A Valentine's Day Gift For You.

It is that time of year again. I don't know where the time is going but since I spend most of it buried in the depths of a work in progress, I suppose I shouldn't wonder. I haven't been as regular with  my blogging as I intended but, once I am caught up in the current of a plot, I find it hard to do anything but keep swimming.

But listen up lovers of Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars or romance books in general, this is for you. In the week leading up to Valentine's Day I intend to run a series of blogs featuring excerpts from Come, Dance With Me. I don't want to post too much and spoil your read as on the 14th February itself I will be offering kindle copies for free PLUS a free signed paperback to the person who leaves the best comment on the blog.

First, I think, the blurb to give you a rough idea of the plot and where it  might possibly lead.  This is the blurb from the back cover.

Come, Dance With Me 

When television chat show host, Sasha Johnson, interviews international ballroom dancer, Andrei Kovalevsky, her life is altered forever. And six years later, when fate thrusts them together once more, Sasha does all in her power to prevent him from blowing her world apart for a second time. But can she defuse a bomb that is already ticking.

Andrei Kovalevsky has won almost every ballroom dancing prize known to man, apart from television’s coveted Celebrity Dancing Trophy.  When Andrei is partnered with an old flame, Sasha Johnson, her two left feet threaten to kick the glittering prize way out of his reach.

With just eight weeks to do it, Andrei determines to break down the barriers between them, knock her into shape and turn Sasha Johnson into a dancer.

But secrets, lies and an irresistible attraction impede his way and their path to the Celebrity Dance final is fraught with trouble.

Mary Middleton’s latest novel, Come, Dance With Me, will waltz you through the glitzy, glamorous world of ballroom dancing and leave you breathless.

Tune in tomorrow, same time, same place for excerpt number one. If you can't wait that long you can get the kindle versions of all my books on Amazon click here if you are in the UK

And here if you are in the US

Alternatively paperback versions can be ordered direct from the publisher here

Plotting and Planning

I've been quiet lately, keeping my head down, marketing my books, promoting the work of friends, reading and reviewing.  Now, however, I am back doing what I really love, writing.
It is unfortunate that authors today have to spend so  much time away from the keyboard. How I'd love to have been a writer in the 1950's, hammering away at an old typewriter keyboard while someone else worried about selling the thing. To be able to focus purely on the work in progress would be bliss but it is a luxury that even the biggest authors no longer enjoy.

I don't have a title for my next novel yet but I'm thinking along the lines of Tango or Foxtrot and no, it isnt a detective drama!  I, and millions like me, am enchanted by the celebrity show, Strictly Come Dancing and I can't wait to get stuck in, place my characters in a similar world. I have the protaganists in my head, their motivation, the conflict and the resolution are all sketched out nicely on the page. All that remains is for me to add the passion and a sprinkle of sequins. I promise you, this will be one to keep; you are going to love it.

I will keep you posted on the progress. Just give  me a few months and it will be with you.