An Interview with Cathie Dunn

Today I am delighted to have the wonderful Cathie Dunn, historical fiction and romantic suspense author over for a chat.

Welcome, Cathie, can you tell us what or who inspires your writing?

Thank you, Mandy, for hosting me today. I’m thrilled to be here.

From an early age onwards, I’ve devoured books. I was a huge fan of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and Adventure series and loved Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking (and her independence). Their books inspired my love of adventures.

Later, I discovered the romantic suspense novels of Victoria Holt and Barbara Erskine, the dramatic novels of Daphne du Maurier and the wonderfully exotic historical novels by M M Kaye. By that time, I knew I wanted to write, and historical and romantic suspense / adventure was to be ‘my’ genre.

Have you always written or is it a more recent development?

I started jotting down ‘ideas’ in my late teens, half-hearted attempts that ended up in a drawer. I nagged my mother into buying me a used typewriter and the stories developed. For many years, I didn’t do much more about them, until, in my late 20s, I started all over again. Since then, I’ve completed a Creative Writing course at Lancaster University, as well as short historical courses at other universities. I joined writing and critique groups and learned the value of peer feedback and support, and their brutal honesty. It helped hone my skills in terms of both writing and critical editing.

Which do you enjoy most and why, historical fiction or romantic suspense?

I love both, in different ways, both as a writer and reader. Historical fiction allows you to focus primarily on historical events - both real and fictional. I love writing about political issues, battles and campaigns; I find them fascinating to research. My favourite authors in that field are Sharon Penman and Elizabeth Chadwick.

In romantic suspense, you focus less on the secondary events, but instead on the characters and the intrigue. As a reader, you ‘feel’ the story more, you sense the tension, you experience what the characters go through. You find yourself reading faster and faster, keen to get through it to know what’s about to happen. In writing romantic suspense, you ‘show’ more than you do in generic historical fiction.

Your most recent work is the romantic suspense novella Silent Deception, can you tell us a little about that and where it's available?

Back in early May, I spotted a call for submissions for suspense novellas from a major romance publisher. The deadline was two weeks later. I took the challenge.

Trying my best, I managed a first draft in that time, but it wasn’t anywhere near the standard I’d wanted to submit. So I decided to self-publish the novella, re-wrote it, ran it past my critique partners who duly tore it to shreds, and eventually I ended up with a version I was happy with.

Silent Deception is a romantic suspense set in Victoria Cornwall, the first time I used a location I haven’t visited. Yet. The novella is currently available as an ebook on Amazon only.

What is the most useful piece of advice you have ever been given in life, regarding writing or anything else?

What an interesting question. I think it would be: ‘Be true to yourself.’ This can be taken both for life in general as well as for writing.

I’ve seen writers change their style to try fit into a specific publisher’s box, only to fail again and again. Sometimes, you can’t force it. If it doesn’t sound like your natural voice, it doesn’t ring true. Go back, start again, and listen to your intuition. Often, writers can find their inspiration again and discover a small change can make a difference.

What is the one piece of useful advice you would give to an aspiring writer?

Don’t give up! This business can break you, so you’ll need to develop a thick skin. (I know, easier said than done. I’ve been there.) Not finding the right publisher, low sales, poor reviews all put a damper on our feeling of proud achievement as our book is released.

Provided you novel is well-written, edited many times over, proofread, with a quality cover and interesting plot, you should not feel bad about it at all. It’s an incredible feat, so continue to feel proud about it.

Over the years, I’ve heard many writer friends ask: ‘What’s the point? I might just as well give up.’

My response to that is: ‘You love to write? People enjoy to read your books? Then that’s all that matters.’

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I’m currently working on two projects. One is a medieval Scottish romance novella, the other a full-length contemporary suspense set in Idaho, US. Switching from historical to contemporary has its challenges, but I’m ready to face them. And then, of course, I must get to the sequel to Dark Deceit.

Busy days and nights ahead.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Cathie!

 Thanks very much for having me here today. 

Cathie's website

Amazon link to Cathie's books

A Brilliant Read!

