The Wedding Date: A Book In Pictures

The journey of a book is a long one, starting from the initial spark of an idea and ending with the publication of an actual, readable book. I took photos and screenshots of the various stages of The Wedding Date and I thought I'd share them here on the blog!

The Wedding Date started off as 'Delilah Explains It All'. I set up a blog to get to know my characters in short posts (which you can see here)

Out came my trusty baby names book to help choose the names of my characters. As you can see, the book has been well-used over the years (I bought it for 50p nearly 20 years ago so I've definitely had my money's worth!)

Brainstorming: Who is Delilah James?

And what is her story?

Lots and lots of planning!

With the plans in place, it was time to start writing...

And my neatly typed out plans got scribbled all over.

One of many 'TheEnd's for The Wedding Date. Until...

The book was complete, published and waiting on my Kindle!

Delilah James, singleton and smoothie-addict, has six months to find a date for her oldest friend’s wedding. Oh, and to prove to her ex, best man Ben, that she has totally moved on since he dumped her out-of-the-blue nine months, eight days and seventeen hours ago…

So, with her two BFFs playing Cupid, Delilah launches herself into the high-tech, fast-paced and frankly terrifying world of dating. Luckily there’s the hot new guy at work, Adam Sinclair, to practice her flirting on – even if, as a colleague, he’s strictly off-limits!

Yet time’s running out and date after disastrous date forces Delilah to tell a little white lie – and invent a fake boyfriend! But will her secret crush on Adam ruin everything? Does she even care about Ben anymore? And is it too late to untangle her web of lies and take a real date to the wedding…?


Amazon UK | Amazon US | Kobo | iTunes

Cover Reveal: Breakfast at Poldark's by Samantha Tonge

How gorgeous is the cover for Samantha Tonge's soon-to-be-released novel, Breakfast at Poldark's? I love it and wish I could jump into the scene and run (okay, okay, walk) down to the beach!

What do you think?

About The Book

Dreaming of the perfect man?
Kate Golightly needs to move forward and what better way to do that then with a trip to the Cornish coast with best friend and boss, Izzy.

The sea wind is just what Kate needs to finally relax and begin to let go of her past. Except she’s suddenly got one big reason to panic! She RSVP’d ‘yes’ to the Queen Bee of her high school’s wedding saying she’s bringing her boyfriend (she doesn’t have one) who looks just like Ross Poldark!

With only two weeks to find the Poldark look-alike of her dreams Kate is under a lot of pressure for the Cornish coast to deliver…

A hilarious and moving romantic novel from bestselling author, Samantha Tonge. A must-read this summer!

Breakfast at Poldark's is out 28th July but is available to pre-order right now!

My Favourite Dating Rom Coms

I love settling down to watch a good rom com and, as my latest novel, The Wedding Date, centres around Delilah as she dips her toe back into the dating world, I thought I'd share some of my favourite dating rom coms with you.

You've Got Mail

Not only one of my favourite dating rom coms, one of my favourite films ever. I could watch it over and over and never get bored. It has Tom Hanks, New York and a bookshop - what's not to love?

Joe and Kathleen have been chatting online via email for a while, slowly falling in love. But what they don't know is, they're actually enemies in real life.

My favourite part: all the scenes in Kathleen's bookshop, The Shop Around The Corner. Although it breaks my heart when it closes down.

Bridget Jones's Diary

Ah, Bridget. I've watched the films so many times it's like catching up with an old friend. Films that are based on books don't always live up to your expectations but Bridget Jones's Diary definitely does.

It's funny, touching (we've all been the dumped one crying in the bath, right?) and delivers one almighty happily ever after.

My favourite part: I have two and I'm neither able or willing to choose between them. The first is the fight scene between Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver because it's hilarious and the second is Mark Darcy's 'I like you' scene.

