SHARON KENDRICK

WHAT RHYMES WITH SPINX, THINKS, WINKS?

2012-01-25T18:10:00.004Z

Yes, it's MINX!

And today I'm blogging over at the splendidly named Minxes Of Romance....

So please do stop by and make yourself known.

(The word *Minx* would be great for a limerick, don't you think?)

TODAY I AM BLOGGING OVER AT

2012-01-24T21:47:00.005Z

iheartspresents where I am talking about the enduring sexiness of

So I do hope you'll drop by and visit. I'll be talking about my latest release which is called MONARCH OF THE SANDS.

Do you like this iconic cover of E. M. Hull's classic Sheikh novel?

SALLY GAP - and a conundrum!

2012-01-23T11:09:00.003Z

Last month, I visited one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Yes, I'm talking about Ireland!

I went to the County of Armagh ("sure, there's one fair county in Ireland, with memories so glorious and grand....") and I also went to Dublin to stay with the talented and occasionally hilarious Abby Green, whose books you will know and love.

Abby has worked (and sometimes still does) in the film industry and she took me to Sally Gap, just outside Dublin. It gives stunning views over the Wicklow mountains, which is why it is so beloved of film-makers.

Here I am, on a day so windy that I honestly thought I might fly away.

But I am left with one question.
Who was *Sally*?

TUSCANY IN MAY, ANYONE?

2012-01-17T17:07:00.008Z

It's been an age since I updated this blog but now I have returned to it with renewed vigour to remind you of things I should have reminded you about before!

First up is to say that if you want to come to glorious Tuscany, to learn how to write romantic fiction - then you should book now.

During a dreamy, one-week course - you'll stay in a picturesque watermill, surrounded by trees which are loaded with creamy and fragrant Acacia blossoms, just like this....

And you'll soak up the kind of inspiration you get from living among mountains which look like this:

Of course, we must not forget going to local restaurants for droolingly good food, where course participants can occasionally be persuaded into doing something as daft as posing winsomely with a sprig of flowers!

Twice recently, I have been asked if men are welcome on these courses and the short answer is...yes!

All writers (as long as they are passionate about their craft) are very welcome.

So what's stopping you?

BACK FROM MAGICAL TRIP....

2011-12-13T15:08:00.008Z

to Ireland, where I wandered through Belfast, met up with the fabulous Lynne Graham, travelled to the tiny town of Clones and then caught the bus to Dublin, where I stayed with the lovely Abby Green. Whew!

Now I'm back and instead of the leisurely Christmas shopping I'd anticipated, I'm revising my book about the sexy Neapolitan Ciro D'Angelo. I shall deliver him into the hands of my editor next week, when I might have time to post some photos of Ireland. After all, it's not as if much else is happening at this time of year is it?!

And in the meantime, my book about Sheikh Zahid of Khayarzah and Frankie O'Hara will soon be hitting the bookshelves or floating through the aether in North America. If you want to get your hands on a copy, it's called MONARCH OF THE SANDS.

So are you also working or maybe doing something wonderfully indulgent (like making mince-pies while carols blare out)?

Or have you decided to brave the shops which currently look like Armageddon (Armageddon outta here!)

SHOULD BE IN BELFAST....

2011-12-02T11:25:00.003Z

if misty ropes of fog hadn't been swathing the runway and causing my flight to be cancelled :((

Instead of landing in a city I've heard so much about but which I haven't visited since I was about five - I am staring out of the window at the familiar view from my writing room. I know there are things I could be doing. Things I should be doing. But it's funny how your mind becomes a butterfly when your plans are thrown up into the air.

So here's a festive photo, because....

Well, because it's nearly Christmas, I guess.

Any exciting anecdotes about delayed travel?

I'M A COVER-LOVER!

2011-11-21T19:01:00.009Z

This book is out in the US in January - but thought I'd give you an advance view of the beautiful cover, along with the blurb on the back.

One of the best things about this picture of Zahid and Francesca is that the scene is so true to how I imagined it. The artist has captured perfectly the exotic river which flows through the amazing land of Khayarzah. He (or she!) has also captured the lazy passion which exists between the Sheikh and his once-geeky lover.

Today, I finished the first draft of my latest story, which features a Neapolitan - my first ever hero from Naples. Now all I need to do is polish and tweak and tie up all the ends before delivering the book. I love this part of my job. It's a bit like icing a cake - and apparently, Neapolitans take their cake very seriously!

Anyone out there ever visited Naples?

SNEAK PEAK, SEXY SHEIKH

2011-11-18T07:15:00.013Z

This is the cover of THE SHEIKH'S UNDOING which will be on sale in the UK next month. It features playboy Tariq (who has a shocking track-record with women) and his loyal PA, Isobel Mulholland. Sparks fly when the fiercely independent Tariq finds himself injured and reliant on Izzy in a way he has never been before. Feelings can sometimes change when roles are reversed....

Do you like the cover?

In terms of light and overall effect, it reminds me of that very famous painting of a luscious woman in an emerald green evening dress - but I don't have a clue who painted it, or what it's called. If anyone can enlighten me - then a copy of THE SHEIKH'S UNDOING will wing its way to them.

Last night I went to the Romantic Novelists Association Christmas party (what a lot of capital letters!) in Birdcage Walk, just down the road from Buckingham Palace. Guided by my phone (what a surreal thing to write! Imagine a Victorian reading those words!) I walked there via St. James's Park. A fountain was coloured emerald and the palace behind was bathed in golden light. Even the trees were illuminated by carefully positioned lights, so that it felt as if I was in the middle of some fantastic setting. Or Disneyland. Oh, and the party was very good.

Tonight I'm going to see Much Ado About Nothing. Which pretty much sums up my morning so far. So I'd better get back to Ciro D'Angelo, my current hero - who needs to be beaten into submission!

INDULGENCE, SHOWING OFF AND DRESS-CODES

2011-11-09T12:54:00.006Z

Back in August (or was it July?) I attended the Harlequin black and white party at the fabulous Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. It was here that I received a Tiffany trinket for having published 75 books. Yay! I even bought a black dress for the occasion - though there is still a part of me which rebels at being told what to wear!

But for once I capitulated and followed the dress-code, buying a dress by a Canadian designer which one of my American author friends informed me was called an Opera Coat.

Lots of the fabulous women who attended my course at the Watermill in Tuscany, kept asking to see a photo of said dress.

So here I am, striding across the ballroom while wearing it.

And this is me enjoying a bit of an "Oscar" moment.

I'm currently deep into my latest book which features the gorgeous but very tricky Neapolitan, Ciro D'Angelo. And I'm at that stage where I could do with some inspiration.

So what have you all been up to - and have you ever enjoyed an "Oscar" moment?

SATISFACTION & LEARNING ITALIAN

2011-10-25T19:38:00.003+01:00

Don't forget that you can still buy my Greek trilogy, SATISFACTION over at Amazon

Three sizzling stories about three outrageously alpha males! (And a fabulous cover).

Meanwhile, since I go to beautiful Italy so often, I've decided to bite the bullet and try to learn the language (though the latter might prove difficult, while doing the former!).

It ain't easy. But I keep telling myself that even if I only ever manage to say the equivalent of "Hello, my name is Sharon and I live in Winchester" - then at least I might be giving my brain-cells a workout!

Anyone else tackling a new skill?

A BAREFOOTED HERO....

2011-10-20T07:51:00.007+01:00

Here's a sneak preview of my next North American release.

MONARCH OF THE SANDS features Zahid and Francesca and is an emotional read about a once-geeky girl and the man who suddenly has the burden of Kingship thrust upon him.

My research for this book was done with the assistance of the brilliant Dr. Lloyd Wood, who was then rather surprised to discover that I'd used hardly any of the things we'd discussed! But as I explained (and say to all students of writing) - you don't need to show the research you've done. Just the fact that you've done it means you can write with freedom and confidence.

I just lurve the cover because it shows the Sheikh in a very intimate moment and I don't just mean because he's kissing Francesca. It would have to be a very relaxed King to have taken off his socks, wouldn't it?

The book will be published on January 24th, but you can pre-order your copy here.

The blue sky behind them reminds me of a line from one of my favourite poems: "All in the blue, unclouded weather."

Who knows which poem I'm talking about?

A PIG OF A DAY

2011-10-14T21:35:00.009+01:00

Every time I have an interior-designer heroine (which isn't that often, come to think of it) - I always call upon the talented Judy Hutson to give me advice. Judy is a friend and designer par excellence and today she gave me the most delicious lunch at The Pig hotel, in Brockenhurst, which is situated deep in the beautiful New Forest.

There are pigs everywhere!

Pretend pigs in the private dining room....

Real pigs rooting around for acorns (which they love, and which I always thought was a complete myth) while making peculiar noises and shoving their shiny snouts in the direction of your hand, thinking that said hand contains food.

There are also happy chickens charging across the thick, green grass (I brought home a lovely, fresh egg) and the best marmalade jelly I have ever eaten. Well, I've never actually eaten marmalade jelly before - but I am confident that nothing could have tasted better (except perhaps the lemon verbena ice-cream which accompanied it).

