My Writing Process Rebecca Raisin

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What have you written, past and present?

I have written eighteen romance novels over a period of about ten years. At the moment I’m writing a book set in Venice and it’s been a joy exploring all the hidden gems albeit with the help of travel blogs and google images. It’s always a lot of fun to research a location to bring it to life in my stories. 

  • What are you promoting now?

My latest release, Elodie’s Library of Second Chances is about the power of stories and second chances. Elodie escapes the family media empire to take the librarian job in small town Willow Grove. She hopes to save the library but with limited funds and resources she’s fighting a losing battle. Until she stumbles upon some real-life stories that need sharing. She decides to lend people to share their stories in the hopes the community will be more accepting of those on the periphery. Everything is going well until her own past gets scrutinised and people find out she’s not who she portrayed herself to be. But don’t we all deserve a second chance? 

  • Tell us a bit about your writing process

I write the first draft fast with a brief outline to guide me. I don’t like to plot in too much detail as I prefer the characters to guide me when they come to life on the pages. In saying that, I do a full character profile for the main characters before I start. I start with their physical descriptions and then dive into what sort of person they are. Do they cry in sad movies? What kind of laugh do they have? What do they want most in the world? What are they scared of? And that gives me a wide scope to work with when it comes time to add some conflict into the story and know how they’ll react to certain situations and where to push them that little bit further. 

  • How do you structure a book?

Every book is different depending on the goal of the heroine but I usually start with a hook, a catalyst that changes her life and forces her to act. The character profile comes in handy here because I will already know what she doesn’t want, or what she fears so I will then move the plot forward by making her face those fears. I use the general idea of what is her goal? Her motivation? What conflict can I add to the mix to make her work for what she wants ahead of the resolution. I also focus on friendship as well as romance so these factor in too but for my heroines the priority is always about them finding their own way in the world. 

  • What do you find hard about writing?

Deadlines! They creep up so fast! It feels like I’ve got all the time in the world and then two minutes later the book is due. Luckily, I love editing, so once I get the first draft done, I enjoy the editing process a lot more. 

  • What do you love about writing?

The best part of writing is when a story comes together in such a way that those characters are in your heart and on your mind and you know you’ve connected to the story on a deep level. The Venice novel I’m writing now feels that way, almost as though they’re real people and not inventions of mine. It’s the best feeling when that happens! 

SUNDAY SCENE: LYNN JOHNSON ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM THE POTTERIES GIRLS ON THE HOME FRONT

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Would you have been ready to leave home to become a live-in servant in a posh country house – when you were twelve? That’s what happens to Potteries Girl, Betty Dean. She knows her life will be very different, but is she ready for the loneliness of being in two worlds and not being settled in either? In the following extract, Betty is about to leave home and all her sister, Mary-Ellen is worried about is taking over the housework.

 

‘I’m glad I’m going.’ Betty jumped to her feet. ‘You’ll all have to do some things for yerselves and about time too. I’ll come back to see yer on me day off each month, like I said.’ She glared at Mary-Ellen. ‘But I’ll not be coming back to do the washing, ironing, cooking or anything else, I’ll tell yer that for nowt.’

There was silence round the table. The faces looking up at her brought home the enormity of what was happening. Betty had to take a stand right from the outset.

Her annoyance soon fizzled out. It was beginning to hit her – from this point onwards, she wouldn’t know what her brothers and sisters were up to, whether someone was ill, happy, or sad. All she would have would be letters, if they could be bothered to send them. They would live in different worlds, with different things to talk about, and she would be a train ride away. She would come to know less and less about her own family, be the odd one out, living alone. She had wanted space to be herself in their crowded home, but it came with a heavy cost. When she put it like that, it sounded lonelier than she had ever imagined.

It would be up to her to make sure she didn’t lose touch. She would insist everyone, even little Tommy, with a bit of help, write her a letter each month. That way she could begin to bear it, she hoped.

 

It’s only when you are parted from the family and friends that you realise how much you have taken them for granted over the years – a hard lesson to learn at so young an age. And it’s difficult to think about others when you are hurting too.

