All text within this site is (c) Anna Campbell. All design is (c) Paula Roe. Reprinting any part of this website without prior permission is prohibited.
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::January 2007
Happy New Year, everyone!!! May 2007 be full of good people, good things, good laughter and GOOD books!
My January contest offers you another chance to win an advance review copy of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN. Just answer this simple question – in the excerpt from the book on my website, where is the Duke of Kylemore taking his mistress Soraya so that he can wreak his sensual revenge on her? You’ll find the answer somewhere on this page. Once you know, just email me and on 31st January, I’ll draw a winner at random from the correct entries. Good luck!
Thank you to everyone who entered my first contest that ran during October and November. I’m delighted to congratulate the winners Cass and Cheryl (for first prize) and Jen, Kimberly and Kim (with consolation prizes). You should all be happily munching on Australian chocolate now and writing all over your new stationery! I’ll announce the winner of the ARC from my December contest in February’s latest news.
I had a very exciting moment at the start of January when I saw my spectacular German cover. I’m pretty sure the title means ‘Rebellious Kisses’. Verity and Kylemore are going international!
CLAIMING THE COURTESAN received some nice coverage in Kate Cuthbert’s article about romance in 2007 in Brisbane’s Courier-Mail on Saturday, 20th January, 2007. I’ve posted the relevant paragraphs to my website here.
This month’s My Favorite Things column completes my roundup of some of the blogs I like.
I’ve also listed on my links page some bookshops in Australia, New Zealand and the UK where CLAIMING THE COURTESAN will be available after 27th March. Not long to go now. I can hardly wait!
Congratulations also to the winners from Nalini Singh’s great blog party - Melissa who won an ARC of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN and Little Lamb Lost and Pam who won the Anna Campbell desk calendar and cover flats. Thank you to everyone who dropped by to comment. It was a really fun couple of days and there were some amazing posts.
For U.S./Canadian readers, you have a treat in store this month. Regular readers of my website know that my critique partner is the fabulously talented Annie West. Her first Harlequin Presents, A Mistress for the Taking, hits the stands in North America in January. Don’t miss it. It’s romantic and emotional and sensual and beautifully written. You can discover more about Annie and her books here.
Recent good news for another friend of mine. Robyn Grady has been accepted as a Desire author. Her story THE MAGNATE'S MARRIAGE DEMAND really wowed them at Harlequin in New York. Robyn has worked so hard and so persistently for her success and I’m absolutely delighted for her.
And lastly, this month’s My Favorite Things lists a couple of blogs I always enjoy reading.
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::March 2007
Only a month to go until CLAIMING THE COURTESAN is on the shelves! Can hardly believe the moment is so close. To celebrate the release of my book, I’m giving away a signed copy in this month’s contest. All you need to do is tell me how New York Times author Stephanie Laurens described this story. The quote is on my home page or on the cover which you can see here.
My fellow Golden Heart finalist (we call ourselves the Packers because we were from 2006 – ‘06 Pack, geddit?), Kim Howe is one of the final two contestants in American Title III run by Romantic Times Book Club magazine. If she wins, she receives a publishing contract with Dorchester. Please drop by and vote for her story ONE SHOT, TWO KILLS. Or you can just email and put ONE SHOT, TWO KILLS in the subject line. Good luck, Kim!
I’m delighted to announce that I’ve sold Australian and New Zealand rights to CLAIMING THE COURTESAN to HarperCollins here. There’s something wonderful about being published in your own country. The release date for the trade paperback is September.
I've just received my first review for CLAIMING THE COURTESAN and it's the sort of review new authors dream about.
Anna Campbell with new Silhouette Nocturne author Pamela Palmer at RWA Nationals, Atlanta.
::May 2007
Hard to believe that CLAIMING THE COURTESAN has been out a month now. Thank you to everyone who has sent emails saying how much you’ve enjoyed my story and how you’ve taken those characters to your hearts. Thank you also to the people who have signed my guestbook and said such lovely things. Great feedback from readers means an incredible amount to me.
Thank you to everyone who popped by the numerous blogs I did last month. I’ve started calling myself Princess Blog! I had a great time ‘meeting’ so many of you and congratulations to the people who won prizes in the giveaways. This month, I’m a guest at Fantastic Five with DCL (Friday, 25th May) and Romantic Inks (Thursday, 31st May).
My friend Kim Howe asked some really interesting questions when she interviewed me this month.