Not only did it provide masses of inspiration, The Pig was also the cutest and most comfortable place I've been to in ages - and I want to go back!

Have you been anywhere recently which was so lovely, that you wanted to stay?

ON THE OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN...

2011-10-05T12:18:00.008+01:00

Back from Manchester - one of my favourite cities - where I was doing some work for the Daily Telegraph. I love political party conferences - being on the outside and looking in means that I get to people-watch in a big way. And it's FASCINATING! Interestingly, it's always the most high-profile people with the big jobs who are also the most charming. (And Boris Johnson is about as charming as they get!).

Here I am, sitting in the unbelievably unseasonal sunshine at the gorgeous Lowry Hotel, sipping tea and trying to resist scoffing a second home-baked chocolate chip cookie!

And now I'm back and writing my new book (after an early hiccup when I realised I was going in entirely the wrong direction). It's about a sexy Neapolitan called Ciro D'Angelo - and sweet Lily Scott. Ciro is a man who is used to getting whatever he wants and he wants Lily. It's just a pity she doesn't feel the same way!

I'm quite missing hotel life....having my bed made and room tidied. Having breakfast delivered on a tray with a snowy linen napkin.

So cheer me up and distract me by telling me what's been happening in your world?

AN EVENING FOR MAGPIES

2011-09-26T15:08:00.006+01:00

Do you love bling - or are you one of those people who consider a sleek black suit, teemed with the perfect white shirt to be the epitome of taste?

If you fall into the latter category, then you might wish to look away!

Here I am with fellow author - the lovely Lynn Raye-Harris, at the annual extravaganza which is the RWA's Awards dinner. I think it would be fair to say that it is an evening where no dress could be considered too outré, no jewellery too lavish - and here we are sporting glittering spoils around our necks which would make any magpie want to swoop down on us!

I've just started a new book, which is - of course - why I am posting whimsical posts on my blog! And since this is a blatant request for inspiration (the beginning of a book is always difficult - because although you "know" them in your head, you're still finding out about the characters) - won't you tell me whether you prefer subtle or sparkly.

Or even about the last time you really dressed up....

ON BROADWAY

2011-09-22T13:51:00.004+01:00

The great news is that the book I was rushing to finish was accepted without any changes! This is a rare but delicious thing to happen - even if I do feel slightly disorientated, having ear-marked this week for revisions...

The novel is to be called THE MAN SHE DARED NOT DISOBEY (I love that title!) and it features the sexy but rather infuriating Greek tycoon, Zak Constantinides. Some of the action takes place at my favourite London hotel, the Granchester - and the rest of the story is set in New York city. In fact, not very far from Broadway, where this photo was taken.

Back in July, I'd just been out for a delicious Chinese meal with my editor and decided to pose with the iconic, multi-coloured lights gleaming all around me.

One of the things I love about New York is that you can be as outrageous as you like - and nobody bats an eyelid!

So, is it a city that you love, too?

SEE WHAT I MEAN!

2011-09-13T16:36:00.007+01:00

Mills & Boon are running a fabulous new writing competition called New Voices (you can find details here) - the prize being publication of your own novel.

The competition has its own Facebook page and yesterday, I suggested to entrants that they print out a hard copy of their story to work on, before submitting.

Why? Well, I've published over eighty books and you'd think I might have it down to a fine art, wouldn't you?

Wrong!

Below is a page from the current manuscript I'm working on - bearing in mind that I thought it was as good as it could be when I printed it out!

I don't know why things look different on the page from how they do on screen, they just do.

And a reminder that this week sees the publication of a special release called SATISFACTION, which is about three amazingly gorgeous Greek tycoons, including the highly controversial BOUGHT BY HER HUSBAND.

The book is officially out on September 16th - but I spotted a copy in W H Smith today.

So will you be entering the New Voices competition?

TRANSPORT

2011-09-04T10:16:00.005+01:00

No, I'm not talking about lorries thundering down the M1 motorway, or the difficulty of finding your car in a multi-story if it happens to be silver - but the ability of a photo to transport you to another time, another place.

Which is why, on this morning of relentlessly teaming rain when I'm trying to work towards a Black Moment and realising that I haven't actually got a black moment - that I have chosen instead to return to New York, in July. This pic is of me with the lovely Bryony Green - who has been my editor for seventeen years. (What do you mean? What long-suffering look on her face?)

The photo was taken at the Starlight Room of the Waldorf Astoria hotel where Harlequin threw a fabulous black and white party.

Sigh.

Do you suppose that if life was one long swirl of constant glamour, that we'd get bored with it?

MONARCH OF THE SANDS

2011-08-31T12:05:00.010+01:00

hits the shelves this week!

FRIDAY, 2nd SEPTEMBER sees the UK paperback release of this sultry and highly emotional desert romance.

You can also order it here

How do you rate the cover?
I love those dreamy ochre towers.....

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

2011-08-23T14:59:00.007+01:00

Today I'm blogging over on ihearts about my latest US release, which is out in the shops today.

I'm talking about how the story came to be written and about my sexy Russian hero, Nikolai Komarov. So come on over and say hello.

Oh, and one more thing....

At the end of the blog, I've included the most wonderfully evocative piece of music, which is quintessentially Russian.

I wonder if you can guess what it is?

(And this is a post-script to the reader who has just informed me that MONARCH OF THE SANDS is not released in paperback in the UK until September 2nd. Thanks for the heads-up!)

But you can order it here:

www.millsandboon.co.uk/books/modern.htm

ZAHID AND FRANCESCA'S STORY

2011-08-13T08:41:00.005+01:00

Ever since Sheikh Zahid Al Hakam first made a moody appearance with his girlfriend Francesca in ITALIAN BOSS, HOUSEKEEPER BRIDE, readers have written wanting to know more about them. Like, what was the terrible atmosphere between them all about? And why was Zahid so angry with his girlfriend?

I knew there was a story there somewhere, I just had to wait for the idea to come along. And it did. Which is how MONARCH OF THE SANDS was born.

Frankie O'Hara isn't your usual kind of heroine. She's the geeky daughter of a scientist who has known Zahid since she was a little girl. Only the little girl has suddenly grown up....

And Zahid is unprepared for the woman she has become.

I absolutely loved writing this and hope you enjoy reading it - and it's out in the UK now.

The book is a stand-alone, but if you haven't read the story which inspired it, then write to me and I'll see if I can find one lucky recipient a copy.

WHAT AN AMAZING COVER!

2011-08-11T08:37:00.004+01:00

This book features not one, not two but (you've guessed it!) THREE stories, all about incredibly charismatic and sexy Greek heroes and the women in their lives.

I love Greece; the vibrant blue and dazzling white which seem to define it. I love the scent of pine and of lemons wafting through the air. The sight of a line of octopuses hanging out to dry in the bright sun. The milk-warm sea and the drowsy sense of well-being which creeps over you after just a few hours. I hope I've captured that essential Greek feeling in this book and that you enjoy reading it.

It'll be released in mid-September but you can pre-order it here.

And if you have any inspirational Greek memories, I'd love to hear them....

TOO PROUD TO BE BOUGHT

2011-08-06T07:42:00.011+01:00

Is out in the United States right now. It features my first ever sexy-as-hell Russian hero. With his hair of beaten gold and glacially blue eyes, Nikolai Komarov has a heart as cold as ice. And Zara Evans, the small-town waitress who walks into his privileged life - is just about to find that out for herself.

Discover what happens when two very different worlds and two very different people collide...

Oh, and MONARCH OF THE SANDS is now available in the UK. This book tells the story of Zahid and Francesca - which so many readers have been pestering me to write. So now you can discover why they made such a moody entrance in ITALIAN BOSS, HOUSEKEEPER BRIDE!

(Can't quite work out why the two covers are of such differing sizes!).

And now I must try to ignore the sunlight which is glinting on Lake Trasimeno, which I can see from where I write this. Instead, I must lose myself in my latest hero, Zak Constantinides. Oh, but he is TROUBLE!

A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR....

2011-07-25T13:54:00.004+01:00

It's 2pm and I'm still wearing last night's make-up and the jeans I threw on first this morning.

Is this sloth, I hear you ask yourself?

Well partly, yes - but in main because the proofs I started correcting seemed to take for-evah! And last week I was slaving away doing revisions for THE SHEIKH'S UNDOING, which will be out early in 2012.

So much of this job takes place in the imagination that I sometimes have to remind myself that it does have a glamorous, real-life side to it.

And to help relive a bit of the glamour - here's a photo taken earlier this month outside the New York Plaza with three amazing fellow Harlequin authors.

On my left is Caitlin Crews - who grew up in New York and now lives in LA. Next to her is Carol Marinelli, originally from England but who now lives in Oz. And on the right is the irrepressible Abby Green, who hails from Dublin. All of them funny, irreverent and supremely talented. A cosmopolitan little bunch, aren't we?

The setting was wonderful - but mainly it was the opportunity to get together with my fellow authors which was so life-affirming. A real perk of a job which by nature is very isolated.

