Further Extracts from my Diary (Had I Kept One) by Lucy King
8 Comments January 8th, 2010 in author, writing contest Posted by AmyLucy King first wrote “extracts from her diary” about her Feel the Heat writing competition win. Now Lucy is back with more to celebrate the North American release of that book, Bought: Damsel in Distress!
by Lucy King, author of Bought: Damsel in Distress (Harlequin Presents, January 2010)
October 2009 – After nine long months Bought: Damsel in Distress is out in the UK. I’ve been jumping up and down with anticipation and my nails are no more. Luckily the publication date happens to coincide with a visit to the UK so I’ll be able to see my book on the shelves. The first glimpse I get of it is when my sister waves a copy at me when she picks me up from the airport. While she says she thinks it’s great, she also looks a little worried. Given that the story opens with the heroine’s sister posting her on an internet auction site as a damsel in distress, my sister is understandably concerned. I tell her that she could end up with a man like Luke, which gives her pause for thought.
Over the next few weeks I sidle into various branches of WH Smith and have to pinch myself when I see my book on the shelves. My story. Typed and bound and with the most gorgeous cover. I never imagined it would happen, but incredibly, it has. Buy 3 copies and then glue myself to the computer in search of Amazon ranking and reviews. A couple of emails drop into my inbox from readers who’ve enjoyed the story, and am slightly stunned. It still hasn’t really sunk in that anyone other than family members and friends (who have had no choice) might actually be reading it.
Toy with the idea of sending a copy to James Blunt. After all, if I hadn’t caught his interview on BBC’s Top Gear, in which he revealed he’d once put his sister on eBay, the book would never have been written. Emily would never have got over her fears, Luke would never have learned to love again and I would never have had the fun of telling their story.
November 2009 – Book 2 has sold! Not without something of a struggle as I rather lost the plot. Literally. Foolishly thought that because I’d written one book I sort of knew what I was doing. Big mistake. Spent the first half of the year convinced that Bought: Damsel in Distress must have been a fluke because Book 2 turned into a bit of a nightmare. However, eventually managed to untangle the mess and shape my manuscript into something that hopefully delivers the Harlequin Presents promise. Propositioned by the Billionaire will be released in the UK in July 2010.
January 2010 – Bought: Damsel in Distress is out in the US and the thrills just keep on coming. Writing-wise, 2009 was a very steep learning curve. Fervently hope 2010 is somewhat less so.
Tagged with: author Lucy King • Bought: Damsel in Distress • Feel the Heat Writing Competition
8 Responses to “Further Extracts from my Diary (Had I Kept One) by Lucy King”
- 1 Pingback on Jan 8th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Just popped in to say excellent news on the US release of Bought: Damsel in Distress. American cousins you are in for a treat! I loved this book. Take care. Caroline x
Lucy, that is so fantastic that you were able to see your book hit the shelves in the UK! Very exciting. And congrats on the US release, too!
After spending December running myself ragged, I broke in the new year with your Damsel–and what a smoking hot, fun and intense treat. From the first page I was completely hooked and could barely put it down.
Luke…*sigh* Hunky, hunky, hunk, hunk… I’m in love.
Mira
How exciting Lucy. I’m sure now that ‘difficult second book’ challenge is licked you’ll be on level ground. I really love your voice and look forward to tonnes more releases from you
Lucy, congratulations on getting your second book done. I am sure you will be finding it easier and easier as you go along. You certainly have the right approach for inspiration! Writers eyes are always open and their ears flapping to hear something they can use.
How lovely that your sister is so supportive of your writing.
Al the best,
Mel
Hi Lucy,
)
I ordered your debut book from Amazon and forced myself not to open it until i’d pressed send on my competition entry – it was the carrot rather than the stick I used to make myself finish.
Have to say I completely loved it, Luke managed to be super cool and smokin’ hot at the same time! Well done, it was a great read, one of those books you pick up and don’t put down again until you’ve reached the end. Good luck for no. 3! Jo x
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words! Damsel will always be a special one for me
It’s so exciting to see your book on the shelves!
(And you only bought three copies?? Such restraint!
)