If you’re in Sydney, I’m speaking at a free event at Guildford Library, Railway Terrace, Guildford, on Thursday, 10th May at 6pm. I’ll be discussing romance writing and empowerment and there will be PRIZES! Everyone is welcome but bookings are essential. Please call: (02) 9632 6744
If you’re in Melbourne, I’m running a workshop on Deep Point of View and Emotional Punch for the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild at 1pm on Sunday, 20th May, 2007, at Fitzroy Library, Moor Street, Fitzroy. Everyone is welcome so if you’d like to come, please email me to give us an idea of numbers. There’s a $10 charge – but hey, what can you get for $10 these days?
More nice reviews for CLAIMING THE COURTESAN have been posted at Book Page and this review by the wonderful writer Barbara Samuel included this gem: “Campbell delivers a lusciously sensual exploration of love with one of the best kiss scenes in recent memory.” Also check out Romance Reviews Today, Romance Junkies and Wild Hearts.
This month I’m posting an excerpt and the back cover blurb for my December release, UNTOUCHED. Check it out!
In the meantime, if you’re looking for a good historical to read, look no further! Michelle Willingham’s debut release, HER IRISH WARRIOR is out this month. Here’s the cover and a link to her excerpt. I dare you not to be intrigued.
Congratulations to Danette who won the signed copy of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN in my March contest. I’ll announce the winners of my two April contests in next month’s Latest News. May’s contest prize is an Anna Campbell Aussie pack. Stationery, including FOUR signed coverflats for various releases including mine, and some beautiful wildflower cards, chocolate and assorted Aussie bits and pieces. Just email me with a travel tale and my favorite story or comment wins the pack.
This month’s My Favorite Things is about one of my favorite films - HOW TO STEAL A MILLION.
CLAIMING THE COURTESAN at Barnes and Noble in Clarke, New Jersey, photo courtesy of my Golden Heart 2006 buddy Anna Sugden.
CLAIMING THE COURTESAN conquers Canada, photo courtesy of American Title 3 finalist Kim Howe.
Golden Heart 2006 buddies Cindy Munoz and Jo Lewis-Robertson claim a courtesan in California.
Fellow 2006 GH Packer Inara Scott with CTC in Portland, Oregon.
Golden Heart Diva Trish Milburn with CLAIMING THE COURTESAN in Nashville, Tennessee.
::June 2007
My website is a year old this month! Whoo-hoo. Thank you to everyone who has dropped by and especially the people who emailed me or signed my guestbook or entered my contests. Actually, it’s party time here – not only is it my first anniversary, I’m also going overseas for six weeks to kick up my heels. The painting seemed a suitably classy party scene to accompany my whoo-hoos.
I’ve joined a group blog called ROMANCE BANDITS. It’s a group of 20 Golden Heart finalists from 2006 and includes people who are newly published like Christine Wells and Donna MacMeans and Pamela Palmer and people on the verge of publication who will be the stars of tomorrow. I’ll be posting on the 10th of every month as well as joining in the discussions so please pop by and check it out. The Bandits also do regular prize draws so keep an eye on the site for Bandit Booty! You can also check out fabulous Bandit merchandise here.
Speaking of my Golden Heart buddies, huge congratulations to Christie Kelley who has just sold her 2006 GH finaling historical romance, provisionally titled HER SCANDALOUS PROPOSAL, to Kensington in a two book deal. Fantastic news, Christie! Can’t wait to read it!
The winner of the signed copy of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN in April’s contest is Barbara from Michigan. The winner of the sighting contest is Angie from Georgia and she’s received a bundle of Aussie chocolate, including the legendary Tim Tams, and a signed coverflat. Thank you to the many people who entered my April contests, especially those who took the trouble to tell me about sightings.
Because I’m going to be a world traveller for the next six weeks or so, I’m combining June and July’s contests into one and giving an extra special prize. As I travel through the UK, I’ll pick up bits and bobs so the winner gets to share the trip with me. Souvenirs of the places I go, just little things because of the postage, but they should be fun. I’ll also give the lucky winner a signed copy of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN. Just tell me where you’d like to go if you visited England and Scotland. Perhaps with luck, I’ll find a memento of just that place for you!
Actually, I’ve been all round the place lately. Thank you to everyone who came to my talk on romance and empowerment at Guildford Library in Sydney. It was a great night. And thank you also to everyone who came to my Melbourne workshop for the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild on "Deep Point of View and Emotional Punch".
My friend Sophia Nash's first Avon historical romance, A DANGEROUS BEAUTY, is out this month. Sophia is a fantastic RITA-winning writer and I can't wait to read this book which got a Top Pick review from Romantic Times. I'm sure you'll feel the same when you read the excerpt.