So what would you consider to be a perk of your job?

UK readers - buy this week's WOMAN'S OWN!

2011-07-11T08:28:00.007+01:00

where you'll find a short-story called BROKEN TRUST, which I wrote specially for the magazine - and where you can also download one of my books for FREE!

The WO team produced a wonderful set of photos to accompany the story - including one of the hero staring broodingly out of the window, which was exactly as I had pictured it in my mind. (Note to editor - do you think he/she could do one of my book covers?!)

It was stepping out of my normal comfort zone to produce a complete story in 1.500 words, instead of 50,000 - but there's nothing I like more than a challenge!

And since my latest book is proving something of a challenge - please inspire me by telling me if you've tried something different recently....

TEA AT THE PLAZA, NYC

2011-07-09T09:32:00.005+01:00

We Presents authors enjoyed the most sumptuous tea at the Plaza Hotel in New York, courtesy of the lovely Jane Porter.

This was a huge thrill for me - not just because the food was so sublime or the decor so amazing - but because one of my favourite films was set here. (And Home Alone 2 is still a must-see for me every Christmas!)

Here I am pictured with Caitlin Crews (centre) and Jane.

And this is me in the same hotel two days later, when I blagged my way in to use the wood-panelled washrooms and couldn't resist reclining on this completely OTT leopard-skin covered sofa..... Thanks to Sarah Morgan for taking this photo, even though she was fearful we were going to be turfed out any second!

Have you been anywhere sumptuous recently?

TWEETIE-PIE

2011-07-08T00:18:00.005+01:00

I've caved in and joined Twitter - mainly because I felt I was missing out on a conversation that the rest of the world was having.

So do you Tweet?

If so, please come and find me @Sharon_Kendrick

HAIL, FELLOWS - WELL MET!

2011-07-05T15:48:00.009+01:00

My first morning in New York was spent in the Metropolitan Museum of Art with other Harlequin Presents authors and our lovely editors.

(Note the misty skyscrapers in the background).

This private tour was organised by the lovely Kate Hewitt and the museum was brought to life by her sister-in-law, Anne - an art historian who magically managed to convey the sheer, impressive scale of the collection. Somehow, she made it seem both accessible and cosy - and not in the least bit daunting.

Here I am, standing in front of an exquisite pastoral stained-glass window.

We gazed in awe at the fabulous but slightly scary work of Alexander McQueen - in an exhibition appropriately titled SAVAGE BEAUTY.

In among the carefully-crafted garments you could find glitter galore and the flutter of feathers - as well as the occasional quirky accessory such as epaulets made from alligator heads!

Afterwards, we went to Kate's apartment which is just off 5th Avenue and which made me feel like I was peeling away the outer skin of the city to take a closer look inside.

I love New York.

Do you?

THE LIFE OF A ROMANTIC NOVELIST

2011-07-04T11:28:00.002+01:00

Just arrived back from a writers' conference in New York, where I'm pictured hamming it up in a stretch white limo!
It was fab. It was fantastic. And it was best summed up by the bus driver who said (when I started singing): "Lady, you bin hangin' around Broadway too long!".

I will post more details and more completely over-the-top photos when I've recovered - but for now I'm off to run around the water-meadows in an attempt to work off the cheese-cake!

What have I missed (apart from a great Wimbledon Mens' Final...) and what has been happening in your world?

HELLISH REVISIONS AND NOO YORK

2011-06-25T20:37:00.007+01:00

Here's a sneak preview of a book which is out in the UK in September, entitled MONARCH OF THE SANDS. (Do you like the title?)

I've been working like crazy on my latest manuscript, trying to revise it before I go off to the RWA conference, which is being held in a city which seems to get an enthusiastic response whenever I mention it.

Yes, it's New York. I'll be staying on Times Square and collecting an award from Harlequin for having published 75 books. It all feels a bit unreal....

Sooo, I've only ever been to this vibrant town once before - and that was years ago. Do you know it - and do you have any secret or exciting places to share?

BEAUTIFUL, AND BEREFT.....

2011-06-15T14:25:00.006+01:00

I'm featuring this rose because it's beautiful.

(And wondering what colour you'd call it?)

Not just "yellow" but maybe marzipan or saffron.....?

Have just delivered my manuscript - a lot of blood, sweat and tears have gone into the story of Sheikh Hassan Al Abbas and Ella Jackson and now all I have to do is wait (rather neurotically) for my editor to come back to me.

All kinds of worse-case scenarios will flit through my mind - but none can possibly be as bad as the time when I said (quite earnestly) that I thought my submission was pretty good.

And then she phoned back the next day to ask for extensive revisions (read: rewrite!). Ever since that day I've never offered an opinion on a book....

So now I'm in that strange space where there is no longer a pressing deadline making you feel guilty if you're not writing. No alarm ringing at 6am to send you stumbling sleepily towards the computer. No conversations in your head which will suddenly make you understand a man who is very complex. In short, I'm missing my characters!

Which is why I'm hoping you'll tell me what you're doing, wherever you are in the world....

BUSY - AND BOOKING!

2011-06-07T09:24:00.008+01:00

I rushing to meet my deadline and trying (but failing!) to tame my latest hero. His name is Sheikh Hassan Al Abbas and he'll be appearing in a brand-new continuity series which will be coming soon.

I've also penned a short story for Woman's Own - which is an offshoot of my take on Jane Eyre, THE FORBIDDEN INNOCENT. It was great fun to take a minor character from a full-length novel and to give them their own story. I'll let you know when it's coming out.

Meanwhile, I'm counting down the days until I go to New York to the extravaganza of a conference which is thrown annually at the Romance Writers of America. I've just been invited by my publishers to a amazingly fancy party where the dress code is black or white. And the dress I'd been planning to wear is the colour of a smudged rainbow. Oh, the dilemma!

And to those of you who wanted to know when my next Tuscan writing course will be - it's been confirmed as 5th- 12th May, 2012 at the Watermill. So why not get booking?

Here's a picture of me with with some of the students from this year's course. In the background are the lush, verdant mountains you'll find in this picturesque region of the Massa Carrara which is where the Watermill is tucked away.

Tempted? You should be.....

So that's me and my life.

Will you please provide me with inspiration and tell me what's happening in yours?

THE ULTIMATE RUSSIAN ROMANCE...

2011-06-05T13:26:00.004+01:00

Listening to this has made me want to rush out and see the film again (which gives a very interesting version of the eternal triangle).

Or to write another Russian hero......

So for Michela and all fans of this haunting melody, I give you:

SOMEWHERE MY LOVE.

Does the music "do" it for you - and is the film among your top five?

A SUBLIME PIECE OF MUSIC

2011-06-02T20:37:00.007+01:00

awaits you over on ihearts, where I'm blogging about my version of Jane Eyre - THE FORBIDDEN WIFE, which has just been published in north America.

So why don't you stop by and make a comment?

And tell me what you think of the music....

SIZZLING AND SEXY SICILIAN!

2011-06-01T11:43:00.004+01:00

Giovanni bit back his irritation, for why should this pale and unknown Englishwoman know anything about the deep, secret place which was his home? The place in love with its own silence, which shaped the impenetrable character of all Sicilians.

For me, the two sentences above perfectly encapsulate what makes Giovanni Calverri such a delicious and challenging hero. He's proud and he's arrogant - so arrogant that he makes Kate want to scream.....or to kiss him.

THE SICILIAN'S PASSION is out in north America right now. So if you want to be taken on the twisting and evocative journey which is Kate and Giovanni's - why not buy it?

There's a magic about Sicily which seems to snare people's hearts.

So where's your own particular heart-snaring place?

A FISH CALLED.....

2011-05-25T15:46:00.006+01:00

Here I am by Table Mountain.....

Well, actually - it was clever design at the Chelsea Flower Show where I spent yesterday afternoon basking in the sunshine, while inhaling the heady fragrance of sweet peas, roses and hyacinth.

This was the Garden Of Contemplation.....which was beautifully calm and peaceful (can you see the Buddha?)

And here's a bronze statue which seemed to defy gravity in the way that only very few talented humans are able to.

And finally, The Fish - which was only a very small part of a very elaborate display of flowering temples and elephants. It's amazing - the artistry and flair which exists among dedicated gardeners and which gave me plenty of inspiration for the book I'm currently writing.

A book which features a devastatingly arrogant and irresistible Sheikh - and a woman called Ella who has sworn off men like him.....

Oh, and I've called the fish Wanda - just so you didn't have to!

HEE-HAW!

2011-05-23T14:21:00.006+01:00

Every so often, you see a photo which just makes you smile - and this is one such photo. It's of aspiring romance writer and dairy-farmer Rachael Thomas, taken in Italy on my recent writing course at Posara.

We go for an inspirational lunch (local fish cooked in chestnut leaves, followed by lemon sorbet in Prosecco) to a place of outstanding natural beauty - with blue-green mountains, emerald grass and rainbow flowers dotted around the meadows.

And this donkey.

