~June 2008
It's been so cold here in New Zealand lately I think my brain has frozen over! We've certainly had some storms lately. Luckily for us the damage so far has been minimal--a terracotta pot being flung off the deck (narrowly missing our windows) and another ornamental statue flung down the decking stairs. Very picky this wind. Personally, I'd rather and went and picked somewhere else completely.
Writing wise, I've been busy finishing my Daily Online Read for eHarlequin, THE BILLIONAIRE'S PROXY. It'll be live on eHarlequin from 17 July so keep checking back here for the url to visit and then join in the discussion.
I'm currently working on the second book in my trilogy for next year and in breaking news the trilogy has been brought forward from July/August/September release dates to February/March/April. Yay! Doesn't give me much time to slack off, which is very good. Have been having great fun researching pics of my hero and heroine for story collaging.
I've also been asked to do a second workshop at the RWNZ conference in Auckland in August 2008, on Writing on Demand. Should be fun!
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~May 2008
The month of May has always held a special spot in my heart, maybe because I met my significant other during this month some years ago. We've actually used our fire a couple of times in the past week as winter is poking it's head around the corner to give us all a forewarning of what could be in store in a few months time.
Writing wise, I have a few things to share:
- Kate Walker has released the second edition of her amazing 12 Point Guide to Writing Romance. And in this edition she's included a 'From the author's desk' section where she invited many of her writing friends (including me! ::swoon::) to have a few words. If you're learning the craft of romance writing make sure you get this book. It's a fabulous guide and reference tool for writers of all levels of experience.
- I had my first four star review from Romantic Times Magazine! Pat Cooper had this to say about JEALOUSY & A JEWELLED PROPOSITION "Matt Hammond finally has what he needs to bring down the mighty Blackstones and get back what they stole from his family, but first he has to squelch the rumors that his young son really belongs to the man he suspects of being his late wife’s lover. Nanny Rachel Kincaid has been in love with Matt since she was a teenager and now, living with him to care for his son, she sees the changes years of bitterness have caused. Yvonne Lindsay wraps up the Diamonds Down Under series with Jealousy and a Jewelled Proposition (4), which has a tight plot and a surprise ending."
- My online read outline has been approved and will be set at the fictitious Tautara Estate located in the beautiful central North Island, home of Luc Tanner, the hero in my upcoming August release CLAIMING HIS RUNAWAY BRIDE.
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~April 2008
It's a busy month for me as I am working towards the deadline for the first book in my Rogue Diamond series, due out next year. This first book in the series has been a bit hard to get a handle on and I've had my fair share of interruptions, i.e. line edits on my August book, CLAIMING HIS RUNAWAY BRIDE, and then Author Alterations. I'm in the home straight now and I'm really looking forward to going back to the beginning and working my way through the book again to polish it up to standard in between the pre-season netball demands that my girls are involved in. The good news is that in the back of my mind two new stories are simmering away. One being the online read for eHarlequin which will go live from 21 July until 17 August, and the other being my second Rogue Diamond book which has the most absolutely gorgeous Italian hero.
I've also had the opportunity to catch up face to face with my old school buddy (okay, less of the old--we're still as gorgeous as we were at 16!) with a lunch at Auckland's stunning waterfront restaurant, Hammerheads. Nestled in Okahu Bay, the outlook over the harbour and back towards Auckland city is just stunning. My characters are definitely going there some time soon :-)
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~March 2008
I absolutely love this time of year here in New Zealand. The weight of humid heat leaves the air and brings us cooler, crisp nights and the most beautiful of days with skies of an intense blue that just makes me feel so incredibly blessed to live in the part of the world I live in. It's been an interesting time, lately. I've been working on perfecting the synopsis for the first in my trilogy due out next year and have started work on the manuscript. As usual, it feels like I'm pulling nails through the hardened hide of a buffalo, but I know I'll get there. Eventually...
