My guest today is romcom and historical romance author Georgia Hill. Georgia is going to talk to us about her writing journey and her new book. So grab yourself a cuppa, get cosy and let’s get chatting to Georgia. 

Author bio:

Georgia Hill writes warm-hearted and up-lifting contemporary and dual narrative romances about love, the power and joy in being an eccentric oldie and finding yourself and your community. She lives near the sea with her beloved dogs and husband (also beloved) and loves the books of Jane Austen and collecting elephants. She’s also a complete museum geek and finds inspiration for her books in the folklore and history of the many places in which she’s lived. She’s worked in the theatre, for a charity and as a teacher and educational consultant before finally acknowledging that making things up was what she really wanted to do.

Thanks so much, Karen, for having me on! It’s a pleasure, Georgia. We’re all eager to find out about your publication journey.

This is a long story much condensed! Twenty years ago (can’t believe it’s been so long) I became obsessed with a period drama adapted from Mrs Gaskell’s North and South. The online fan forum had a section where members could post writing. On a whim I began a chapter inspired by the characters in the book. I sent it in piecemeal, with no idea of point of view, setting, pace or any of the usual conventions of novel writing – or even where the story was heading! Luckily, I’ve always been an avid reader so knew how books worked.

I wrote in secret, hammering away in any moment snatched from my full-time teaching job. When I confessed to my husband, I shook with nerves. It was the first time I’d admitted to being a writer. What’s more, I hadn’t been holed up in the study being ultra conscientious over my lesson planning, I’d been writing a book. (Dear Reader, I did the schoolwork too!)

Settling into my style, I began learning the craft. I read lots of ‘how to’ books, did a Creative Writing Course and began networking. Completely rewritten, those first chapters evolved into a novel published by a small digi-first publisher. I’d taken the first step in my writing journey and had a book out.

Next was to join the Romantic Novelists’ Association. At one of its conferences, I had the opportunity to send three chapters to a publisher and achieved my first contract with Harper Impulse, an imprint of Harper Collins. I can remember dancing around the kitchen when I put the phone down. First published in 2009, there have been a few more publishers since then. I’m currently editing my twenty-fourth book and have just signed a new contract for three more. I’ve been very, very lucky but I’ve worked hard and there have certainly been ups and downs. Last year was so difficult I nearly gave up.

I’m best known for my romances set by the sea. I live in a small town in Devon and draw much inspiration from it. I also write dual narrative historical romance, often with a spooky element. In a weird upturn in fate, I have three books out this year. Magpie, a dual narrative inspired by the Bideford Witches, comes out in September and the third in the Lullbury Bay romance series will be published in October. My most recent release is very much a passion project and something I’d been trying to place with a publisher for some time. I’m absolutely delighted The Sea Glass Necklace is finally out there. It’s exactly the sort of book I love to read – history, mystery, a hint of the supernatural and a sexy archaeologist.

It’s been a gradual process to truly accept the mantle of writer but I’m now proud, when people ask what I do, to say I’m a writer of romance!

Congratulations on all your success, Georgia, and well done for not giving up when times got tough. I love the cover of The Sea Glass!

Georgia’s Latest Book

Blurb

Present Day
Escaping an abusive relationship, Juno runs away to Begin-Again Cottage in Flete, a sleepy town on the Devon coast. When she finds a sea glass bead her dreams become rich with the image of a Celtic man, and a woman’s voice begins calling her name. With the help of attractive archaeologist Tom, she uncovers the story of star-crossed lovers rumoured to haunt the hills above the town. And, when Juno’s ex-boyfriend tracks her down, she must summon a strength that comes from a woman who lived nearly two thousand years before …

AD 370 Roman Britannia
Flavia, in love with the son of a tribal chieftain, is facing a forced marriage to her father’s loathsome slave. Desperate, she casts a curse, demanding the goddess Juno gives protection – and a chance to escape. The incantation echoes down through time, reaching out to another woman in distress …

Will past and present collide to empower Flavia and Juno when they need it most, or will the predatory men who pursue them prove too powerful?

Buy Link: The Sea Glass Necklace’ by Georgia Hill

Contact Georgia here:

X @georgiawrites

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/georgiahillauthor

Website www.georgiahill.co.uk

More of Georgia’s books