We love him! (And Rachael was feeding him handfuls of sweet grass).

I realise that we don't know what he's called and perhaps I should have asked his name - unless anyone would like to suggest one?

THOSE ACACIA BLOSSOMS.....

2011-05-20T21:37:00.007+01:00

This photo is especially for Dan, who wanted to see them.

I think you'll agree that trees dripping with creamy-pale blossom in the warm Tuscan sun makes for a pretty seductive image.

This photo also helps explain why the local Acacia honey is so delicious.

And why I always leave a little bit of my heart behind.....

So, to distract me from Italia - why don't you tempt me with descriptions of places where you leave a little bit of your heart.

CREATIVE WRITING IN A SUBLIME SETTING

2011-05-14T18:00:00.007+01:00

Just back from one of my favourite places on earth....the Watermill at Posara.
(And here I am camping up the Italian aspect like mad!)

Against a verdant backdrop of soaring green mountains and to the sound of running water and church bells - you can learn how to craft a romantic novel. You will also laugh (I promise) and eat some of the best food you've ever tasted.

And if you're anything like me - you'll be dazzled by what looks like unseasonal snow at the top of the mountain. (Except that it's Carrara marble - the kind which Michelangelo used to fashion his stunning David)....duh!

Here (along with Kerstin and Bill) are the latest amazing bunch of women who took part in the course. The lovely Lesa is behind the camera.

So thank you (from left to right) Amanda, Helene, Jen, Louise, Alison, Jo, Rachael, Pippa, Sue and et moi.

Ladies: you rock!

DELICIOUS ACACIA BLOSSOMS....

2011-05-11T21:36:00.000+01:00

are currently inspiring me. (I'll try to post a photo of them tomorrow).

My book THE FORBIDDEN WIFE is out in North America right now.

Oh, and I'm writing a short story for an English magazine....

This may explain why my presence here has been so erratic!

So what have you been doing?

ALL TOGETHER NOW......AHHHHH!

2011-04-29T18:52:00.004+01:00

Today, a flag-filled land came to a complete halt to watch the wedding of one of its favourite sons.....

Wasn't it lovely?

(But look at the bridesmaid's face!)

PRESSED FOR TIME

2011-04-22T21:21:00.007+01:00

This week I've given two royal romance workshops in the fabulous Yumchaa tea-shop in Camden. They were attended by a lively and inspirational bunch of participants, which meant that the sessions were fun and (I hope) - helpful to all.

There was also a lone male journalist present, who wrote about his experience for the Evening Standard - and you can read a short version here

The workshop was filmed by the BBC for the popular ONE SHOW - but I have no idea how to include the video on this site.

I love the hyper-hyper feeling of losing touch with reality which being on telly produces - and it's quite gratifying when your mates are telling you that they've seen you in the paper.

But it's all rather time-consuming and I've suddenly realised that I have a book to write before I head off to Tuscany for my annual creative writing course.

So while I think about Hassan and Ella - why don't you tell me what you've been doing in your corner of the world?

FANCY WRITING A ROYAL ROMANCE?

2011-04-14T11:44:00.004+01:00

Then make your way down to Camden Town on Monday, 18th April - where I'll be giving a workshop which will tell you exactly how to do that.

It'll be in the gorgeous Yumchaa Tea Rooms - where you may remember that I did an interview recently.

You'll be able to drink a delicious cup of royal tea..... Yum! (Chaa!)

And you'll get the chance to craft the outline for your own royal love story.

What's the difference between a normal romance and a Royal Romance, I hear you asking? (You mean apart from jewels which aren't fake, oodles of tradition and all the attendant protocol?).

Well, I think it's because it takes the Cinderella story about as far as it can go - and that's one of the reasons why the books are so popular. It is, if you like - the ultimate love-story.

The tricky bit is making sure that your hero and heroine really and truly love one another - that he cares about her enough not to bother about the fact that she hails from a council house with an outside loo. And that she loves him for who he is, and not because he's got a title and a palace.

So come along and learn lots and join in the fun.

THE RUSSIAN IS COMING!

2011-04-05T23:20:00.005+01:00

Just back from Lanzarote - completely knackered, and looking a sort of streaky walnut colour - to discover that the book featuring my FIRST EVER RUSSIAN HERO is at No. 1 on the Mills & Boon chart!

Wooh!

And again.......

Wooh!

Here's the jacket photo of TOO PROUD TO BE BOUGHT.

Lovely, isn't it?

I'll post some Canarian photos later (I seem to have taken a lot of close-ups of pigeons) - after I have given my Sheikh another tweak.

Meanwhile, where have YOU been this week?

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT!

2011-03-23T20:17:00.014Z

Occasionally, amid all the deadline anxiety, the characters who simply will not obey and the logical loopholes which comprise every book - there comes a reminder that basically, I am in the entertainment industry. And what fun it can be.

Yesterday was just such a day, when I did newspaper interview in a groovy tea-shop in Camden Town, called Yumchaa

Linda Harrison, the journalist (in spotty dress) actually turned up with a stylist

AND a make-up artist!

(I could definitely get used to this!)

Here you can see the back of Daniel, the photographer. Like me, he is of Irish stock and so we spent some time discussing how, as children - we had eaten (if you are squeamish, you may wish to look away now) - stuffed hearts!

We sat in the window overlooking Camden's Parkway, while I told Linda how to write a Mills & Boon romance (she will be submitting a chapter to me for professional feedback). I'll let you know how she does.

Rich carrot and lemon drizzle cakes were on the menu (but not for the PR representative who had given up yeast for Lent!). And we sipped some "Royal Tea" - a blend which has been designed especially to coincide with some famous forthcoming nuptuals. The Kenyan black tea contains rose petals and blackberry leaves, silver candy balls and red candy hearts. It looks like potpourri and tastes absolutely delicious!

All in all, it felt like time out of a normal life - in the way that a day-trip to the seaside sometimes can.

Have you done anything abnormal recently?

WHERE AM I?

2011-03-14T11:22:00.006Z

This the question asked by several regular readers of this blog.....have been in a euphoric (until the revisions come in!) post-submission daze.

I delivered THE UNWILLING PRINCESS on Tuesday and since then I have been catching up with all the things which an urgent deadline prevent me from doing.

You know. Cleaning. Paying bills. Gardening.

Oh, alright. Haven't actually done any of those things, but I did catch a very good play at the Royal Court Theatre. All about climate change sceptics and starring the amazing Juliet Stephenson.

I also visited the Great Hall in Winchester, which is just down the road from me...

With its incredible Round Table (is this the one which all the Knights of Camelot clustered around, we ask ourselves?)

I sometimes pop in just because it's amazing and atmospheric, but this time it was specifically to hear the most incredible piece of music. Well actually, that doesn't really do it justice. It's an experience. Janet Cardiff's 40 Part Motet.

Forty voices coming from forty speakers. Singing Tallis.

The installation has been all around the world - including New York and Canada.

If you get the chance - go and experience it for yourself.

Do you like it - and what has inspired you recently?

HURTS SO GOOD

2011-03-05T07:29:00.002Z

This song is simply, great. And bound to make you smile.
The video is interesting, too.....

Like it?

STORM IN A TEAPOT

2011-02-23T17:32:00.004Z

This is my gorgeous tea-pot, covered as it is in all manner of my favourite flowers (especially snow-drops).

If you'd like to see an infinitely more elegant teapot and to read about a brand new talent with a brand new book - then go over to India Grey's blog.

And get to the HEART of the matter....

MOODS, TWEETS AND SOUTHSEA

2011-02-20T17:21:00.009Z

The new grey background which I'd applied to my blog (and which I thought looked all moody, artistic and evocative), caused me to receive a concerned text from a friend, asking if I was feeling down!

So, here's something very bright and cheerful to assure her I'm not.

Actually, there's lots to be cheerful about. The days are getting warmer and longer and the birds are tweeting (surely tweeting should be left to the birds....)

I've had a lovely weekend. Visited pretty Southsea (Peter Sellers was born there and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle practised as a doctor in the town) and a pub which was adorned with flower-splashed William Morris wallpaper. Then I ate the most delicious curry.

Apart from that, I've been wrestling with my latest hero and reading a second book by my flavour-of-the-month author: Kazuo Ishiguro.

How about your weekend - and was I wise to lose the moody grey?

HERE HE IS.,..

2011-02-17T16:13:00.004Z

As promised, here's the iconic clip of Gould playing Bach.....with special thanks to the Man from Mac!
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Like it?

LOSE YOURSELF....

2011-02-16T07:47:00.012Z

Yesterday, I went to see a film all about the life of Glenn Gould - an inspirational pianist whose playing of Bach made people listen in awe and wonder. Philistine that I am, I'd never even heard of him, but I'm now going to download his playing of the Goldberg Variations and lose myself in his amazing talent.

Canadian Glenn was a bit of a maverick. Taciturn and moody, he gave his last professional concert in 1964 at the age of 31 - because he hated performing.

He was also enigmatic and good-looking enough to make perfect hero fodder - as this famous image from Life magazine shows.

