iheartlesfic | jenjsilver

I don’t think the UK has ever seen anything quite like it. So many authors of lesbian fiction in one place!

Team Diva put on quite a show. The Awards night itself was exciting with Heather Peace handing out trophies and a rousing performance by Horse McDonald before the disco to end the evening. I felt honoured to be there with so many talented authors and it was a thrill to see my book, Running From Love, listed for the Romance award category. (Congratulations to the winner, Kiki Archer, and runner-up, Harper Bliss. I was sitting next to Harper at the table, so was able to share in the joy of the moment as she received her trophy.)

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Then we had two days of interviews, discussion panels, and readings…plus a rich variety of entertainment for the Saturday Night Salon. I had a book-signing slot on Sunday morning and fully expected to spend twenty minutes sitting on my own. But I was rescued by Jane who had seen me read at the Happy Valley Pride Festival in August.

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I took part in a reading session with Wendy Hudson and A L Brooks. Even though it was on Sunday afternoon, we still had a good audience who stayed awake and asked questions afterwards.

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One of the highlights of the weekend was meeting Jody Klaire and her lovely dog, Fergus (or Ferb, as he’s known to his legion of fans). Jody was providing information on the GCLS Writing Academy. The crowd around their table may also have been due to the treats provided by Jody’s partner, Emma – delicious homemade cheesecake one day, Welsh biscuits and strawberries the next.

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Meeting and chatting with so many authors and readers was a great way to spend the weekend. Team Diva promised to do it again next year – I’m already looking forward to it, along with many others who were there.

Before the Awards dinner with Caroline Manchoulas, Clare Lydon and Harper Bliss

During the Awards dinner with Harper, Robyn Nyx and Brey Willows

It’s been an exciting start to November as my latest novel, Changing Perspectives, came out on 1st November. And on the 6th November, T B Markinson gave me a guest spot on her website, iheartlesfic, to tell you a bit about the origins of the story. Please check it out as there’s also the chance to enter for a book giveaway.

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Buying Links:

Changing Perspectives: Affinity Rainbow Publications / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords

Running From Love: Affinity Rainbow Publications / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Bella Books / Smashwords / Apple iTunes

The Circle Dance: Affinity eBooks /Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Bella Books/Smashwords / Apple iTunes

Christmas at Winterbourne: Affinity eBooks / Amazon US / Amazon UK /Barnes & Noble /Bella Books / Smashwords /Apple iTunes

The Starling Hill Trilogy:

Starting Over: Affinity eBooks / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Bella Books /Smashwords / Apple iTunes

Arc Over Time: Affinity eBooks / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Bella Books/ Smashwords / Apple iTunes

Carved in Stone: Affinity eBooks / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Bella Books/ Smashwords / Apple iTunes

I’m setting off to Birmingham shortly. My wife and I are attending the Diva Literary Awards this evening. My book, Running From Love, has been shortlisted in the Romance category and I’m really not expecting it will win – just being in the same room with all the other shortlisted authors is going to be a major thrill. (As well as watching Heather Peace handing out the awards!)

If you’re attending the two-day Festival following the Awards, I look forward to meeting you. There’s a whole host of authors from LGBT publishers including BSB and Ylva, plus some very successful Indies. I’m the Affinity One – representing Affinity Rainbow Publications.

During the weekend I’m planning to attend as many of the events as I can. Then on Sunday afternoon at 2:15, I’ll be doing a reading along with A L Brooks and Wendy Hudson, moderated by Diva staff writer, Danielle Mustarde. Should be a lot of fun.

The Diva team has worked hard to bring about this first ever Diva Literary Festival. They’ve put together a fantastic programme – take a look. If you’re not booked in, I’m sure it’s not too late.

And, of course, there’s a bookstall. There will be copies of my first six published books available to buy.

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My latest book, Changing Perspectives, just came out on Wednesday – so no time to obtain paperbacks for the festival. However the ebook and print versions are available online. And on Monday, check out T B Markinson’s website, iheartlesfic, for my guest blog where I talk about the origins of this story. You can read the first chapter here and also the comments of the book’s first reviewer.

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