10 Things I Hate About You

Inspired by Shakespeare's The Taming of The Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You is a modern day reimagining set in an American high school. Kat isn't interested in boys while her younger sister Bianca is desperate to break away from their strict father's rules so she can date the school's heartthrob. When their father makes a new rule that says Bianca can date when Kat does, it backfires when Patrick Verona enters and sweeps Kat off her boy-hating feet.

Favourite part: When Patrick serenades Kat over the loudspeaker and gets chased by campus security.

Notting Hill

William Thacker has been single since his divorce but he's mesmerised when he (literally) bumps into Hollywood star, Anna Scott. They come from completely different worlds (plus Anna has a famous boyfriend) but can their love stand the test of time - and the paparazzi?

My favourite part: Any scene with William's housemate, Spike.

So those are my favourite dating rom coms - I'd love to hear about yours. Let us know in the comments below!

Delilah James, singleton and smoothie-addict, has six months to find a date for her oldest friend’s wedding. Oh, and to prove to her ex, best man Ben, that she has totally moved on since he dumped her out-of-the-blue nine months, eight days and seventeen hours ago…

So, with her two BFFs playing Cupid, Delilah launches herself into the high-tech, fast-paced and frankly terrifying world of dating. Luckily there’s the hot new guy at work, Adam Sinclair, to practice her flirting on – even if, as a colleague, he’s strictly off-limits!

Yet time’s running out and date after disastrous date forces Delilah to tell a little white lie – and invent a fake boyfriend! But will her secret crush on Adam ruin everything? Does she even care about Ben anymore? And is it too late to untangle her web of lies and take a real date to the wedding…?


Amazon UK | Amazon US | Kobo | iTunes

Suz Korb's Newest Cover Reveal and Live Novel Writing

Hello, I'm Suz Korb and my new book project is titled: Flutterby Girl. Welcome to this cover reveal blog post, with a twist. And here's the cover...

The twist is that this book hasn't been written yet. I'm going to write it live on Patreon. I've written a novel live before, chapter by chapter, on my blog. And now I'm doing it again with Flutterby Girl!

I got the idea for Flutterby Girl, then I thought up a title, then I got the cover, and now I'm writing the story. It will go up on Patreon chapter by chapter, daily. You can read each chapter if you become my patron. I'm new at Patreon, so if problems arise I hope I can deal with them quick! It should be easy enough though.

I've decided to write my two most recent books live because it pushes me, and it makes my imagination flow more deeply.

Chapter 1 of Flutterby Girl is up on Patreon now and I hope you will join me in this young adult journey.

Cover Reveal: The Little Antique Shop Under The Eiffel Tower

Book Information

Title: The Little Antique Shop Under the Eiffel Tower

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Series: The Little Paris Collection, Book 2

Standalone?: Yes

Release Date: July 1, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Don’t miss the exciting new title The Little Antique Shop Under the Eiffel Tower by Rebecca Raisin available on July 1, 2016 - pre-order your copy today!

Watch for more in The Little Paris Collection

1. The Little Bookshop on the Seine (available now)
2. The Little Antique Shop under the Eiffel Tower
3. The Little Perfume Shop off the Champs-Élysées

What reviewers are saying about The Little Bookshop on the Seine

‘ This novel is a love letter to Paris, and even more so a love letter to books; it is absolutely a must-read book for book lovers.’ – Rather Too Fond of Books

‘easy to read and devoured quickly, I literally could not get enough and I was so sad to finish it. It was a truly captivating, spellbinding tale of taking chances and living life to the full that I am sure will ring true with many readers.’ – Compelling Reads

‘I love love love this author, and this book cements the fact that this series is a winner!’ – Fiona (Goodreads)

‘I loved every second of The Little Bookshop on the Seine, easy to read, with words oozing charm and good feeling, that just made me feel warm and cosy.’ – Rachel’s Random Reads

‘a beautifully written novel’ – Hilda (Goodreads)