I've forgotten how to download the Youtube link (I must ask the nice man at the Apple shop) - but go and listen to his music if you don't already know it.

Or do you?

MORE HEARTS, AND RADIO

2011-02-14T09:02:00.004Z

St. Valentine's day tends to generate lots of publicity for romantic novelists.

Journalists will ask you the secret to writing them (there isn't one) and the reason for their enduring success (people love reading about love).

Accompanying photographers will often ask you to lean on a tower of your own books and smile, winsomely.

And radio hosts will sometimes read out a line from one of your novels which sounds completely bizarre if taken out of context...

This afternoon, I'll be talking on BBC Radio SOLENT and I'll let you know the most interesting question I'm asked.

And in the meantime I couldn't resist capturing these chocs in all their pristine glory, which were given to me by a dear friend last week. The box is made of red velvet and the chocolates are the deliciously moreish Butlers ("purveyors of happiness") and they're Irish. If you haven't yet tried any - do.

In the meantime, I'm planning to keep the box unopened for as long as is humanly possible....

THE EYES HAVE IT

2011-02-13T15:10:00.005Z

Stare at this for a moment and see where your imagination takes you....

Isn't Egypt the most incredible country?

JUST BECAUSE IT'S PRETTY

2011-02-11T16:07:00.008Z

I know this is over-the-top. And I know that a piece of something which looks like glass (but which is actually a pink sapphire, crafted into a corny shape) - would cost a King's ransom to buy.

But it's pretty.

And I'm feeling positively high because the blocky bit I'd reached in my book has now been passed.

Put out more flags!

Which, as well as being a rousing call to celebration - also happens to be a book by Evelyn Waugh, one of my all-time favourite authors.

His Handful Of Dust is perfect.

Anyone else like him?

NOT ONE CARROT, BUT TWO!

2011-02-10T09:12:00.006Z

Yesterday, I was telling you about my Tuscan teaching week at the stunning Watermill in Posara, and I promised a carrot which would lure you out there to hone up your romance-writing skills.

Well, today I can offer you not one carrot, but two!

The first is that the Watermill's writing competition is still open (until February 28th) and that you can find details here about how to win a whacking great £1,000 - and get your name known.

And you could also use the prize-money to stay there....

The second carrot is Kate Walker's wildly popular 12-Point Guide to Writing Romance; now in its third edition.

This is a book which tells you everything you ever wanted to know about writing romance. It dispels myths, encourages you to concentrate on what really matters and is a compelling read.

I have a brand-new and very shiny copy in my hot little hand which I will giving to one of the students on my course.

It could be YOU!

So come on, what are you waiting for?

Grab yourself a slice of inspirational Italia, and book now.

(Sharon's course runs from May 7th - 14th, 2011)

HURRY!

2011-02-09T11:52:00.006Z

This year, I'll be teaching romantic fiction from May 7th - 14th, in a beautiful Tuscan idyll which can offer you:

Fabulous views and countryside.
Peace.
Superb tuition - and the chance to practice and perfect your writing.
Fabulous Italian food and wines.
Culture.

(See below for a photo of fabulous LUCCA - which we will visit after the most dazzling train journey of your life!)

This year I am also offering an additional carrot.....

which I will tell you about in more detail if you come back tomorrow.

But seriously, if you want to sign up for an unforgettable week at the Watermill in Posara then you'd better hurry because there are only two places left.

A domani!

MINOR CHARACTERS

2011-01-28T07:57:00.004Z

Am blogging over on ihearts today - talking about minor characters and how I plot and weave to give them their own story in a different book. It's a bit like being a psychological detective (IS there such a thing?).

So please come on over and join in the debate.

I'm also enjoying downloading these deliciously frivolous hearts n' flowers logos, to accompany the subject!

I mean, isn't the internet INCREDIBLE?

PARISIAN INSPIRATION

2011-01-24T16:00:00.005Z

Just back from a weekend trip to my favourite city in the world.

What did I do?

Strolled in the sunshine by the Seine and through the Tuileries - and just soaked up the atmosphere.

Ate turbot and hot chocolate souffle at Michelin-starred restaurant, Marius et Janette - which had been recommended by Arthur Pincher, of Arbroath.

Met the talented sculptor Jean GARLEITA for a drink in a rose-tinted bar just off the Champs Elysees.

And tackled this awkward-looking crustacean at Terminus Nord - a classic French brasserie which is almost an institution. It's situated right opposite the Gare du Nord and serves some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted. It's a station cafe - but not as we know it!

As a consequence, I arrived home feeling thoroughly inspired (and glad that Henry-the-trainer couldn't see the profiteroles which we all snarfed down!).

How about you.....what has inspired you most over the last few days?

A TUSCAN IDYLL

2011-01-19T11:12:00.005Z

Each May, I'm lucky enough to go to glorious, green and sunlit Tuscany - to take a course on writing romantic fiction. It's an experience which is always memorable, as well as being great fun.

Here's a flower-filled meadow to whet your appetite....

I was asked to write something about the programme for the popular Harlequin website and that's where you can find me today.

So please come on over - you know how much I enjoy your comments!

AMERICAN WHITE TAIL DEER

2011-01-17T18:27:00.004Z

Dan has just sent this photo of some curious onlookers he passed on his morning walk near Chicago - and I thought you'd like to share it.

It looks like a still from a film.... beautiful.

I feel it should have a title.

Any ideas?

The Deer Hunter?!

NEW YEAR FITNESS SOLUTION IN JUST TWO WORDS

2011-01-11T08:03:00.008Z

Yesterday, I told you about the brilliant personal trainer

Henry Barratt and how his surprisingly gentle encouragement was inspirational to someone like me, who was feeling particularly sluggish after Christmas.

I promised that I would pass on the second part of his philosophy - which would help you attain the physique you've always wanted.

Simples!

No bread.

No potatoes.

No rice.

No pasta.

In other words: NO CARBS!

(And if you are blanching in horror - as I did - then I must inform you that apparently, we get all the carbs we need from fruit and vegetables!).

So I have just cleared out the last of seasonal fare like this:

To be replaced with stuff like this.

Interestingly, I bought this delicious, locally-grown radicchio in a small Umbrian supermarket and then found zillions of recipes for it in a translation of an Italian cookery book. The Italians are very imaginative with their vegetables. I baked it with a teeny drizzle of oil, salt and pepper and finished it off with a squeeze of lemon juice.

But I am no longer in Italy but at home, and working - so I must go and speak to Tariq - who is my latest outrageously macho Sheikh hero.

Outside, it's grey and damp and I'm in need of inspiration - so tell me what's happening in your day.

SLOW AND STEADY

2011-01-10T08:10:00.012Z

I've never really understood the point of personal trainers. If a person is motivated enough - then surely they can devise their own work-out regime, right?

Wrong.

Or so I was to discover......

Last week a friend and I flew out to his sublime house in Umbria (here's a view of the lake; beautifully bare in her stark winter robes) in an attempt to atone for our festive excesses.

We were accompanied by personal trainer Henry Barratt - who is one of the nicest men you could ever hope to meet.

How hard could it be to exercise with an ex-rugby professional who has played with some of the most prestigious clubs in England and charged onto a pitch at Twickenham in front of 54,000 spectators?

I mean, I already run. I do classes. I walk at lunch-times if my characters are refusing to co-operate. Surely I could fall into the category of "fit"?

Hmm.

Let me just say that Henry's idea of a "slow and steady run" was light-years away from mine. (Inexplicably, he doesn't start the clock from the moment you finish lacing up your trainers!)

We alternated our morning runs with interval training - short spurts of sprinting in between the "slow and steady" pace. This was one of the toughest things I've ever done - but having someone convince you that you can do it is incredibly inspirational.

In the afternoons, the men went to the gym while I power-walked up the fierce inclines of the surrounding hills.

Did it work?

Well, for once, I didn't need to shoe-horn myself into a pair of jeans and I came back feeling more energetic and empowered than I'd felt in a long while - but I'm sure this had something to do with the second part of Henry's philosopy.

Any ideas what that might be?

Come back tomorrow and I'll reveal all.

COINCIDENCE......?

2011-01-02T13:13:00.008Z

Right now, in north America - I have a book out called

HIS MAJESTY'S CHILD.

(Great cover, isn't it?).

Without wanting to give too much away - you'll find some uncanny coincidences within its pages. Something happens in this story which recently happened to Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Life imitating art?

It's the other way round, of course.

I'm constantly fascinated by the relationships of those in the public eye and spend a lot of time imagining "what if?". I try to imagine how someone would feel if they were suddenly catapulted from obscurity to world-wide fame.

Because that's exactly what happens to Melissa, the heroine of this book....

I'm just about to do something very exciting which I'll report about next week.

In the meantime, I'd like to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Did you party, or chill? Were there fireworks - or just a calm and blessed peace?

FESTIVE GREETINGS, HURRAH AND PROMISES

2010-12-24T11:51:00.006Z

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas - and if you're celebrating something different - I hope that everybody has a fabulous time.

