Friday 26 August 2011

Dead Silent Blog Tour - Shirley Wells Visits The Shed

First, I must say a huge thank you to Debs and Grumps for welcoming me to The Plotting Shed. It’s wonderful to be here!

Debs and I are both members of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and I can’t tell you how many times someone has said to me “But you write crime novels. Why are you a member of the RNA?”. That question always takes me by surprise.

I became a member of the RNA in the early nineties when I was writing romances. Since then, I’ve made countless friends, enjoyed parties and conferences and learned so much. One of the highlights of my month is the Northern Chapter meetings. What can be better than talking shop with good friends over a tasty lunch?

By definition, writers spend long hours shut away from the world with only a keyboard or pen and paper for company. They slog away for months on end on something that may never be published. They go through the pain of rejections or bad reviews. They experience the joy of a new contract, a wonderful book cover or a great review. And I believe that the only people who understand a writer’s lot are other writers.

I also believe that writers, and it matters not a jot whether they give us crime, romance, sci-fi or steampunk, are the friendliest, most generous people on the planet. They’re always there to offer advice and sympathy when a bad review spoils your day (week). They’ll punch the air with delight when you share the good news. They willingly share hints and tips when it comes to publishers requirements, marketing or writing software. In short, they’re the best.

Where would I be without the RNA? It’s difficult to say. I was already published when I joined so was unable to make use of the wonderful New Writers’ Scheme, but I’ve learned so much from fellow writers about the whole publishing business. It sounds strange but I don’t think I’d be shouting about the release of my seventh mystery novel without the help and support I’ve received from the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Thank you for having me, Debs and Grumps. You’re very gracious hosts! Thank you so much for visiting us here Shirley.
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Having had several hundred short stories, ten serials and ten novels published, Shirley Wells is finally getting the hang of this writing lark. She’s lived in Orkney, Cyprus and the Cotswolds, and now lives in Lancashire where the Pennines, with their abundance of great places to hide bodies, provide the inspiration for her popular mystery novels. She shares her home with her husband, two dogs, two cats and any other stray animals that fancy being pampered. You can connect with Shirley via her website, Twitter or Facebook.

Her latest Dylan Scott mystery, DEAD SILENT, is available from Carina Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all good e-book retailers.

17 comments:

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Really enjoyed your post, Shirley. I went through the wonderful RNA New Writers' Scheme and now have my first published novel!

Your books sound like just the kind I like to read.

Talli Roland said...

YAY! I love the RNA. I've met so many great people through that organisation.

Toni Anderson said...

I almost joined RNA but stopped when I moved to Canada. I always feel like I'm missing out on a wonderful organization though. Still dabble with the idea. Great post, Shirley. I really agree with everything you said :)

Pauline Barclay said...

It is times like this that I feel left out, I live to far away to join the RNA, but I sure make up for it with fabby cyber friends, and some are here at Debs today!

Lovely to see you here Shirley and for those who have not read Presumed Dead yet...you should it is great. Dead Silent is on my list, close to the top, for reading! Success Shirley, you deserve it.

Unknown said...

Rosemary - Congratulations! The NWS is wonderful, isn't it? I can't think of another organisation that has anything half as good!

Talli - Me too. RNA people are the best!

Toni - I feel the same about overseas organisations. Some sound great, but then I think I would get any benefit from them.

Pauline - You say the sweetest things. Thank you!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Thanks for the comments and to Shirley for visiting The Plotting Shed.

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

What a terrific post. I'm hoping to make it to the RNA conference next year - it always seems such fun.

XX

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Suzanne - I'm hoping to go to the conference next year too, so will hopefully meet you there.

Unknown said...

Suzanne - The conference is amazing fun. Exhausting, but fun. Late nights, plenty of wine, old friends to meet, lots of new friends to make... It's wonderful!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for inviting me to your lovely home, Debs, and thank you to everyone for dropping by to say hello!

HelenMWalters said...

I can confirm that Dead Silent is a wonderful read!

Flowerpot said...

writers are a wonderful bunch aren't we?!! Well done Shirley - will put Dead Silent on my TBR list.

Unknown said...

Helen - Thank you so much!

Flowerpot - Writers are, without doubt, the best. And thank you for putting Dead Silent on your list!

D.J. Kirkby said...

Hello from a fan :) Looking forward to seeing you at the RNA Winter party

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

dj kirkby - I know you were addressing Shirley in your comment, but I'll also be going to the Winter Party this year and can finally get to meet you! I can't wait.

Unknown said...

dj and debs - Ooh, the Winter Party. I'll do my best to be there because it's always such a great event. Hopefully, I'll see you both there!

Unknown said...

A huge thank you to everyone for stopping by, and thank you again, Debs, for hosting me on your lovely blog!