Hello everyone I’m Noelle Clark. I live in a cottage in the rainforest, high on a mountain just behind the Gold Coast. Yes—Tamborine Mountain. It’s lovely up here, and lots of authors, artists, musicians and other creative people have made it their home. On March 1st, I released Stone of Heaven and Earth. This is my first Historical Fiction book, and in fact, it is the first book I ever wrote. But it kept getting shoved to the back as my Contemporary Romance books begged to be written. Seven years—and eight published books later--Stone of Heaven and Earth has finally been set free. It’s intensely personal, as it is based on the true story of my grandparents living in China between 1914 and 1929. That’s one hundred years ago. The sad thing is, my mother and my aunt, both of whom feature in the book, were both alive and quite ‘with it’ when I started writing the book. I regret taking so long to get it published as, sadly, they have both now passed away. But I am content in the knowledge that they would have loved it. Why did I take so long? Good question. Firstly, I think it was badly written. Head hopping? What’s that? I was a raw beginner when I wrote the first draft. I joined RWA, attended lots of conferences, workshops, seminars, and did QWC writer courses. And now, as an established author, I know my writing skills have improved greatly from that first draft of Stone of Heaven and Earth. With the help of some honest beta readers, some insightful editing suggestions, and several re-writes, the book now is one I can be proud of. Here’s the blurb: Spanning the years 1914 to 1929, Stone of Heaven and Earth is an epic tale of love and loss, extravagant expatriate lifestyles, intense danger, heroic acts, and the hideous effects of a cruel and barbaric civil war. The complex and volatile politics in China is played out in the intimate story of two intrepid couples, foreigners who embarked on the adventure of a lifetime and made their home in China. Based on the author’s true family history, this work of fiction is interwoven with real stories gleaned from memoirs, photographs, and from growing up hearing the stories from those who were there. Extensive research, which included a month spent in China tracing the footsteps of the characters in this book, has resulted in a captivating account of foreigners in China during some of the most violent and devastating times. You can buy it on Amazon, and soon other e-retailers. Print edition will be out soon too. AMAZON.AU https://tinyurl.com/y8vweej Thanks for having me, Liv, and good luck with your lovely website. Cheers, Noelle Clark www.noelleclark.net https://www.facebook.com/NoelleClark.Author/ Lots of photos about China in the early 20th Century on my Pinterest page https://www.pinterest.com.au/NoelleCBooks/book-stone-of-heaven-and-earth/ Email: noelleclark@hotmail.com ***GIVEAWAY*** - I’d like to know who has visited China and what you thought of it. Email me your name, and a brief response, and I’ll choose one lucky winner. Prize will be a signed copy of Stone of Heaven and Earth (Australian residents only, sorry.) International contestants will receive an eBook copy. Email me at noelleclark@hotmail.com
3 Comments
March marks the one-year anniversary of my debut novel, To Charm A Bluestocking. The past twelve months have been a steep learning curve into a potential new career. The positive moments are easy to discuss. In a social media world, we are all practised at framing our world so we show our best side, our favourite angle, and how well we have our life together. During the past twelve months, the first two books in my Bluestocking series have come out with Harlequin’s Escape Publishing. The third one, The Heart of a Bluestocking, will be out in September 2018. I have two other books on submission, and finished my sixth book just last week. All up, this means I’ve written six books in two years, which is an achievement to be proud of. In other positive steps, I decided to be proactive about my writing career, and wrote a short story which I’ve self-published. I want to learn that side of the business, and give myself more options (particularly if the two books currently on submission get rejected). I couldn’t have taken this step without the continual encouragement from other writers, and my family. On the downside, I’ve yet to make any money, and instead earn my crust at my other job. The wonderful community of writers at Romance Writers Australia has enabled me to see that this outcome is normal for this stage of my fiction writing career. My other job is also writing, and I write for two horse racing magazines, as well as do other consulting jobs for various horse racing people. The third Bluestocking book is based around an old horse racing scam (the Trodmore Hunt Scam), and I’m currently planning a horse racing based historical series. It's been an amazing year, and I’ve met the most fabulous people who have supported and encouraged me on this path. A huge shout out to Kate Cuthbert at Escape Publishing, the 17 Scribes, the Word Count Warriors, and my gorgeous sister Caro who has read every bad draft of everything I’ve written. If you love sci-fi, you should try her novel, Green and Blue, about dragons and a magical heroine. You can find the Bluestocking series at Escape Publishing, or sign up to my newsletter to get the links for my free Olympics inspired short story. Links: To Charm a Bluestocking: She wants to be one of the world’s first female doctors; romance is not in her plans. http://www.escapepublishing.com.au/product/9781489239112 Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/d/Charm-Bluestocking-Renee-Dahlia-ebook/B06VW7TBRP In Pursuit of a Bluestocking: When he goes hunting a thief, he never expects to catch a