 

 

That night, she lay in bed, curled up with Mary-Ellen and Lily, eyes wide open, unable to sleep.

‘Betty?’

The hiss of a voice came from the doorway. A young voice. Tommy.

Betty sat up, careful not to bump against Mary-Ellen ‘Are you all right, Tommy?’

He let himself into the room. ‘I conner sleep knowing as you’ll be gone soon. Conner get it out of me mind.’

‘I won’t be far away. And I’ll come back regular. I promise.’

‘Why d’yer have to go?’

‘We need the money and now we’re all growing up, there’s no room for all of us here.’

‘I’m going ter miss yer.’

Betty put her arms around him. ‘And I’ll miss you so much. You know I will.’

‘Can I stay in here? Just for tonight.’

‘There’s no room, Tommy,’ muttered Lily.

‘Course there is, just for tonight, said Betty, on the verge of tears.

‘Yes, but you’ll have ter get up early.’

‘Dunner care.’

As he huddled against her, Betty put her arms around her brother and sisters. Would this be the way of it all from now on? Always saying goodbye. She had to be strong. To think for herself. To be herself.

 

Staying in touch – is at the heart of Betty’s story.

 

Website: www.lynnjohnsonauthor.com

On this the 100th Joffe Books Digest we discover a multitude of fabulous new books

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Joffe is delighted, on this the publication of the 100th digest, with our readers’ superb support for all their wonderful authors – who are very much part of the Joffe family, and they so  look forward to introducing many more in the years to come.

Joffe’s book of the week is the latest absolutely unputdownable crime thriller from #1 bestselling author Cath Staincliffe — DESPERATE MEASURES which is out now for the special launch price of just 99p | 99c.

It would be a shame to miss out on DCI Janine Lewis’s last case. Ever . . .   Respected GP Dr Don Halliwell is discovered brutally murdered and his colleague Dr Fraser McKee goes missing. Then McKee walks into the police station: ‘Somebody’s trying to kill me.’ However, he and Halliwell had been seen screaming at each other right before Halliwell’s murder.

It’s up to Janine to separate the murky truth from the lies.

CLICK HERE TO BUY DESPERATE MEASURES BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR CATH STAINCLIFFE FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

           

The Guernsey Ferry Murders by Pauline Rowson 99p/99c

Detective Inspector Andy Horton is in Guernsey when he receives an urgent call from his friend, Inspector John Guilbert. ‘A woman’s been found dead on the ferry which sailed from Portsmouth this morning.’Renegade detective Horton dives headfirst into his investigations, where dark secrets lead to destruction . . . 

A Future Murder b Linda Mather  99p/99c

MEET JO HUGHES, YOUR NEW FAVOURITE PRIVATE DETECTIVE.  Jo Hughes goes undercover to investigate Flora Howell. She tells Jo she’s looking for a missing friend and almost immediately afterwards she gets knocked off her bike in a hit-and-run accident. Then Flora’s friend is found dead. It’s up to Jo to read the signs and uncover the truth.

Murder at the Roman Baths by Jane G Goodhind 99p/99c

Amateur sleuth Honey Driver is attending the funeral of one of her mother’s friends. But before the deceased can be laid to rest, another body is found in the grave.The victim is C.A. Wright, renowned hotel reviewer with a nasty reputation and some even nastier habits. Wright was known as a leech, a lecher and a venomous cockroach by most people who crossed his path — including Honey Driver . . .

Such great great news:

Coming soon from Joffe Books — BABYLON BERLIN by Volker Kutscher. These truly are wonderful novels. I love them, love love love them. (You get the picture)
Joffe are not unnaturally delighted to be publishing Volker Kutscher’s award-winning series of Gereon Rath historical crime mysteries set in pre-war Berlin do not miss them. Do buy them.

