Author Lucy Dillon’s top picks

Lucy Dillon was born in Cumbria in 1974. She now divides her time between London and the Wye Valley. She first learned to dance at primary school, and has been dancing ever since. Though she would love to be able to foxtrot like Ginger Rogers, she knows it’s a futile dream due to her habit of leading.

167: Signed/personally dedicated copy of Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

I’ve been forcing this amazing, romantic, heart-melting novel into the hands of everyone I know – it won the RNA Novel of the Year award this month, and deservedly so. It sweeps from the 60s to the present day, from London to the Congo, tracking a tender but very real love story that stays with you for days afterwards. It’s a future classic and it’s signed. Bid high!

161: Manuscript/submission package critique + mentoring by YA author KERIS STAINTON

You can’t put a value on good insider advice when it comes to breaking into publishing, and Keris knows what’s she’s talking about. Not only a published writer of critical acclaim herself, she’s also read thousands of YA and chicklit novels in her blogging career, so will offer spot-on guidance about making your work as saleable as possible, tempered with just the right amount of sympathy. (And the same for all the mentoring offers – this is genuine, been-there advice on the little details that make all the difference, so snap it up!)

110: Signed copy of The 12 Point Guide to Writing Romance by Kate Walker + novels

This is a really helpful how-to guide that steers you through the whole tricky process of writing a romance novel, from start to finish – extremely inspiring! Plus, the reading material to go with it will show you exactly how to put it into action.

23: Dedication in the front of JILL MANSELL’s next book

If you want your name (or, I guess, your mum’s name, or your boyfriend’s name…) to appear in THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of homes, this is the lot to bid on. Only the phone book would get you better coverage. And it will also be a brilliantly funny, romantic novel too!

140: Signed drawing of Charlie from CASTLE OF SHADOWS by Ellen Renner

This is absolutely gorgeous, and would make a wonderful present. Hmm, where’s my Visa…?

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