Spoiler alert: I won an award! I'm speechless. Luckily, that's never stopped me writing though. Foreword Reviews is a book review journal based in Michigan, which focuses on independently published books. Each year they hold their INDIES Book of the Year Awards in a range of categories. A couple of months ago, I learned that … Continue reading Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards
I had a strange experience this weekend just gone. I was at a festival, queuing up to get a drink, when a colleague volunteering at the cafe said "You need to check out the book tent!" So I wandered over to the big marquee full of lovely books, music and stationery (aka Claire's favourite place … Continue reading Imaginary Conversations
Who doesn't love book-related freebies? I'm excited to announce my first giveaway! The talented artist behind Funky Gibbons' crafts, jewellery and artwork (go check out her Etsy shop right now) has created Rhiannon's pendant from The Runaway and it looks gorgeous! If you've read The Runaway, you'll know that the three sections of the book are named after the … Continue reading Giveaway Time!
I have a confession to make: before Saturday, I'd never been to a book launch event before. I've been to book signings, author talks, literature festivals and readings, but the launch of a new book was something totally new to me. So with little or no background knowledge, I figured it would be fun to … Continue reading Book Launch: The Runaway
Today's the day! Rhiannon is running away from home, and if you've pre-ordered The Runaway, it will be on its way to you now. It's been a long journey to get to this point, and it feels unreal to say that publication day is here. Over a decade ago, I wrote a short story in … Continue reading Publication Day: The Runaway
The first advance copy arrived! Ever since, I've mostly been gushing over the gorgeous design work Lion Hudson have done. When you spend years writing a story, seeing it turn into a book is one of the most rewarding things imaginable. OK, I'm biased, but I hope you'll agree that they have done an amazing … Continue reading Sneak Preview of The Runaway’s Design
In the hills of mid-Wales lies the village of Llandymna. Admittedly, you'd struggle to find it on most maps because it is a fictional place. Small and remote, it has stood there for hundreds of years on the edge of a vast forest. Today, it consists of a church, a primary school, a pub and … Continue reading Location Scouting: the Setting of The Runaway
Last week I introduced you to Rhiannon, the main character of The Runaway. Today, it's time to meet a couple more of the characters. Tom Davies and Callum Rees are unlikely friends. They're almost opposites in character. Tom is reflective and hard-working, while Callum is self-absorbed and quick-tempered. But in the small village of Llandymna, you … Continue reading Meet the Characters
So, with just 40 days until The Runaway comes out, it's time to introduce you to the main character. Have you ever drifted off into a daydream when you were supposed to be paying attention? Or got so caught up thinking about the book you're currently reading that you forgot the real world? Rhiannon Morgan keeps having … Continue reading Introducing Rhiannon
I wouldn't say I'm the most tech-savvy person in the world. At university, I lived with two computer scientists who used to leave me post-it notes reminding me to do things like actually switch off my computer. So forgive me if I get over excited about my recent discovery that you can add a countdown … Continue reading Countdown to The Runaway
Claire Wong Writing 