I enjoy reading YA in my spare time but had never had the pleasure of editing a YA novel until Christina Courtenay's New England Rocks landed on my desk. I'm so glad it did! Not only is the story fun, but it was a particular thrill for me since it centers on a British teen girl going to an American high school. (If you've missed it elsewhere, I'm an American who lived in England for four years, albeit as an adult, and moved back to the US just last month.) Christina and I had many good laughs about the idiosyncrasies of American vs. British English! I'm delighted to have Christina here today to talk about editing.

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EDITS – that is a word that can strike fear into most authors, I think! At least it does to me. And yet, they’re hardly ever as bad as I think they’re going to be.

I’ve had critique partners for years and although I greatly value their comments and input, I’ve learned not to take every single thing they say as gospel. Instead, I look at what they tell me and decide whether I agree that they have a valid point or not. If they do, I rewrite, if not, I don’t. Easy, right? Except, what if I’m wrong?

Happy Publication Day to my author Jane Lovering! Hubble Bubble is peppered with laughs throughout in true Jane fashion; her characters are real, with relatable issues and emotions; and the romance sizzles. I’m happy to welcome Jane here today to talk about the writing and editing that lead to this happy day. 

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Hi Rachel, thanks very much for having me here! Your blog is very tidy, isn’t it? I’m used to places full of biscuit crumbs and dog hair, but it’s very clean and neat in here. You didn’t tidy up just for me, did you? Because I’ve brought two cream slices to eat while we chat, and you know how those things just go everywhere once you bite into them … Perhaps I ought to have a plate? Oh, and while you’re up, I’ll have a cup of tea, please. Splash of milk, no sugar and strong enough to bend a spoon.

Where were we? Oh, yes, I remember, I came over to talk about Hubble Bubble, didn’t I, and the writing and editing process? I’ll try to concentrate then … oh, look, there’s the cream … sorry about the mat. It’ll be fine, sponges off a treat.

If that gorgeous cover isn't enough to bring a smile to your face, I guarantee reading The Wedding Diary will do the trick. Author Margaret James has taken a break from her usual historical romances to pen this feel-good chick lit novel, full of memorable characters (I'd love to see antagonist Fanny Gregory on the big screen!) and aww-inspiring moments. Working with Margaret during the editing phases of this book was such a delight that I feel spoiled to call it 'work'.  I'm pleased she's here to talk about her new book today.

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Thank you for inviting me to be your guest today, Rachel. It’s great to be here!

Where’s a fairy godmother when you need one?

This is the shout line on the cover of The Wedding Diary.

Sometimes, your fairy godmother can be your editor, as well as a character in your story, and this is how it turned out in the case of The Wedding Diary.

It’s always a fantastic experience to hold a new book in my hands and know I made it all by myself. Well, with a little, or – let’s be honest – with a lot of help from other people! I’m now going to talk about how my latest novel, The Wedding Diary, grew from a chance remark into a satisfying (I hope) story.