The series of five historical thrillers, notable for its atmospheric portrayal of Weimar Republic Germany, has sold over a million copies worldwide and was recently adapted for television by Sky Atlantic, with the critically acclaimed Babylon Berlin TV series.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER BABYLON BERLIN BY VOLKER KUTSCHER.
“Atmospheric.” Peter James  “Gripping.” Mail on Sunday “Splendid and chilling.” Crime Time   “Conjures up the dangerous decadence of the Weimar years.” The Sunday Times

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant says:

“We are thrilled to have acquired digital rights in the remarkable Gereon Rath series, which brings the seedy underworld of 1920s’ Berlin to vivid and memorable life.”

NEWS

Now for a fulsome tribute on this, the celebration of Joffe’s100th digest, to honour Joffe’s beloved author Roy Lewis, creator of the Arnold Landon and Inspector Crow mystery series, who recently reached the impressive benchmark of over half a million books sold!

Joffe Books were delighted to receive a testimonial to Roy from his son, John,  which they wanted to share with Frost Magazine readers.

Roy was born in Ton Pentre, Rhondda, South Wales on 17/1/1933. He died on 18/8/2019. He probably started writing as a teenager.    In the late 1950s he contributed a number of short stories to an Australian publication, Man Magazine (and possibly also Adam). Suffice it to say that these publications mostly consisted of photos of young women in bathing suits with some articles and stories thrown in! 

He was first published by Collins in 1969, John thinks, and stayed with them in their Crime Club series for many years. He took inspiration for his books from what he saw around him, from his early years in the Rhondda, through his years as a Further Education college lecturer, college inspector, and the places where he lived — Wales, the North-East, Spain and France. He also travelled widely in the Far East, which features in his writing as well. Archaeology was of particular interest to him, as was mediaeval history (e.g. the Knights Templar), which is reflected in the Arnold Landon series of books

Joffe Books Publisher CEO Jasper Joffe on Roy Lewis:

“For a long time I wanted to publish Roy Lewis’s excellent crime novels. We used to speak occasionally on the phone and I always really enjoyed the charming lilt of his voice and his warmth.

I am very proud to publish his books and that we have sold over half a million of them, reaching a whole new generation of crime lovers. There’s a little sadness that he’s not alive to see the new-found success of his titles, but his books live on for his many loyal readers and I am so happy that we are his publisher.”

For more information: www.joffebooks.com

Fun and Games at Columbia Community Association … Keep calm as Corporal Jones would say …

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They say everything comes to those who wait…

But how long? I hear Marion call. Well, the good news is that the WiFi is up and running, with the misspelling of the user name on the hub rectified, and responsibility accepted by the supplier.  The email was a game in itself, but has eventually been resolved. I’ll leave Marion to tell you the full story when you pop in. It’s a hoot.

The kitchen is being stripped out on 1st September and refitted on Friday 2nd.

 

 

Natural Oak doors /Turkish Marble worktops. Crockery free to anyone who wants it
And clever Bob – he with the red trainers  (BTW, as editor of Frost I felt I too must have a pir of red trainers,so I will be NOTICED, Could I find a pair?) But back to Bob, who has passed an on-line PAT training course; Marion tell us ‘I am looking forward to hiring him out. ‘    ‘Bagsy me,’ said I. Marion insisted she was  only kidding. Huh.   Equipment ordered and delivery due any minute. 

Even with the turmoil of the  refurbishment, the classes continue, and brilliant news- Marion has had so many booking enquiries going forward into June 2023 she has had to buy a 2023 diary. Marion also met with Laura Bains from Equans to discuss the centre hosting a week-long training programme. Oh Laura, were you ‘had’? Yes, of course, you were,  for lo and behold Marion managed to negotiate the decoration of the computer room, benches installed, along with wall cupboards, as payment for the room hire.

Marion also told us: ‘Let’s not forget ‘Wind Chime making day’ with MBC Arts Wellbeing and happy smiling children. They are due to return on Friday with their creative work.’ So we’ll see the finished work on Frost Magazine. Hurrah, the doors have returned, though people have been enjoying the air conditioning in this hot summer. How lucky they have been  are with the weather, and though it has been relatively quiet, Marion said, ‘ Hang onto your hats folks we are about to take off because, our home is is very much on the way to being our pride and joy.’  We will hear more as this week closes.