As usual, I seem to have ended up with too many presents still to wrap....

I've spent the morning cooking (a motley mixture of two different types of chilli and some cauliflower cheese! This is because my son's Christmas Eve party has now become an annual event) - and I know that there are a whole pile of things I should be doing - if only I could remember them.

But one of the reasons for my disorganisation is that I have spent the last few days tweaking my latest manuscript and my editor has just phoned to say that it's been accepted. Hurrah! What a lovely way to start the holiday!

So for all you readers who wanted to know if Zahid and Francesca had their own story - well, they do now!

For everyone who has read and commented on this blog - thank you. And for all the people who still haven't received their prize-winning books - these will be reaching you very soon.

Try to listen to the Carols From Kings - which start at 3pm GMT today, sung live from Cambridge - and which you should be able to access due to the marvels of modern technology. The sound of that lone choir-boy's voice is pure, spine-tingling perfection.

I wish you all peace. And love.

Sharon

FAMOUS PEOPLE

2010-12-21T11:38:00.007Z

Yesterday, I had lunch in one of my favourite restauants The Poule au Pot, in Pimlico. Always twinkling and atmospheric - it's especially pretty at Christmas.

Here I am posing happily with one of my presents.

Often occupied by politicians and expensively-dressed locals, you can usually spot a famous face or two - and yesterday was no exception. In walked a tall and commanding man whose scruffy jogging clothes and woolly hat did nothing to detract from his essential star-quality. It was the actor Rupert Everett - who I've always found to be a mesmeric screen presence.

It was actually the second time I've seen him while eating out....the last time was in Soho. (You don't think he's stalking me, do you?)

I love observing famous people at close quarters (while pretending not to, of course!) - do you?

EXCITING WRITING COMPETITION!

2010-12-17T21:14:00.005Z

Each May, I run a week-long creative writing course in a watermill in deepest, greenest Tuscany - where you can learn and practice your craft against the most stunning and inspirational backdrops.

Like this one....

The courses are organised by Lois and Bill Breckon - who do much to nurture talent and creativity - and to this end they are running a brand-new writing competition.

Would you like to win £1,000 ($1,500) and the chance to get yourself and your story noticed?

Of course you would!

So why not find out more? Go on.... push all the wrapping paper off the table and dust down a story. Or take yourself off into a quiet corner and write a new one. Write something from the heart. Something which will make the reader's heart quicken.

Who knows? It just might make your dreams come true....

Christmas....and a new book!

2010-12-15T12:25:00.009Z

I love the cover of this book, THE FORBIDDEN INNOCENT - which is out in the UK now.

It's a book which has an interesting little back-story of it's own....

Last year I was lucky enough to be asked to speak at the Cheltenham Literary Festival (weirdly, I have given Nick Clegg a name check, in those faraway days when he was just another Lib-Dem politician who probably thought he'd never set foot in 10 Downing Street.....wouldn't life be peculiar if we could each look into a crystal ball?).

It was at Cheltenham that I had to talk about Jane Eyre (among other great classics) and had to hurriedly read it up beforehand. As a latecomer to the book, I completely fell in love with it - so much so, that when I mentioned this to one of our editors, she suggested I write a modern version for Harlequin Mills & Boon.

A daunting prospect! But what is life without challenge? So, I wrote the story of Ashley and Jack and the isolated and harsh landscape they inhabit. Some things about the story have changed to fit in with the times but I hope that the emotions are the same. A young, innocent girl who falls in love with a tortured man, with secrets he dare not share.....

I'd love to know what you think of it.

(CHEERY CHRISTMAS LOGO!)

And the photo featured below was taken by a pal who demanded I showcase it on my blog!

So here's a snowy fir, to get you in the mood for the festive season.

Are you knee-deep in wrapping paper?
Searching for those hidden presents and wondering where on earth you hid them?
Or have you given into the lure of the mince-pie?
Do tell what Christmas preparations take place in your part of the world.
Maybe you treat it as just another day....

TWO TYPES OF PIANO

2010-12-06T07:32:00.005Z

Yesterday, I was singing carols around a baby-grand piano (and eating far too much pastry) during a glorious afternoon spent in London.

Hurtling by train through the foggy and still-frozen snowy fields of Hampshire - I was amazed to be greeted by bright blue skies and sunshine the minute I arrived in Canary Wharf.

And when I stood on the terrace of my friends' apartment - it looked and felt as if I was on a luxury cruise-liner, headed for some balmy destination.

It was also an extremely inspirational day - because this is exactly the kind of achingly-cool urban penthouse in which one of my heroes would live.

Look in the distance and you will see Renzo Piano's controversial Shard which is in the process of being built.

And here's the Christmas tree in the dining room. Quel view!

And the best carol?

Silent night, probably (especially the verse sung in German).

Or Good King Wenceslas (sung in parts).

But every one of them gave me the requisite lump-in-throat-now-where-on-earth-did-I-put-my-tissues?

What did you do which was inspirational this weekend?

Ahhhh!

2010-11-29T11:46:00.005Z

Driving along the picturesque but scarily-icy roads on Friday, I was too busy listening to the soporific voice of the woman inside my new Sat-Nav ("Turn around where possible!" "Turn around where possible!") to be able to concentrate much on the magnificent scenery of the North Downs Way.

I was on my way to the wedding of the lovely Lucetta who was marrying Glenn at an amazing hotel at Newlands Corner.

And here are the happy couple, having just plighted their troth.....

Ahhhhh!

It was a fabulous wedding - with people of all ages having fun and my enduring memory of the day is one of laughter.

Here's a picture of the cake I made for the newly-weds.

Regular readers of this blog may remember that I also made a cake for Lucetta's mother's wedding (what a lot of apostrophes!) almost a year ago. No-one can say they aren't a romantic family!

And here I am with not only an extravagent confection of feathers on my head.....

But also a handful of golden glitter which was thrown on my hair by my god-daughter!

Well, it was a glittering kind of day...

Have you done anything glittery recently?

MORE CHRISTMAS IRRESISTIBILITY

2010-11-26T08:56:00.010Z

Yesterday, I had lunch at Skye Gyngell's sublime restaurant at Petersham Nurseries - which was a fairyland of creamy candles, sprays of green foliage and waxy, scented gardenias. And lots of Christmas trees....

Look closely and you'll see that (in true panto fashion) there's one behind me!

It is the most incredible place to eat - full of light and atmosphere and using locally-sourced incredients wherever possible. Somewhere in among the branches behind me in this photo - a little robin is hopping around.

It took some time before I could be persuaded to remove my coat because the temperature outside was ARCTIC! But the restaurant helpfully provides soft, tweedy blankets which you can snuggle up in. We ended wrapping them around our waists, sarong-style and staging an imprompu fashion show (thanks to the diners on the next table for applauding!).

And the best part of the meal? The conversation, naturally - though the baked ricotta and Italian peasant soup came a close second.

I'm off to a wedding this afternoon - after I've scraped an inch of ice from my windscreen....what will you be doing this weekend?

IRRESISTIBLE

2010-11-22T18:12:00.008Z

Once again, I visited Waddeson Manor - the luscious Oxfordshire pile belonging to the Rothschild family. Only this time, Christmas had come early.

Usually, I'm one of those people who try to hold off from buying a tree or being bewitched by twinkly lights until the very last minute - but this time I just couldn't resist cooing in admiration.

The slightly spooky soaring building was enhanced by Christmas trees....

Which, when viewed en masse - looked a little like a troupe of Daleks gathering before attack (question: are Daleks famous throughout the world?).

And has Christmas "got" to you yet?

LIVE, OLIVE....

2010-11-17T14:04:00.005Z

Just back from a weekend spent in glorious Umbria, picking olives with a highly-entertaining group of people.
And here I am in a shot which made feel feel as if I was taking part in a rural cookery programme!

Only four of these crates were filled this year (we had eleven last year), since weather conditions meant a sparse crop.

Next they will go off to be pressed and turned into rich olive-oil.

Fresh air, simple physical work and al fresco lunches (in November!) made me feel deliciously relaxed.

What has made you feel relaxed recently?

ALL FALL DOWN

2010-11-09T19:57:00.006Z

Dan sent me this amazing photo of autumn in all her glory, taken close to where he lives, in Chicago (or is it near Chicago, Dan?).

The leaf colours are particularly spectacular this year....there's a reason for it (too much rain? not enough rain? wrong kind of sun?) but I can't remember what it is.

What's it like where you are?

Oh, and I'm playing word games over at ihearts presents - so do come and join in.

TEN MILLION, AND COUNTING.....

2010-10-28T13:01:00.009+01:00

I've never been very good at sums and although I had a very good relationship with my maths teacher (Mr. Barrett!) - I wasn't allowed to sit my Maths G.C.E because it was accepted that I would fail.

But authors are supposed to keep a tally of the books they've written. For a start, when the numbers accrue, some of those numbers become milestones - like 75, for example - and you get something silver and rather gorgeous, from Tiffany. Yum!

I was sure I'd written 75. So I asked one of our editors if she could find out - and she did. Turns out that I'd actually written 81!

