The lucky winner of a signed copy of Cally Taylor's Home for Christmas is....
Bernadette
Congratulations, Bernadette! Drop us a line at strictlywriting@btinternet.com with your address, and we'll get your prize in the post to you.
Showing posts with label prize draw. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prize draw. Show all posts
The Winner of a Signed Copy of The Somnambulist!
Thank you to everyone who entered the draw to win a signed copy of The Somnambulist by Essie Fox. We put all the names into the top hat pictured here*:
and plucked one out.
The winner is....
KIRSTY LOGAN
Congratulations, Kirsty! Please email us at strictlywriting@btinternet.com and we'll get the book in the post to you.
Commiserations to those who didn't win - if you'd like to buy the book, it's available on Amazon or at a bookshop near you.
*Actually, it was just my everyday hat.
The winner is....
KIRSTY LOGAN
Congratulations, Kirsty! Please email us at strictlywriting@btinternet.com and we'll get the book in the post to you.
Commiserations to those who didn't win - if you'd like to buy the book, it's available on Amazon or at a bookshop near you.
*Actually, it was just my everyday hat.
Guest Post by Essie Fox - plus Prize Draw to win a signed copy of The Somnambulist!
THE SETTING THAT INSPIRED MY NOVEL…
What could be lovelier at this time of year than a walk in the English countryside, with everything so fresh and green you can almost taste the sap in the air?
These days I live in London, but I often return to Herefordshire and have such happy memories of childhood walks in the local woods, where I used to run along sun-dappled paths, where the darkness around seemed magical. But I always stayed very close to my mother. I never wanted to go and get lost, because who knew what monsters those trees might hide.
The romance and mystery – and fear – of those woods went on to inspire my novel. The heroine, Phoebe Turner, is raised in the bustle and grime of East London. But then, one hot summer she leaves her mother to work in a sprawling country house – and that house is surrounded by miles of woods where Phoebe often wanders alone, unaware of what dangers and secrets might lurk in those shadows...
‘My skirts brushed against the damp grasses. Directly ahead trees were steaming with moisture almost as if they were living and breathing. I hesitated, and all Nature’s sounds seemed to hesitate too, as if those woods sensed my arrival, the stranger about to enter their dawn realm of dappled green gloom.’
The house in which Phoebe goes to live is as real and alive as those woods to me. It has haunted my thoughts for many years, ever since those Sunday afternoon drives where, on one particular route, I would peer through the car’s back window and see tall iron gates looming out of the verge, and beyond them a long straight gravel drive at the very end of which was a house – and the feelings I had on seeing that are echoed on Phoebe’s arrival …
‘I shivered and yawned with exhaustion, finally letting my eyes droop closed – only stirred when Jim pushed my head from his shoulder, when he jumped from the cart to close up some gates which, being of iron, very heavy and large, made the most horrible clanking sound. And now, wide awake from that raucous alarm, as we drove on past expanses of lawns, nothing prevented my view of the house – a central square tower above an arched entrance, castellated walls running either side, and so many windows, I couldn’t count – and each one unlit and unwelcoming. But, as the moon’s face broke through fast-scudding clouds I saw something else that quite took my breath, the thing that was lying behind that house, spreading upwards and outwards for several miles: the dense, sloping woodlands that glistened like silver. And, being quite overawed, and sounding far more like Old Riley than me, I exclaimed, “Strike a light! What a wonder. I’ve never seen so many trees in my life.”’
I always felt a tingling excitement whenever I saw that view. To my fanciful eyes it seemed to be the setting for a fairy tale, and surely a sleeping beauty must be hiding somewhere within those walls. But, as the house was privately owned no opportunity ever arose to see if my suspicions proved true – until one hot summer holiday when I came home from university and was offered the job of a cleaner; a post I accepted immediately, and though not particularly fond of the work it did give me the chance to explore every room and soak up the wonderful atmosphere – a mixture of mediaeval splendour combined with the later Victorian wings. One moment I was polishing ancient suits of armour, the next I was dusting ornate sets of china, or changing the linen on four poster beds, or gazing into the orangery; a glass house designed by Paxton who also constructed the Crystal Palace that once graced Hyde Park for the Great Exhibition of 1851.Hampton Court in Herefordshire – renamed in my novel as Dinwood Court – really is worth a visit today, if only to see the redesigned gardens which are absolutely glorious, or to sit in the elegant café converted from Paxton’s orangery – though personally I’d much rather see it filled up with pots of palms and ferns. And perhaps, when you’ve had your cup of tea, why not venture on up into the woods and imagine my heroine’s spirit there – just sleeping, just waiting to come to life.
