The Month Of Love & Hashtags

February... the month of love! Not only do we have Valentine's Day, but we also have the Romantic Novelists' Association's month long celebration of romantic fiction! Now I know this is the last week of February and you may feel it is too late to mention the celebrations, but hashtags have the added benefit of not only following posts and suggestions in real time, but you can also look back on previous social media conversations. So let's not waste any more time... come with me and explore what has been happening in the world of romance...

On 1st February, 2021 The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) announced the shortlists for their prestigious 2021 Romantic Novel Awards. This event is the only national literary awards to solely focus on rewarding excellence in romantic fiction, so I am thrilled that Daniel's Daughter is a finalist in the Historical Romantic Novel Award category. Yes... that's me, top right in the red cardigan and beads!

The presentations of the awards will be held at an online event on the 8th March, 2021. It will start at 7pm and the awards will be presented by actor and presenter, Larry Lamb. You can watch it live, a link to the event will be posted nearer the time here or on the RNA's Twitter, Facebook Page or Instagram Page.

The sub-genre shortlists and awards are below:- 

The Katie Fforde Debut Romantic Novel Award:
Cow Girl, Kirsty Eyre, HarperCollins UK
The Bookshop of Second Chances, Jackie Fraser, Simon & Schuster
The Silent Treatment, Abbie Greaves, Century, Cornerstone
This Is Not a Love Story, Mary Hargreaves, Trapeze
A New Life for Ariana Byrne, Liz Hurley, Hera Books
The Authenticity Project, Clare Pooley, Bantam Press

The Libertà Books Shorter Romantic Novel Award:
A Will, a Wish and a Wedding, Kate Hardy, Mills & Boon True Love
The Warrior Knight and the Widow, Ella Matthews, Mills & Boon Historical
The Day That Changed Everything, Catherine Miller, Bookouture
Second Chance for the Single Mum, Sophie Pembroke, Mills & Boon True Love
The Return of the Disappearing Duke, Lara Temple, Mills & Boon Historical
Cinderella and the Surgeon, Scarlet Wilson, Mills & Boon Medical

The Romantic Saga Award:
The Girl from the Tanner’s Yard, Diane Allen, Pan
The Variety Girls, Tracy Baines, Ebury
The Ops Room Girls, Vicki Beeby, Canelo
Bobby’s War, Shirley Mann, Bonnier Books UK
The Orphan’s Daughter, Sandy Taylor, Bookouture
Secrets of the Lavender Girls, Kate Thompson, Hodder & Stoughton

The Romantic Comedy Novel Award:
The Garden of Forgotten Wishes, Trisha Ashley, Bantam Press
Someday at Christmas, Lizzie Byron, Hodder & Stoughton
Christmas at the Island Hotel, Jenny Colgan, Sphere, Little, Brown
One Winter’s Night, Kiley Dunbar, Hera Books
Sunny Days and Sea Breezes, Carole Matthews, Sphere, Little, Brown
The Switch, Beth O’Leary, Quercus

The Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award:
The Forgotten Sister, Nicola Cornick, HQ
The House by the Sea, Louise Douglas, Boldwood Books
Death Comes to Cornwall, Kate Johnson, Dash Digital, Orion
The Twins, Jane Lark, One More Chapter, HarperCollins
Escape to the Little Chateau, Marie Laval, Choc Lit

The Fantasy Romantic Novel Award:
Echoes of the Runes, Christina Courtenay, Headline Review
The Start of Us, Hannah Emery, One More Chapter, HarperCollins
The Reluctant Witch, Amelia Hopegood, Independently Published
The Cornish Connection, Amanda James, Independently Published
Someday in Paris, Olivia Lara, Aria, Head of Zeus

The Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award:
Where We Belong, Anstey Harris, Simon & Schuster
My One True North, Milly Johnson, Simon & Schuster
One Day in Summer, Shari Low, Boldwood Books
Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You, Annie Lyons, One More Chapter, HarperCollins
Christmas for Beginners, Carole Matthews, Sphere, Little, Brown
The Little Shop in Cornwall, Helen Pollard, Bookouture
Mix Tape, Jane Sanderson, Bantam Press
The Takeover, T L Swan, Montlake
The Spark, Jules Wake, One More Chapter, HarperCollins

