered to your device on June 30th.

Blurb


Loyalty and love define Liam. But will obligations to family and farm get in the way of him finding true happiness?

Loyalty is high on Liam Cullen’s agenda, but lately he’s been feeling restless. He wants to run away from the endless routines of life on the family farm. He contemplates busting free of the sometimes suffocating confines of the close-knit family. He’d like to see the world. Maybe meet a few girls.

Riddled with guilt that he could even consider such a thing, the final blow comes when Liam’s abilities as a first rate farmer are questioned. He sees red and his quick temper is sorely stretched. He struggles inner demons and attempts to fight the inevitable – until he meets the girl with the blue-green eyes and the copper-colored hair.


Without knowing it, Aislin O’Neill sweeps Liam off his feet, and transports him to a place he’s only ever dreamed of. It’s soon apparent that Aislin has her own inner battles. Will she break her self-imposed vow to never get involved with anyone again?

Excerpt

“Liam. It’s time for the tea and the chats.”

That was how his mam always prefaced a ‘talk’. It had always been like that, ever since he was little.

He sat opposite her as she poured a cup of tea in the kitchen at An Mullach and pushed a plate of freshly baked scones and butter closer to him.

“Tell me how you are, lad.”

He sipped the tea. It was the best tea in the world, as usual. “I’m grand, Mam. You know that.”

“I don’t want to pry, son, but I don’t want you getting hurt either. I’m wondering if our Ash is planning on staying, you know, forever.”

Liam ran a hand through his hair. “Mam, if I knew the answer to that, I’d have taken out a full page ad in the Tipp Times by now.”

“But she loves you?”

He felt his face turn pink. “Yes, Mam. She does love me. It’s just that…she’s been through a lot, you know that, and let’s face it, our family is a force to be reckoned with. She’s an only child, her parents didn’t give a hoot about her, she’s grown up being independent and resourceful and, well, she’s not ready to relinquish all that just yet.”

“Now, Liam, that’s crap and you know it. Yes, I know Ash has got her plans. But they’re all coming to fruition here at our farm. What happens when she’s achieved all her goals? What then? Will she make a new set of plans and move on? Or will she be content to enjoy life here with us?”

Liam lifted his head and held his mother’s gaze. “Mam, I’m prepared to wait. But there’s something else you should know.” He paused, then continued. “I’m also prepared to follow Ash to the ends of the earth to be with her.”

His mam’s gaze never wavered. “That’s what I would expect from a man with your conviction, Liam.” Her eyes shone, and she looked away. “Lord knows, I’d hate you to leave, but…”

He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “Mam, I…”

She lifted her gaze to his, her eyes now welling. “My Stan left his family in Durrow to come and work on An Mullach, to be with me. We couldn’t live apart, you see. He moved into a one-room shack at the back of the dairy, and we made love there every chance we got. We couldn’t breathe when we were apart. Our lives only really mattered when we were together. But because my mam was so ill, well, I had to look after Da and the boys. That’s why I didn’t get much schooling. Because I had to cook and clean for seven brothers. So I couldn’t leave.” A tear spilled over and ran down her cheek, landing with a soft plop on the seersucker checkered tablecloth. “So Stan followed me here. And we were madly in love for over thirty years, until the good Lord took him from me.”

Liam felt the sting of salty tears in the back of his eyes. He remembered how affectionate his mam and da had been, doing big passionate kisses in the kitchen as Cherry and the boys were trying to eat dinner, and them groaning and saying how bad it was that their parents nearly made them feel sick. He remembered them dancing together at all the family gatherings, only having eyes for each other, and how every Sunday morning Da would go out into the fields early and pick a bunch of wild flowers and put them in a little vase on the breakfast table right in front of where his mam sat.

He cleared his throat. “I’ll be a good husband, Mam, just like Da was. And one day, I hope to be a good father too. But nothing would make me happier than to raise my family here at An Mullach, and I say prayers every night that the good Lord will make that possible. But either way, Ash will be my wife. I know it.”

