Now, I’m not normally a grunge kind of person. It’s not that I dislike it. It’s just that most of the time, I like other things better. But. Evidently grunge rock didn’t pass me by! And there are classics that you cannot fail to love.

Last week, while I was working fast and furiously on my mini-WiP, this particular song carried me through. It is perfect on so many levels… you’ll have to way until a little later in the year to fully understand, but let yourselves be intrigued by this notion. Why would Nirvana suddenly inspire Nicky Wells, rock star romance author extraordinaire?

Guesses welcome!

All these mistakes get fixed and corrected, naturally. Either by myself, during my many rounds of proofing, or by an external proofer.

Yet I have a little secret that may not be immediately obvious to my readers. In fact, many people are terribly surprised when they find out, and I’ve even had a few people disbelieving me entirely (“you’re pulling my leg, right?”).

Here goes. I think, and therefore write, in a language that isn’t my native language. My native language is German, but I find myself utterly unable to string together a narrative in that language. Instead, I prefer English. I have lived and breathed and dreamed English ever since I moved to the UK twenty years ago. In fact, I have lived and breathed and dreamed in English from the moment I started learning the language.

Why, you want to know? I have no idea. I am as baffled as you are. There’s some strange wiring going on in my brain that is beyond bilingualism, because my preference for the use of English has come to the detriment of what is meant to be my infallible, incorruptible mother tongue. Somehow, for me, this is not so.

Moreover, this phenomenon goes deeper than just thinking, speaking or writing. I have been told by the few people who know me ‘fluently’ in both languages that my voice is deeper in English (or goes up three octaves in German, depending on your viewpoint), that my wit is sharper, my confidence stronger and my exuberance more buoyant. (Not my words, I assure you!) That is an awful lot to take in when you’re not even aware that that’s going on.

Suffice it to say that I do feel more comfortable in English, in every respect. I struggle to express emotion in German, which is proving a bit of a problem as I am making a valiant effort at raising my children bilingually. Yet in English, with its infinite nuances and wonderful registers, the metaphors flow and expression is easy. Weird, huh?

That said, when I was working on Sophie’s Turn, and more recently the sequel, Sophie’s Run, I had some very strange things happening to me. After all this time living and working in England, after all this time spent thinking and writing in English, suddenly the Germanisms started popping up in my brain.

This was particularly the case for Sophie’s Run as some parts of the book are set in several places in Germany. “Germish” is one of the official terms for this type of linguistic interference, only it usually refers to English words used (incorrectly or out of context) in German, rather than German expressions creeping into English. But still, you get the idea.

I found myself thinking up turns of phrases or expressions that are unknown to the English-speaking world. For example, I’d say something like, this is quite a plastic description. HUH? In German, a description that is ‘plastisch’ would denote a description so good that it’s 3D, life-like, authentic. In English, this mistranslation is meaningless. Evidently, these instances of Germish gibberish never make it onto the page; instead, I spend some significant time trying to find an appropriate English translation. Very occasionally, I have to give up and take a different English idiomatic approach.

A case in point is the actual title for Sophie’s Run, which drove me to distraction for months. There’s a German word, Aussetzer, that captures perfectly what I wanted to express, but there is no adequate English equivalent. Aussetzer means to undergo a temporary moment of madness where all reason deserts you and you do some weird and wonderful things. That’s a bit of a mouthful ~ you see the predicament? Hiatus doesn’t capture it, neither does folly, break, interlude, intermission, interruption. Mad five minutes isn’t exactly a catchy book title. The closest expression I could come up with was to flip out, which isn’t yet recognised by the Oxford English Dictionary. Therefore I couldn’t be sure that people would interpret this ‘street expression’ accurately and that’s way too risky for a book title. Plus, Sophie Flips Out doesn’t exactly conjure expectations of romantic comedy, rock star glamour and happy endings, now, does it? Therefore, Sophie simply runs. It lacks the German elegance, but it has its own cunning double or even triple meaning.

