Only three weeks until the release of Dance of Flames in the anthology Carina Press Presents: Editor’s Choice Volume II. I’m so thrilled to be a part of this anthology with three other fabulous writers Julie Moffett, Shirley Wells and Robert Appleton.

I’ve just had a sneak peek at my new cover. Once again Frauke Spanuth of CrocoDesigns has done an incredible job. Amazing colours. Killer design. I can’t wait to unveil this cover. Watch this space….

I just want to thank everyone who’s bought copies of my books. I really do appreciate it. Big hugs to you all.

the Allegra Fairweather novella has a title. Dance of Flames. I’m really happy with this title. It works on two levels –flamenco dancing and an actual fire — both of which feature in the story. The release of this novella is particularly thrilling because it will be part of a Carina Press anthology.

Carina Press Presents: Editor’s Choice Volume II will also include stories by the wonderful authors: Julie Moffett, Robert Appleton and Shirley Wells.

Release date: 4th June 2012.

It’s been ages since my last post, but there’s a good reason. Last October I was approached about writing an Allegra Fairweather novella. I leaped at the opportunity to be included in an anthology to mark the second anniversary of Carina Press in June 2012.

I figured I had plenty of time to write the novella, but life threw me some curved balls. First I received some major edits for a novel, which chewed up four weeks of the time I had to write the novella. Then there was Christmas. Afterwards, it was head down tail up until the novella was complete. I’d barely handed in the first round of edits, when I received the second round of edits for both the novella and the novel. No problem…until I hurt my back and was confined to bed for three days. Yikes! Thank heavens for osteopaths. The second round of edits for both works were handed in on time. Phew!

And that, my friends, is a full and true account of why I haven’t blogged in -ahem – a long time.

Soon I’ll be able to give more details about release dates and titles for both the novel and the novella. It’ll be totally thrilling to have two Allegra Fairweather stories released in 2012.

My favourite moments of 2011:

Professionally:
a) The release of my second book.
b) The acceptance of my third book.
c) A special invitation that I’ll write more about in 2012.
d) Romance Writers of Australia’s conference in Melbourne where I lunched with other Carina Press authors and Angela James.

Personally:
a) A wonderful holiday at Port Macquarie and the Hunter Valley. We got a week of really great weather. Lots of fab food and wine. I had my first pedicure and ended up with bright pink toenails. A few flecks of polish still remain.
b) Seeing Jersey Boys. Great music. Great performances.
c) Reading lots of amazing books. My favourite read of 2011 was Deliriumby Lauren Oliver.

Now it’s time to wish everyone a wonderful 2012 full of amazing experiences.

Happy New Year!

to everyone. We’ll be having a typical Aussie Christmas with prawns and steak on the BBQ, cold salads, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers. Maybe a beer or two as well.

No matter what you celebrate this season, I hope it will be filled with peace, joy and love.

Big hugs,
Janni.

blogged about some more great books I’ve read.

1. The Illusion of Murder by Carol McCleary – a wonderful historical mystery.

2. Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter. I got this as a freebie and didn’t think it would be my kind of thing. I loved it!!! Must get more by this author.

3. Tell Tale by Sam Hayes. This author just gets better and better. Total bliss is knowing I have another of her books in my TBR pile.

It’s been so long since I’ve blogged. I’ve been hard at work on edits for Allegra 3 plus submitting a synopsis for another story. Then I had a holiday. Several days in Port Macquarie followed by a few days in the Hunter Valley one of my favourite places in the world. The Bloke and I had a wonderful relaxing time. We walked, we ate, we tasted wine, we ate, we read, we ate. While The Bloke caught up with a business acquaintance, I visited a day spa for a massage and pedicure. I now have shiny pink toenails.

A restaurant called The Stunned Mullet was highly recommended. Wow! Once of the best meals I’ve ever eaten! I started with the king prawns followed by duck. Those dishes were so good, I had to have a dessert of creme brulee. The whole meal was sooooo good I basically spent the whole night doing that Meg Ryan thing from When Harry Meet Sally. If you’re ever in Port Macquarie you have to try this place. The Bloke claims it serves the best salt and pepper squid he’s ever had.

Tess Gerriten’s  The Mephisto Club was another terrific read by this author. I’m reading her books out of order, but it doesn’t matter. Love ‘em.

Dead Silence by Shirley Wells. This is the second in the Dylan Scott series and even better than the first book. I’m really looking forward to the third installment.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver. Wow! Great story, great characters. And the best part about it? There’s going to be a sequel.

I caught up with the latest Mr & Mrs Darcy mystery, The Intrigue at Highbury by Carrie Bebris. This is a great addition to a great series. The inclusion of Emma Woodhouse Knightley was an absolute treat.

The Fame Factor by Polly Courtney. I love this author’s voice and thoroughly enjoyed this story of the misadventures of a singer.