When I was writing 'No One Cancels Christmas', I couldn't help but sneak in one of our family traditions from my childhood. When we'd broken up from school, Mum would always set us to work on making snowballs, and I carried on the tradition when my son was young. They're so lovely though, I still sometimes make them. Who needs a boring box, when you can have a pretty snowball?

Lots of people who've read the book have asked me for more details - so here you go!

What are they?
They're cotton wool snowballs that you can put small presents inside to open at the Christmas dinner table (or any time you choose!).
 
What do you need?
Balloons 
Old newspapers (or other paper)
Papier mache paste (made by mixing equal quantities of flour and water, or 2 parts of PVA glue with 1 part water)
A brush
Cotton wool (balls or a roll)
Pretty ribbon
Small gifts

How to make them
Blow the balloon up to a suitable size for the gifts - remember they don't have to be too large, I'd say 15cm max diameter.
Tear the paper into fairly large bits.
Dip a piece of paper into your paste, let it soak for a few seconds, then lay it on the balloon. Smooth it down with your fingers.
Add more pieces, overlapping them. Continue until the balloon is covered. Then brush it over to make sure it is smooth.
Add a second layer to cover the whole balloon. Then a third layer.
Leave the balloon to dry - this can take a couple of days.

Once the papier mache is dry, take small balls of cotton wool and stick them to the surface with PVA glue. You want it to be completely covered (so that it looks like a snowball) but not so thick that bits fall off!

Once the glue has dried, pop the balloon. You can now use the hole as a starting point, and cut round the diameter so you have two equal halves.
Pop a small gift (chocolate coins, miniature toiletries, key rings, jewellery etc.) into one half. Put the two halves together then tie with thick ribbon and add any decorations you want and a label!

I hope you have as much fun making them as we always have.
​Happy Christmas!
​Zara x

** Competition extended to 9th June to allow paperback readers to enter! **
** Don't miss the opportunity to win a paperback! There's a giveaway on my publishers blog - HERE **
It's always exciting when a book comes out, but 'Summer with the Country Village Vet' is a special one for me, so I wanted to do something a bit different to mark the day.

I want to thank as many people as I can who buy and read the book, so that's the thinking behind this competition.

So how do you enter? The book comes out on Friday May 26th (but you can order now, and for reviewers it's on NetGalley) so that's the opening date, and the competition will close on 2nd June.
All you have to do, if you enjoy the book, is post a link to your Amazon review - and the first 14 people who do so will win one of the coasters in the picture (a pig one, or farmyard one), plus a posh pen, a chocolate with the book cover on, a bookmark, and a personalised thank you note.
The next 16 entries (giving a total of 30) will receive a pen and bookmark.

You can enter on twitter - post a tweet including the hashtag #Review, a link to your review on Amazon, and tag me (@ZaraStoneley)
Or, you can enter on Facebook. Pop over to my Zara Stoneley page and add a comment to the pinned competition post - include the link to your Amazon review.
Or, add a comment here, including the link to your Amazon review.

As all entries are time and date stamped, I'll then go through all three methods of entry and pick out the first 14 entries for the top prizes, then another 16.

I'll also randomly pick out one person, from all the entries - and they will win the gorgeous mug.

If you've not yet ordered your copy of Summer with the Country Village Vet - click HERE.

A massive thank you in advance! I really hope you enjoy your trip to Langtry Meadows, love the animal antics and my very gorgeous vet Charlie :-)
​
Good luck!

Zara x

Anybody who has tried to pen a bestseller will know there is no magical formula, but we headed off to Knutsford Library on 20th October with the aim of passing on some hints and tips, and to 'bare our secrets' (as the local paper said!).

Three of the authors on the panel (including myself) have had Amazon best-sellers and we all wanted to pass on help and advice to aspiring authors, and to give readers an insight into what being an author is really like!

A couple of people who couldn't attend the event asked if I could report back, so here it is! Sorry for the delay – I’ve been typing like mad to finish my next book, and yesterday typed those wonderful words ‘The End’. More news on that soon...