So there is something about the German language that lodges deeply in my brain and that pops up most unexpectedly. Very occasionally (say, once or twice), I have exercised artistic license and allowed myself to add the Germanisms to the manuscript when I felt that they worked, or that they added a touch of humour, or that the expression should quite simply exist in the English language. After all, that’s how language grows! So if you come across anything a little unusual, a little exotic, do get in touch… I invite you most heartily!

Do you have any experiences of weird interference with your brain? I’d love to hear I’m not alone…

CentreStage showcases fabulous authors from around the world, and today it is my extra-special, huge pleasure to welcome the fabulous Samantha Stroh Bailey, author of the outstanding romantic comedy, Finding Lucas. Sam has a tremendous sense of humour and over recent weeks we’ve discovered that we have so much in common, it’s like we’re long-distance soul sisters. I kid you not! So without further ado, I give you:

Samantha Stroh Bailey!

Thanks so much to the fabulous Nicky Wells for inviting me here today.

Nicky: Why, thank you for visiting! I’m so thrilled you could make it all the way from Canada today, Sam!

Nicky and I met through social media and instantly bonded over writing, motherhood and sassy senses of humor. I loved Sophie’s Turn and am so happy to have found another author I admire.

Nicky: *blushes* why, thank you!

I thought I’d give a peek into the, perhaps, somewhat unexpected aspects of my personality. Here goes!

1.  I’m a Gemini, so I have a dual personality. While I’m very easygoing and down- to-earth, I’m also anxious and stress about the little things.
2. I love meat and nothing is better than gnawing on a giant bone. Disgusting, I know.
3. I don’t like bread and pasta.
4. I’m scared of thunder, snakes, heights, and not accomplishing everything I want to.
5. Technology also scares the crap out of me.
6. I love alternative music and a lead singer who screams has me for life. Chris Cornell of Soundgarden has the sexiest voice in the world.
7. I’m addicted to celebrity gossip.
8. People think I smile all the time, but they don’t see me when I first wake up, and I’m a bear.
9. When you’re talking to me, I’m watching your every move for writing fodder. Sorry.
10. I was a competitive dancer for years until stage fright derailed my plans of going to Juilliard and re-enacting Flashdance. The audition part—not the exotic dancer part.

Nicky: Wow, Sam, thank you for sharing! I’m with you on most of these points although I have to confess loving my carbs. And now I’ll forever envisage you in the role of exotic dancer…

I’m always excited when readers feel a connection to Jamie Ross, the protagonist in my debut novel, Finding Lucas. And I am so intrigued when people point out our similarities and differences from their perspectives. Well, here’s my view!

Jamie and I:

1.  are both huge coffee addicts.
2. love to drop the F bomb into adult conversation.
3. both have gorgeous and tall BFFs.
4. adore men with messy hair and stubble.

 Unlike Jamie…

1. …I am quite fond of the color pink.
2. …I tend to embarrass my family instead of the other way around.
3. …I wish I had her ass.
4. …I’m a better dancer.

I’m so grateful to everyone who has read and enjoyed Finding Lucas.

Nicky: Sorry to interrupt again but… Me! Me! I loved Finding Lucas. I couldn’t put it down. I laughed out loud, and I cried, and I gnawed my fingers when the plan… (don’t want to give any spoilers here!)…um…shall we say, when the plan comes to fruition. Sort of. It’s an awesome, fabulous, life-affirming and sassy read and I couldn’t recommend it more. LOL, end of broadcast. Sam, you were saying?

And I hope you liked this little glimpse into the real me! I love to hear from my readers, so please connect with me!

And here’s how! You can find Sam in these places:

TWITTER: @perfectpen | BLOG | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Finding Lucas is available here:

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | KOBO

Go get your copy now!!!

Let’s have a big round of applause for Sam, please! Thank you!

Now then. Which of Sam’s personality traits do you share?
Which one most surprises you?
Do you have a quirky trait that you’d like to share with us?

(Please do! Here’s mine: I suffer from two forms of phobia: Podophobia, and Spheksophobia. Oh, and I’m the world’s lousiest swimmer!)