‘A delightful story that's perfect for reading in your favorite cozy chair. … Such a good book to lose yourself in.’ – Janet Robel (Goodreads)

‘It really brought Paris to life … extremely romantic, love is most definitely on the menu’ – Elaine (Goodreads)

‘a great escape to Paris and I’m looking forward to the other books in the Little Paris Collection.’ – French Village Diaries

Book Links

Amazon US: https://amzn.com/B00W7Y9VQG

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00W7Y9VQG

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/little-antique-shop-under/id1022781469?mt=11

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-little-antique-shop-under-the-eiffel-tower-rebecca-raisin/1121995906?ean=9781474035514

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25371094-the-little-antique-shop-under-the-eiffel-tower

About Rebecca Raisin

Rebecca Raisin is a true bibliophile. This love of books morphed into the desire to write them. She’s been published in various short story anthologies and in in fiction magazines, and is now focusing on writing romance.

Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships, and most importantly believe in true love.

Come and say hello to Rebecca on her Facebook page or Twitter.

Follow Rebecca

Website: http://www.rebeccaraisin.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6915386.Rebecca_Raisin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rebeccaraisin/

A Chat With... Jan Ellis

Can you tell us about your book?

A London Affair is about a young woman called Kate who leaves rural Herefordshire and heads south to work in a super-smart deli and caff in Chelsea. Along with the job come new flat-mates, including the fun, exasperating Imogen and her long-suffering boyfriend, Freddy. Kate thinks she's doomed to early spinsterhood until Immy sends her out into dating land with unexpected consequences for them all.

I hope readers will enjoy following Kate from the King's Road to Cornwall with an eclectic bunch of characters including an old hippy, a Russian property magnate and an ex-boyfriend who doesn't know when to give up.

What was your inspiration behind it?

As usual, I used lots of my own experiences in the book! I've spent most of my life in London so the locations were familiar to me: the yummy mummies sipping flat whites on dusty pavements; the shabby chic Bogey Man bar where Kate has a hot date with Nick; the Suffolk beach where Kate and her friends celebrate the New Year . . . 

What has been your greatest experience of being a writer so far?

It came as a huge surprise to me that I had all these stories lurking in the back of my head. But the best thing, without a doubt, is when people tell me the novellas have make them laugh.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Go for it! Romcom is a booming industry and publishers need books. There's bound to be someone out there looking for a story just like yours. Or if you're really brave, self-publish.

What was the first book you ever bought yourself?

I was a big Brer Rabbit fan when I was about five, so I've feeling it was Brer Rabbit's a Rascal. I still have lots of my old Enid Blytons.

What was the last book you read?

I've almost finished Laura Barnett's The Versions of Us, which I've enjoyed despite being lost most of the time.

Finally, what are you working on at the moment?

I've been commissioned by Waverley Books in Glasgow to write a brand-new paperback (woohoo!) for summer 2017 that has the working title The Bookshop Detective. The publisher had read my ebooks and loved the character of Eleanor Mace, the bookseller in An Unexpected Affair and A Summer of Surprises. So Connie, Harold, Erika and the rest of the Combemouth gang are coming back!

Follow Jan on Facebook and Twitter @JanEllis_writer

www.janelliswriter.com

Jan's Amazon page: http://goo.gl/yqmAey

The Wedding Date Quiz: Which Character Are You?

Which character from The Wedding Date are you most like? Take the quiz and find out! Do let us know your result in the comments below.

What is your biggest talent?


A) I know every word to every song in Annie


B) I'm amazing at creating fabulous hairstyles. I've got my own YouTube channel with tutorials!


C) I have the ability to look like I'm working out at the gym without actually breaking a sweat


D) Throwing dinner parties! It's all about attention to detail and matching the personalities of your guests perfectly




If you were a biscuit, what would you be?