Anyway, our aim was to entertain and answer questions about what it takes to write a best-seller, and with a lively panel (the Cheshirati have been likened to Loose Women) and a great audience I think we all left on a high. Thanks so much if you came along to the event, I hope it was informative and you had fun. We loved the questions and feedback.
 
Here (in brief) are some of the topics we chatted about – there was lots discussed (often veering way off topic – until Cath fixed us with her ‘look’ before getting us back on track with a scary question), and it’s impossible to include it all. I was also busy answering questions and joining in the debate, so had gaps in my scribbled notes. Hopefully you will enjoy reading these highlights though.
 
The Panel
Cath Bore (who writes crime) hosted the evening, Nikki Ashton (romantic comedy), Caroline James (contemporary fiction), Victoria Johns (erotica/new adult), and myself were on the panel. 

Why do we write?
For Victoria who’s always been an avid reader, it is about escapism. Nikki is a romantic who likes to put a smile on people’s faces, Caroline had always wanted to write but never felt she was good enough – until taking the plunge 5 years ago and self-publishing, and for me writing is a bit of an addiction (which got worse after a competition win), I can’t not do it!
 
Indie vs Traditional
Nikki and Victoria are both indie authors, Caroline and myself have dipped our toes in both! It was agreed that one wonderful aspect of being an indie author is the control it offers – book titles and covers (both vital elements of any book) can be experimented with and changed, along with the categories and meta-tags on Amazon. Whether you are indie or traditionally published though, good editing is crucial. A traditional publisher will provide this, but for an indie author it’s important to find the right editor – somebody who is good, reliable, and ‘gets’ you and your voice. Indie publishing is no longer seen as a last resort – it’s a conscious choice, selected for a variety of reasons. This could be for example because it leaves control with the author, the fact that a book crosses genres, is challenging in a way that means a publisher may not be prepared to take the risk of publishing it, is similar to other books that a publisher already has, or an author may not want the pressure and deadlines that may otherwise be imposed. There are pros and cons for both. I love my publisher, other authors on the panel loved their independence.
 
Networking
Getting your books out there is getting increasingly challenging. A presence on social media is important, but it was agreed that the effectiveness and approach needed is changing all the time. It’s more important than ever for all authors (not just indies – agents and publishers will do background checks on how active an author is on social media and whether they have a website) to spend time on networking. You need to build a good relationship with readers, authors and bloggers.  We chatted a bit about the importance of reviews, Victoria (who published her first book in 2016) commented on the difficulty in finding reviewers willing to read ARC’s. Two wonderful bloggers/reviewers I know were in the audience (Joanne – My Chestnut Reading Tree, and Jill - Jill’s Book Café) and were able to provide a great insight into what it’s like on the other side of the fence. The message was clear – don’t demand, do be nice and remember the personal touch. A lot of reviewers these days are being wooed by the big publishers, and paperbacks, chocolates and parties are on offer. Be a real person and not just a demanding author plugging a book – enter into conversation and build a relationship.
It’s also very important to balance time spent on promotion/networking and time allocated to writing. (I love chatting online, particularly when I've hit a tricky bit in my book, but I set myself strict word-count targets each day to make sure I get the book written!)
 
Research
Caroline has been inspired by events such as the Appleby Horse Fair, and by celebrity chefs she's interviewed such as Keith Floyd, and she stresses the importance of actually ‘being there’. These days it’s easy to find information online, but ‘feel’ is important and you can’t beat actually experiencing places and events if you’re going to write about them. After a brief discussion about the importance of also making sure what your characters do is plausible and possible it led on to…
 
Writing the ‘hot’ bits
The ‘heat’ level varied between the authors. Nikki and Caroline both like to leave a lot to the readers’ imagination.  I have written erotic novels, as does Victoria, and we have both read other erotic books for research. Being in the mood, being able to keep it real, and making sure what you’re writing about is physically possible were all discussed!
 