***
Essie Fox’s debut novel, The Somnambulist, is a Victorian gothic mystery published by Orion Books on May 26th. To be in with a chance of winning a signed copy, leave a comment below and we'll draw the lucky winner's name out of a silk-lined top hat.
Essie’s website is: www.essiefox.com
Essie blogs as the Virtual Victorian: www.virtualvictorian.blogspot.com
The Hampton Court official site: http://www.hamptoncourt.org.uk/
And the winner is...
Thank you everyone who entered the prize draw to win a copy of Dazed & Aroused by Gavin James Bower. The lucky winner is...
JENZARINA
Well done - please email caro_rance (at) hotmail (dot) com with your address, and I'll send the book off to you.
Thank you to Quartet Books for providing the prize. For those who didn't win, don't forget to BUY THE BOOK! You can get it direct from Quartet by clicking here.
You can also visit Gavin's blog at http://dexterity97.blogspot.com/ and follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dexterity97
Quickfire Questions with... Gavin James Bower. PLUS Prize Draw!
While interning at Dazed & Confused magazine after completing his History degree in 2004, Gavin James Bower was asked to model for the upcoming issue and went on to join modelling agencies in London, Paris and Milan.
His first novel, Dazed & Aroused, set in the bleak
and shallow world of modelling, was published by Quartet Books in July 2009. Gavin blogs at dexterity97.blogspot.com.
PRIZE DRAW! Quartet Books have kindly sent us a copy of Dazed & Aroused to give away to one lucky reader. All you have to do to be in with a chance to win is leave a comment on this post. As usual, Strictly Writers aren't eligible for the prize. We'll announce the winner on Saturday 28 November. If that seems like a long wait, you could always go and BUY THE BOOK NOW.
a ‘polemic’ about Sex and the City; specifically, on its ‘man-hating-ness’. I do like the show, though.
My family think my writing is ...
something to be proud of – especially my parents.
The best thing about writing novels is ...
telling people I write novels.
The worst thing about writing novels is
...the whole ‘performance anxiety’ thing. And the shit money. If I had to pick one, I’d pick the shit money.
Longhand first or computer? ...
‘I’m a PC.’
When I run out of ideas I ...
have no idea.
Longhand first or computer? ...
‘I’m a PC.’
When I run out of ideas I ...
have no idea.
The most frequent question/comment I get about my book is...
‘how long did it take you to write it?’ – but I don’t know whether that’s a ‘good thing’ or not.
My advice to new writers would be
...stop trying to be a writer and just write.
Three authors (dead or alive) I'd like to invite to dinner are ...
Bret Easton Ellis, Karl Marx and Katie Price. I think that would be ‘interesting’.
My favourite writing clothes are ...
non-existent because I write nude. Ok I don’t, because that’s impossible. I actually write in anything ‘comfy’.
Three authors (dead or alive) I'd like to invite to dinner are ...
Bret Easton Ellis, Karl Marx and Katie Price. I think that would be ‘interesting’.
My favourite writing clothes are ...
non-existent because I write nude. Ok I don’t, because that’s impossible. I actually write in anything ‘comfy’.
My favourite writing snack is ...
black coffee and a Daim bar.
The best book I've read recently is
...the draft of my next one.
The winners...
On Monday 3 August, Josa Young joined us to talk about her new novel, One Apple Tasted. We have two copies to give away, and the lucky winners are....
SARAH FOX
and
DEB
Congratulations both of you - please email me at caro_rance (at) hotmail (dot) com and I will send the books off to you.