I've also caught up with some wonderful friends from past years, one dating all the way back to my grammar school (high school) days, and others from not so long ago. Friends are such a gift and we too often take them for granted.
Last month I had the happy surprise of receiving a copy of THE BOSS'S CHRISTMAS SEDUCTION in a Greek translation. This was really special to me as one of my aunts is Greek and since all of my extended family are based in Europe it is really exciting to be able to send them a copy of my book. To be honest, I really can't wait for it to come out in the Netherlands too. Getting these overseas translations is just wonderful. Something I'd never considered beyond selling my first book.
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~February 2008
This month couldn't have started any better. On the 1st of February my new editor rang me to offer me a three-book contract based on the proposals I sent through late last year. I'm thrilled and very excited to be able to get back to work on something new. As an added bonus TYCOON'S VALENTINE VENDETTA is on the shelves this month in North America and will be available in Australia/New Zealand next month.
I received another great review for TVV, from Patti Fischer at Romance Reviews Today. Here's a snippet of what she had to say--TYCOON'S VALENTINE VENDETTA is an emotional story that will undoubtedly wring the hearts of readers. Jack and Lily's childhood affair is nearly like Romeo and Juliet, with its forbidden love and…well, you'll have to read it to figure out the rest. Will Jack and Lily rise above all the obstacles that face them to forge a future together? Check out the TYCOON'S VALENTINE VENDETTA for the answer.
And in a four and a half star review by Debby Guyette at CataRomance.com--A beautiful tale filled with well-developed characters, a realistic plot and a love that cannot be killed, Yvonne Lindsay tells another delightful tale of love lost and found again with Tycoon’s Valentine Vendetta.
eHarlequin have set up a thread specifically for readers to discuss our Diamonds Down Under continuity. Come on over and visit us here!
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~January 2008
Happy New Year everyone! So far I've had news this month that my seventh book, CLAIMING HIS RUNAWAY BRIDE, has been approved and is scheduled for August 2008, yay! But before then you can look forward to my February release, TYCOON'S VALENTINE VENDETTA. There's been a wee glitch with TVV in that the back cover blurb and inside cover copy may possibly mislead my readers as to the hero's name. But don't let that throw you. My first review so far, from RT, had this to say:
Lily Fontaine was forced to leave Jack Dolan 10 years ago, and she never forgave him for not coming after her. Now she's back in her tyrannical father's home and face to face with the man she still loves. Jack hates Lily's father, blaming him for his family's ruin. Now he's in a position to get even by undermining his enemy's business and stealing Lily's heart once more -- but he has no intention of falling under her spell again. Secrets, lies and shattered hearts are a feast in Yvonne Lindsay's Tycoon's Valentine Vendetta
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~December 2007
It's hard to believe another year has rolled on by and boy, it's been a busy one. The most exciting news this month is that our Diamonds Down Under blog is now live and we encourage readers to check on by regularly to discuss the continuity and learn more about the books, the authors and the contest we're running. We also have some awesome guests attending the blog, including best selling author Nalini Singh, as well as editors Melissa Jeglinski and Diana Ventimiglia from Silhouette Desire! More guests are to be confirmed soon so stay in touch!
My next release is due out in the USA in February 2008, TYCOON'S VALENTINE VENDETTA. I have to say when I saw the cover art for this one I was so excited. The hero is Jack Dolan to a 'T'! Also, in more news about my books due out next year, BILLIONAIRE'S BLACKMAIL BRIDE has a new name... CLAIMING HIS RUNAWAY BRIDE and should be available August or September 2008.
Also, I had great fun attending a booksigning for SIZZLE SEDUCE & SIMMER at Dymocks, Queen Street, in Auckland, with Robyn Donald and Alison Roberts. Have a look at the gallery.