I’ve posted a great interview in the articles section that my extremely talented Canadian friend Kim Howe conducted with me on her website. This month’s Favorite Things is about two great new authors I discovered during an event-filled trip to Melbourne.
Workshop on Deep Point of View and Emotional Punch for the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild, May, 2007
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::July 2007
Romance Writers of America’s national conference has rolled around again and I’m delighted to say I’ll be in Dallas at the Hyatt Regency. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can. There are a number of reader events I’ll be participating in, including “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing, Wednesday, 11th July, 2007, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm (I’ll have Aussie chocolate goodies so believe me, you’ll be glad you popped by to say hello), and “A Potpourri of Romance” at the Plano Public Library, Thursday, 12th July, 2007, from 7pm to 9pm
I’ll also be conducting a workshop on Writing From Foreign Climes: Working with a US Publisher from Outside the US with Avon stars Stephanie Laurens and Kate Smith. If you’re coming to the conference, I’d love to see you there on Saturday from 2pm to 3pm.
Best of luck and congratulations to my friends who are finalists in the Golden Heart and the RITA. You’re all winners, no matter what happens on that certain Saturday night in Dallas. I’m practicing my embarrassingly loud cheering.
The Romance Bandits are going from strength to strength. So far, we’ve had visitors from far and wide, including Antarctica. I’ve got a column going in on 10th July but there’s always something interesting happening there. Check it out!
My good friend Annie West has the most fantastic book out in the US and Canada this month. It’s called THE SHEIKH’S RANSOMED BRIDE and it’s one of the best sheikh books I’ve ever read. And believe me, I’m a sheikh geikh from way back.
The contest that covers June and July is still open. Just email me and tell me where you’d like to visit in the UK and why and you can win a swag of bits and pieces that I’m picking up over my month of travels in Britain. I’ll draw the winner at the start of August. Best of luck to you.
In the articles section, I’ve uploaded an interview that I conducted with the fabulous Anne Stuart, one of my writer goddesses, for the June Romance Writers of Australia newsletter. My Favorite Things this month is about all the lovely anticipation before you actually go away on a trip.
::August 2007
So much news this month!
Check out the wonderful cover for UNTOUCHED which comes out in the US in late November, 2007. I adore the green and I love that they’ve keep the same moody, gothic feel they gave CLAIMING THE COURTESAN.
I’m sehr glücklich that REBELLISCHE KÜSSE, the German edition of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN, is out this month from Blanvalet. Here’s my gorgeous cover. You can buy it from Amazon DE.
On the subject of things German, I’ve also got my cover for the German edition of UNTOUCHED which comes out in March, 2008. Isn’t it great? The title ZART WIE DIE NACHT means Tender as the Night.
On the subject of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN going international, I’m delighted to announce that Verity and Kylemore’s story will be available in both Italian and Russian in 2008. Watch this space for covers and release dates. Like CTC, UNTOUCHED and my third book will be released in Australia by HarperCollins as trade paperbacks. I love the idea of my work being widely available in my home country!
I had a marvelous trip – worth every moment of jetlag! Check out My Favorite Things over coming months for travel tales. My jaunt finished with the huge romance writers’ conference in Dallas. My Favorite Things this month is going to be a quick rundown of my personal highlights of RWA Nationals. More photos!
I’d like to thank everyone who came up to say hello or tell me how much they loved my book at the signings or when I was wandering around the hotel. You made a new author so happy! I’d especially like to thank the people who came to the literacy signing on Wednesday night and to A Potpourri of Romance at Plano Library on Thursday night. It was lovely to make so many new friends. Mind you, I think the Caramello Koalas I was giving out were the real attraction! Here’s a photo New York Times bestselling author and fellow Aussie Keri Arthur took at the RWA literacy signing.
Thank you also to everyone who came to the workshop on writing for the US market from outside America that I did with Stephanie Laurens and Kathryn Smith.
I’d also like to congratulate all the winners of Golden Heart and RITA awards, but especially Golden Heart winners:
- Fantastic Aussie writer Bronwyn Clarke who won Best Romantic Suspense Manuscript for Falling into Darkness.
- Beth Burgoon, fellow Romance Bandit and 2006 Golden Heart finalist, who won Best Long Contemporary Manuscript for All or Nothing.
- Trish Milburn, fellow Romance Bandit and multiple Golden Heart finalist, who won Best Young Adult Manuscript with Coven.