Of courses, the Bingo ladies had cake – calorie free, though Linda won’t confirm. Last Friday of the month is Coffee morning and a good old natter. Hamper Raffle took place at the coffee morning berfore bank holiday and  fabulous news, it has been announced that the Hampers made £190 in donations, and the committee  thank every single one of you who supported the Ukraine appeal and a special thank you to Yvonne who donated £40, making a grand total £230.

Friday afternoon the Centre hosted  another ceramic class then the doors were firmly shut, and all headed off for the long weekend – to take a breath, recharge,and be ready for a new week at the Columbia Community Association. Can’t wait to hear how it’s going. 

 

Made By Coopers Atmospheric Mist – Surround Yourself With ‘Happy’ – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Of all our senses, the ability to smell is possibly the most underrated. We all know that lavender and chamomile can help us sleep, but there’s a whole battery of essential oils and other fragrant plant extracts which can benefit us in so many ways. Ancient medical systems, such as Ayurveda recognize these powers on our mood and mental health and use essential oils in treatments.

As with all products which we plan to inhale or put on our skin, quality is so important, as a significant amount will end up inside our bodies – so I was so glad to discover Made By Coopers – created by Clare and Darren Cooper. Clare had suffered for years with anxiety disorders and when they visited an Ayurvedic centre in Kerala they were inspired to learn about the therapeutic powers of the different plants used there.

Eager to share with others, using the knowledge they’d acquired, they started producing fabulous products, ranging from Atmospheric Mists and candles to skincare products and a special sleep range. Each product has an aromatherapy element to it: Calming, Balancing, Uplifting, Energising and Passion. They follow the Ayurvedic philosophy to treat the body as a whole and they believe in ‘to nourish the skin, nourish the mind’.

All their products use nutrient-rich plant oils, therapeutic grade essential oils, flower water (hydrolats) and botanical actives, and are 100% free from parabens, SLSs, mineral oil, sulfates, artificial colours and synthetic fragrances.

I love the Happy Room Spray, with Lime essential oils for upliftment, Basil for Energy and Stress-relief, and Clementine for Mental Clarity and Mood. At £16.50 for 100ml this instantly relaxes and raises your spirits.

But there’s much more on the website – do take a look, and follow them on social media (links below)

https://www.instagram.com/madebycoopers/ 

https://www.facebook.com/madebycoopers

https://twitter.com/madebycoopers 

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/madebycoopers/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/madebycoopers/ 

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows


http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk


Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Understanding the Legal Aspects of Self-Employment

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  1. IRunning your own business can be very rewarding, but it’s also very difficult, especially regarding legal concerns. For example, if you’re not careful, you might accidentally miss important tax requirements or could even be unknowingly breaking the law by not having insurance.

The law defines a self-employed person as one who does business as an independent contractor. In other words, while you might work with companies, you are the “owner” of your services or product. But because you’re a business owner, you need to follow specific guidelines, some of which can be confusing.

This post will explore the frequent legal problems self-employed workers face and a few ways you can protect yourself from them.

Common Self-Employment Legal Issues

You need to be careful of multiple legal aspects when running your own business. These include:

  • Property damage
  • Client disputes
  • Injuries
  • Incorrect tax information

6 Tips to Protect Yourself

  1. Get Insured

One of the best ways to provide protection for your business is to invest in insurance. This gives you financial support should there be a job injury, property damages, or disputes. In addition, many states will actually require you to get insurance if you plan to hire or work with others.

You’ll find that there are a handful of different insurance types self-employed businesses can invest in. These include:

  • General liability
  • Errors and omissions
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Property
  • Auto

If you’re not sure what you need, contact an insurance provider. They’ll ask a few questions about your business and guide you toward the best option for your needs. You could also see if an online quote is available. With it, you can type in some general financial and business information to get an average price of what you must pay.

  1. Register Your Business

Unfortunately, starting a company isn’t as simple as just getting the necessary materials and opening up. First, you must ensure that your business is registered locally to operate legally.