A few weeks ago I was kindly sent a pre-release copy of  Christina Courtenay's The Silent Touch of Shadows by my publisher Choc Lit  I had never read any of Christina's before, but I knew she won the 2012 Best Historical Romantic novel of the year award (RoNA) for her novel, Highland Storms.




It was when we had the lovely hot weather, (yes I know it's hard to remember what that was like) and I took the book up the garden with a glass of wine (yep, I know that's hard to imagine for me, I usually only drink fruit juice) and sat under the pergola. I had planned to just have half an hour's break before I carried on with my own writing, but once I opened the book I couldn't close it again. Well, I could physically of course, but I didn't want to leave the intriguing story and beautiful writing.


The Silent Touch of Shadows is a haunting love story set in the present and 15th century Kent. Melissa Grantham, a single parent and genealogist is troubled by vivid dreams after a visit to her aunt's ancient Manor House. The dreams are so real that she feels as if she is somehow actually back in the fifteenth century, and  sharing a connection to a young medieval woman. The connection is so real that Melissa can practically feel, touch and smell the past. The feelings the woman has for a forbidden lover troubles Melissa also in more ways than one. Unable to get the ghosts of the past out of her mind, she harnesses her professional skills to try to solve the mystery of the Manor and her dreams.


Having read this fab story I can see why Christina Courtenay won her award. Her story telling in general and description of the historical period in particular, makes the reader believe they are there alongside the main protagonist every step of the way. If you want an unusual and intriguing love story then look no further than this book. I loved it!


The publication date is the 7th of July - deffo a date for your diaries :) 


You can also get it on Kindle now - The Silent Touch of Shadows

Cloud 9

Well, I think I have at last calmed down enough to actually blog about my recent book deal with Choc Lit Publishing! http://bit.ly/K4kulA

I have been on Cloud 9 for the past four weeks or so since I had the wonderful news about my novel A Stitch in Time. And to be truthful, I don't think it has sunk in properly yet. Everyone has been congratulating me and many fellow writers and friends have been so a lovely to me on Twitter and Facebook. At times I just couldn't believe that it was actually me they were congratulating! It seemed surreal really. The Choc Lit team are just wonderful too. They made me feel immediately welcome and I am over the moon to be joining such a fantastic group of talented people.

This year has certainly been good to me so far. In February my e-book Righteous Exposure was released by http://crookedcatpublishing.com/ and now this! If I could bottle and sell this feeling, I'd make a mint.

It seems that it really is true that hard graft and determination pay off. My motto is - Never give up and never forget your dreams. At times that has been really hard to stick to, but I am so glad that I did. I can hardly believe that this time last year, I was still writing the novel which will be published early next year!

So I'd just like to say thanks to all my friends and family for your support along the way. I just wish I could get you all together for one enormous party!

Cheers! xxx

Blog Lucky 7 Challenge

I have been tagged six times in this challenge and kept forgetting to do it!

This morning was the 7th tag so I thought I'd better get on with it!I was tagged by Debz Hobbs-Wyatt @BridgeHouseDebz who selected my short story for publication in 2010. That was the first time I was ever published and will always be grateful to her for giving me that chance! She is one half of Bridgehouse Publishing, http://bit.ly/30rEK a fantastic writer and also critiques manuscripts.

The instructions are:

Go to page 7 or 77 in your current manuscript
Go to line 7
Post on your blog the next 7 lines, or sentences, as they are – no cheating
Tag 7 other authors to do the same

Here is the seven line extract from page 7 of my WIP - Somewhere Beyond The Sea

Was I dreaming? I felt again the stubble of an unshaven face brush my cheek and then the pressure of a mouth over mine. My lungs expanded under the force of a breath from alien lungs. My stomach twisted, I rolled on my side and retched a spume of salt water onto the beach. I coughed and sucked at the chill night air. A hand rubbed my back, another grasped my forearm, tried to control my shaking body. A man’s rough voice in my ear.

“I knew you’d make it. That was the seventh breath I put in you. Seven’s a lucky number...thank god you’re alive.”

I had made it? I was alive? Then I remembered what had happened. Despair flooded through my heart like a rip-tide. A brace of rabbits lay on the sand a little way off, the moonlight glinting in their dead eyes. They were lucky.