Writers' Groups and Beta readers
The idea of a writer’s group terrified Cath, but Caroline found the one she joined very helpful. It was agreed that you need to find the right one for you, which will develop your confidence. Neither myself, Nikki or Victoria have been in a group, but we all agreed on the importance of having a ‘sounding board’. Our Cheshirati group gives us the opportunity for ‘author’ talk and support – and for me it is these individual links rather than a formal group that works best. Nikki and Victoria now regularly walk together – and thrash out ideas! Beta readers were touched on – if you can find somebody you trust, they can be a great help. Similarly some agents/editors/publishers will give ongoing feedback prior to the final edit. It’s important though to trust your own instincts on what is right for your book, and to find somebody who understands your writing style, voice, and sense of humour.
 
Fitting in Writing
Most authors have to fit writing in around day jobs and families. How do they do it? It can certainly help if you can learn to write anywhere. Victoria commented that she actually found it easier to write when she was on holiday – the change of environment inspiring her. Nikki could work with a soundtrack, Caroline needs peace and quiet and her routine, and I vary depending on what stage of the book I’ve reached! At the end of the day, it comes down to individual choice, but the one thing that was agreed on was that it was about prioritising. This could mean working through the night, or setting aside a chunk of the day. If you really want to write that book, then you can. It can be quite a balancing act, but if you want to write to make money then you do need to view it as a business.
Some authors also need to switch the internet off, whereas I must admit what works for me is interspersing short periods of concentrated writing with dipping into social media and the internet – the only danger is it can lead to ‘faffing’ rather than writing! One gentleman in the audience did ask if authors could be mildly obsessive – I do tend to agree, but I think the word that was chosen in its place was committed!
 
Can you do it yourself?
Some people are capable of editing, designing book covers, and formatting a kindle book themselves (Amazon supply a good free booklet on formatting) – most of us admit we aren’t experts at everything. It was agreed that it’s important for all authors to come across as professional and produce the best product they can. These days it’s relatively easy to find people to help – but the importance of recommendation and word of mouth was raised.
The various Amazon imprints were discussed, along with the traditional publishing route and digital first imprints (and the need for an agent if you go down some routes). These days there are various options and it’s about finding the right one for you. It was pointed out though, that if you want to get rich quick then writing a book is not the solution!

​It was a great evening. A chance to catch-up with old-friends and make some new ones. Big thanks to our wonderful compere Cath, and thank you so much if you joined us – I hope you enjoyed the event, and found it inspirational and informative.
Also a big thanks to Mike and the staff at the library for hosting us, providing refreshments and putting up with all the chat which meant it was quite late by the time they managed to lock the doors!
​

Nikki Ashton has recently released ‘Rock Stars Do Like Christmas Stockings’. This is book 3 in her 'Rock Stars Don't Like...' series  which is proving very popular! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE  
 
Caroline James’ new title is ‘Jungle Rock’ - which fans of 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here' will love. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 
 
Victoria Johns releases ‘Finding Love’ on 18th November. This is book 4 in The Soul Sisters series, and is available to pre-order now. Be one of the first to read a copy - CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE 
 
I’m delighted that ‘The Holiday Swap’ is already an Amazon bestseller – at the time of writing it’s in the top 30 (and has been a #1 in two categories). It has also been #11 in the Kobo chart (and has been #1 in two categories). Thank you SO much to everybody was has already bought a copy – I am now off to lurk in our local shops and see if I can spot any copies of the paperback! If you've not yet grabbed your copy CLICK HERE! 

Look away now if you're one of those people who HATES talking about Christmas in September. No, no, please read on - because it isn't all about the festive season, though I have to admit I am going to say the 'C' word.

It's publication day for 'The Holiday Swap', so it's kind of got me mentally lining up the films I always want to watch over the Christmas (sorry) break.

Okay... so obviously I LOVE 'The Holiday' - how does Cameron Diaz run down that snowy lane in heels? I have enough trouble in wellingtons! But this is a fab feel-good film that always makes me happy. The first time I saw it was in the cinema with a friend, it made me so happy I was laughing out loud, and crying. It's not what I'm normally like in public, my friend didn't volunteer to go and watch any more romcoms with me!