Available now. www.noelleclark.net

Exhilarating Research: The Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary.

I loved visiting this ancient mount in the gorgeous village of Cashel. In my book, Honor's Debt, my
hero and heroine - Bryan and Honor - take a walk around the rock. Here's a small extract:

They walked along Moor Lane in silence. When they reached the intersection with Rock Lane she saw the imposing edifice of the Rock of Cashel, surrounded by high rock walls, ahead of her, high on a hill, and stopped to take in the view.

“Oh, it’s fabulous!” She let go of his hand and reached into her bag for her phone and took some photos.

“The round tower is ninety feet tall. All constructed without mortar. The craftsmen of the time fitted the stones perfectly together.”

“What was the tower for? It looks like a grain silo.”

“Wait till you get to the top of the hill and you’ll see. From up there, you get a 360 panoramic view of all of Tipperary. Back in 1101, they built this tower because of the invading Vikings.”

“Gosh 1101. For an Aussie, that seems incredibly old.”

“The rock was originally built on, way back in the fourth century, but there’s nothing left of that. Everything you see now was built around the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Apart from the round tower, and Cormac’s Chapel, which you can’t see from here—they’re older.”

They continued along the narrow lane, passing quaint little houses with slate tiled roofs splotched here and there with bright green moss. The early morning air was still brisk, making the steep walk up to the Rock exhilarating. The chill made her cheeks sting and the light breeze blew her hair gently.

She sighed, sensing that Bryan was going to be all right now. Yes, he seemed content to put their…awkward…moment from last night behind him.

They reached the entry to the Brian Boru Heritage Center and went inside, spending an hour or two exploring the fascinating history of the man who ruled Ireland as the High King of Munster from this very spot for twenty-four years, when he was crowned here in 990. ...

When they emerged into the grounds within the walls, the sun was shining brightly, making the already bright green grass dazzle, residual drops of dew causing it to sparkle. They wandered slowly through the ancient, grey headstones and Irish high crosses, unable to read the long ago worn-off epitaphs of those whose remains lay buried there.

Bryan proved to be a knowledgeable guide, his interesting commentary better than any guide book.

“What was it you called it last night? Something about Saint Patrick?”

“Yes, Carraig Phádraig. It’s said that this was the place that—way back in 450—Saint Patrick himself converted one of the pagan Kings of Munster. Apparently it was a big deal at the time.”

They explored Cormac’s Chapel and the grounds at length. The most stunning thing for Honor, was the magnificent view from the wall. As far as the eye could see, green fields, dotted here and there with houses, ruins of old churches, stone walls, and small villages, spread out before her like a painting. It was a surreal place, full of history and beauty.

Honor's Debt   :::   Book 1 of the Robinhill Farm Series   

Buy Honor's Debt here:

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Amazon AUS
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Secret Cravings Publishing

Book Launches Galore!!

In the space of three weeks, I've attended three book launches. I'm so lucky to have some very talented authors as friends, and their books are must reads.

Congratulations to these three very talented Brisbane writers.

Kylie Kaden's second book, 'Missing You' is available at all retailers, including Big W and Target, and online.  Website: www.kyliekaden.com.au

Kendall Talbot's 'Treasured Love' is sure to add some suspense. Available as an ebook from all good online retailers. Oh, and visit her website to get a copy of the companion cook book that goes with Treasured Love. Website:  www.kendalltalbot.com.au









Tania Joyce's debut novel, Propositions, is a hot little number. A great read to keep you warm in winter. Available in print and ebook from all online retailers.  Website: www.taniajoyce.com

Treasured Secrets - long awaited new release from Kendall Talbot

Treasured Secrets

Some secrets should remain hidden forever...

The last place Rosalina expected the clue to a 700-year-old mystery to lead her was back into the arms
of Archer, the man who broke her heart. When neither can solve the puzzle without the other, they set off on a new adventure. They’re forced to ignore the sparks that still fly unhindered between them as their search for the golden riches weaves from Tuscany’s underbelly to Archer’s luxurious yacht in the Greek Islands.