There are five main business entities you can register under:

  • Limited liability company (LLC)
  • Sole proprietorship
  • Partnership
  • Corporation
  • S Corporation

These each have their pros and cons, so it’s crucial to research them carefully. For instance, an LLC is easy to begin, but there are strict tax rules, especially if you’re not careful with separating your business finances from your personal ones.

  1. Study Tax Requirements

Trying to comprehend self-employment taxes can be extremely tricky. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of not thoroughly examining what’s required for certain businesses and understanding potential tax breaks.

One of the biggest tax regulations to pay attention to is the self-employment tax. This goes toward your Social Security and Medicare. In most cases, this rate is around 15.3%. All companies take this tax out of their employees’ paycheck, so it’s not always noticed, but because you’re self-employed, you’ll have to set aside some of your income for it.

The main tax form most will need to fill out is a 1040, which calculates and documents your yearly income tax. Remember that if your business made less than $400, you wouldn’t need to pay taxes no matter what your career is.

For companies with a partnership, there are other tax requirements. While an income tax isn’t always necessary for it, you must file your taxes regardless. Each partner must then include their income profit or loss on their personal tax return.

If you want to stay on top of things, consider sending in quarterly payments. You’ll send in a certain amount (based on your previous taxes or an estimate) to the IRS every three months. This will go toward your yearly tax requirements and prevents you from needing to pay a large amount at the end of the year.

  1. Keep Track of Expenses

You must carefully document your expenses for tax purposes (especially for deductions) and to keep yourself organized and protected should there be an issue. Keeping receipts can protect you from potential fees or legal issues if something seems amiss on your taxes.

  1. Watch Email Regulation Rules

Some self-employed businesses forget to follow email regulations, especially for marketing purposes. While the U.S. allows companies to send marketing emails, there are guidelines you need to follow via the CAN-SPAM Act, such as having an unsubscribe option. You could face heavy consequences if you don’t research and enact these rules.

  1. Meet with a Lawyer

If you’re still unsure whether you’re doing your taxes correctly or just want to double-check things, it might be beneficial to hire a business lawyer. They can guide you around potential legal issues and verify your business follows the right regulations.

You need to be aware of many legal aspects if you’re self-employed. With these tips, you can better understand legal complexities, so your business succeeds.

CARIADS’ CHOICE: AUGUST 2022 BOOK REVIEWS

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Phil Rickman’s The Fever of the World reviewed by Georgia Hill

This is book 16 in the Merrily Watkins series featuring a beleaguered vicar and “Deliverance Consultant” – or exorcist – and set in the Welsh Marches. There’s a mysterious rockfall death, an examination of Wordsworth and his experiences as a young man in the Wye Valley, the odd Druid (a very odd Druid) and it’s all wrapped around with Covid’s cold, clammy hand. Phil has a cult-like following (I’m one) and his Merrily books are a fabulous and impossible to categorise mix of crime, the supernatural and folklore. Go read!

 

Jen Gilroy’s The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls reviewed by Jane Cable

I’ve been meaning to read this book for a long time and I enjoyed it so much I’m disappointed with myself for putting it off. It was absolutely delightful to escape to a small town community in the Adirondacks, the kind of place I suspect many of us have a secret hankering to live.

Jen Gilroy draws both the people and the place so beautifully, even the most minor of characters come alive in her skilled hands. I was pulled into Annie and Seth’s stories from the moment we meet them both. I knew they both had journeys to take and I knew how those journeys would end, but that’s the point of romantic fiction, isn’t it? No huge surprises, but a really interesting and emotional story that felt as though it was about real people. A place and a time to lose myself in with characters who become to feel like friends.

Not trying to be anything fancy, this is feelgood romance at its best.

 

Faith Hogan’s The Gin Sisters Promise reviewed by Morton S Gray

I loved Faith Hogan’s novel The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club and that was what attracted me to this title. Having finished this one, I’m off to find her other books.

A story full of love, pathos, family misunderstandings, secrets and laughter. Initially I wondered if I would cope with the three sisters’ storylines, but I soon became absorbed in their lives, loves and losses.

The book made me think about legacies and the family tangles and feuds we get into over the years.