- Debra Bess now writing as Deb Marlowe for Harlequin Historicals, who won Best Short Historical Manuscript for The Stolen Jewel.
Huge congratulations to Aussie legend Barbara Hannay who won the RITA for Best Traditional Romance for CLAIMING HIS FAMILY, and Avon goddess Julia Quinn who won the RITA for Best Long Historical Romance for ON THE WAY TO THE WEDDING.
On to other news (sorry, I said there was a lot this month!). CLAIMING THE COURTESAN got a brilliant five Klover review on CK2S Kwips & Kritiques. Jane Porter also said some wonderful things about my book in her blog.
The Romance Writers of Australia conference takes place from 10th to 12th August in Sydney and I’m looking forward to meeting Jennifer Crusie and one of my favorite writers, Anne Stuart. Annie West and I will be doing a workshop on Unleash the Alpha Hero. I’ll also be joining a panel discussing historical romance and doing meet the author talks. Good luck to everyone who has been nominated for R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year) and Emerald (for unpublished authors) Awards. I’ll give you the lowdown on the conference and the winners in next month’s latest news.
The Romance Bandits buttons were one of the hits of the Dallas conference! This month, I’ll be blogging on Wednesday, 22nd August, and giving away a signed copy of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN to someone who leaves a comment. Pop by and say hello!
And finally, two new releases to look out for in August. Last month, I raved about THE SHEIKH’S RANSOMED BRIDE by Annie West from Harlequin Presents which is one of the best sheikh books I’ve ever read. This month, the sequel, FOR THE SHEIKH’S PLEASURE, is out in the US. Rush to buy this book. It’s incredibly sensual and emotional and passionate and has a hero to die for!
Check out A NOTORIOUS WOMAN by Amanda McCabe. I love books set in Venice and this one looks like it will be great. You can see an excerpt here.
My English souvenir contest got an overwhelming number of entries. Thanks so much, all you Anglophiles who sent me your travel wish list! The winner is on my August contest page. This month’s contest gives someone a chance to win a signed copy of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN and a signed coverflat for UNTOUCHED. Good luck!
My deepest gratitude to anyone who kept reading to this point! See you next month!
During my recent trip to the UK, I spent a few days with fellow historical writer Nicola Cornick. We had a marvelous time scouting out the local stately homes and talking romance writing. You can see a report and photos here. I'll be interviewing Nicola on Romance Bandits on 29th August. Check out this great discussion about her books and Regency scandal!
Huge congratulations to three of my fellow Banditas who have sold manuscripts in the last month. Beth Andrews sold this year's Golden Heart winner ALL OR NOTHING to Harlequin SuperRomance. Christie Kelley sold her historical manuscript EVERY NIGHT I'M YOURS to Kensington. Trisha Mills/Milburn sold two young adult stories to Penguin's Razorbill. Jeanne Adams sold her romantic suspense manuscript DARK AND DANGEROUS to Kensington. Read their call stories here.
Some great reads out this month. Firstly, I've long been awaiting the release of SCANDAL'S DAUGHTER by Christine Wells who won the Golden Heart for best short historical manuscript with this story in 2006. I read this book before it sold and believe it, it's wonderful. Warm, witty, wise, romantic. Exactly what you want in a romance!
My good friend and website designer extraordinaire Paula Roe has her first book out this month from Silhouette Desire. FORGOTTEN MARRIAGE is an intense, emotional story that will keep you up all night reading.
Terri Garey is a fellow Avonista who is an absolute hoot, the best company you could wish for. I've been waiting with bated breath for months now for her first book DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY to hit the stands and at last it's out!
CLAIMING THE COURTESAN has gone international. Check out this photo on the right of Avon Authors Board regular Manuelita reading my book off the coast of Malaga as she cruised the Mediterranean!
My Favorite Things this month is a short report on "A Darling Affair", Romance Writers of Australia's recent Sydney conference. This month's contest asks an easy question about the excerpt from UNTOUCHED. I'll draw at random from the correct answers and the winner will receive a $25 gift certificate from Amazon. Good luck!
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:: October 2007
Another busy month! Make yourself a cup of coffee and get comfortable!
Australian readers, don't forget the afternoon tea with Anna Campbell competition in conjunction with the local release of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN. It closes on 31st October and you'll find details here. Good luck!
Great news! UNTOUCHED has been selected as a featured alternate for the Rhapsody and Doubleday Bookclubs over the Holiday season.
My article on persistence appeared in September's Romance Writers Report. I've now included it in the articles section.