bluestocking... Escape: http://www.escapepublishing.com.au/product/9781489251619 Amazon Aus: https://www.amazon.com.au/d/Pursuit-Bluestocking-Renee-Dahlia-ebook/B07427ZMF6 Green and Blue, by Caro Geelen: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0777MTSR6 You can sign up to my newsletter at: www.reneedahlia.com Congratulations to the lucky winners, drawn randomly, from Susanne Bellamy’s competition. I originally offered one prize, but with the number of entries, I’ve added two more. Please email me directly ( on susannebellamy @ gmail.com - no spaces of course) with your choice of title from my backlist. *** I will need to know your address for Amazon gifting (I can’t gift to the UK or Canada, but have an alternative if you happen to live in either of these countries) and the title you would like to receive. So, the winners are: Kathryn Hore who mentioned Scotland Sonia who mentioned Syracuse And for the ‘true traveller’, Robert Gilbert, who said his favourite place is somewhere he hasn’t yet been – I’ve chosen to gift you a copy of Winning the Heiress’ Heart. Hi! I’m Susanne Bellamy, writer of rural romance with a twist of suspense. I love travelling, both at home and overseas. One of my earlier trips with my husband saw us trekking in Nepal. Now, years after my visit, I have written a story set in Nepal, a beautiful and rugged country. My husband has returned alone seven times to climb and trek and is my go-to expert for many details. High Stakes The story: Dr Marcy Westcott is in Nepal to research a drug that occurs naturally in the Himalayan landscape. When attraction flares with Jake Harris on the Everest track, Marcy is determined to be more like her free-spirited twin sister. Jake believes the attractive doctor is the missing link that will bring down the drug cartel responsible for the death of his brother. He will do whatever it takes to get justice. Unsure who the real enemy is or whether he can trust Marcy, Jake is forced to take on the role of protector. But is Marcy his salvation, or the enemy? Buy link - http://amzn.to/2Ek44Y4 My newest release is The Cattleman’s Promise (Hearts of the Outback bk 6), which released in late January. It is the story of Jeff and Sam, about redemption and forgiveness. The story: Running from her past Samantha Greenwood joins the staff at Mt Isa Hospital. But even the remote western town might not be far enough away for her to find forgiveness. There has always been an Alistair on Esmeralda Downs, but Jeff Alistair’s injury is putting his future in jeopardy. He will lose his family’s vast grazing stud and his birthright unless he can get back in the saddle. Can two broken people find love and healing amid the lonely hills of Esmeralda Downs? Buy link - http://amzn.to/2Ae67ey ***GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment telling me your favourite holiday spot and why it is, and go in the draw for an e-book of your choosing from my back list. Wishing you a happy March. St Paddy’s Day is coming up soon! Thanks for having me visit, Olivia, and congratulations on your gorgeous new website. Cheers, Susanne Congratulations to Liv on her new website. It is always exciting to read about new authors and what their plans are, and to look forward to their stories. I'm honoured to be your very first visitor! I'm excited to have three books being released in the next few months, and have a prize to give away. The pre-order link is up for WHITSUNDAY DAWN on Amazon and iTunes and the cover is going to go live at ANY moment! The first person to email me when the cover goes live, and say IT'S LIVE will receive a signed print copy of WHITSUNDAY DAWN when it is released in late July! Open to international readers as well! You can find the links here: Amazon Au Amazon US iTunes So keep looking and when you see that beautiful cover email me... annie@annieseaton.net Or you can comment over on Facebook here When Olivia Sheridan arrives in the Whitsundays as spokesperson for big mining company Sheridan Corp, it should be a straightforward presentation to the town about their proposed project. But when a handsome local fisherman shows her what ecological impact the proposal will have, Olivia is forced to question her father’s motives in the project. Struggling with newly divided loyalties, Olivia is thrown further into turmoil when she is mistaken for a woman who disappeared more than 60 years before. When it becomes clear that Captain Jay is also keeping secrets, Olivia realises that there is more to these sunshine-soaked islands than she ever expected. Seeking to uncover the truth, Olivia is drawn into a dangerous game where powerful businessmen will stop at nothing to ensure their plan goes ahead, even if that means eliminating her… I'm happy to let you know that Beach Music..the second book in the Bondi Beach Love series is now up for pre-order! Click on the cover for more information. Sally Smith is content with her life despite her twin sister, Sonia, telling her she doesn't have one. One dose of heartbreak was enough to do her for a lifetime, so she plays it safe. Until her twin meddles and then takes off to Hawaii leaving Sally to deal with the fallout. The tarot cards told Sonia it would bring Sally her happy-ever-after, and the cards don't lie. Who is this interesting man who comes knocking on her door one rainy night? In May, the fourth book of my Prickle Creek Farm series will be released and finish off the series. You can see them all here. Thanks for having me visit, Liv...and stay posted.. I have plans for a couple more book series this year!
You can keep up to date with my news over on my website. http://www.annieseaton.net/ |
AuthorGroot the puppy, my faithful companion, sits by my side while I write my stories. Archives
October 2020
Categories |