From the very first, back in 1988:

To the one which is out this month:

She also told me that I had sold ten million books - which means more to me than anything which comes in a turquoise box.

In fact, it seemed unbelievable.

It still does.

I might just have to write it down as numbers to see what if that helps...

10.000,000

No. That really IS unbelievable!

So thank you to all you lovely readers who keep buying the books and telling me how much you enjoy them - you're the ones who really count.

PIVOTAL MOMENT.....

2010-10-23T13:50:00.008+01:00

I'm absolutely THRILLED that one of the aspiring authors I was mentoring for the New Voices competition has made it through to the final four. And commiserations to those who didn't make the cut - the standard was unbelievably high and I hope that each and every one of you will complete your manuscript and send it in.

Carrie Spencer's HELP WANTED: APPLY FOR LOVE has everything you'd want from a romantic novel. A feisty heroine in Gabby and a hero who is more than her match - the delicious Finn. A sparky and intelligent office romance, it was one of those stories which engaged me from the get-go and which made me desperate to read what happens next.

The last part of the competition is for the four finalists to write a pivotal moment. This is a big, emotional point in the book - maybe that dark time when they lay their souls bare and you think that there is no hope left....

I hope you'll read the entries, which will be on the website next week. And I hope you'll

Good luck to you all - and Carrie - you're brilliant!

SHAMEFUL SECRET, SHOTGUN WEDDING

2010-10-20T12:01:00.003+01:00

is out in the U.K AND in the U.S right now!

In other words, it's out ON BOTH SIDES OF THE POND!

It's a great cover and I think it's a great book (well, I would, wouldn't I?).
Have you bought it? Read it?

And do you have any idea who first named the massive and imposing Atlantic Ocean, "The Pond"?

SECRET PLACES

2010-10-15T22:38:00.009+01:00

The other day I had lunch at one of my favourite restaurants in London.

The Criterion is a few short steps from bustling Piccadilly Circus Tube and the nearby statue of Eros. But into what a different world do those steps lead you....it honestly feels as if you've stumbled into a picture book.

Inside you'll find marble, mirrors and mosaics. The intricate and glittering ceiling is a little like being in church.

Here's my friend Katrina bathed in gold from the reflected light.

You'd never find it - not unless you knew it was there.

So do you have any secret places you'd like to share?

NEW VOICES SECOND CHAPTER

2010-10-12T22:18:00.009+01:00

Hope you've been following the exciting writing competition being run by Mills & Boon.

There were LOADS of entries of an impressively high standard and Romance HQ had a tough time trying to decide who should go through to the next round.

Congratulatons to all you who were successful - and I include those of you who didn't make the short-list. To enter is to prove that you're serious about your writing - so DON'T GIVE UP. There is a long list of successful authors who had to try and try again before they got published.

The ten short-listed then had to produce a second chapter. These will face the public vote to be whittled down to a further four.

Below are the three books I am mentoring - and you can click on the links to read the fantastic writing on offer:

THE BOSS'S NAUGHTY ASSISTANT

by Cady Phelan

HELP WANTED : APPLY FOR LOVE

by Carrie Spencer

A RUSSIAN AFFAIR

by Lucy Snowe

I love, love, LOVE them!

Have you read them yet?

And more importantly: HAVE YOU VOTED?

HAMLET

2010-10-09T17:15:00.004+01:00

The production I saw recently at the National Theatre was in modern dress (the Prince of Denmark was wearing a hoodie!) which I know isn't to everyone's taste....

And I know that director Nicholas Hytner changed some of the text....

But for me, as a first-timer at this play - it was an utterly captivating and moving performance. I loved it.

So I give you this enduring image of Sir Laurence Olivier with the skull of (poor) Yorick.

And leave you with the play's most famous soliloquy - which I now "get".

To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pith and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action.--Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remember'd.

And wonder which is your favourite speech or quote from Shakespeare....

SMILE!

2010-10-01T12:18:00.005+01:00

An email and photo arrived from Rachel this morning which really made me smile - and with her permission, I've included it in today's blog.

It's Rachel having just purchased a copy of SHAMEFUL SECRET, SHOTGUN WEDDING and it really cheered me up on a morning where the rain is coming down in a relentless grey torrent and I'm trying to learn the plot of Hamlet before seeing the play tonight for the first time in my life! I know. How can I have lived this long without experiencing it?

Yesterday, I talked about coincidences and most of you will know that the opening scene of Hamlet is set at Elsinore - the Danish royal castle. Well, I grew up in a street called Elsinore! How's that for coincidcnce?

So....have you seen Hamlet - or are you doing something new this weekend?

(Oh, and if anybody else wants to send in a photo of one of my books in an interesting setting, I'll gladly feature it here).

BRAND NEW COVER!

2010-09-30T12:46:00.010+01:00

My latest book is out in the UK.

It's called SHAMEFUL SECRET, SHOTGUN WEDDING and it's available in all good bookstores now.

(Er, actually that's not quite true - since Waterstone's doesn't stock it. You're missing a chance there Waterstone's, I must say....)

It's about a gorgeous international playboy called Giancarlo Vellutini and Cassie, a naive girl from Cornwall who takes a Christmas vacation job in a glittering London department store. Sparks really fly when this most unlikely of couples meet.

Thanks to the lovely Rick Stroud for inspiring the heroine's name - Rick and I were at the Cheltenham Literary Festival last year. And thanks also to Elizabeth Douglas, who has already read the book, which prompted her to write me a letter about growing up in Cornwall in the 1040's. My job has all kinds of wonderful perks - and letters like Elizabeth's are at the top of the list.

Apologies to the prize winners of my recent competition. Caroline, Michela and Rachel - if you've been wondering where your books are - I'll post them out next week.

Do you like the snazzy new cover?

BACK FROM CORNWALL

2010-09-24T08:33:00.008+01:00

Cornwall is really one of the most beautiful places on earth.

I think of it in shades of blue and grey.

In one morning, the sea turned from pewter to sapphire with a zillion variations in betweeen.

But blue is best.....

See what I mean?

Here I am at Harlyn Bay - plotting out my new Chapter I.

Inspiration comes easy here. One gulp of that bracing, salty air and I'm away! Let's hope it stays with me.....

I have a book out next month called SHAMEFUL SECRET, SHOTGUN WEDDING - some of which is set in this part of Cornwall. Perhaps I should make it a trilogy...

Is there somewhere which always fills you with inspiration - and is it by the sea?

LUCKY AT CARDS?

2010-09-15T21:05:00.003+01:00

There's an old proverb that says if you're lucky at cards, you'll be unlucky in love.

Needless to say, my up and coming hero (Sheikh Zahid Al Hakam) is absolutely BRILLIANT at cards!

For all those who entered my Name An Imaginary Sheikhdom competition - thank you. I liked Michela's MAKHARIAN but felt this was too similar to MARABAN, which was another of my fictional countries. I also liked Dan's JANNAT AL'ADN - but not sure if it's really a national name. (It may be used as the name of one of the Sheikh's palaces!).

However, since a huge consignment of books arrived this morning - I will happily send a copy to the first five people who email me with their (snailmail) address.

And in the meantime, what do you think I should call Zahid's falcon?

NEW VOICES

2010-09-09T07:46:00.005+01:00

I'm blogging over at iheartspresents today - so please come over and add your thoughts.

Specifically, I'm talking about the exciting new competition which is being run by Mills & Boon, giving one lucky entrant the opportunity to have her/his book published.

So what are you waiting for, and are you going to enter?

You SPHINX so?

2010-09-01T10:52:00.002+01:00

Am mulling over ideas for my new book which will be set in an imaginary Sheikhdom of golden sands, azure skies and palaces of impossible beauty.

What would you call YOUR imaginary kingdom?

I have several book prizes to give away - so send me your entries now!

More from Fuerteventura....and breakfast

2010-08-31T16:45:00.009+01:00

This is one of those images which I look back on (rather wistfully) - whenever I want to imagine myself in a Sheikh-type land. Actually, I'm about to run a Sheikh-type competition so

WATCH THIS SPACE!

And this is pretty much my perfect breakfast: chilled and juicy pink grapefruit, strong black coffee and delicious bread - all served by someone other than myself! The sunshine and the distant view of the sea add yet another layer of enjoyment.

What was, or is your perfect breakfast?

ATMOSPHERE AND ITALIA

2010-08-26T12:05:00.003+01:00

It's the long Bank Holiday weekend and so I'm off to glorious Italia.

(Which is where I am photographed with my "children", this time last year).

Black and white photos can be so atmospheric, don't you think?

I think I've come up with a new plot for my next book - but will definitely garner some information while I'm over there.

What are you doing for the weekend?

THE SANDS OF TIME

2010-08-25T12:34:00.008+01:00

Just back from holidaying with my daughter in glorious Fuertevenura.

When I booked it, I thought it was a Balearic island (I really should have paid more attention to my geography lessons at school) and was very surprised (and excited!) to discover that it was actually one of the Canary Islands - and just 100 kilometres off the coast of Africa.