Had a marvelous time at the launch of Christine Wells's wonderful SCANDAL'S DAUGHTER at Rosemary's Romance Books in Brisbane on 6th September. Regency hostesses only considered themselves a success when they had a 'crush'. I think Christine can now claim similar honors! The place was packed with admirers and wellwishers.
The Brisbane Writers Festival was huge fun. Apart from the workshop and the panel, I also helped out at the Romance Writers Tent. Thanks especially to Meredith Webber who organized everything. I'm already looking forward to next year's festival.
CLAIMING THE COURTESAN is appearing all over Australia. My good friend Anne Greenwood sent this wonderful shot of Lucy (below) from Angus & Robertson in Tamworth holding up one of the last copies from their first order.
Anna Campbell and Rosemary of Rosemary's Romance Books at the SCANDAL'S DAUGHTER launch.
Anna Campbell and Denise Rossetti in the RWA tent at the 2007 Brisbane Writers Festival, photo courtesy of Zoe Younger
There's a great review of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN at Realms on Our Bookshelves. Just click on Debut Authors, scroll down to Regency and click on CTC's link. Among a lot of very nice comments, Dark Huntress said:
"I have just turned the last page of this stunning debut from Anna Campbell and I'm in awe of her talent. She strips all the glitter and glamour from the Regency period and gives the reader a man and a woman with a range of emotions between them that echoes long after you finish the story."
Great news for my Romance Bandits friends. Cindy Munoz has sold her romantic suspense manuscript DEATH IN THE FENS to Sourcebooks. Cindy will be writing as Loucinda McGary. Huge congratulations, Aunty Cindy! Nobody deserves this more than you do. Trish Milburn has finaled in Romantic Times BOOKreviews American Title IV contest. Check back next month for details on how to vote. Congratulations, Trish! Everything's coming up roses for you right now and it's fantastic to see.
Finally, two books to look out for. The first is my fellow Bandita Donna MacMeans's THE EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY which won the Golden Heart for Best Long Historical Manuscript in 2006. It sounds like such a sexy romp. I can't wait to read it.
The other is a dark, metaphysical voyage to Carnevale in 18th Century Venice. THE BLOOD OF DREAMS is the debut book by my incredibly talented friend Susan Parisi. It's not a romance although it's definitely romantic in that doomed, passionate way that PERFUME by Patrick Suskind is. At the moment, it's only available in Australia and New Zealand but you can find out more about it here. Overseas readers can order it from The Paperback Bookshop. Prices are in Australian dollars.
This month's My Favorite Things is about inspiration. It was sparked by a wonderful photo my friend Tracey O'Hara sent me. Check it out!
On the shelves at Tamworth, NSW.
::November 2007
Another busy month and at the end of it, a moment of great excitement for me. Yes, on Tuesday, 27th November, UNTOUCHED will be on the shelves of a bookstore near you. Good luck, green monster!
Fabulous Avon author Kathryn Smith had this to say about UNTOUCHED: "Anna Campbell writes with the kind of intense emotion and dark passion that entraps the reader and refuses to let them go until the last page is read."
In honor of the release of my second Avon Romantic Treasure, I’m blogging around the traps this month (see left). If you get a chance, pop by and say hello! I’m doing lots of giveaways to celebrate UNTOUCHED hitting the stands.
November also marks the launch of another book I’m involved in. SIZZLE, SEDUCE & SIMMER combines two of my favorite things, food and romance! 26 top Australia and New Zealand romance writers have contributed short stories and a recipe. There are also a few extras like me who just provided a recipe. In Australia, the book will be available wherever Harlequin books are sold. Overseas readers can order a copy here. An ideal Christmas gift, if only to yourself! When I do my regular Romance Bandits spot on 10th November, I’m giving away a copy of this great anthology. Pop over and leave me a comment to be in the running.
That cookbook isn’t the only thing that’s sizzling right now! Two of my Romance Bandits friends have picked up major publishing contracts in the last month. Kate Carlisle has been contracted by NAL to write three mysteries set in the world of rare books – sounds so intriguing! Watch out for the first book in the series, HOMICIDE IN HARDCOVER. Inara Scott has sold two paranormal young adult stories to Hyperion. They’re set in a mysterious private school and are provisionally titled DELCROIX ACADEMY: THE CHOICE and DELCROIX ACADEMY: RISING WATERS. Wow, you go, girls! Huge congratulations!