A) A Jammy Dodger because I'm sweet and wear my heart on my sleeve for all to see


B) A Rich Tea biscuit because nobody wants to be poor


C) A gingernut. Because I'm ginger (I may as well say it before anyone else does)


D) I'd be a lemon and thyme biscuit, served with cheese as they're light, sophisticated and compliment a dinner party beautifully




You organise a night out with friends. What will you be doing?


A) Watching a musical


B) Sipping champagne in the VIP area of an exclusive club


C) Pub quiz


D) Dinner at a nice restaurant




You're going to an office party. Who do you bring?


A) My best friend


B) Ugh. Office parties are SO boring. I wouldn't bother going


C) I wouldn't mind going alone. Parties are a great way to mingle


D) My husband




What kind of pet would you prefer?


A) A fluffy rabbit - they're so cute!


B) A chihuahua, which I'd carry around in my bag


C) A hamster - they're easy to look after and don't need taking for walks or anything


D) A goldfish - they don't make any mess




It's your birthday. What's at the top of your wish list?


A) Tickets to see a musical


B) A new camera to film my vlogs


C) Gym membership for a year (so I don't have to waste my own money)


D) A new kitchen I can show off at my next dinner party




What do you look for most in a potential partner?


A) He has to be a good friend first


B) Money and/or celebrity status


C) Someone who makes me laugh


D) Shared interests




Family is...


A) ... Annoying at times. But I love them


B) ... Difficult to get away from


C) ... My friends


D) ... Embarrassing at times




If you were a character from a musical, who would you be?


A) ALL OF THEM


B) Veruca Salt because I'm a little bit spoilt


C) Elle Woods from Legally Blonde


D) Miss Hannigan - I'm not a huge fan of children and the mess they make




What's your biggest career achievement?


A) Erm...


B) I have close to half a million hits on my YouTube channel


C) Working hard to land a job I love


D) Achieving my dream career




Mostly As


You're Delilah James
Delilah is fun and full of life but she often has her head in the clouds and lacks direction, especially when it comes to her career. Friendship is important to Delilah - she doesn't know what she'd do without her best friends to offer advice and support - and she's also loyal in return. She's kind and thoughtful but she doesn't suffer fools gladly.




Mostly Bs


You're Katey-Louise Brinkley
Katey-Louise is driven but she can also be selfish and spoilt. She'll work hard if it suits her but she doesn't like to answer to anybody. She's strong-willed and knows what she wants and is willing to do anything to achieve her goals.




Mostly Cs


You're Lauren McIntosh
Lauren is hard-working but she also likes to have fun too. She's still young and free and without responsibility, which she enjoys. She's loves spending time with her friends and is fiercely loyal.




Mostly Ds


You're Clara James
Clara James is serious and hardworking. She has dreams and aspirations and she won't let anything - or anyone - stand in her way. She can be pretentious at times and likes to show off but she's worked hard for the things she has and sees no reason why she can't flaunt it.

Delilah James, singleton and smoothie-addict, has six months to find a date for her oldest friend’s wedding. Oh, and to prove to her ex, best man Ben, that she has totally moved on since he dumped her out-of-the-blue nine months, eight days and seventeen hours ago…

So, with her two BFFs playing Cupid, Delilah launches herself into the high-tech, fast-paced and frankly terrifying world of dating. Luckily there’s the hot new guy at work, Adam Sinclair, to practice her flirting on – even if, as a colleague, he’s strictly off-limits!

Yet time’s running out and date after disastrous date forces Delilah to tell a little white lie – and invent a fake boyfriend! But will her secret crush on Adam ruin everything? Does she even care about Ben anymore? And is it too late to untangle her web of lies and take a real date to the wedding…?


Amazon UK | Amazon US | Kobo | iTunes

And They Lived Happily Ever After?

As a reader, I'm a massive fan of happily ever afters. I've invested time in the characters, have usually grown fond of them, have sometimes even fallen a teeny bit in love with them so I want a satisfying ending, for them to walk off into the sunset with the one they love. I want - no need - a happily ever after.

