The Write Stuff with... Lorraine Wilson

Today it's my pleasure to hand the blog over to Chalet Girls author Lorraine Wilson for the latest The Write Stuff with... feature.

You can read all the writing craft books out there and plan your book meticulously but I believe you need more than that to craft a good story. At some point you have to let go of your plan and find an elusive spark of creativity - a kind of writing magic that makes the book come alive.

I think most authors know those magic times when the stories flow so quickly out of our mouths (if we're dictating) or fingers (if we're typing) that we can barely keep up. It's a wonderful feeling. Or that moment when a character surprises you by doing or saying something you really didn't expect and that definitely wasn't in your synopsis!

My latest book 'Chalet Girls' is quite different from the original pitch to my editors. One character's story thread took a very unexpected turn.

I can't explain it. A neuroscientist might be able to, in talking about the complexity of the brain but I prefer to call it magic.

That moment when a story grows wings is probably my second favourite thing about writing. My first favourite thing is when a reader contacts me or leaves a review to say they liked my book or it touched them in some way. I remain constantly grateful to be published and take great pleasure in knowing that the books I send out onto the world are picked up and read. I adore the Roald Dahl quote from 'Matilda', it captures it perfectly:

Roald Dahl, Matilda

Guest Post & Giveaway: The Art of Seduction by Lorraine Wilson

Today it's my pleasure to welcome Lorraine Wilson back to the blog to give us a little insight into her latest book The Art of Seduction which she's recently published.

Recently I was lucky enough to meet Marian Keyes at the Cheltenham Literary Festival after attending her talk. She's always been one of my favourite authors so I was thrilled to discover how lovely she is in person. She was charming, funny and inspiring. She made everyone feel she'd love nothing more than to sit down and have a cup of tea and a chat with them. One of the things she said that struck me was how lucky she'd been to have so many disasters and suffer depression because it gave her lots to bring to her stories! 

That made me think about what I've brought to The Art of Seduction, my latest novel. 

Despite the title (a play on words because the hero is an artist) it's not so much a story about sex as about connection. Both Laura and Jack had an expat childhood but reacted to it in different ways. Jack refuses to become too attached to anything or anyone because he knows how transient life can be. Laura on the other hand longs to settle down, to have a proper home and to belong somewhere.

Books Read: Lorraine Wilson - Rebellion of a Chalet Girl

Always the Chalet Girl… 

Year round chalet girl Tash doesn’t do attachments—she’s learned the hard way that relationships of any kind never last. But when self-made millionaire and hit TV star Nathaniel Campbell arrives to spend a month at Chalet Repos, she’s tempted to reconsider her no-strings rule… 

Tash and Nate may be from different sides of the tracks, but the connection between them is undeniable! And Tash soon realises that one hot night with Nate will never be enough. But can Nate ever think of Tash as more than a fling, especially once the truth about her past comes out? 

The Chalet Girls are back! Set in the exclusive Swiss ski resort of Verbier, winter playground of the rich and famous, ‘Rebellion of a Chalet Girl’ is the latest addition to the fabulous ‘Chalet Girl’ series.

Amazon link: Kindle

Books Read: Lorraine Wilson - Chalet Girl Plays Cupid

A match made on the slopes… 

After a messy break up that’s left her homeless, jobless and single, temporary chalet girl Emily needs a fresh start! So when best friend Holly asks her to help out before the start of the winter season at the exclusive Chalet Repos in Verbier, Emily jumps at the chance. What broken heart can’t be fixed by après ski cocktails? 

Verbier seems like the perfect escape, until Emily meets super-sexy and darkly brooding winter athlete Jake. She’s meant to be avoiding men at all costs, but the spark between her and Jake is sizzling! As she finds herself increasingly left alone with Jake, Emily begins to wonder if Cupid has paid a visit to Chalet Repos…!

Amazon link: Kindle

Guest Post & Giveaway: Lorraine Wilson introduces latest books in her Chalet Girl series

You know how it is, you wait ages for a new Chalet Girl release and then two come along at once ;-)

I wrote ‘Chalet Girl Plays Cupid’ specifically as a freebie giveaway. I wanted something fun to give to my readers as a thank you for all their support. The dedication reads ''For my lovely readers - thank you so much for your support, your friendship...oh, and for buying my books! Without you I'd be nothing x.’

The one part of being published that took me by surprise was how rewarding it would be to connect with readers - online via Facebook and Twitter and by email. When you’re having a bad day a reader telling you how much they’re looking forward to reading your next book can be just the spur you need to keep you writing. There is nothing more satisfying than someone enjoying a story I’ve created.

Hope you enjoy the freebie. Chalet Girl Plays Cupid is FREE everywhere. Publication date is 5th March 2015 Get your copy here- hyperurl.co/3opy8z

A match made on the slopes… 

After a messy break up that’s left her homeless, jobless and single, temporary chalet girl Emily needs a fresh start! So when best friend Holly asks her to help out before the start of the winter season at the exclusive Chalet Repos in Verbier, Emily jumps at the chance. What broken heart can’t be fixed by après ski cocktails? 

Verbier seems like the perfect escape, until Emily meets super-sexy and darkly brooding winter athlete Jake. She’s meant to be avoiding men at all costs, but the spark between her and Jake is sizzling! As she finds herself increasingly left alone with Jake, Emily begins to wonder if Cupid has paid a visit to Chalet Repos…!

Books Read: Lorraine Wilson - Confessions of a Chalet Girl

Verbier. Exclusive Swiss ski resort and the winter playground of the rich and famous = every chalet girl’s dream!

Good for:

Maximum time on the ski slopes – and in the bars at night!

Looking for flings – or looking for rings!

Super hot snowboarders such as Luxury Chalet Experiences owner Scott Hamilton…

But not for Holly Buchanan. This accidental chalet girl won’t drink, can’t ski – and isn’t there to hook up with any man who’s only interested in making her another notch on his ski pole. Or so she thinks!

Scott’s living life to full, both on and off the piste, and Holly can’t help but find his attitude just a little bit infectious… And the hook up? Well,she’s going to have to confess that one night with her boss just won’t be enough!

So pack your salopettes and pour another shot of Jägermeister, it’s time to hit the slopes.

 Amazon link: Kindle