Archer desperately wants to salvage his shattered relationship with Rosalina but fighting for her love soon takes a back seat to fighting for their lives. Ruthless competition is hot on their heels and will do anything to get his hands on the treasure. Murder is just the beginning. With evil close on their tail, and Archer wrestling with the remnants of a childhood tragedy, Rosalina begins to wonder if some secrets were never meant to be revealed.

Tell us about your heroine:

Rosalina is a strong Italian woman in her late 20’s. She’s adventurous, independent and occasionally likes to get up to a little mischief. She grew up in a 700 year of villa in Tuscany and her Nonna raised her in what she called, ‘Her kitchen of life’. Rosalina is a fabulous chef and she has a genuine appreciation for food and flavour and has always believed food solved everything. One of the fun things I did while writing this book, was to cook all the meals that Rosalina makes in Treasured Secrets and book two in this series, Treasured Lies. So now, Rosalina’s recipes debut in their own cookbook “Rosalina’s Treasured Treats” so maybe you can cook along as you read the book. Rosalina’s Treasured Treats is only $1.99 on my website: http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au

Tell us about your hero:

Archer is an Australian man in his early 30’s. He’s wealthy, feisty, courageous and impulsive and he’s handsome in a rugged outdoorsy way. He thrives on adventure and treasured hunting is his chosen profession. But a shocking childhood tragedy has him screaming awake almost every night. He believes the nightmares are fitting punishment and a burden that only he should suffer.

You’ve traveled extensively and are up for adventure yourself! What locations have inspired you the most as a writer?

My stories are as much about the location as the thrill of the adventures I’ve done. For example Treasured Secrets is inspired by a couple of wonderful tours we did in Florence and a cruise I did around the Greek Islands. But the scuba diving in my story comes from a diving holiday we did at the Solomon Islands. The shark scenes come from scuba diving at Christmas Island. There are several scenes in Treasured Secrets that were inspired by the Underground Tour we did in Seattle, USA. The helicopter scenes come from my visit to the Grand Canyon. There’s a plot theme in Treasured Lies, book two in this series, that comes from a deserted beach we went to in Brazil. Much of my inspiration for my debut novel, Lost in Kakadu, came from hiking in the Milford Track in New Zealand. I already have plans to use places I visited in Brazil, Egypt and Russia in my future books. I live to travel and I always have a holiday on the horizon. My next trip is to Mexico, New York and Las Vegas… bring it on.

What are you working on now? Any new books on the horizon?

Book two in this series, Treasured Lies will be out in October 2015 and book three, Treasured Love, will be released April 2016.

I used to daydream about robbing a bank that I worked at in 1992. So guess what? I robbed that bank. In a book of course. Double Take my first crime novel, is a gritty Quinten Tarantino meets Nora Roberts story set in that bank I worked in. I also chose 1992 as the year its set, a time before the internet, mobile phones and electric windows. It was also a time of Cheers, Cagney and Lacey, boom boxes and Carrington Blush fake champagne. It was so much fun writing in that era.

Tell us about the cookbook:

Treasured Secrets is as much a treasure hunt as it is a culinary adventure. Rosalina, my Italian heroine in Treasured Secrets is a talented chef, so food and flavours abound as much as the treasure hunt action. Every one of the meals she makes in my books I made for myself. In fact, recipes from “Treasured Secrets” debut in their own book “Rosalina’s Treasured Treats” readers can find this on my website and cook along as they read Treasured Secrets if they like.

What advice would you offer aspiring writers?

Turn off the television. If you need to watch television, watch a movie and analyze it until you work out what works and what doesn’t. Keep an eye out for the pivotal points and really study the dialogue as this will help you improve your voice. By the way, I do most of my movie watching in my home gym, that way I get to exercise and study at the same time.

