Reel Them In! - A Guest Post by Julie Shackman

It doesn’t happen very often.

Hardly at all.

But if on the odd occasion I do start to read a book and find I’m not enjoying it, I have to stop.

I didn’t used to do this. I was one of those readers who would carry on regardless. I would experience feelings of guilt that I wasn’t getting absorbed by the story or characters which somebody had put a lot of effort into. Therefore I would continue to read, trying to ignore the lack of enthusiasm I had about picking up that particular book again.

I think this is a fear many writers have (and I include myself in this). That your opening chapters are not compelling enough to keep your readers hooked.

When you pick up a novel which achieves this in the first few pages, there is no other greater feeling. 

I always remember advice like “You can’t edit a blank piece of paper”, so I try to get my first draft down – then the hard work begins later, as we all know, with tweaking, editing and polishing!

Reading is one of the most enjoyable, fascinating and thrilling pastimes and knowing you’ve captivated your readers from the beginning, (or at least hope you have) is what it’s all about.

So go on – Hook Those Readers and don’t let them get away!

Julie X

About the author

I trained as a journalist but writing romance has always been a dream of mine. When I’ve not got my head in a book or drafting one, I write verses and captions for greetings card companies. Writing at home seems to be incredibly difficult for me – I usually require tea, music and noise.
My second romcom, "Hero or Zero" is out now. “Rock My World” was my debut romcom and I'm currently writing my third.

I’m married, have two sons and live in Scotland.

Links: 

https://twitter.com/G13Julie

https://www.facebook.com/julie.shackman

http://julieshackman.wordpress.com/ (Blog address)

Publisher - Not So Noble Books (Link to their website below)

http://t.co/RvLGJMdWkr

Blurb - "Hero or Zero"

When single mum Chloe Jones wins a magazine competition to have TV heartthrob Ethan Blake live with her for a month, she thinks her dreams have come true. And the presence of the handsome star in her home and small Scottish town certainly causes a stir. But when Chloe begins to see his true colours, will she find the courage to face him, and admit where her heart truly lies? 

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00O0198SK/

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O0198SK/

Why I Love Romance by Julie Shackman

Hey lovelies

It's time for the first author guest post on my blog. I'm very happy to welcome Julie Shackman on Sky's Book Corner today. Her debut novel is called Rock My World, you'll find it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ICRU3J6/

You can find Julie on Twitter: @G13Julie and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.shackman

And now enjoy :)

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From the age of 13, I fell in love with romantic novels.

I remember reading the glossy tomb, “Princess Daisy” by Judith Krantz and the sweeping glamour of

it all, simply blew me away.

The passion; the impossibly gorgeous settings and the tortured, beautiful characters caught my

imagination immediately.

As I held this book in my hands, I just knew what I wanted to do – become a writer and hopefully

touch people with my words, in the same way authors like Judith Krantz is able to do.

My love of romance has continued since that day. In fact, I think it has grown, mainly because there

are so many fantastic romance writers out there.

The genre has expanded so much as well. It has diversified and many of the stories are moving,

funny, compelling and sexy in equal measure.

I have read many wonderful romance novels, which have left a lasting impression. Writers like

Wendy Holden; Jenny Colgan; Sophie Kinsella and Nick Spalding create effortless imagery for me,

which I find hilarious, touching and real.

In my debut contemporary romance novel “Rock My World”, I hope I have managed to reach out to

the readers too.

My protagonist, local newspaper reporter Ruby Cameron, has to deal with the ghostly presence of a

charismatic 80s rock singer and her conflicting emotions for her sexy new boss. At the same time,

she is unaware of who she really is.

In my story, I’ve strived for humour, passion, sadness and empathy. 

The thought of someone having had not a very good day, being lifted by my writing, would mean a

great deal to me.

So whether you like your Alpha Males (and frankly, who doesn’t?!) or your Confident, Sassy

Heroines, I hope you discover as much enjoyment from reading the romance genre as I do.

A huge thank you to all those fantastic romance authors out there, who gave me the confidence and

determination to write.

I hope they inspire you as much as they inspire me!

- Julie Shackman