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~October/November 2007
I've been busy on my current manuscript, tentatively titled BILLIONAIRE'S BLACKMAIL BRIDE, but now I'm at the stage where the end is definitely in sight. This book isn't due until end of November but I'm keen to get it finished by the end of October/first week in November so I can develop three new story ideas that have been battering at my brain. Three very dominant males who are very insistent about having their stories told. I'll keep you posted on how that goes after I've put them all together and presented them to my editor.
I'm also expecting line edits on my continuity book, JEALOUSY & A JEWELLED PROPOSITION so I need to make sure I've plenty of time up my sleeve to give them the attention they need in the turn around time I get. The wonderful Paula Roe (who has been holding my hand and helping me figure out how to update my website myself) has set up a website for the continuity so keep checking back to see what's current.
It's always exciting when I receive parcels from overseas and it was even more so when I opened a recent package and discovered my first Spanish translation copies of ROSSELLINI'S REVENGE AFFAIR, or more correctly AMOR Y VENGANZA.
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~ August/September 2007
I was thrilled to be in Sydney for the RWAustralia conference, held 10-12 August, and to participate in the amazing workshop run by the outstanding Jennifer Crusie on the Friday. Honestly, if you ever get the chance to hear Jenny Crusie present any of her workshops RUN and register. The wealth of practical knowledge and inspiring advice she offers is such a boon to any writer at any level in their writing journey. Anne Stuart was also present and is another absolute delight to meet. Both these ladies were incredibly generous with their time and knowledge and I count myself to be extremely fortunate to have heard them both speak. The RWA conference content was fantastic and offered a huge variety of workshops and talks. Plus, we had the usual opportunities to network and enjoy time with fellow romance writers with whom we usually only get to ‘chat’ in cyber space. There’s nothing quite like that face to face contact over a couple of drinks or a meal. At the RWA Awards Dinner it was a pleasure to see New Zealand author, Karina Bliss, win the coveted R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year) Award for the long romance category (Mr Imperfect) and it was great to cheer on Anne Oliver who won the short romance category (Behind Closed Doors).
The RWNZ conference was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Auckland and while I was dubious about the change in venue (having always had excellent service at our previous conference venue) I was hugely impressed with the people and facilities at the Crowne Plaza. Honestly, I couldn’t fault a thing about them. Their staff were very helpful and friendly, not to mention efficient, and the rooms (and beds) were very comfortable indeed. My highlight in the RWNZ conference was participating in Anne Stuart’s workshop on Writing the Dark Contemporary. I had so many lightbulb moments during the workshop that from time to time my mind would drift away to focus on my current manuscript and I’d have to drag my consciousness back to the present and focus again so I wouldn’t miss anything important. I just love presenters who can kick start your thought processes that way.
In my general writing news the outline for my seventh contracted manuscript (with a working title Billionaire’s Blackmail Bride) has been given the green light and is tentatively scheduled for August 2008. I had a minor hiccup when my editor said, ‘yes, go ahead, but start the story in the middle of the synopsis’, but with having the advantage of two conferences worth of thinking time to get my head around the change in the storyline I’m really excited about its new direction. Oh, and I’ve also discovered that my first release, The Boss’s Christmas Seduction, is being released in the UK in November 2007 in an omnibus together with the wonderful Sandra Marton. The duo will be released with a cover title of Seduced by Christmas.
As always, don’t hesitate to drop me a line or leave a comment on my blog. It’d be great to hear from you.
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~ June/July 2007
The R*BY announcements are finally out and in the wide world of communication, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be a finalist with The Boss’s Christmas Seduction. I’ll be biting my nails until the winner is announced at the RWAustralia conference in August. In even more excellent news, The Boss’s Christmas Seduction will be released downunder in September in an anthology of five finalist stories!
My fifth title has had a name change and will now be released as Tycoon’s Valentine Vendetta. This is a reunion story with a vengeance twist and is set in a fictional seaside town in New Zealand’s North Island. I’ve just completed the Art Fact Sheet information for the story and I’m very eager to see the cover. No doubt that’ll be a few months away so in the meantime I’ve been distracting myself (wink!) with my latest manuscript ,which is the sixth book in our Downunder continuity. The continuity is going to be a great read for all lovers of a truly scandalous and feud ridden series and particularly if you love the glitz and glamour of the jewellery industry. I can’t wait to read the other five books in the series, which will be released January through to June (my book) 2008.