This week’s song choice is an appropriate theme song for one of the subplots of my new WiP, aka Book 4. I  even have two interpretations for you! Here’s number one; it’s a classic and you’re bound to know it.

Aha, and here goes the second. You’ll need to click through but it’s well worth it. It’s hard and fast and lyrical and one of my ALL TIME FAVOURITES!

EUROPE ~ ON BROKEN WINGS

I’ve always adored the metaphors in these two songs; the idea of flying again, of starting afresh, of never giving up. The whole ‘broken wings’ idea just gets me, appeals to me and gets me writing.

So. Broken Wings ~ what do YOU with yours?
And how do you think these songs are inspiring my writing? What am I ‘on’ about?

CentreStage hosts terrific authors from around the world, and today it is my fabulous pleasure to take part in the cover reveal for Beguiled by Urania Sarri!

~ About the Author ~

Urania Sarri lives in Korinthia, Greece with her husband and sons.
She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and an Msc in Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). She specializes in teaching English to young adults and she totally adores her job. While doing so, she takes any opportunity to convey to her students the passion of reading. She is fascinated by paranormal stories and appreciates good romance whenever she gets her hands on it!

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Blog | Website

~ About the Book ~

Title: Beguiled
Author: Urania Sarri
Published: Self Published
Genre: Paranormal, Time-Travel, Romance
Content Warning: Subtle Sensuality

~ Synopsis ~

 The war between the present and the future has started. Compelled to cooperate with the forces of the future in order to gain Christopher back, Emma has taken on a new mission. The portal that connects the two worlds must be relocated otherwise there is no hope for humanity. But there are so many obstacles she has to overcome; Christopher has given up on their love, her best friend has been kidnapped and the life-changing truth about her family is revealed. Worst of all, a new, unexpected menace under the name Frederick, Christopher’s evil double, threatens their lives.

Will she be able to secure the future of mankind and claim the love she has fought so hard for? What if Christopher has decided to sacrifice himself again in order to save her?

In Beguiled, the second book of the Gate Deadlock series, love knows no deadlocks.

~ Excerpt ~

When the rain got me, I was still running along an unfamiliar street that seemed endless on both directions. Within seconds, the drizzle became a cold downpour that soaked me to the bone, plastering the thin shirt and jeans onto my body. My hair was sticking on my face, pricking my eyes like dozens of needles, but I didn’t stop. Lost in a haze of despair, I could not comprehend the faint voice in my head that warned me to go back. I kept running away. Where I was heading, I could not tell anymore. Everything around me seemed strange and obscure; no houses, no shelter, only the perennial olive trees and the murky veil of rain. For the last two years in my life, every day, every minute, every second had been spinning around one single pivot; that rescue mission had been the only pivot of my new life. It had defined my actions, my thoughts, and my whole existence. I had gone a long way, overcoming any personal limit and fear, transcending time, only because I was fixed on a purpose. I had left my old life behind.
I had a life once.

Now, my mission was my life. A mission that had taken me far away from my family, my friends, my studies and my future. But I did not care anymore. I had chosen my destiny. It had always been about him. Christopher. He had turned his back on me and the pivot support had suddenly vanished. I had nothing to lean on. My whole life was collapsing. I was collapsing. There was no angel coming to my rescue this time.

A sharp pain in my chest blocked my breath, forcing me to stop. But I welcomed the pain, didn’t want it to ease out. Strangely enough, it seemed to be the right thing to feel. This is how some people have died, right? Perhaps this could be the end…

“Hey, you’re standing in the middle of the street!” a voice in my head shouted. “And that yellow light approaching is about to crash into you in minutes. Can’t you hear it? You have to move to the side. Don’t just stand there. It’s a car! It’s definitely a car and the veil of hale certainly does not help. MOVE!”

Then why wasn’t I moving? Could I be waiting for the car to put an end to this excruciating obstacle race I had started?

I closed my eyes and held my breath as the roaring sound of the car approached.

