I have been busy working on book 4 where the main characters used to date as teenagers and write each other love letters. It’s sent me love letter crazy and a bit nostalgic. Does anyone remember sending handwritten letters or even better receiving them? I used to cover mine in doodles – flowers, hearts etc and maybe the odd – T.L.N.D (true love never dies) and S.W.A.L.K (sealed with a loving kiss). I think I sent out more love letters than I received back in the day. There are 2 memories I have of love interests wrriting me love letters: The first love letter was one I never got to read as my ..read more

In a world where connections are forged through shared experiences and mutual understanding, close proximity romance emerges as a compelling narrative of love blooming in the most unexpected places. From roommates turned soulmates to colleagues discovering a deeper connection, the dynamics of close proximity relationships offer a rich tapestry of emotions, challenges, and ultimately, profound intimacy. Proximity Breeds Familiarity Close proximity romance often begins with a simple proximity: living in the same apartment building, working in adjacent offices, or frequenting the same neighborhoo ..read more

Welcome to this glorious Monday where I reveal my next book to you, my lovely blog followers. Following on from the success of ‘I’ll Miss You This Christmas’ and ‘Instructions for Falling in Love Again,’ here’s my next romance novel – The Car Share. Embark on a heart-warming journey that proves, it doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you on the way. Behind the Scenes: Ideas for my romance novels never come fully formed. Parts of this one came to me in 2018, in 2020 and in 2022. It was like the universe sent me a book idea via three cosmic downloads. In 2022 I wrote th ..read more

In the glorious world of romance novels, the spotlight often shines brightly on the passionate and tumultuous love affair between the main characters. I believe there is an often overlooked but integral element that adds depth, richness, and authenticity to the narrative: the friends of your main characters. Friendships in romance novels serve as the unsung heroes, quietly weaving themselves into the fabric of the story, yet playing a pivotal role in shaping the characters and their relationships. Here are some of the things they provide: Mirror. They provide a mirror through which the protago ..read more

As a reader of romance I think writing a good break-up is an art form. The authors who do it well make their fictional couple break-up emotionally impactful and believable. They write them so well you can almost hear your own heart breaking into two. I have been known to shed a few tears at the break up of a much loved fictional couple. I do love it when they break up mid-book and then I’m left wondering / praying / hugging a cushion they’ll get back together at the end. Here are some things I think should be considered: Character Development:The breakup has to align with the characters’ growt ..read more

I have always enjoyed writing the final chapters of my romance novels. They are great to write and they usually result in me turning into a blubbering and snotty mess. I always need to go hug my dog and eat a lot of chocolate after writing a good ending. The romance novel ending is the crucial and emotional part of the story. It’s where you wrap up the romance and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Here are some things I think you should consider when writing the end of a romance novel: Sort Out The Main Conflict: You need to ensure the main conflict keeping your fictional couple apa ..read more

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-tzc58-1529f00 In this Christmas special we look back over season 1 and talk about our favourite episodes.  Find out more about your hosts: Lucy Mitchell – My debut romance novel, ‘I’ll Miss You This Christmas’ with Bloodhound books is out now. https://geni.us/MissYouChristmas Find out more about me –  https://linktr.ee/LucyMitchAuth   Lucy Keeling – Written the Just Friends series, with the final in the series, Just Friends for Now available from Amazon. https://bit.ly/3YEqich  Bettina Hunt – My latest romantic comedy novel, ‘A G ..read more

Last week the new cover for my Christmas romance novel was revealed. The book is titled ‘I’ll Miss You This Christmas.’ I thought I would share with you extracts from my diary in the lead up, during and post this event. My publisher (Bloodhound books) and I started coming up with ideas for my book cover towards the end of March / start of April of this year. This is when my book cover diary entries began. 6 April: 18:55. In the pub after work with my husband when I noticed my publisher had sent me their proposed draft cover for my book. Was taking my first mouthful of a gin and tonic when I op ..read more

To celebrate my wonderful and supportive friend, Romance Author Sandy Barker, here’s a great guest post she wrote 3 years ago. Sandy is the queen of romance series in my eyes. Hello all, Here are the 5 things I think every romance series needs Lovable and relatable main characters This may seem a little obvious―shouldn’t all main characters in a romance be lovable and relatable? Yes, absolutely, but even more so in a series, because the reader will be spending lots more time with them than in a stand-alone. TIP: Think about your closest friends (yes, even the ones who sometimes drive you aroun ..read more

I love reading and writing romance stories which are centred around cafes or coffee shops. The possibilities for romance in a coffee shop are endless; unexpected conversations in the queue, accidental spillages, chance encounters, handsome baristas, beautiful and ambitious cafe owners, arguments over who gets the last pastry, secret messages on coffee cups, and incorrect coffee orders. There are so many interaction points for romance characters. Cafes and coffee shops are popular settings for romance books. They do more than just provide us with wonderful beverages and mouth watering pastries ..read more