This is an exciting time for me as a writer. I have been working on my craft on a deeper level for the last couple of years. I am building on the foundation of what I've learned about writing and about myself. Writing is a journey of self discovery. I think it's one of the reasons so many people want to write or feel compelled to even if they don't get around to it. We are drawn to it in some elemental way in the search for meaning and purpose.

My purpose this year is to bring my readers emotionally satisfying stories that resonate with them in a meaningful way.  I look forward to hearing what you think of my upcoming releases.

Best wishes,

Melanie

I am excited about my Presents duo and the Sydney Harbour  medical continuity as well as the medical I am currently writing.  I have a lot of ideas for another Presents series so all I need now is the time and space to write. 

I am looking forward to going to RWA in Anaheim as well as a trip to London. I desperately want to meet my new editor face to face. But most of all I am looking forward to digging deeper and deeper into my writing to bring my readers the sorts of stories that stay with them.  

warmest wishes,

Melanie Milburne

I have a lot on this month. I have a talk with the Howrah Probus Group as well as Business East dinner on the Eastern shore in Hobart.  And I have a birthday too! 

On the book front- I have completed my Presents Duo. I am so thrilled with these two book due out in 2012. Deserving of His Diamonds is Gisele and Emilio's story which is quite possibly the most emotionally wrenching book I've ever written. The second- Enemies at the Altar is one of those books that more or less wrote itself. Andreas and Sienna are sworn enemies. They absolutely loathe each other and are forced together in marriage in order to inherit money and property. It is a classic case of opposites attack and attract! I loved wiring their dialogue and I still smile when I think of the last scene when Andreas comes to claim Sienna. 

Now I am working on a new Medical. Jake Chandler has his hands full when a new A&E doctor arrives from London. Kitty Cargill is a fish out of water who finds herself in over her head and head over heels in love with her new boss. 

The other thing I have been working on is some dog whispering with young Lily. She is now able to do ten or more tricks. She is a clever little thing. I am proud of her. Polly has joined in with the tricks. She didn't want to be outdone by her daughter! 

I hope your November is a happy one!

Melanie Milburne

I have been working on a Presents Duo. The first book is called Deserving of His Diamonds. It is easily the most emotional book I have ever written. The second is as yet untitled and I am loving the characters. Two sworn enemies are thrown together in a marriage of convenience in order to inherit a fortune. I'll keep you posted on who them and their title.

Writing is very time consuming so I guess that's why the year seems to have flashed by. I love the process of playing with characters. It is so deeply satisfying to craft a novel from a kernel of a story idea to the finished product. I don't think I will ever get tired of that wonderful feeling of achievement. 

Happy reading!

Melanie 

Attending The Australian Romance Writers 20th Anniversary Conference in Melbourne was particularly exciting for me as I won The R*BY award which is The Romantic Book of the Year. I was nominated in both the Sweet/Traditional and Sexy category. I won for the Sweet/Traditional for The Doctor's Rebel Knight.  Although my author's voice is more in line with the Sexy/Modern category, this book in particular had a softer approach as the characters more or less dictated that. This book is really special to me as I wrote it for The National Heart Foundation as part of their silent auction.
Hearing my name announced was just like being at The Oscars, What was so special was the roar of the crowd. I felt very humbled by everyone's support.

In my acceptance speech ( which I hastily thought of as I walked up to the podium) I spoke of how my triumph was really someone else's tragedy in that there can only be one winner. But then life is like that.  We all take turns at both triumph and tragedy, don't we?

Thank you to all of my readers who make my job all the more enjoyable at moments like this. To be awarded this accolade is truly an honour I will always treasure.

Warmest wishes,

Melanie Milburne

Now of course, it's back to work. I have a Presents duo I'm working on as well as another Medical which is screaming at me to be written. The characters have been in my head for months. I think it will be one of those glorious books that writes itself. Or at least that's what I hope!

Happy reading!

Melanie

The wonderful thing about traveling is it is so inspirational. The people you meet, the places you see, the food you eat: all of it adds to the tapestry of a writer's life.

Conferences are fabulous as I love talking to writers and aspiring writers and of course fans. It's great to meet people face to face, to catch up with editors over drinks or dinner. It's about the only time of the year when I get to feel like a world famous author! The rest of the time I am holed up in my office working all by myself.

If you are coming to New York I will be at the Literacy author signing as well as hanging around the conference so don't be shy! It will make my trip all the more wonderful to meet you. 

Happy reading and warmest wishes.

Melanie

I am very excited to announce that I have received two nominations for the 2011 Australian Romance Writers Romantic Book of the Year contest! The winners will be announced at the 20th Anniversary conference in August in Melbourne.

The Doctor's Rebel Knight (Medical) was nominated in the sweet category and Scandal Unclaimed Love Child (Presents released as The Unclaimed Baby in the US) was nominated for the sexy category. I wrote The Doctor's Rebel Knight as part of my contribution to the silent auction for the National Heart Foundation. It is such a thrill to think this particular book has resonated with the readers/judges.

And of course I am equally thrilled that my first book of the Sabbatini Brother's Trilogy has been nominated. It was also nominated by the Australian Romance Readers Association.

This is definitely a career highlight for me. I am just so honored to be nominated amongst such fabulous writers.

And a very big thank you to all my readers!

For all my US readers May is the month for the first of the Sabbatini Brothers Trilogy. Book One is out in a few days!  Book Two and Three will be out June and July.

My April update is a bit late! Life seems so busy just now trying to fit everything in. We've been doing some work at home, new fences and painting so lots of tradesmen around which I find very distracting.

I am working on a continuity for the Harlequin Medical series. It will be out next year. I really love the story outline I've been given. It's also wonderful to be working with some of my favourite writers and friends.

Hope you all have a super Easter. Ours will be a quiet one just enjoying the beach and lots of reading and hopefully lots of writing.

Warmest wishes,

Melanie