~ Giveaway ~

There is an event wide giveaway. One winner will receive a free copy of Gate Deadlock (book one) in the winner’s choice of Kindle, PDF, or Print format. A second winner will receive a $10 electronic Amazon Gift Card. Giveaway is International.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ Cover Reveal Tour ~

Here’s the complete schedule:

Sabrina @ Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace

Flora @ From the Bootheel Cotton Patch

Amber G. @ Lady Amber’s Reviews

Louisa @ Louisa Bacio — Love Knows No Bounds

Darcia @ A Word Please

Bianca @ Bianca2b

Nikki A @ Vamps and Stuff

Athena @ Total Book Geek

Daniel @ Parenting 2.0 The Child’s Perspective

Laurie @ Laurie’s Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews

Jaidis @ Juniper Grove

Momma Chaos @ Reviewing in Chaos

Selah @ Come Selahway with Me

Tiffany & Ryan @ Book-Marks the Spot

Val @ Musings of a Writer

Melanie @ Mel’s Shelves

Regan @ Regan Black

Nicky @ Romance That Rocks Your World!

Aja @ Aja Hannah

Gerilyn @ Spooky Life = Spooky Stories

Jessica @ Jess’s Book Blog

Lyn @ Lyn Horner’s Corner

Jacquie @ Jacquie Rogers, Author

Wow! Now then, are you BEGUILED by this cover reveal? I know I am!

(I know, I seem to be having a lot of those of late. This seems to be an occupational hazard!)

Here’s a hint:

Yup, here I am! Photo courtesy of Tom Haughton @ Lincoln Inspired, with thanks.

It was monumental because it featured my first ever contracted author appearance. Yup, rather than ‘just’ presenting myself for a book signing somewhere (not that there’s ever a ‘just’ about that!), I had signed a contract stating that I would turn up on the specified date, at the specified time, for the specified length of time, bringing along my person, my books and a talk.

Want to know more? Find out here: http://www.lincolninspired.co.uk/

The event in question was the Lincolnshire Literary Life session, featuring myself, Claire Kinton, David Zelder, Joff Gainey and Helen Hancocks. Gill Hart had structured the session into three stages.

Setting up for my ‘stage debut’ ~ I’m starting to feel like a pro about this!

Introductions

First of all, Gill invited us all to introduce ourselves to our audience. Thus we discovered that Helen illustrated the story of Penguin in Peril as part of her degree show, and that the words came later. Joff brought along his suitcase of memories and explains how that inspired him to write Sleeping on a Cloud. Claire shared the tragic inspiration for Dead Game, and David had everyone hanging onto his every word when he shared a traumatic experience that helped him make the events of Yomping Outside so authentic.

From left to right: Nicky Wells, David Zelder, Gill Hart, Claire Kinton, Helen Hancocks and Joff Gainey. Photo courtesy of Tom Haughton @ Lincoln Inspired, with thanks.

And me? Of course, I laid my cards on the table with regard to my inspiration.  (I’m not shy like that, LOL. Not anymore!) You know, my strange, inexplicable but undeniable love for rock stars. I earned myself a few laughs, which made my day, and people seemed intrigued by the fact that I blame the writing of Sophie’s Turn entirely on my husband.

Meet the Author

Introductions over, Gill moved us into the ‘free socializing hour’ where attendees were welcome to have lunch or to grab the opportunity to chat with the panel of authors, peruse books, and buy them and have them signed. I’m pleased to report that the attendees didn’t rush madly out the door for their food and drink. Rather, they milled about speaking to us, finding out more about books and buying a few, too.

I loved this part of the session best, I have to confess. I adore meeting new people, readers, fellow authors and aspiring writers alike, and I never once left my stall to grab a drink. (Thankfully, Gill kept coming round with cups of tea and muffins ~ thank you!).

Question Time

After the meet-the-author time, Gill reconvened us for a guided panel discussion. She asked us authors about our experience of going into print ~ whether independently or through a publisher ~ and the audience was quick with questions about the publishing industry, but also our writing process in general. It was a wonderful and animated discussion and before we knew it, our time was quite literally up!

Parting shot. Photo courtesy of Tom Haughton @ Lincoln Inspired, with thanks.

See You Next Year?