Love Actually - I've watched this so many times, and I'm sure I'm going to keep pressing that play button. Every time it's on I spot a new bit, or something makes me smile or ponder more than it has before. I'm hoping that this isn't down to my bad memory (which my husband would say is the issue), or variable attention span (my son would go for this explanation), but is just because it's a bloody good film with so many different strands. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Bridget Jones - I'm actually a bit worried about this one. I'm a massive fan of the previous films, in that laugh until you cry kind of way. But will the latest one live up to my expectations? I can't not go and see it, but I do have my fingers crossed that it's as good as I'm hoping. Even without the possibility of a bad man-fight between Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. Oh God, I love that fight.

So yeah, I know it is only September (just), and I am normally one of those people who refuses to even think about Christmas, let alone plan my movies out or buy stuff. But you'll have to excuse me just this once. 

It's publication day for Country Rivals! I'm excited, anxious and slightly concerned as the third Tippermere novel leaves the safety of my computer and enters the world. I absolutely love this book, but writing it left me feeling wrung out at times. It touched on more than one nerve and brought back some sad memories - which is why I'm feeling slightly more on tenterhooks than normal as I wait to hear what you think about it.



I hope the story makes you laugh, because it is so important to me that when you pick up one of my books to read, you're left with that warm, fuzzy feeling and have a chuckle along the way. Country Rivals also has a slightly more serious side to it though, so I hope that resonates with you too.

There are a couple of slightly shocking happenings in Tippermere, that made me well up as I wrote them (so have the tissues handy) - when I first mentioned the details of one chapter to my editor she was initially horrified, but I hope that as you read you can see (like she did) that it had to happen. 

On the happy side, I'd like you to meet Samantha, Andrew and Ella (along with Henry who is photo-bombing the shot!)

Ella, as the winner of our competition, has a starring role in Country Rivals (and hopefully will feature on the jacket of the paperback edition). She is a very lucky little dog as she is owned by one of the new characters, Xander, and gets lots of cuddles - as befits such an adorable dog!

Other new characters include Pandora, who was an amazing character to write and had me laughing and crying in turn at her audacity! She is one of those love her or loathe her characters, and I can't wait to hear which camp you fall in.

I have been absolutely amazed at the support for Country Rivals so far - it became an Amazon best seller some time ago.  To hit that number one spot is a dream come true - and gave me another reason to celebrate! Massive, massive thanks if you ordered your copy in advance. It makes me tremendously happy, and proud, to know that you love Tippermere enough to order your copy so far in advance.

This evening I will be celebrating with cava and cake in Barcelona. It seemed fitting to bake a carrot cake, like Lottie does for the village show in Tippermere, so if you'd like to join me check out the recipe which I shared HERE with my friend author Jane Linfoot.

If you've read the other novels in the series, then I hope you find Country Rivals is a fitting continuation, if you're a new visitor to Tippermere then be assured that you can read and enjoy the novels individually.

I do hope you will be joining in with my celebrations today -please feel free to share the news on Twitter and Facebook, leave a review if you have time, and spread the word!

​And now, I leave you with cake - thank you so much for joining me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Happy reading!
Zara x

Well it was swoon time on Sunday when, after a very exciting game of polo, I got up close to the players.  It's been a fun filled, fabulous summer and what better way to top it off than sitting in the sun watching some fantastic players and horses?

It's hard to believe that the last time I posted an update was in May - but a lot has happened since then. So here are the highlights...

June was all about planning, and getting married!

We had a perfect day, which turned into a weekend long celebration as most of our family and friends made the most of a break in Barcelona.
After a couple of weeks on our own, exploring some beautiful villages and towns along the coast, it was back to work.

In August I was signing copies of 'Stable Mates' and 'Country Affairs' in Waterstones.

I'm looking for a dog to join the Tippermere pack and feature in my next novel - and star on the cover! Full details can be found here. I am so looking forward to spending time with Charlotte from Harper Collins picking out a winner! 