About the author

Kendall Talbot is an award winning author, thrill seeker and a hopeless romantic. She has
travelled extensively, some 36 countries, and counting and she’s addicted to experiences that
make her scream… white water rafting, scuba diving with sharks and hang gliding are just a few.



Her stories reflect her sense of adventure and her long running love affair with her very own
hero.

Kendall collects junky jewellery and expensive perfume, her favourite night out is with great
friends and a fabulous bottle of wine or two, and she rarely watches TV. She lives in Brisbane

with her hubby, her two grown boys and her little dog, Josie McLuvin.

Her debut novel Lost in Kakadu (Escape Publishing, 2013) has received a clutch of award nominations and most notably won the exclusive Romantic Book of the Year.

Drop into Kendall’s website sometime: www.kendalltalbot.com.au

from Treasured Secrets by Kendall Talbot

‘I’m not going to sit here and do nothing.’ As much as the thought of running into that creepy guy in the robe scared the hell out of her, Rosalina was compelled to walk towards a dim light beckoning in the distance. Alessandro kept talking to her on the phone, but she ignored him. Soon she heard Archer and Alessandro arguing. ‘Hey, fellas,’ she whispered into her mobile. ‘Will you keep it down? I’m trying to sneak around here.’

The voices on the end of the phone quietened down.

She arrived at a set of stairs. It was decision time. Go down or go back. The nerves tightened in her stomach as she realised it was pointless to go back. Without a way to open that door, it was up to her to find her own way out.

‘I’m going down some stairs,’ she whispered into the phone. The uneven stones had a smooth path worn down the middle. At the bottom she had a choice of left or right. There was nothing to indicate which way was best. She swallowed the lump in her throat and chose left. 

The stone tunnels were clearly man-made. Sandstone blocks, fashioned into giant bricks, made up the walls. There were no windows. No doors. And nothing to indicate she was heading the right way. It was silent, too. Eerie, vacant silence. Something she wasn’t used to.

The word dungeon rolled around her mind as she tried to memorise where she was going, but each twist and turn of the labyrinth looked identical to the one before: nothing but cold stone walls burdened with centuries of grime. It didn’t help that the wrought-iron lamps with the bare, dangling light bulbs hung off the walls at random intervals, creating alternating dark and light shadows.

A hand darted from the darkness and latched onto her wrist. She spun around, gasping. The dark shadows made it impossible to see who had hold of her. But she smelt him, and that left no doubt about whom he was.

Rosalina forced the putrid odour into her lungs and screamed. 

BUY LINKS
http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au/book-treasured-secrets.html

Meet Tania Joyce

Tania Joyce

Tania Joyce is no stranger to my blog. But what makes this interview different, is that Tania's debut novel - Propositions - was released a couple of days ago.

I've known Tania for several years. She's a talented and dedicated writer, and I was privileged to read some of the early drafts of Propositions.

Not content with anything except a perfect, exciting, tantalising, sexy, and extremely well-written book, Tania has polished and honed this book for a long time, ensuring that readers get nothing but perfection.

Tania Joyce - congratulations! I am so very happy for you.

What is it about the high-flying corporate business world that allows you to see beyond the long hours, pencil skirts, and multi-million dollar decisions, to find romance and love?

I think it comes down to real life experience. The corporate world can be tough. Long hours, stressful, deadlines, budgets and clients to keep happy.  To find someone … anyone … that shares your passion, supports your aspirations and dreams, and loves you would be a nice reality for many.

I faced many challenges in my own corporate career over the years and this has influenced the creation of my heroines. I like to write about empowered, career-oriented women who are successful and fulfilled in their lives. It’s just after going through some drama-filled turmoil they happen to find a lover that supports and complements them for a Happy Ever After ending.

Is there any of yourself in your main characters - Jessica Mason or Nate Somers?

I can see myself in both of the main characters.

As a new writer I wanted to write about things I am familiar with, so my heroine in Propositions, Jessica Mason, works in a corporate environment. After working in a similar profession, I felt I could provide in-depth information and description about what goes on behind the scenes to the reader. Jessica is also passionate, driven and professional (most of the time) which I can relate to.

