If you're reading this, it's probably because you enjoy reading romance. Unless I've bribed you to call in, of course! You'll discover, even in my erotic writing, romance has its way with my characters. And membership of the Romantic Novelists' Association has played a huge part in my journey towards publication. It's the gateway to an awesome pool of expertise and encouragement and thanks to the efforts of Liz Fielding, we have a Carmarthen chapter linking authors living in south west Wales. I had a ball at the RNA Confererence, Caerleon 2011 and hope to attend more events in 2012. Twitter is another great way of learning what others are up to - if also addictive.
In 2004 I enrolled at Trinity College, Carmarthen for the MA course in Creative Writing. We explored themes, listened to visiting poets, playwrights and prose writers and learned to meet deadlines plus drink coffee in the Students' Union. The highlight was the launch of de/tached, our short story collection, in June 2006 at Hay Literary Festival where we shared the green room with Sandi Toksvig amongst others. I'm delighted to add Toni Sands to the list of Trinity graduates whose novels have been published.
One spin off of writing is being asked to run creative writing workshops. I get a kick out of seeing students gain confidence and relish reading their work aloud. You just never know what's going to emerge and a group generates its own particular energy. Please use the Contact Toni section to enquire about my workshops.
Some of the Class of 2004 at the Hay Festival for the launch of de/tached
COMPETITIONS:
I'm hoping you'll click on Novels and read extracts from my two full-length publications. Orchid Pink is my first historical and also a romance with a different twist. This is a book that began life as a short story but heroine Adelaide demanded I continue her exploits. I enjoyed researching turn of the century life and I'm told I've succeeded in capturing the era. Maybe you'll let me know if you agree? My publisher, Accent Xcite, is an award-winning imprint and I'm thrilled Orchid Pink is on their ebook list and that they plan to bring out a print version next year. I have a novella, Traded Innocence, launching in April 2012 so lots to look forward to.
My romantic comedy, Suddenly You Know is set mainly in Reading and earned newspaper coverage as well as an interview by BBC Berkshire Sound's Sarah Walker. We agreed romantic fiction can and should be set in all sorts of places. Why shouldn't Reading rival Rhodes in the romance stakes when you're in love?
While publicising that book, I spent a fabulous afternoon at Barry Library, talking about my work, my family history and last but not least, what makes the ideal romantic hero. As you can imagine, my all-female audience possessed very positive views on the latter. You can imagine my emotions on seeing my late dad's photo, taken when he was a motor bike trials rider, gazing down on me as I entered the building. My parents owned a garage in the town and that library was my second home as a schoolgirl exploring literature. Barry Library rocks!
You’ll find food and drink references scattered all over my work because food is such a great leveller - important in celebrations of all kinds. So many relationships begin across a candlelit dinner table or over a quick cup of coffee. I also enjoy drawing upon the many manic moments and hilarious incidents that happen to us all - maybe to some of us more than others?
What do I do when I'm not making up stuff? I love to cook, mostly improvising from what's in the store cupboard and fridge. Cakes and scones are firmly on the agenda so that means a brisk walk most days. Books tempt me - I tend to buy several at once so there's always a pile waiting to be read - not just romance but whatever else takes my fancy. And if there's tennis on TV, I have to restrain myself from becoming a couch potato - or should that be bagel?
Finally, the photo below shows one of the stunning Gower Peninsula beaches we enjoy visiting when we're not otherwise occupied. Enjoy. And thanks for dropping by.
