BOOK NEWS: How to Stuff Up Christmas by Rosie Blake

Even though it's only July, news of upcoming festive releases is always exciting. One of them being How to Stuff Up Christmas by Rosie Blake, author of How to Get a Love Life. Released in November, the novel focuses on Eve, whose break-up takes her to the Isle of Wight...

When Eve's boyfriend cheats on her - just before Christmas - she decides the only thing for it is to escape. Eve seeks solace on the Isle of Wight where she is given the chance to mend her broken heart through the restorative power of cooking. However it turns out Eve is a walking kitchen disaster zone.

But an unexpected encounter under the mistletoe offers Eve the chance to remedy her lack of cooking skills, and move on from her no-good boyfriend. Will Eve have a Christmas to remember after all...?

UNCOVERED INTERVIEWS: Rosie Blake

Rosie Blake's debut novel, How to Get a (Love) Life, is out now - and it's a fantastic read (not to mention hilarious - review coming soon!) Of course, we couldn't wait to speak to Rosie and find out more about the novel, which focuses on heroine Nicola who takes on a challenge to find love before Valentine's Day.

Tell us about your latest novel in 15 words or less.
Nicola Brown dared to get a (love) life by Valentine's Day. Cue ensuing madness. Whoop! (I had a spare word).

What inspired you to write How to Get a (Love) Life?
*pictures self in a field of daisies bursting with writerly inspiration* In truth, I had been on so many horrific dates that made "great copy" that I thought: "The world should hear of these horrendous men so it can LOL over my misfortune."

Where do you do most of your writing?
Ha, ha, do you want the truth or the lie? I like to think of myself in a writer's paradise – flowers on every polished surface, the muse floating around on a candle-scented breeze, but in reality, I write in tracksuit bottoms while sitting on my sofa trying not to spill crumbs on the laptop.

What is your favourite book?
Unfair question. When I realised I wanted to write comic novels, I was particularly inspired by books like Are you Experienced by William Sutcliffe, Yes Man by Danny Wallace and, of course, the fabulous Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding. They all made me chuckle.

Which part of How to Get a (Love) Life did you enjoy writing the most?
I loved some of the minor characters and most of the scenes with Mark, her bat-obsessed brother, were some my faves. And the kayak scene. Need I say more…?

Who is your favourite literary heroine?
I have a few at the moment. *does intense fan girl face* I am currently stalking, I mean admiring, Hannah Richell. Her books Secret of the Tides and The Shadow Year have kept me completely gripped.

Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published writers?
It's the age-old tip – keep going. I have written for around 10 years – four in earnest – and have numerous short stories, novels and articles in various drawers. Gradually, I noticed I started to be placed in competitions as I practised and picked up tips from others.

Thanks, Rosie!

You can find out more about Rosie Blake at her website, or by following her on Twitter (@RosieBBooks)

NEW RELEASES: How to get a (Love) Life by Rosie Blake

With so many promising new books due for release in 2014, being spoilt for choice might just be a bit of an issue. However, one novel we've been particularly excited about is How to Get a (Love) Life by Rosie Blake. Published by Novelicious Books, the novel focuses on overly-cautious Nicola Brown who's tasked with finding her true love before Valentine's Day.

Some people book last-minute holidays, walk barefoot in the grass or party on a week night. Not Nicola Brown. Nicola is the kind of girl who double-locks the front door, leaves the plastic covering on new furniture, sticks to a super-strict diet and definitely, absolutely Does Not Date. 

Her colleague Caroline – loopy, warm and exasperated by her, knows that Nicola’s reluctance to lose control means she’s living only half a life. And so she lays down the gauntlet: Nicola must cast aside her hang ups and go on as many dates as it takes to find true love in time for Valentine’s Day. 

The pick of local men is, quite frankly, a bit rubbish. And there are only three months until February 14th. Surely it’s an impossible task? But, as Nicola is about to find out on her dodgy dates, letting go isn’t quite as scary as she imagined. In fact, it’s rather a lot of fun…

How to Get a (Love) Life is available to download now.