Nate is a workaholic. I know, without a doubt, I can get that way when I am enthralled in a project and deadlines need to be met.

Both characters have their own family dramas, stresses, had their hearts broken and are determined to succeed in life … so yes I can relate to my characters as I had to draw on my own experiences to deliver these complex elements and emotions into my story.

Could you fall for a man like Nate Somers?

Hmm. He’s tall, rich and handsome! Er …. Yes!

But more than that … to find a man that loves you, supports and encourages your career and life choices, and be good in bed is someone you’d want to hold on to forever.

What research, or experience, did you do in order to accurately enter the world of big event management?

My heroine Jessica is in marketing and event management.  I drew on my own experience in the corporate world to provide the foundation for Jessica.

My cousin is an operational manager for a large international hotel chain so he helped and provided me with the much needed background information about opening hotels and the processes they go through.  It was really interesting to find out what goes on before a hotel opens its doors to guests.

I also like to set my stories in places I have visited.  I think it helps to write vivid descriptions of the towns and cities for the reader, rather than relying on Google.  So for the sake of accurate research I spent a lovely weekend in Darling Harbour, out at the Hunter Valley, visited some amazing vineyards and drank lots of wine. All in the name of research, of course!

You’ve been working hard to polish Propositions, creating a beautifully written, exciting, and high quality novel. What advice would you give to other debut authors who are hoping for a contract like yours with Momentum?

There has been so much I have learned on my journey to publication.  It took me just over three years.

There’s no denying that being picked up and contracted by a publishing house isn’t easy, but if it’s your goal then you have to be prepared to work hard.

You have to learn to write properly (eg the whole 'show…don’t tell' stuff), research the genre and subgenres and I found it beneficial to have a freelance professional editor to help polish my manuscript before I did any submissions. Also attending conferences and workshops to improve your craft and putting yourself in front of publishers at pitching opportunities helps. Propositions was picked up after a pitching session at the RWA conference in August 2015.

Critiques are essential to help perfect your writing and you must be prepared to rework your manuscript to make it marketable.

It can be daunting and depressing and there are those days where it can feel like a waste of time until one day you’ll get that magic email. Anyone in my writing group can vouch for that!

I’m eagerly looking forward to the sequel to Propositions. In the sequel, will we see any characters that we’ve already met?

Yes. Without giving too much away … the sequel’s working title is called Acquisitions. While Jessica and Nate will make an appearance, the sequel is about Troy and his happy ever after.

Can you give us any teasers or hints about what we can expect in the next book?

While I’ve written the first draft I’m still nutting out some of the finer points.  It is about a woman who comes to town as part of the team that is buying up land for property development. Gumtrees Winery is on their hit list to purchase.  Troy becomes an owner of Gumtrees, so the stakes are high but the sex and the tension between the two main characters of course will be hot!

No strings attached ... or so she thought. 

Following years of sacrifice and struggle, Jessica Mason now co-owns a successful marketing agency in Sydney. All Jessica wants to do is focus on growing her business and maintain the lifestyle she's worked so hard to achieve. But everything changes when her agency wins a major contract for the opening of the new Somers Hotel and she has to take on the account.

Nate Somers is a workaholic trying to please his retiring father. When he meets captivating, go-getting Jessica, the prospect of a short-term love affair sounds like a proposition he'd be crazy to decline.

But when Jessica spends a weekend away at her favorite vineyard retreat, she runs into Troy Smith, the ex-boyfriend who left her broken and vulnerable years ago. Things don't go to plan when the well-kept secrets from her past are revealed and Troy starts weaving his way back into her life.

With her business at stake and hearts at risk, Jessica's future is destined to change. Who will end up making Jessica a proposition she simply cannot refuse?

