A Cover, A Story, and An Award

All in all, it's been a productive week at the Gemmell household. The edits on my novella are long away and the next stage is well under way at Tirgearr Publishing. And I now have a cover - first reveal on here today! I'm happy with it as it fits the tone of the first novella in the series (The Aphrodite Touch) but this is a stronger tone which I wanted for The Adonis Touch. Publication is scheduled for 23rd May and I'll no doubt have a fun launch party on Facebook and here, as usual.

Other good news is that one of my short stories, 'Being a Stepdaughter', was published in the latest edition of Ireland's Own magazine. That was a lovely surprise and is the third story the editor has taken. Obviously, I'm doing something right with those stories! The People's Friend, on the other hand, sent me a nice rejection. Win some, lose some!

Simon's Award

My lovely husband, Simon, also had a fantastic week. He won the Aspire Booking of the Year Award (this is the luxury side) at the National Travel Awards in London on Wednesday evening. He said it was like the Oscars, with his name called out X-Factor style then his progress to stage captured on the huge screens. It was obviously a bigger do than either of us had realised, although he knew it was a black-tie event. It was great to hear the company he works with, Designer Travel, also won two awards, even though they are a fairly small independent agency compared to the big boys.

Wonder what this week will bring? Enjoy your bank holiday Monday!

Rosemary

Ireland's Own

Another short story acceptance this week - this time from Ireland's Own. This is another of the magazines which Writers' Forum highlighted last year; there was an interview with the editor, Sean Nolan, by Sue Moorcroft.

So, I was checking through the submission requirements the other day and realised that one of my family stories might just suit this magazine. I polished it up and emailed it to Sean. It was accepted within two days. Lovely man. Think I'm on a roll just now! Or I've finally put all my market talks and research to good use for my own work.

Sean Nolan is looking for stories of around 2000 words, written in a straightforward style - a good yarn. He does like an Irish orientation if possible, but like mine, many stories could be taking place anywhere. It needs to be sent in the body of the email to: irelands.own@peoplenews.ie

Good luck,
Rosemary