The general consensus was clear: let’s do this again next year! This is Lincoln Inspired’s first edition and in my humble opinion at least, the audience’s and authors’ reactions make the session a huge success. I sincerely expect that this reflects the Festival as a whole. So therefore… here’s to a fabulous 2nd, 3rd, 4th….. and nth edition. Rock on!

Lincoln is definitely Inspired!
Don’t you think?

Intrigued! No idea what to expect…

Wow. They take the party seriously here! (This is the main road through the village!)

Cake stall!

Home made jams and chutneys. (Not by me, you gather) We bought some Whisky Marmalade…yum!

Not just a fair… an international fair! #loveitalianfood

Oh. I think I might fancy some of that. *cheers*

Bring on the entertainment! The local majorettes offer a stunning show.

Band! Love me a good band!

Juggling clown ~ it’s a ‘yes’ from me!

Morris dancing!!! Bring it on!

Yes, with hankies, too! I’m loving this!

And the ladies, too. (But no, I won’t be joining any time soon. Sorry!)

So we missed the actual dancing around the May Pole but we *did* see it, touch it…and think about it. Next year?

I tried to convince OH to have a go but… he refused.

YES! Boat swings! Quick, quick, let’s have a go….

Me. On Swing. “Tonight… I am young!!” LOL

It’s a bit small, but I reckon Sophie and Dan would have had a go.

The boys particularly loved this slide. Alas, I wasn’t allowed… #notsoyoungafterall

Glorious village fair. Well, I’m sold!

And there you have it. The weather was glorious ~ this must have been the hottest Bank Holiday Monday for decades ~ and the fair was fantastic. I’ll look forward to next year.

How about you ~ how did you spend your weekend or Bank Holiday Monday?

This past Saturday, 4th May 2013, they opened the BookStop Cafe Lincoln. The idea is brilliant: a book shop that supports independent and local authors where you can sit and drink a fabulous cup of coffee and have some cake. Or, to stand the idea on its head: a coffee shop where you can sit leisurely and drink a fabulous cup of coffee… whilst also perusing, and purchasing if you so wish, some of today’s best fiction as brought to you by the local and independent authors that Joff stocks. AWESOME!

It was my great pleasure to be present for the Grand Opening and here are some photos for you to share in the excitement.

Cut, cut, cut that ribbon, Joff and Becky!

Done! The BookStop Cafe is open. And the sun’s come out and the bells are ringing. Amazing!

We are all terribly excited about this! With Lizzie Lamb and June Kearns

Proud coffee shop owner Joff and local author~Me!

TWO proud owners ~ Joff and Becky. Photo courtesy of Lizzie Lamb, with thanks.

Cakes. Did I mention you can get fabulous cake here? Photo courtesy of Lizzie Lamb, with thanks.

Woohoo! I am ON THE SHELF!

The BookStop Cafe is doing its magic! And I’m doing a quick signing.

Happy BookStop Cafe customers! They had cake, they found a book, they got it signed… Everybody’s smiling. What a result!

Huge congratulations again to Joff and Becky and wishing you every success. Rock on!

Find the BookStop Cafe here:

47b Steep Hill, Lincoln

Or, if you can’t get there, find it on TWITTER. Or visit Joff’s WEBSITE.

SEE YOU THERE SOMETIME!

Wishing everyone in the UK a Happy Bank Holiday Monday on this fine morning. At any rate, I am going to be an optimist about this!

I’m posting a song today that’s been on the radio for a while. It’s by an alternative rock band from London whose lead singer is called Dan. #Justsaying. And just for the record, let me point out that I started writing the Rock Star Romance Trilogy long before this band ever came into existence. Still… It’s a nice fit, isn’t it? And I happen to adore the voice and the song.

There you go. Wasn’t that fab?

Have you got a song that’s an after-the-fact accidental and-probably-not-perfect-fit with your mood or your work but that captivates you nonetheless?

Why not join me and take a moment to stare into the deep blue sky?

And breathe….

Lovely.

I’ll be back next week with my usual vim and vigor!

What do you do when you need to take a breather?