From page 45

“So was this just ‘once more’ or is this going to be a regular occurrence, Ms Mason?” He smiled at her, making her legs feel unsteady at the seductive sight of him. How could she have sex with a man and not get involved? Could she do it? Max assured her it was possible.

“Nate, I’m not sure what to make of it. Maybe I should get Alex to look after your launch.”

“I don’t want to work with Alex. I want to work with you.”

“But we can’t go on like this. You’re my client. I can’t be involved with you; it’ll make working together uncomfortable … well any more than what it already is. I don’t need my staff getting suspicious and I don’t want emotions to get in the way of decisions that need to be made.”

“Me either. But, I find it very difficult to keep my hands off of you.”
She sighed because she had to agree. Something unexplainable attracted her to him.

“So what do you propose we do?” she asked as she slipped on her stiletto pumps.

He stood in front of her, his eyes locking on to hers as he tucked her hair behind her ears.

“We either have to stop this, or … I’m only here for a few months.” His words full of suggestive connotations.

She gasped. Was she drawing to the correct conclusion?

“You really want to have an affair? With me? She blushed at the notion. 

Nate’s subtle nod and sparkle in his eye sent her head into a spin.

“Nate, I’ve never done the casual thing. You’re only here for a while and neither one of us wants to risk getting hurt. I’m sure you agree.”

“Wholeheartedly.” He hesitated as if deliberating on many ideas before his expression turned serious. 

“Let’s consider this like any business proposition … a negotiation if you will.  If we agree, great. If not, we’ll have to find some way where we can work together. Okay?
Jessica couldn’t believe her ears. But more shocking, was that she was contemplating the whole idea. 

“Okay.”

“If we continue to see each other, my number one priority would be discretion.” Nate said as he but on his jacket. “I’m sure you can appreciate where I’m coming from, considering recent events surrounding my father. Unfortunately there are people out there, like the gossip magazines, that think my life is interesting, so the paparazzi can often hang around when I attend functions.”


She nodded in agreement because she didn’t want to be front page news for the wrong reasons. 

“Discretion is a must.” She paused, wondered what on earth she was doing discussing terms of having an affair with this man. It was such a crazy concept. “And I don’t need any gray areas, so let’s keep the intimacy out of it—no staying the night, romantic dates or weekends together.” Jessica looked at him anxiously. She didn’t really know what she was saying, but anything to protect her heart from being hurt when he left.

Tania Joyce is an Australian author of Erotic, New Adult and Contemporary Romance novels. Her stories thread romance, drama and passion into beautiful locations ranging from the dazzling lights of Sydney Harbour or the glitter of New York, to the rural countryside of the Hunter Valley or Darling Downs.

She’s widely travelled, has a diverse background in the corporate world and has a love for shopping, shoes and Shiraz.  She’s rarely seen without glitter, sparkle and stilettos. Her quirk is she collects key rings everywhere she goes and often has an intriguing tale about each one.

Tania draws on all her real-life experiences and combines them with her very vivid dreams to form the foundation of her novels. She likes to write about strong-minded, career-oriented heroes and heroines that go through drama-filled hell, have steamy encounters and risk everything as they endeavour to find their happy-ever-after.

She grew up loving books like Anne of Green Gables, reading the classics like Pride and Prejudice, and getting lost in the world of fantasy, like The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan, before finding her home in the romance genre.

Only unearthing the desire to write after having children, Tania now shuffles the hours in her day between part-time work, full-time family life and never-finding-enough-time to write. One day she hopes to find balance! She lives in Queensland with her husband and two boys. When she’s not writing, she enjoys camping, hot yoga, and the company of friends and family – especially if it’s over a glass of wine!

‘Propositions' is available for purchase from all good ebook retails including Amazon and Kobo, or directly from Momentum. Print-On-Demand option is available at Momentum.

·         Amazon US

·         Amazon UK

·         Amazon AUS

·         iTunes

·         Kobo

·         Barnes and Noble

·         Momentum Books - Ebook and Print-On-Demand

For more information about ‘Propositions’, please visit www.taniajoyce.com