The Goldsboro Books Historical Romantic Novel Award:
Heartbreak in the Valleys, Francesca Capaldi, Hera Books
The Coming of the Wolf, Elizabeth Chadwick, Sphere, Little, Brown
Spirited, Julie Cohen, Orion Fiction
Daniel’s Daughter, Victoria Cornwall, Choc Lit (THIS IS ME!!!)
The French Wife, Diney Costeloe, Head of Zeus
People Like Us, Louise Fein, Head of Zeus
The Lost Lights of St Kilda, Elisabeth Gifford, Corvus
Rags-to-Riches Wife, Catherine Tinley, Mills & Boon Historical
The Skylark’s Secret, Fiona Valpy, Lake Union Publishing

The Sapere Books Popular Romantic Fiction Award
Sing Me a Secret, Julie Houston, Aria, Head of Zeus
Christmas Wishes, Sue Moorcroft, Avon
Sunny Days and Sea Breezes, Carole Matthews, Sphere, Little, Brown
A Perfect Cornish Escape, Phillipa Ashley, Avon
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, Josie Silver, Penguin

The rest of February was spent supporting the allies of romantic fiction as well as promoting its diversity.

Love My Library Week, 1st -7th February
Authors and readers shared their library stories in support of their local library.
Hashtag #LoveMyLibraryWeek

Celebrating Independent Bookshops Week, 8th – 14th February
Authors and readers posted about their bookshop heroes and why they love them.
Hashtag #LoveMyIndieBookshopWeek

Celebrating Diversity in Love, 15th – 21st February
5th February. Authors and readers shared book recommendations written by authors, or feature characters, from the LGBTQIA+ community.
17th February. Authors and readers shared book recommendations which are written by authors, or feature main characters, who have a multicultural heritage. 
19th February. Authors and readers shared book recommendations written by authors, or include main characters, who are living with disabilities/chronic conditions.
Hashtag #RNADiverseLoveWeek

Celebration of romance authors and book bloggers, 22nd – 28th February
22nd February. RNA members of the organisation shared their thoughts on what the RNA means to them.
Hashtag #TheRNAAndMe
24th February, at 7pm. Live Event. Author, book blogger and head of publicity at Bookouture, Kim Nash, interviewed a panel of RNA award-winning book bloggers on the RNA Facebook page. Check out the page as the video might still be there!
25th February. Authors and readers shared their favourite books by independent authors.
Hashtag #RNAIndieAuthors.

I hope you enjoyed this retrospective look back on the Month of Love. Do you know of any other category, group or sub-genre the romance industry should celebrate? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Let's Talk About A Reader's Trust by Victoria Cornwall

Last week, on the 24th March, I celebrated the release of my sixth novel, Daniel's Daughter. Not only is Daniel's Daughter my sixth novel, but it is the sixth novel in my Cornish Tales Series, which are stand-alone tales set in Cornwall and are linked by family.

I never set out to write a series, it just sort of evolved. I knew, on a business level, it made sense. Well written series, whether film franchises or novels, can build a loyal following to the series brand. This "fan base" (I hate using the word fan as images of screaming, tearful Bay City Roller fans always comes to mind  - which gives away the decade I became a teenager and does not accurately represent people who read books) are more willing to see or purchase the product of a known, trusted brand. They know, from experience or recommendation, what they are going "to get" which greatly reduces their anxiety of completing the purchase. Reducing the anxiety is what all retailers hope to achieve, whether its by boasting about the awards their product has won, displaying positive reviews, investing in expensive marketing campaigns to reassure potential customers their product is "tried and tested", caring and trust worthy etc. etc.

Strangely that precious commodity of trust in a series, does not always extend to the author, screenwriter or publisher who has created it. For example, I have read all of the Poldark series (several times), but have never (to date) read another Winston Graham novel. Perhaps I am strange in that, but I suspect I am not. This is a valuable lesson for writers to learn. If an author takes their readers for granted and assume their fan base (there is that word again!) will buy whatever they write... and whatever quality they churn out, they are surely mistaken. A word of advice to any writers out there... never take the trust a reader has placed in you for granted. Their trust is only loaned to you and can just as easily be taken away.