Of course this depends on the genre. You don't usually get a walking-hand-in-hand-under-a-rainbow kind of ending with a crime or psychological thriller. But this is why my go-to genre is romantic comedies. They're fun and comforting and you're pretty much guaranteed a tied-up-neatly-in-a-bow happy ever after (and if I don't get one, I'll be cross, believe me).

Take the film Titanic for example. Now I know the boat sinks and there weren't enough life boats so it was never going to have a cheery ending but there was definitely enough room on that board for Jack if Rose had shifted her arse over a bit. But did Jack clamber on board? No. He perished, severing all hopes of a happy ever after. I was hopping mad. I'd sat in that cinema for bum-numbing hours for a crappy ending?

I haven't watched the film since.

It's fair to say a HEA is important to me as a reader (or viewer). And I'm the same when it comes to writing my own books. Before I put pen to paper, I know there's going to be a HEA for my lead character, no matter how many bumps I happen to chuck in their path along the way. I received a review for one of my books where the reader wished one of my characters was given a happier ending and I felt bad that they'd come away without feeling entirely satisfied. I hadn't given the character an icy death like Jack, but they weren't performing cartwheels of joy either. It's made me even more determined to deliver as many happily ever afters as I can!

I asked some fellow authors how they felt about happily ever afters...

Terri Nixon

I always get my characters together early on, then throw nasty things at them so it feels like they've earned their - at least satisfying - ending. Both as a reader and a writer, I like an ending that hints at more struggle to come, but that makes you feel you know the characters well enough to believe in them coming through it.

Karen Aldous

I feel cheated if I don't get a satisfying ending and I love it when the antagonist gets his comeuppance!! One Moment at Sunrise has both.

Jaimie Admans

I love a happy ending! As a reader, I feel a bit cheated if the characters don't get a happy ending, and as a writer... well, I've only ever written one unhappy ending and I didn't like doing it, I kept putting off ever getting to the end because I knew what was coming! It definitely put me off writing unhappy endings! I try to give all characters a happy ending, and if not totally happy then at least a positive one!

Holly Martin

A book has to have a happy ending or I just won't read it. And sometimes if I'm reading a book and I get scared there isn't going to be a happy ending, I skip ahead to check its safe to continue. If it ends badly, I'll just stop reading. Life is hard and messed up enough as it is, I read to escape from that, I read to give me hope that other people do get happy endings in their life, if I'm sad or fed up then I read to bring back a smile to my face. And as for my writing, happy endings guaranteed or your money back!!

Lynsey James

I'm a massive sucker for a happily ever after. I couldn't write a story without one and I love them when I read too. If there's a sad or uncertain ending, it tends to spoil my enjoyment of the book. I hate to invest so much in characters and root for them to get their happy endings, only to have them snatched away from them!

A.L. Michael

I'm gonna play for the opposition here - I like a bit of conflict in my ending, I don't want it to be easy, I love a bit of bittersweet. The idea that there's still work to be done, that happily ever after is just the beginning of something else, and that might be difficult, but it'll be worth it. That said, if the characters don't at least get a little happiness when they deserve it, I'm gonna be peeved!

Raven McAllan

I like a HEA but a wee bit of will it last, what next is okay as well...

Annie Lyons

I don't like everything to be too neatly tied up because I want it to feel real BUT a wise editor once told me that if your reader has invested time in your book, you have to make sure that they finish it feeling satisfied and not cheated. So for me, I aim for something approximating a happy ending with maybe a little detail unresolved. It's a very interesting question though!

Katlyn Duncan

I tend to write as I want to read. I don't think a book needs a happy ending as long as that ending makes sense for the novel and not only for shock value. I think stories should read like real-life sometimes and not every situation has a happy ending.

So what about you? Are HEAs important to you? Or do you not mind if there isn't a neatly tied-up-in-a-bow happily ever after? Leave a comment below to let us know!