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Sunday, February 08, 2009

Work and the White Stuff - Christina Hollis


The first week of February has hardly ended, but the year has already been a busy one. I put the finishing touches to my latest Modern Romance, The Count of Castelfino. While that was under consideration, I asked my writing mentor, the poet Paul Groves, to take a look at the short story I’m entering for the 2009 Bridport Prize. He came up with some useful suggestions, so I’ve made a couple of minor adjustments to my story and its now almost ready for despatch. Then I got some really good news: The Count of Castelfino was accepted and will be published as a Mills and Boon Modern Romance in the autumn. I’m already hard at work on my next book, but it’s quite a task fitting any writing time in at the moment. February 1st saw the publication of Her Ruthless Italian Boss as a Harlequin Presents title, and February 2nd brought five inches of snow! That meant the local schools were closed, and we were busy doing a lot of digging to reach the hens and the bird tables. The van delivering our groceries couldn’t get within a couple of miles of us, so it’s a good job we keep a supply of essentials like dried milk, flour and cereals! Keeping the children amused with snowballs and sledging takes up quite a bit of time – then there was a piece for the February authorsoundrelations newsletter and extract to produce and various other blogs to write. Not to mention updating my own website! I’m running a competition throughout this month, with prizes including signed copies of Her Ruthless Italian Boss. Find out how to enter by visiting http://www.christinahollis.com/.


It looks like we might get snowed in again before long. What’s your favourite tip for keeping cabin fever at bay?

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Just saw this post. It's snowing here in Seattle today as well. I remember when the kids were little if it wasn't too cold, they let them play outside. But since our home was the place where everyone ended up, crafts, videos, even a little baking for the girls and for the boys, the basement!

Great news about your new book

Christina Hollis said...

Hi Marilyn - sorry I haven't replied earlier, the power was out (another traditional winter thrill!) I think baking with the children is one of my favourite activities...especially when it comes to choc chip cookies. Good as dough or baked, I find.
Thanks for the good wishes about the new book!
Best wishes
Christina

Unknown said...

I would say to keep my cabin fever at bay I usually clean a little, go online and of course read. If there is no power somtimes we play board games by candle-lite.