Now over to the next seven! (pleased don't feel obliged, guys - just a bit of fun!)

Trevor Belshaw @tbelshaw

Joanna Cannon @JoannaCannon

Rachel Carter @RachCarter

Kirsty Stanley @kirstyes

Linn B Halton @LinnBHalton

Philip C James @PhilipCJames

Russ King @RussWrites

When The Wind is in the West

When the wind is in the west and the string is in me vest,
I sit on the sand by the sea.
When the sun beats down, on me head so brown,
everything stops for tea.

When the seagull has landed I smack it left handed,
from me picnic that it's stabbing with it's beak.
When the damn thing squawks and does funny walks,
I chuck it some pie with leek.

When the tide goes out with a whoop and a shout,
the kids fly kites so high.
When the ice-cream melts, over shirts and belts,
and a train goes whistling by.

When the waves hit me feet, it feels such a treat,
to be paddling there once more.
When too long in the sun leaves me nose well-done,
and me forehead red and sore.

When the sunset falls and the chip shop calls,
with a promise of vinegar and salt.
When I sip brown ale, it's blowing a gale,
time to get out me bottle of malt.

When the caravan groans and the west wind moans,
I snuggle with me missus in the awning.
When with bucket and spade and me picnic made,
we'll do all again in the mornin'.

Interview with author Rose McClelland

Rose has just had her fab début novel The Break-Up Test released by innovative new publishing company - Crooked Cat Publishing. http://crookedcatpublishing.com/

I am delighted that Rose has agreed to answer a few questions here today.

So, Rose, when did you first start writing and why?

It was actually on a rainy afternoon when I younger. My sister Rhoda said that we should write stories for each other to pass the time. Dear love us, there were seven children in our family, clearly we didn’t have enough toys to play with!

Whilst at University, I wrote theatre reviews and film reviews for the student newspaper. This was so I could get the free tickets! I was obviously the penniless student!

I attended a creative writing course whilst living in London. I started writing a novel but it was shoved into the bottom drawer and never resurrected.

Six years ago, I read “The Artists Way” by Julia Cameron. It’s a 12-week course giving tips to unblock your creativity. By week 8, I had started my first novel and kept on going until it was finished. I am now writing book number 4.

How does writing make you feel?

I don’t really have to be ‘in the mood’ to write. I just have writing slots and I write whether I’m feeling good, bad or indifferent. I tend to just get into the zone and get on with it. After I’ve finished a writing session though, I feel pleased with myself. It’s a bit like that virtuous feeling after hitting the gym.


What is your writing day like?

“Writing morning” would be more accurate. I get up, get the coffee on and open the lap-top before I have any time to think twice about it. I’ll write for a few hours, stopping for the odd coffee/ glass of water. Setting small goals and giving yourself a pat on the back once you’ve reached them is important. It’s also good to write about something you really want to write about it, and enjoy it. If you’re enjoying it, chances are the reader will too.

Did anyone or anything inspire you along your journey?

‘The Artists Way’ by Julia Cameron. It’s about getting rid of all those blocks that stand in the way of putting pen to paper. Tiny lurking fears about what people think might be the real reason behind excuses like ‘I haven’t got time…’


Who is your favourite author?

Paige Toon. I love her writing style. I love her characters. I love her plots.

Tell me a little about your new novel.

‘The Break-up Test’ is about breaking up, bouncing back and moving on.
It’s about three women who are in tricky relationships.
A mutual male friend Jamie draws up a ten point test to offer them success.

Sounds intriguing,what’s your next project?

I’m writing my fourth book at the moment. It’s set in the theatre world and is all about the sizzling chemistry and drama that goes on behind the scenes!

What’s the most important tip you could give to a new writer?

Stop worrying about what other people think. Fear is the biggest block to writing. You’ll never please everyone, so start trying to please yourself.

Where do you want to be in three years time?

Good question! I love a bit of visualisation!
Three years time… right…. Can I dream up anything?
I’d want to be living in the same apartment. I love it here and should they have to drag me out kicking and screaming, I am staying put.
I’d like to have received an email from a reader, (someone who isn’t a friend/family member and isn’t forced to say nice things about me) saying that she loved ‘The Break-up Test’ and that it cheered her up and made her feel happy.
And finally, I’d love to have long hair. Like, really lovely, flicking locks, a bit like Jennifer Aniston’s. I know this is impossible because she has fine hair and I have frizzy hair, but a girl can dream, right?