I was very excited to be asked to write a special dear reader letter for this book which is being released as part of the Mills & Boon centenary.
I’ve had some lovely reader mail already from people who’ve read Rossellini’s Revenge Affair, due out next month. I have to say I absolutely love to receive reader mail so please don’t hesitate to drop me a line or leave a comment on my blog.
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~ April/May 2007
I’ve just finished writing my fifth novel for Silhouette Desire, titled The Billionaire’s Vendetta and scheduled for February 2008, and I’m hard at work polishing the manuscript for my editor. This month has been really exciting as not only was I a featured author in Germany’s Loveletter Magazin with an interview and a ‘tour of Auckland’ article written by me, I had the opportunity to fly to Wellington to appear on the Good Morning Show and talk a bit about me (scary!) and my book, The Tycoon’s Hidden Heir available in Aus/NZ this month. The team at the Good Morning Show were absolutely brilliant. Really friendly and welcoming. I don’t know quite what I expected, in my totally nervous state, but I was made to feel very comfortable right from the start—and in more exciting news, they want me back to prerecord two more segments for upcoming shows. So, it’s been a great month so far, and even better, I’m pleased to announce that I’m dipping my toes into the virtual waters of the blogosphere! You can check out my blog. I’m planning, at this stage, to update weekly (when deadlines permit) and look forward to seeing some of my readers visit me there.
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~ January/February/March 2007
2007 has shaped up to be a very busy year so far. We did manage to slot in our annual family camping holiday and were treated to glorious weather, thus wiping out all wet memories of last year’s rain out, thank goodness. Through January I was guest blogging on the eHarlequin website which was a lot of fun - so much fun that I’m tempted to set up my own blog. I always said I didn’t have the time to devote to a regular blog but I left my day job at the end of last year and I’m very happily a full time writer now, so who knows? Keep checking back to see if I finally take the plunge.
My January release, THE CEO’S CONTRACT BRIDE, has proved to be a popular story with it reaching #5 on the Waldenbooks bestseller list. I feel incredibly proud and fortunate that my story resonates with readers and I’ve had some great feedback from readers also. In New Zealand and Australia THE CEO’S CONTRACT BRIDE enjoyed release in the exciting new single book format. I love the weight and feel of the new single Desires and find them easy to hold and read. If you’re a down under reader and you haven’t seen the new singles yet please try one out.
I was also excited to hear the news that ROSSELLINI’S REVENGE AFFAIR has been brought forward for a July 2007 release! I’m really looking forward to seeing the cover treatment for this story. My editor has teased me with words like, “hot Italian hero” and “tuxedo”. I love a man in formal wear, don’t you?
In February I had some great news from my editor with a new two-book contract offer. The first book is scheduled for February 2008 and at this stage the second book is unscheduled but I’m hoping for a latter 2008 quarter date which will follow my June continuity book in the Heart of the Outback continuity. With regard to the continuity, we (Bronwyn Jameson, Tessa Radley, Maxine Sullivan, Jan Colley, Paula Roe and myself) have spent several months ironing out the details of this exciting range of stories and are really excited about them. It’s going to be great!
So this brings me to March (how on earth did we get here so darned quickly?) This month sees the release of THE TYCOON’S HIDDEN HEIR, the final instalment in my New Zealand Knights mini-series. I’ve had some wonderfully encouraging feedback from advance readers so far and I’m looking forward to hearing from more readers once the book hits the shelves. For my Down Under readers, this book will be available in April 2007, but in the meantime, check out my cover so you know what to look for come April and check out the excerpt.
In the meantime, I love to hear from my readers so please feel free to contact me.
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