** Another Romance Bandit making waves is Trish Milburn. Trish is a finalist in Romantic Times Book Reviews American Title IV with her paranormal romance ‘Out of Sight’. Go here to vote for Trish! She’s a fabulous talent! **
A couple of great books to watch out for this month, books I’m certainly looking forward to reading. Robyn Grady’s debut Sexy Sensation/Modern Extra, DREAM JOB, HOT BOSS, hits Australia. Deb Marlowe’s THE WICKED LORD DAYLE is available in the UK or online from Mills & Boon Historicals. One I’m really excited about because I’ve read the first two in the series and just loved them is TAKEN BY THE NIGHT by Kathryn Smith. I bet these sexy vampires keep you up all night!
This month’s contest is so good, it runs over TWO months! I’ve joined forces with my dear friend Annie West to offer one lucky website visitor the chance to start 2008 in style. There’s a cornucopia of prizes, including a signed copy of my new release UNTOUCHED, a signed hardcover copy of Annie West's newest Harlequin Presents THE GREEK TYCOON’S UNEXPECTED WIFE, signed cover flats, stationery and chocolates.
This month’s My Favorite Things talks about three books I’ve recently read and really enjoyed. Check it out.
Wow! Thanks, Kathe. You can read the complete review here. I was also delighted when Matthew Lansdowne, Marquess of Sheene, the hero of UNTOUCHED, received one of the coveted K.I.S.S. (Knight in Shining Silver) Awards. And to complete the RT trifecta, I talk about alpha heroes in the Clubhouse section if you can get your hands on the magazine.
Michelle Buonfiglio at Lifetime TV's Romance B(u)y the Book gave UNTOUCHED an amazing review and rated it at 4.5 stars. Her comments ended with this fantastic endorsement: "Please, don't miss UNTOUCHED or Campbell's debut CLAIMING THE COURTESAN. Then you'll be able to say you were reading Campbell when she was on her way to becoming a star of historical romance fiction."
You can read the whole review here. And don't forget to click on the exclusive interview link for more goss about Matthew and Grace!
Natasha Smith at Romance Junkies gave UNTOUCHED five blue ribbons (the highest rating). My favorite part of the review is:
"Anna Campbell writes a breathtaking historical romance! UNTOUCHED is magnificent."
On the subject of reviews, there's a wonderful one for my first book CLAIMING THE COURTESAN on The Mystic Castle.
I've had a really busy couple of weeks blogging all around the place and I've had a wonderful time meeting so many wonderful romance readers. Highlights include a wonderful launch day on the Romance Bandits where we threw a wild party in the green monster's honor! I ended the month doing three days as the guest author on Romance Novel TV. What fun that was. Thank you to everyone who supported me on my cyber tour. There's more coming up!
In the meantime, the last bit of my interview with Romance Novel TV is up in the video section of the website. Just click the video tab and scroll down the right-hand side until you get to Anna Campbell UNTOUCHED. If you missed them, there are three more short interviews where I talk about my writing. Just click on Authors A-L.
Two great books to look out for this month. THE MAGNATE'S MARRIAGE DEMAND by Robyn Grady, her debut romance for Harlequin Desire is on sale in the US this month. And my friend Denise Rossetti debuts for Avon with a sexy novella called COMING ON STRONG, featured in the seasonal anthology A RED HOT NEW YEAR. Congratulations, Denise! And welcome to the Avon fold!
Debut Kensington author and fellow Romance Bandit Jeanne Adams proudly holds up a copy of UNTOUCHED which she bought in Maryland. Watch for Jeanne's DARK AND DANGEROUS in June, 2008.
::December 2007
Well, the great moment has finally arrived! If you live in America, UNTOUCHED has come to a bookstore near you! Huzzah! I hope you enjoy reading Matthew and Grace's story - it's very close to my heart.
So far, reviews have been great. Romantic Times Book Reviews chose UNTOUCHED as a December Top Pick and gave it their highest rating, 4.5 stars. The wonderful review by Kathe Robin includes this gem: "Rising star Campbell's second and emotionally intense novel is reminiscent of early Laura Kinsale. Her flair for sensuality and darkness, wounded heroes and strong women appeals to readers yearning for a powerful, sexy and emotionally moving addition to their keeper shelves."
Thursday, 6th December, 2007 - Talking about the critique partner relationship with Annie West who writes for Harlequin Presents. We'll be on Romance Bandits
Friday, 7th December, 2007 - Guestblogging on Lucy Monroe's blog with giveaways!
Sunday, 8th December, 2007 - Guestblogging on Risky Regencies where the wonderful Amanda McCabe will interview me and there will be MORE giveaways!