The trust a reader places in a writer is very precious. I think every writer has some level of anxiety when writing the follow-up novel. I know I have every time I write a new novel for the Cornish Tales series. Writers know, deep down, that the next book needs to reach a certain level of expectation (preferably exceed it) in order not to let the reader down. Once the trust is gone, it is an uphill struggle to regain it. It took me two years to write Daniel's Daughter (quite long for me), as I wanted it to be right. I can only hope I managed to maintain the trust of the readers who have read my others, and maybe even gain a few more loyal customers (as you can see, I am trying to use another word for "fan" here) along the way.

Perhaps this is why the issue of trust plays such an important role in Daniel's Daughter. When the heroine, Grace Kellow, discovers a family secret, the truth destroys her trust in those people closest to her. Can she rebuild that trust? Does she even want to? I can only hope that readers loan me their trust and read the book so they can find out.

As this post comes to an end I have realised something. To the readers who have been loyal to the series and read every book so far (and I know there are many as you have told me so), I have realised that I am a fan of you, as when you tell me this, it is I who is screaming and crying with joy inside to hear from you... just like those Bay City Roller fans who left such an indelible impression on me in my youth.

Sometimes the truth is not easy to say and even harder to hear …

Cornwall, 1895
Grace Kellow is a young woman with a strong sense of who she is and where she comes from. As the daughter of a well-respected Cornish dairy owner Daniel Kellow, her existence in the village of Trehale is comfortable and peaceful.
But then handsome Talek Danning comes striding over Hel Tor, and soon after his arrival Grace is hit with a revelation that leaves her questioning her identity and her place in the Trehale community.
In her hour of need, Talek and his sister Amelia offer Grace sanctuary – but wherever Grace runs, her secret will follow …

Available as an eBook from the following online retailers:-

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Apple iBooks

Nook

Kobo

Google Play

Also coming out in Audio format soon

BEHIND THE SCENES OF A BOOK LAUNCH by Victoria Cornwall

Tuesday was a Double Book Publication Day for me! Yaaayy!
The Thief's Daughter was released as a paperback and The Captain’s Daughter was released as an eBook.

The publication day is the day a new book is launched. For me, the day passed in a bit of a blur as I immersed myself into the social media world to spread the news. But the launch of my new books didn't begin on Tuesday morning or end on Tuesday night. As many writers will know, the publication day is just one day of several events organised to launch a new book. So whereas the publication day itself may last only 24hours, the launch of a new book starts far earlier and lasts quite a bit longer.

For me it started on the day I received my advance copies of The Thief's Daughter in paperback. My experience will differ from other writers and their access to various promotional opportunities will vary depending how well known and successful they are. I can only share mine, so pull up a chair and I will share with you my experience ...

I think most writers will agree that the moment they see their novel in print for the first time is a very special moment. I captured my moment on video just so I could relive it when I wasn't in such a state of shock. I was also relieved they had arrived as I had a book launch event to plan.

Having never been to a book launch myself, I had no idea what it entailed and if anyone would even come. Thankfully it all turned out okay and I sold all of the advanced copies I had brought with me. 

As both novels are about women who face (and overcome) difficulties in their lives, I thought it was fitting to donate a portion of the proceeds from the event to a charitable organisation whose aim is to develop a girl’s potential in order to make a difference to the world – my local Brownies & Guides.

The day before the publication day, I received a lovely review of The Captain's Daughter from writer, reviewer and blogger, Jo Lambert, on her writer's blog. It was just what I needed as the nerves had started to set in. American novelist, Luanne Rice once said, "After 30 novels, release day is still a thrill. It's also a little bittersweet too." I understand what she meant as the books are now out in the big wide world, a bit like a child going to school for the first time. It is also about to be read by other people whose opinions really matter.

Publication Day finally arrived and I spent much of it celebrating the event online. Lots of friends, bloggers, readers and fellow authors sent congratulatory messages and helped me to spread the news. The "book world" is a lovely community, where friends are made and good news is shared. Writing can be quite a solitary career and this online community really helps to make one feel part of something very special.