Thank you to all who entered the draw. One Apple Tasted was published on Friday and is available now. For more information, see the website at www.oneappletasted.co.uk.
Quickfire Questions with... Josa Young. Plus PRIZE DRAW!
Josa Young is a writer, editor and internet content consultant whose first novel, One Apple Tasted, is published on 7 August by E & T Books. Described by Julie Myerson as "Funny, warm and irresistably readable," One Apple Tasted follows the story of a Cambridge graduate catapulted into the glamorous world of a fashion magazine in 1980s London. For more info, visit www.oneappletasted.co.uk
PRIZE DRAW!
PRIZE DRAW!
E & T Books have kindly sent us TWO copies of One Apple Tasted to give away. To enter the draw, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. The winners will be announced on Sunday 9 August. (As always, Strictly Writers are not eligible, sorry!)
Which 3 writers, alive or dead, would you invite to dinner?
Anthony Trollope (because he really loved and wasn't alarmed by strong, independent women); Scott Fitzgerald before he became a hopeless drunk (because he was so good at having a good time) and Barbara Comyns (because she was devoid of self pity, and so unexpected and original in every way and would have livened things up no end).
My advice to an aspiring author of Women's Fiction would be...
Write with passion and don't flinch at the reality of our physical and emotional selves (as you understand them). And avoid mush and cliche and safe linear plots. Take a few risks with your characters and write about what you love. And read and read and read... sounds obvious but a surprising number of aspiring writers don't see the need.
Favourite writing snack...
Seedless grapes.
Amazon or bookshop?
Both, in fact anywhere that has books in it online or in the real world, acts on me like a magnet on iron filings.
Win Booker Prize or land Hollywood film deal?
Hollywood film deal (as long as I was allowed a lot of control over the script, casting and locations). I have been casting in my head for years, and my latest choice for Guy is Tom Huddlestone
You really must read...
Our Spoons Came from Woolworths, by Barbara Comyns (Virago). One of my favourite books.
If i wasn't a writer I would be ...
An archaeologist.
The best thing about being published is...
Having other people agree with you that your book is entertaining.
Character first or plot?
Character first. Because plot emerges from fully realised characters.
Email or phone?
Email every time. I like to talk with my fingers - I love instant messaging.
The worst thing about writing is...
Rejection letters that subjectively state that what you have written is unbelievable; or that there is 'too much detail'.
I dealt with rejection by...
Getting writers' block for years without even realising that that is what had happened to me until after One Apple Tasted was accepted for publication by Elliott & Thompson.
Favourite writing outfit?
Jeans, thick socks (my feet get freezing even in summer), tatty cashmere jumpers; essential computer glasses.
My journey to publication was...
Long and rather lonely and strewn with thorns, high walls with spikes on top, deep rivers, burning deserts, ominous storm clouds pregnant with hail ... but then the sun came out and I had a ball with meetings that went smoothly, input into cover design, an excellent editor who pointed out some regrettable lapses in logic and time management, culminating in reaching No 10 in Amazon's Hot Future Releases before publication and a lovely launch party. Now I await with bated breath One Apple Tasted actually being published at last on 7 August 2009
(http://www.oneappletasted.co.uk/)
Anthony Trollope (because he really loved and wasn't alarmed by strong, independent women); Scott Fitzgerald before he became a hopeless drunk (because he was so good at having a good time) and Barbara Comyns (because she was devoid of self pity, and so unexpected and original in every way and would have livened things up no end).
My advice to an aspiring author of Women's Fiction would be...
Write with passion and don't flinch at the reality of our physical and emotional selves (as you understand them). And avoid mush and cliche and safe linear plots. Take a few risks with your characters and write about what you love. And read and read and read... sounds obvious but a surprising number of aspiring writers don't see the need.
Favourite writing snack...
Seedless grapes.
Amazon or bookshop?
Both, in fact anywhere that has books in it online or in the real world, acts on me like a magnet on iron filings.
Win Booker Prize or land Hollywood film deal?
