It was Katie
Fforde who badgered me into writing a short story and submitting it for
possible inclusion in the 2014 RNA anthology - Truly, Madly, Deeply.
In fact, “Why don’t you try writing a short story?”, had been a constant refrain over the years, as rejection after rejection landed on my doormat, and Katie’s shoulder became increasingly soggy.
But I’m nothing if not stubborn, and I did not want to write short stories! I don’t believe I have the right instincts; I prefer the large canvas that offers the space and time to ramble and to find my story.
And then.... On our drive back to Gloucestershire from an RNA conference in Caerleon (which very nearly involved a diversion via Port Talbot because we were too busy chatting), the gauntlet was more forcefully laid down. Holiday Romance was the result.
In fact, “Why don’t you try writing a short story?”, had been a constant refrain over the years, as rejection after rejection landed on my doormat, and Katie’s shoulder became increasingly soggy.
But I’m nothing if not stubborn, and I did not want to write short stories! I don’t believe I have the right instincts; I prefer the large canvas that offers the space and time to ramble and to find my story.
And then.... On our drive back to Gloucestershire from an RNA conference in Caerleon (which very nearly involved a diversion via Port Talbot because we were too busy chatting), the gauntlet was more forcefully laid down. Holiday Romance was the result.
I was amazed
and thrilled to have Holiday Romance accepted for the anthology. The fact
that my story is not in the paperback, but only appears among the bonus eleven
in the extended, digital version, did not blunt my delight. How could I be anything but delighted? After
all, Holiday Romance is the first short story I’ve written since I was a
sixteen year old school girl. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Truly-Madly-Deeply-Adele-Parks-ebook/dp/B00FBFJX52/
My story -
Holiday Romance - is also available in one of the shorter digital versions. Part 9.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Truly-Madly-Deeply-Part-Catherine-ebook/dp/B00I5R06MW/
All you need is LOVE
Published 21st February 2014, RRP £7.99
Truly, Madly,
Deeply, published by Mills & Boon, in association with the Romantic
Novelists’ Association, is packed with brand new stories from the UK’s
best-loved writers.
Truly Madly
Deeply is a charming and compulsive read for women of all ages. From wedding
days to special anniversaries, steamy one-night encounters to everlasting love,
it takes readers on an exciting romantic adventure where love really is all you
need.
The collection
brings together 24 specially-selected short stories from best-selling authors
including Adele Parks, Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews and Miranda Dickinson, as
well as a selection of rising stars of contemporary women’s fiction.
Truly, Madly,
Deeply, available in paperback and eBook, is the ultimate collection of
romantic shorts, making it a perfect indulgent treat this Mother’s Day.
Mills & Boon
will also be publishing the stories in Truly Madly Deeply as eBook bundles.
These will comprise three to four stories each and will include an additional
ten exclusive stories. Available from spring 2014 at Millsandboon.co.uk and all
good eBook retailers, they make the perfect bite-sized romantic treat.
Truly Madly Deeply is published on 21st February and
will be available in all good paperback and eBook retailers RRP £7.99, and at www.millsandboon.co.uk