I wanted each of the sisters to get their happy ever after and it seems their father did too. Definitely a thought-provoking novel which made me experience a wide variety of emotions from laughter to tears. Highly recommended.

 

Clare Marchant’s The Mapmakers Daughter reviewed by Kitty Wilson

Probably my favourite book of the year so far. Both timelines fully held my attention and I loved both Frieda and Robyn’s stories. Clare Marchant’s writing is so skilled that she takes you deep into the heart of Tudor London, all the senses stimulated and I really felt if I was there, hearing, seeing, smelling all that was going on around her characters. The detail she weaves though is not merely evocative, her books are so well researched that I learn things that I did not before and she always makes me want to dive into further research the minute I finish reading.

Her writing is taut and deftly woven, everything moves the story on, informs the reader and weaves together a truly spellbinding story. The jeopardy she creates had me gasp out loud, my heart pounding with fear – all whilst safely tucked up in my own bed, such is the skill with which she writes. Honestly, I thought this book was flawless and I suspect it will remain one of my favourites for years to come. Absolute perfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY SCENE: SARAH RODI ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM ESCAPING WITH HER SAXON ENEMY

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My story begins on the shores of 9th century England. At the King’s daughter’s wedding, Saxon warrior Ashford Stanton is disturbed to discover he finds a Danish shield maiden attractive…

‘Lord Stanton. Would you care for a drink?’ She held up the jug. ‘I don’t think I’ve seen you touch a drop all evening.’ Her narrow nose drew his gaze down and he studied her full, soft lips, which were a pretty petal-pink.
He gave her a brisk smile. ‘Thank you, but no. I am here out of duty, not pleasure.’
Her gaze turned glacial, her face taut, and he knew instantly that she liked his kind as much as he liked hers. Was she just putting on a show for her brother’s guests, as he was for his king? ‘And ale only serves to cloud the judgement, don’t you think?’
‘Well, we can’t have that,’ she mocked. ‘We all know your sound judgement is what’s keeping us all in check.’
His brow furrowed at her blatant disrespect. He was used to being well-regarded by the people of Termarth. ‘You must be referring to my judgement on the Crowe situation—my wisdom in demanding that you show mercy to a man already broken and on his knees…’
‘Crowe killed my father, Lord Stanton. You took the side of my enemy and denied me my revenge.’
He could detect the anger simmering beneath her words, the fire in her personality, and it was igniting an unwanted spark inside him.
Ash inclined his head slightly, as if to acknowledge the weight of her claim. ‘I didn’t know that at the time.’
‘Would your actions have been different had you known?’
‘Probably not. I don’t believe in taking the law into your own hands. What you did was reckless.’

When she was younger, Svea was attacked by Saxon soldiers. Now she has grown into a warrior who has vowed never to let a man take advantage of her again… and she shows Ash she won’t conform.

 

‘We are at my brother’s wedding, and unfortunately I have a duty to be gracious to all his guests.’ She lifted a tankard from a nearby table and poured herself a cup of ale. Raising it up in the air, she made a toast. ‘To the happy couple. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening…’
‘Doubtful. I have no interest in weddings.’
‘We are in agreement about that, at least. Skol!’ she said, before downing the tankard of ale in one go.
Afterwards, she drew her sleeve across her mouth, wiping the tiny beads of moisture away. He stared at her, incredulous. He had never known a beautiful woman try so hard to disguise her allure. It intrigued him. ‘Still, you played and certainly looked the part today,’ he said.
Her face darkened and she gave an unladylike disdainful snort. He wished the words back the moment he’d uttered them, knowing he’d made a mistake.
‘You seem to have a knack of imparting your opinion upon people who don’t want to hear it, Lord Stanton. As I’ve been sweating like a pig on its way to the smokehouse all day, you should save your compliments for the bride.’
When the King is kidnapped, Svea has to join forces with Ash, returning to his fortress [I visited Bamburgh Castle – inspiration for the setting] to raise his army. Ash learns Svea has been mistreated by men, and he believes the same evil flows through him, but it’s hard to keep his distance… I hope you enjoy the chemistry between them on their journey towards happiness.
www.sarahrodi.com