Although publication day was over by the following day, the launch of the books continued. The day after I was heading for Truro to appear on the Debbie McCrory Show on Radio Cornwall. I have been a guest on Debbie's show once before and when she invited me back to talk about my next release, I jumped at the chance.

Two days after publication, I was hurtling down the road again in my second-hand Honda Jazz to the seaside town of Penzance to appear on Coast Afternoon with John Pestle on CoastFM. This radio program was a first for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. John and the team put me at ease and the 30 minute slot flew by. Thank you to CoastFM for allowing me to use their photograph.

The online blog tour had already kicked off by the time I was sitting down behind a microphone. It's a challenge to keep guest posts fresh and interesting, so I decided to talk about some of the important elements of writing a novel, choosing a particular one for each blog, with the odd fun blog post in-between. Here is the blog tour, if you would like to follow it.

Linda's Book Bag 05/10/2017
The perfect hero

Choc Lit 6/10/2017
The fourth character

Jaffareadstoo 11/10/2017
The perfect heroine

Morton S.Gray Blog 16/10/2017
The heroine of The Captain's Daughter sharing her secret thoughts

Jera's Jamboree 18/10/2017
Q&A

Portobello Book Blog 23/10/2017
The perfect antagonist

With Love for Books 30/10/2017
Talking about prejudice against the past

So the past few weeks have been busy and I look forward to putting up my feet. In the meantime, perhaps I should tell you a little about each book.

The Captain's Daughter

The Captain's Daughter was inspired by the kitchens and servants' quarters of Lanhydrock House, which is a National Trust property in Cornwall. I was also inspired by my visits to Bodmin's historic jail and court house. Both are wonderfully atmospheric buildings with a vast history behind them.

Book Blurb

Sometimes you need to discover your own strength in order to survive …

After a family tragedy, Janey Carhart was forced from her comfortable life as a captain’s daughter into domestic service. Determined to make something of herself, Janey eventually finds work as a lady’s maid at the imposing Bosvenna Manor on the edge of Bodmin Moor, but is soon caught between the two worlds of upstairs and downstairs, and accepted by neither, as she cares for her mistress.

Desperately lonely, Janey catches the attention of two men – James Brockenshaw and Daniel Kellow. James is heir to the Bosvenna estate, a man whose eloquent letters to his mother warm Janey’s heart. Daniel Kellow is a neighbouring farmer with a dark past and a brooding nature, yet with a magnetism that disturbs Janey. Two men. Who should she choose? Or will fate decide. 

Available to download from all eBook platforms.
Coming to audio at a future date.

The Thief's Daughter

The Thief's Daughter was inspired by Bodmin's debtors' prison and a rocky inlet on the North Cornish Coast, called Pepper Cove. The cove was named after the large quantities of spices smuggled into Cornwall during the 18th and early 19th century. It provided the perfect backdrop and plot for my characters to live through.

Book Blurb

Hide from the thief-taker, for if he finds you, he will take you away …

Eighteenth-century Cornwall is crippled by debt and poverty, while the gibbet casts a shadow of fear over the land. Yet, when night falls, free traders swarm onto the beaches and smuggling prospers.

Terrified by a thief-taker’s warning as a child, Jenna has resolved to be good. When her brother, Silas, asks for her help to pay his creditors, Jenna feels unable to refuse and finds herself entering the dangerous world of the smuggling trade.

Jack Penhale hunts down the smuggling gangs in revenge for his father’s death. Drawn to Jenna at a hiring fayre, they discover their lives are entangled. But as Jenna struggles to decide where her allegiances lie, the worlds of justice and crime collide, leading to danger and heartache for all concerned …

Available to download from all eBook platforms.

Paperback available to order from Amazon and all good bookshops.
Coming to audio at a future date.

Thank you for my publisher, Choc Lit, and the Choc Lit Panel and Stars for bringing my novels to publication.
Also thank you to all the bloggers and reviewers who helped make the book launch a success. Finally, thank you to you for sharing in the celebrations of my double book launch by reading this post. I have enjoyed sharing my novels and book launch preparations with you.

Now where is the wine and soft fluffy socks? It's time I put those feet up for a rest!