Hollywood film deal (as long as I was allowed a lot of control over the script, casting and locations). I have been casting in my head for years, and my latest choice for Guy is Tom Huddlestone
You really must read...
Our Spoons Came from Woolworths, by Barbara Comyns (Virago). One of my favourite books.
If i wasn't a writer I would be ...
An archaeologist.
The best thing about being published is...
Having other people agree with you that your book is entertaining.
Character first or plot?
Character first. Because plot emerges from fully realised characters.
Email or phone?
Email every time. I like to talk with my fingers - I love instant messaging.
The worst thing about writing is...
Rejection letters that subjectively state that what you have written is unbelievable; or that there is 'too much detail'.
I dealt with rejection by...
Getting writers' block for years without even realising that that is what had happened to me until after One Apple Tasted was accepted for publication by Elliott & Thompson.
Favourite writing outfit?
Jeans, thick socks (my feet get freezing even in summer), tatty cashmere jumpers; essential computer glasses.
My journey to publication was...
Long and rather lonely and strewn with thorns, high walls with spikes on top, deep rivers, burning deserts, ominous storm clouds pregnant with hail ... but then the sun came out and I had a ball with meetings that went smoothly, input into cover design, an excellent editor who pointed out some regrettable lapses in logic and time management, culminating in reaching No 10 in Amazon's Hot Future Releases before publication and a lovely launch party. Now I await with bated breath One Apple Tasted actually being published at last on 7 August 2009
(http://www.oneappletasted.co.uk/)
Thanks, Josa, and congratulations on the launch!
(Photo of Josa Young by Christian Cuninghame)
The winners are...
This week we've been able to offer you not one but TWO fabulous prize draws.
The first was for a signed copy of Rosy Barnes's inventive and hilarious novel Sadomasochism for Accountants. Published by Marion Boyars in February 2009, the book follows the story of 38-year-old 'pale and uninteresting' Paula as she joins a fetish club and turns to its colourful characters for advice about how to win back her ex. The lucky winner of this darkly comic story is...
Congratulations to both of you! Please email me at caro_rance (at) hotmail (dot) com with your addresses and we'll get the books on their way to you next week.
Thank you to all who entered the competitions – keep an eye out for more chances to win over the next few months. Meanwhile, why not treat yourself to one of the books? Click on the pictures below to buy.
The first was for a signed copy of Rosy Barnes's inventive and hilarious novel Sadomasochism for Accountants. Published by Marion Boyars in February 2009, the book follows the story of 38-year-old 'pale and uninteresting' Paula as she joins a fetish club and turns to its colourful characters for advice about how to win back her ex. The lucky winner of this darkly comic story is...
BATTYPIP
Secondly, we have a signed copy of Jessica Ruston's LUXURY, published on 9 July by Headline Review. Set in the scandalous world of the über-rich, Luxury brings the guilty pleasures of the blockbuster genre into the 21st century. The lucky person who can look forward to a gripping tale of sex, feuding, indulgence and money is...
EMMA DARWIN
Congratulations to both of you! Please email me at caro_rance (at) hotmail (dot) com with your addresses and we'll get the books on their way to you next week.
Thank you to all who entered the competitions – keep an eye out for more chances to win over the next few months. Meanwhile, why not treat yourself to one of the books? Click on the pictures below to buy.
Quickfire Questions with... Mike Bollen + PRIZE DRAW!
Michael Bollen's hilarious SF satire, Earth Inc, was released by Picnic Publishing last year. Mike lives in Brighton and as well as writing novels and having a real job in a library, he is also half of the satirical cut-and-paste band Cassetteboy.
We have a signed copy of EARTH INC. to give away! All you have to do to enter the competition is leave a comment below. The Strictly Writers are not allowed to win, but everyone else's name will go into a hat and we'll announce the winner on Sunday.
The first story/poem I remember writing was ...
about a hunter called Peter. All my stories at primary school featured main characters called Peter. I’ve always hated thinking up names, so I guess that’s why. It wasn’t always appropriate though – Peter the Pirate, Peter the Pharaoh, and on one occasion an exotic Martian invader called Peter.