What’s the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you?

Without a doubt it was the morning that I opened my email and I saw the subject header “Publishing Contract”. It was on Monday 13th February and the following day was my happiest Valentine’s Day ever!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Rose and I wish you every success with The Break-Up Test!

Thanks very much for having me!


Meet Amy, Beth and Sarah. All intelligent women with one thing in common – a bad taste in men!

Amy receives seductive texts from Gav and promptly skips round to his house for a mid-afternoon romp. She never planned it that way. Maybe one day he’ll actually fall in love with her?

Beth sits at her desk, her mobile phone propped up in front of her keyboard. Anytime soon it’ll light up like the Blackpool Illuminations, and Karl will finally get in touch about that drink. It’s been five days…

Sarah is seeing Stephen, trying to believe his claim that although he shares a bed with his ex, Kat, they aren’t sleeping together. She can’t believe it’s turned into one of THOSE stories you read about in women’s weeklies.

Then Jamie comes along with his Break-Up Test and turns their lives upside down.

Will Gav, Karl and Stephen suddenly sniff the competition and clean up their acts?

And what exactly is in it for Jamie?

http://www.rosiesrag.blogspot.co.uk/

http://crookedcatpublishing.com/our-books/the-break-up-test-by-rose-mcclelland

Burglar Phil

Burglar Phil of Windmill Hill
had always hated the dark,
He'd spend his days pretending crime pays,
while walking his dog in the park.


When night fell,
Phil groaned “Oh hell, it's time for my burgling again”.
He dressed in his gear, finished his beer,
and headed out into the rain.


He nicked CDs and tellys,
and an old pair of wellies
which he could wear on his walks in the park.
Candlesticks, rings, all manner of things,
but still he hated the dark.


One evening at ten Phil said,
“Never again will I work as a thief in the night”.
He shouted with glee,
“I'll find a new me!”,
which gave his dog, 'Swag-Bag' a fright.


Next morning at dawn,
Burglar Phil gave a yawn,
and leapt out of bed with a bound.
“Swag - Bag, Swag-Bag!”,
he bellowed, “SWAG -BAG!”
now where was his long faithful hound?


The dog soon appeared,
thinking Phil weird, and carrying his lead in his mouth.
They then soon departed, companions, light hearted,
leaving Phil’s gate, heading south.


Phil's only desire, to stop playing with fire,
quickened his pace to a trot.
He needed to work at a desk like a clerk,
as he hated the dark such a lot.

Phil spied the Job Shop,
but he thought he should stop
at his friend’s for some tea and a chat.
He knocked on the door,
friend Molly said, “Cor! Where’d you get that
marvellous hat?”

Phil told her the tale of a hat pattern sale
which had started his long-standing hobby,
Molly looked pleased, “You look handsome.” she teased,
as she hung up his coat in her lobby.

Molly's kitchen was bright, done in yellow and white,
and her ginger cat sat on the sill.
Another woman was there, with long flaxen hair,
and Molly said, “Now Phil, meet Jill”.

Jill, pretty and tall worked on a stall
in the market each week-day nearby.
Phil took off his hat, then stroked Molly’s cat
and stuttered as he was SO shy.

Phil thought Jill was nice,
Swag-Bag broke the ice
as he barked at the cat on Phil's lap.
Molly picked up her pet,
Phil said with regret,
“I think it is time for Swag’s nap.”

“Nonsense.” said Molly who was always so jolly,
“You must stay and get to know Jill”.
Jill blushed red, poured the tea out and said,
“I could sell those hats you make Phil.”

Phil's heart gave a flutter as he passed the butter
to Molly to spread on Jill's bread.
He felt no misgiving, he could now make a living
from making nice things for the head!

Now two years have passed,
Phil's new love did last,
he and Jill have a house near the park.
Jill sells Phil’s hats,
Swag-Bag still hates cats,
and Phil NEVER goes out in the dark.