Monday, 10th December, 2007 - My regular spot for the Romance Bandits
Tuesday, 11th December, 2007 - A real treat. I'm the inaugural guest author on a fabulous new blog called Yo Ho, A Writer's Life for Me. Lots of giveaways on that one! Come around and launch the girls' guest program with a real party!
Monday, 17th December, 2007 - Guest blogging on Tote Bags 'n' Blogs
Don't forget for updates on where and when I'm blogging, visit my HarperCollins author page.
· Friday, 2nd November – Talking about writing contests on Fanlit Forever
· Saturday, 10th November – Giving away a copy of SIZZLE, SEDUCE & SIMMER on Romance Bandits
· Monday, 12th November – Interviewing Nalini Singh on Romance Bandits (well worth checking out!)
· Week of 12th November – Michelle Buonfiglio's "Romance: B(u)y the Book" blog, Let's Talk Romance. Win a signed copy of UNTOUCHED and other goodies.
· Monday, 19th November to Wednesday, 21st November - guest blogging on Romantic Inks. Win a signed copy of UNTOUCHED
· Monday, 19th November – guest blogging on Tote Bags ‘n’ Blogs
· Friday, 23rd November – Writing workshop on Sandra Barkevich’s blog
· Monday 26th November to Wednesday, 28th November – Release party for UNTOUCHED on Romance Novel TV. Win goodies, including signed copies.
Don't forget for
updates on
where and
when I'm
blogging, visit
my HarperCollins
::April 2007
For US and Canadian readers, CLAIMING THE COURTESAN is in a bookstore near you. Can hardly believe the moment has arrived. The book will take a bit longer to reach these shores so I’d love to hear of sightings. Just as an added extra to celebrate the launch, my favorite sighting story will win a pack of Aussie goodies and a signed cover flat. Email me before 30th April and tell me where and how you saw CTC and you might be munching on some great chocolate in May. Please put ‘sighting’ in the subject line so I know which contest you’ve entered.
The good reviews continue. Among them was a fabulous review from Kathe Robin at Romantic Times Book Reviews. CLAIMING THE COURTESAN got a 4.5 star rating and the comments included this gem:
"This fresh, vibrant novel launches an exciting new historical voice: a don't-miss author whose talent for bringing back the classic Avon style and melding it with a 21st-century voice ensures her a place as a fan favorite."
Another great review came from Romance Reader at Heart who awarded CLAIMING THE COURTESAN with the coveted top pick rose and had this to say:
"Every once in awhile a book comes along that simply blows you out of the water with its originality, its subject matter, its silk-like sensuality, the depth of its characters and dialogue that makes you hang onto every word. CLAIMING THE COURTESAN is one such book. The fact that it's written by a debut author makes it even more surprising to me, as I would have expected a story like this from a much more seasoned author. If this is only the first penning by writer Anna Campbell, then waiting for her next arrival is going to be an interminable one for this reviewer, I can tell you... It's evident that Anna Campbell's a risk taker, but without being one, CLAIMING THE COURTESAN would have been just another Regency romance in the multitude of many. Believe me, this book is very, very far from it. It's one of the most original and provocative stories I've read in historical romance in as many years as I can count, and one that I'm so very glad I got a chance to review. CLAIMING THE COURTESAN, by Anna Campbell, has now jumped to the number one spot on my keeper shelves."
· Wednesday, 21st March – guest on Nalini Singh’s site.
· Monday, 26th March – The Good, the Bad and the Unread (this one should be a hoot as it’s a whole stack of columns
and a couple of contests and an exclusive excerpt from CLAIMING THE COURTESAN).
· Saturday, 31st March – guest author with Sandra Barkevich.
· Monday, 2nd April – interview on Debra Parmley’s Make Believe Mondays
· Tuesday, 3rd April – talking about my writing journey on History Hoydens
· Thursday, 5th April – talking about research on History Hoydens
· Saturday, 14th April – interview on Risky Regencies about CLAIMING THE COURTESAN
· Monday, 16th April – guest author day on Romance Vagabonds where I’ll be discussing writing naughty bits.
· Tuesday, 24th April – blogging for the day on Romance Reader at Heart.
If you’re coming to the Romance Writers of America national conference in Dallas in July, come and say hello. I’ll be presenting a workshop on Writing from Foreign Climes: Working with a US Publisher from Outside the US with Stephanie Laurens and Kathryn Smith. I’m in awe to be in their stellar company!
I’ve joined the Avon Authors site and it’s a fabulous place to be. The welcome has been fantastic and it’s wonderful to see the interaction between the readers and the authors. Check it out.