My family think my writing is ...
good, but not necessarily aimed at them. I think they’re excellent judges, on both points.
The best thing about writing novels is ...
finishing writing novels. Or that moment when, having written yourself into a corner, and having stared exasperatedly at that corner for days on end, you realise how to write yourself an escape hatch.
The worst thing about writing novels is ...
everything else.
Longhand first or computer? ...
Longhand. The major advantage is that pads of paper don’t have distracting internet access. Or Solitaire.
When I run out of ideas I ...
walk away from my pad and don’t turn round and come back until I’ve had an idea. This method is quite expensive on shoes leather, but it does keep you fit.
Ideas come to me when ....
I’m in the bath and I can’t write them down or when I’m just about to fall asleep. Convenient eh?
My advice to new writers would be ...
it’s harder than you think. Even if you think it’s really quite hard.
about a hunter called Peter. All my stories at primary school featured main characters called Peter. I’ve always hated thinking up names, so I guess that’s why. It wasn’t always appropriate though – Peter the Pirate, Peter the Pharaoh, and on one occasion an exotic Martian invader called Peter.
My family think my writing is ...
good, but not necessarily aimed at them. I think they’re excellent judges, on both points.
The best thing about writing novels is ...
finishing writing novels. Or that moment when, having written yourself into a corner, and having stared exasperatedly at that corner for days on end, you realise how to write yourself an escape hatch.
The worst thing about writing novels is ...
everything else.
Longhand first or computer? ...
Longhand. The major advantage is that pads of paper don’t have distracting internet access. Or Solitaire.
When I run out of ideas I ...
walk away from my pad and don’t turn round and come back until I’ve had an idea. This method is quite expensive on shoes leather, but it does keep you fit.
Ideas come to me when ....
I’m in the bath and I can’t write them down or when I’m just about to fall asleep. Convenient eh?
My advice to new writers would be ...
it’s harder than you think. Even if you think it’s really quite hard.
Three authors (dead or alive) I'd like to invite to dinner are ...
PG Wodehouse, Kurt Vonnegut and Dan Brown. Dan Brown is paying, he’s not allowed to say anything.
My favourite writing clothes are ...
When I’m stuck I sometimes put on a stupid hat, just to lighten the mood.
My favourite writing snack is ...
organic grapes and fat-free barley clusters. Or very occasionally some chocolate. Oh, alright then, just chocolate, always chocolate. I’ve eaten a Ritter Sport in the time it’s taken to answer this question.
The best book I've read during the last three months is ...
Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan. It’s a gripping detective story with a really simple sci-fi idea at its heart.
The winner is...
Under Strictly-controlled conditions (i.e. Sam's son pulling a name out of a hat), the prize draw for a signed copy of Kill-Grief has taken place, and the winner is...LUISA
Well done Luisa – please email me at caro_rance (at) hotmail.com with your address, and I'll get the book in the post to you.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part and left such entertaining comments. There are more chances to win coming up soon on Strictly Writing, starting with a prize draw for Rosy Thornton's latest novel, Crossed Wires, on Tuesday 28 April. Then on 1 May we'll be announcing the winner of our Guest Blogger competition, so check back then to find out who has won a copy of Becky's book The Art of Losing , plus their article featured on Strictly Writing.
There'll also be more competitions coming up in May, plus of course the usual entertaining (we hope) words of wisdom from the regulars.
For now, though, I'll take this opportunity to indulge in one last little bit of shameless self-promotion, at risk of being told off by my fellow Strictly Writers. Here's a video trailer I made for my book, which is available here. Thanks for watching, and see you next time.
Caroline
The Winner is...
Congratulations to .....
JULIE P
who is the lucky winner of a signed copy of Fiona Robyn's The Letters! Please email caro_rance (at) hotmail.com with your address, and we'll get it winging its way to you.
The Letters is available from Amazon and Snowbooks, or your local bookshop. Also look out for Fiona's next book, The Blue Handbag, which is out now in hardback and will be published in paperback in August. Visit Fiona's website to find out more..
We've got a couple more prize draws lined up for April, so keep visiting and commenting for your chance to win.
********
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