Lissa Morgan

I made a rare foray out of Wales last week and went to London for a Mills & Boon author day. I love going to London, despite the lengthy train journey and the fact I have to stay overnight, since getting there and back on the same day is well nigh impossible.  But it was definitely worth the trip.  The train journey was completely stress-free both ways. London was sunny, and vibrant,  as it always is, and going to the News Building - the home of M&B UK  - for the very first time was so exciting.  It was lovely to meet my new editor, Soraya, and to catch up with several other editors, M&B staff, and of course a few of my fellow authors as well.   There was an informative 'business' session followed by a delicious lunch in a 17th floor function room with glass windows that looked out all over the city in all directions.  St Paul's was right there! The day flew, of course, as they always do and I eventually made my way to my hotel overlooking ...

I'm delighted to be chatting to romance author Rachael Thomas on my blog today. I met Rachael in 2007, on a Relax and Write weekend run by Lois Maddox, when we were both at the start of our respective writing journeys.  Living in Wales, we've both been regular attendees on Kate Walker's fabulous writing courses at Fishguard over the years, as well as at the RNA annual conferences. I was so proud to share Rachael's Harlequin Mills & Boon 'call' moment in January 2014 - which came during a very exciting lunch-time get-together!  Since then, she has written sixteen books for HM&B and has recently embarked on a new writing venture, so read on to find out more... Thanks for joining me on my blog today, Rachael, it’s great to have you here. Could you begin by telling my readers something about yourself? I’m a massive fan of reading, especially romance. I’ve also written romances which have been published by Mills & Boon and I’ve also self-published too. I ...

I can't believe it's already been two months since my debut novel for Harlequin Mills & Boon Historical was published.  It seemed so long in coming but since the book was accepted back last autumn, life - on the writing side anyway - seems to have speeded up dramatically.    I recently submitted my second book - An Alliance with his Enemy Princes s - which is now in production and due for release in December - just in time for Christmas. The  cover is  yet to be revealed but here's a taster of the story!       A royal decree that will change their lives… Wales, 1091. Disgraced Norman Knight Rolant Guyarde has come to conquer a Welsh fortress, but when he meets its mistress, he realises she was the sword-wielding ‘warrior’ he’d fought en route! Despite being enemies, he finds himself intrigued by the brave and beautiful princess Gwennan. Forced into an uneasy alliance, Rolant helps her petition the King for her parents’ release...

This weekend I was at the first RNA conference to be held physically since the last one in 2019, with Covid intervening in the meantime, of course. And after two years of attending the conference via Zoom, it was fabulous to meet up with people face to face again in the beautiful setting of Harper Adams University in Shropshire.      This is the third time I've attended an RNA conference at Harper Adams and it is my favourite venue, both for the great facilities and the stunning countryside setting, plus the fact it's only a two-hour drive for me! This year was a special one for me as I was one of the contenders for the Joan Hessayon award for debut authors. I didn't win but it didn't matter, as being caught up in the excitement of it all was an unforgettable experience. And to have The Welsh Lord's Convenient Bride highlighted in such a way was wonderful.  It was lovely too to meet the other eight contenders and discover their books.  The award was won by Suzi...

 A few weeks ago, I was a guest on Rachel Brimble's ' Guest Author Saturday ' blog and I'm delighted to return the favour and chat to Rachel here! Thank you for joining me on my blog today, Rachel, it’s great to have you here. Could you begin by telling me something about yourself and the sort of books you write? Of course, and thanks so much for having me here! I live near the wonderful, historical city of Bath and tend to set my books there, too. I have written contemporary romance and romantic suspense in the past but have been concentrating on historical romance/fiction for the last four or five years. I have been married for 24 years to the wonderful Mr B and we have two grown up children as well as a chocolate Labrador called Tyler. When I’m not working, I love walking, reading, knitting, and watching far too much TV! What inspired you to start writing? It was when I was around the age of eight or nine when I finished reading Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven series that...

I am so thrilled to be one of the nine contenders for the Joan Hessayon Award 2022 , and also to be representing my publisher, Harlequin Mills & Boon in such an amazing way!  This award is for new authors whose debut novels have been submitted for critique to the Romantic Novelists Association's New Writers’ Scheme, which then go on to reach publication. The award is sponsored by Dr. David Hessayon in memory of his late wife, Joan, who was a novelist, RNA member and supporter of the NWS.    Unlike previous years, this year the award ceremony is being held during the RNA's annual conference at Harper Adams University in July.  I go to the conference every year, as it is a wonderful opportunity  to catch up with friends and mingle with other writers, published and unpublished, and to immerse myself in a enjoyable and affirming environment for a couple of days.  Needless to say, this year will be extra special, not just for me, but for all of the fabulou...

And what a week it was!  On Tuesday 24th May, my debut for Harlequin Mills & Boon Historical - The Welsh Lord's Convenient Bride - came out in the USA and Canada, and on Thursday 26th May, it came out in the UK, in e-book.  Not only was it so exciting to see this book published after fifteen years of writing without success, but I got so many lovely congratulations and good wishes on social media it was both awesome and humbling.   So I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you - to Harlequin Mills & Boon for signing me, to  the wonderful well-wishers and reviewers, to the writing friends that have supported me on my long journey towards publication, and - last but certainly not least - to those reading or planning to read my debut novel 💖 But in writing, like everything else, there is never time to rest on one's laurels! The second book in my contract - An Alliance with his Enemy Princess - has just gone in to the editors, and is due out in...