On Saturday, 31st March, I’m a guest blogger on Sandra Barkevich’s site. Please drop by if you’re passing. Cyber coffee is perking as we speak!
February’s contest was very popular. Thank you to everyone who entered. Because this update goes up before the end of the month, I’ll be announcing the names of the people who won signed cover flats in April’s latest news.
And finally, this month’s My Favorite Things is about the pleasures of re-reading.
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::February 2007
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone. May all your romantic dreams come true!
Wonderful news! Avon have accepted my second book, provisionally titled UNTOUCHED, for release in December, 2007. It’s another dark, intense, sexy Regency noir. Keep an eye on the website for an excerpt after CLAIMING THE COURTESAN has been released in April.
Cover flats galore! February’s contest gives ten – yes, TEN! – lucky people the chance to win one of the gorgeous signed cover flats for CLAIMING THE COURTESAN. You can see the beautiful colors up close and run your hands along the raised gilt lettering. Yes, that’s what I do! And it’s FUN!!!
And more signed cover flats for CLAIMING THE COURTESAN are up for grabs – along with a chance to win one of eight books by great new authors – at the exciting contest Annie West is running on her website. You can win signed copies of new books by Claire Baxter, Abby Green, Annie West, Tessa Radley, Yvonne Lindsay, Kelly Hunter, Fiona Lowe and Maxine Sullivan.
Thank you to everyone who entered my contests in December and January. Congratulations to Liz Denler (December) and Karen Gray (January). You’ve each won a signed advance review copy of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN.
Don't forget to enter the Fantastic New Year Contest that Annie West and I are running with lots of fantastic prizes to start 2008 in style. It closes at the end of December - good luck!
My Favorite Things this month is a report on the talk I recently gave at the Caloundra Library with my friend Susan Parisi on writing the dark historical.
Happy Holidays to everyone, whether you're sweltering in Australia and New Zealand or living it up in the winter fun of the Northern Hemisphere. And thank you so much for all your support this year! Health, happiness and lots of good books to all of you. Best wishes!
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Thank you to everyone who entered my February contest. I’m delighted to report that signed cover flats for CLAIMING THE COURTESAN have been sent to Minna and Iris in Finland, Mona in Egypt, Kimberly, Andrea, Maripat, Diane and Carolyn in the USA, Helen in Australia, and Ai Yin in the UK. I’ll draw my March contest on 1st April so check back next month to see who won the signed copy of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN.
April's official contest prize offers site visitors another signed copy of my book. Just tell me how many stars Romantic Times Book Reviews gave my debut and you’ll go into the draw.
This month’s My Favorite Things is about the wonderfully warm response I’ve had to the news that CLAIMING THE COURTESAN is about to hit the shelves.
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::September 2007
The Australian and New Zealand edition of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN comes out this month and is available at all major stores, including KMart, Target and Big W. The blue cover looks gorgeous in the larger paperback format. Avon have supported me with a beautiful ad in Woman's Day with the fantastic tag line:
Every woman deserves TO BE SWEPT OFF HER FEET!
To celebrate the Australian release, Avon are offering three lucky readers and a friend each the chance to have afternoon tea with me. The details of the competition are here.
Romance Novel TV did a long interview with me when I was in Dallas and they're releasing it in segments over the next few months leading up to the launch of UNTOUCHED in December. In part one, I talk about writing contests and how they helped me. In part two, I talk about the controversy surrounding CLAIMING THE COURTESAN. Just click on the CTC cover on the right-hand side to get the second part. You'll find the first part if you scroll down the list of interviews.
The Brisbane Writers Festival takes place this month. I'll be running a Romance Writing 101 Workshop with Christine Wells on Sunday, 16th September, and participating in a panel, moderated by well-known academic Glen Thomas, on romance and feminism with Christine and local romance writer Anne De Lisle.
Because my book comes out this month, I’m doing a few guest blogs (see right). Call in if you get the chance, I’d love to see you. All the dates are based on North American time. And finally, the April issue of THE MOTIVATED WRITER e-zine features me in their debut author interview.
My fellow 2006 Golden Heart finalist Pamela Palmer’s first book THE DARK GATE is out this month with Silhouette Nocturne. Romantic Times Book Club gives this dark, sexy paranormal 4.5 stars and says, “Readers won’t be able to put this one down.” I’ve put up a copy of her striking cover and also a photo of the two of us together at last year’s RWA National Conference in Atlanta. You can find an excerpt and more information about Pamela on her website.