Which might explain the climate (hot all year round, but with a delicious breeze).

And the terrain....

The photo above shows the lush, tropical foliage.

While the interior was barren and sandy (lots of Sheikh material here!).

It was quite different to anywhere I'd ever been before - and gave me lots of inspiration.

So now I'm looking out at the rain falling on green leaves back in Winchester and wondering where you might have been recently, which has inspired you...?

You can see why they say....

2010-08-12T14:28:00.002+01:00

sunsets are romantic.

Thanks, Dan - for sending this picture-perfect shot. Can you tell us where exactly it is so that I can fix the location in my mind (and perhaps use it sometime!). Does anybody live nearby? Are there shops? Roads? Trains?

As for romantic settings - does anybody have a favourite?

NOTORIOUS! Talking about the past....

2010-08-10T20:14:00.005+01:00

as well as my newest release - over on iheartspresents

Well, actually - it's a re-issue of two titles I wrote back in 2004.

Please come over and visit - even make a comment!

MY FIRST EVER AUDIO BOOK!

2010-08-04T23:30:00.003+01:00

BOUGHT FOR THE SICILIAN BILLIONAIRE'S BED is available NOW from:

WHOLE STORY AUDIO BOOKS

Go on - you know you want to.....

REFLECTION AND ENDINGS

2010-08-02T08:21:00.007+01:00

Here I am at Petworth House - pleased to be wearing my gorgeous Purple-Shoes-From-Paris. I've found another folly and am in reflective pose because my book is coming towards the end and I must deliver even more emotional punch.

I started thinking about famous endings to books and here is my favourite, from F. Scott Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby.

(I'm delighted that he seems to love ellipses and dashes as much as I do - and it still makes me shiver whenever I read it).

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter — to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And one fine morning ——

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

So what ending to a book has marked itself indelibly on your mind?

Oxford wedding

2010-07-28T09:59:00.007+01:00

A vast wooden door, opening straight onto the picturesque high-street - leads into a secret world of cloistered gardens and ancient stone. Yes, I'd finally got my foot inside an Oxford college (and wished I worked harder at school!)

Where erstwhile students can marry......

And this is Sarah, my clever cousin, marrying the musically-gifted Tom.

Don't they look gorgeous?

Here I am with my cousin Gerald - with whom I shared many a happy (!) game of Monopoly when I was growing up.

And here's the dining hall where we ate the delicious wedding breakfast and I kept looking up, expecting to see banks of floating candles or magical happenings occurring around the portraits, because it was just like being on the set of a Harry Potter film.....

Since I'm a romantic novelist, and since Mills & Boon is currently running a competition to find a new writer - would you like to share your experience of Beautiful Weddings You Have Been To? It might inspire some of the entrants.....

A Folly and EXCITING NEWS!

2010-07-23T11:06:00.008+01:00

I couldn't resist trying out this balletic pose while exploring the beautiful gardens at Nymans, which I mentioned in an earlier post.

Here are some pretty flowers (aka "exquisite herbaceous borders")

This is the surreal house - minus a roof!

And this is what they call a Herm

Are you still with me? Do you like the Herm?

As for the exciting news - it's for all you would-be romantic novelists who are longing to write the most powerful love-story of all time.

Well, now you can.

AND you can get it published.

All you have to do is to enter the fantastic new competition being run by Mills & Boon.

So what are you waiting for?

IN THE PINK

2010-07-19T08:29:00.008+01:00

Here's my lovely daughter, Celia.

And last Sunday, she and I were running for CANCER RESEARCH UK

Southampton Common was sunlit and beautiful and the atmosphere was amazing - with masses of people joining in this very worthwhile fundraiser. Some of the stories we heard were heartbreaking; all of them were inspiring. It made me realise how much in life we take for granted.

(WHAT DO YOU MEAN, YOU WANT TO KNOW OUR TIME?) Okay, then - it was a perfectly respectable 5 kilometres in 26 minutes (though Celia did a sprint finish ahead of me!).

And now I'm getting stuck into my Russian hero (in a manner of speaking) - who lives in the most sumptuous house in the south of France. I've based it on the fabulous Rothschild Villa - which has possibly the most stunning location in the world. In fact, just looking at it makes my mouth water.

What property has made you swoon with delight?

ON A HIGH IN FRANCE

2010-07-07T13:30:00.001+01:00

7 JULY 2010

ON A HIGH IN FRANCE

Sometimes things happen which surpass even the boundless realms of the imagination - and Monday was one such day.

I'd been weekending in Paris - a wild and wonderful time which involved partying in a garage, getting lost while out jogging by the Seine and having to be rescued by a kindly woman who took me into her home (merci, Laurence!) and visiting Normandy to explore an exquisite Cathedral in Evreux.

I didn't just visit it - but climbed up scaffolding, slithered through trap-doors like a jack-in-the-box and took an escalator which consisted of a mesh cage which juddered up into the sky.

The opportunity to do this came about through the brilliant sculptor Jean Garleita

whose Parisian atelier I visited in January. Currently, he is working his magic on restoring the Cathedral's beautiful sculptures.

And here he is:

See how high I am!

And check this out for the most sublime of views....

This was taken (following a delicious lunch) with Jean and fellow sculptor, Philippe.

And here, in the dreamy gardens outside - is Jean with his cousin - the ever-charmant and hospitable Michele.

It was an awfully big adventure....I still haven't quite come down from the experience.

What was your greatest adventure?

PASSION

2010-06-29T09:34:00.009+01:00

After the appalling disappointment of England's performance in the World Cup against "arch-rivals Germany" (as the tabloids can't resist saying) - there is only one sporting possibility who keeps our hearts aflame with hope.

And here he is:

Yes, it's ANDY MURRAY (and looking like a bit of a heart-throb!). Go Andy!

Sport arouses such strong and frustrating passion....maybe I should just channel it all into my current hero, who is a cold-hearted Russian oligarch.

Who are you rooting for at the moment?

SHAMELESSLY PARTISAN

2010-06-23T19:38:00.009+01:00

National excitement was in the air today as England prepared for their crucial match against Slovenia. Pubs were packed. Some folk skivved off work. Football-related discussions could be overheard in shops among the most unlikely of people. Everyone had an opinion. Mostly it went along the lines of "Rooney-is-rubbish-and-why-doesn't-Capello-play-Joe-Cole?"

I'd even decorated my car (and that's my Dad in the background!).

Well, it was a tense and nail-biting ninety-three minutes and Slovenia proved worthy opponents, but eventually the final whistle blew and we could all start singing:

"Three Lions on a shirt,

Jules Rimet still gleaming

Thirty years of hurt

Never stopped me dreaming."

SO, the big question remains. Will England bring home the World Cup again?

And who do you think is going to be in the final?

STAR-SPRINKLED

2010-06-18T09:37:00.005+01:00

To historic Syon Park last night to see Carmen, performed by an enchanting opera company called Diva. Diva is a chamber opera - their only musical accompaniment is a grand piano, played exquisitely by Anna Tilbrook. With passionate voices and raw emotion soaring up to the glass ceiling - opera doesn't get much better than this.

Here I am, feeling inspired by the whirling shawls of Carmen, Frasquita and Mercedes!

And here is the incredible conservatory, where the opera is held and where afterwards we ate from upmarket picnic-hampers in air scented by jasmine, while the night sky darkened and became star-sprinkled.

It was one of those magical evenings.....

A PLAY UPON WORDS

2010-06-17T06:59:00.013+01:00

It's been a week of culture so far.

On Tuesday, I went to Winchester's own magnificent little theatre to see Harold Pinter's The Caretaker. Not the cheeriest play in the world, true - but a "classic" nonetheless. If only his wife hadn't penned those dreary diaries about her life with the late playwright and turned him into tabloid fodder...

Here I am, posing beside one of the city's many dappled green waterways, on my way to eat pizza before curtain-up.

The following day, I headed up West (as we used to say about London's theatre-land) to see a production of All My Sons - written by my favourite playwright of all time - the American genius, Arthur Miller.

Here's a glimpse of the set.

The acting was faultless. The text as powerful as when it was first written. Spine-tinglingly wonderful. I had the real sense of being part of some kind of theatrical alchemy. I've seen some amazing plays in my life - but this production has to be up there in the top five.

Tonight, I'm off to the opera - but in the meantime - what's one of the best plays you've ever seen?

HELPING THE PLANET

2010-06-15T07:08:00.006+01:00

Italians (though playing a surprisingly under-achieving game of football against Paraguay in the World Cup last night) are model citizens when it comes to preserving the earth's resources. They eat locally-produced food (much of it grown themselves, whenever possible) and they don't tolerate waste.

Here I am in the exquisite town of Lucca - refilling my water bottle from a fountain. Cool, clean water - which is free. No need for hot tourists or workers to buy yet another un-recyclable plastic bottle of the stuff.

Simple question: Why aren't there more water fountains the world over?

Do you have a simple suggestion for ways to conserve the planet's resources (apart from closing down BP!)?