And, the bit you've been waiting for - the polo...

Even if you aren't particularly horsey - a day out at the polo is fabulous. We're very lucky that the Cheshire Polo Club is only a short distance away, and everybody there is lovely - very welcoming and more than willing to explain the rules!

I originally went along for research purposes (yes, my next book is going to feature a very hot polo player!) but I'm now hooked. The final game that we watched at the weekend was, I'm told, one of the best of the season so far.  

If you're in the Cheshire area, pop along - they have games every weekend from May to September, take the family (I took my non-horsey husband who loved it), take the dog, and take a picnic!

So, on a final note, here is that picture of me with the winning team again. Artist Sarah Clegg sponsored the Artist's Indart Trophy, and as I'd donated signed copies of 'Country Affairs' allowed me to help present the prizes.

Keep an eye out for news of my next novel, and don't forget to enter the competition!

Zara x

You can find out more about the Cheshire Polo Club on their website, and Facebook page.

Today I've been tidying the house, which believe me needs it. I am no domestic goddess, but even my standards have dropped lately (is that possible?) as I've rushed around doing last minute edits for Country Affairs, writing posts for my blog tour, getting ready for my wedding and talking to reporters!

I love it all - being an author is the job I've always wanted - but it was lovely to drop everything on Thursday, head down to London, and put off the housework for just one more day!

First stop was at The News Building to meet my lovely editor Charlotte Ledger, who is responsible for my Tippermere books. Without her they would never have been written. We shared a glass of prosecco and some incredible cake at the Borough Market to celebrate the release of 'Country Affairs', and chatted about my next book. (News soon!)

I got a close up view of the imposing Shard, which is opposite The News Building, then went inside the building that houses Harper Collins.

From inside the building there's an incredible view - I'm not sure I'd get much work done if it was my office space! And I got to pose in front of the famous book wall...

From there I headed off to meet friends and get ready for the Romantic Novelists' Association Summer Party. It was the first RNA event I've been to, and I'm not a great networker (I'm better with horses and dogs) so the whole idea was a bit daunting. But the wonderful Mandy Baggot (have you grabbed a copy of her new release 'Truly, Madly, Greekly' yet?) took me in hand and introduced me to lots of people - apologies if you were one of those people and I just stared awestruck with hardly a word to say, next time we meet I promise I will have more to say! 

In the first picture I'm with Mandy and the lovely Samantha Tonge (check out her best selling book 'Game of Scones'), and in the second we're with the incredible Talli Roland who I've admired from afar for a long time. Mainly because she writes such brilliant books, but also because she always looks immaculate, how does she do that? Thanks to John Jackson for that great photo of us on the right! 

I also got to chat to other HarperImpulse authors, including the winner of the Joan Hessayon Award Brigid Coady, and finalists Nikki Moore, Caroline Roberts and Karen Aldous. I met the lovely Lizzie Lamb, chatted to the incredibly friendly Holly Martin and was introduced to TA Williams, Jan Ellis and many others.
As the event wound up I headed back to the hotel to share a pizza with Mandy, Samantha and the talented  Cathy Bramley! I was exhausted and awestruck!!

And now I'd very much like to curl up like Bilbo is doing, but I'm going to have to disturb him as a pile of ironing awaits, but before I tackle that, a quick heads up...

Following up from the lovely article that the local newspaper ran last week, I've got some exciting news coming soon about a book signing, and an amazing competition. More news on that coming soon!

And lastly a very heartfelt thank you to everybody who has already bought Country Affairs, and extra thanks if you've written a review. The reviews so far have been awesome (not a word I use often), it means so much to hear that you've enjoyed the book and the fact that you've also taken the time to let the world know about it is something I really appreciate.

So, as I can't put off the housework any longer, I better be off... and I really do need to buy some food!
Have a lovely weekend,
Zara x

I am so thrilled to be able to finally share the cover for my next book. I saw this a couple of months ago and it was on love on first sight. So, here it is...

What do you think? I absolutely adore that little dog - who fits Tilly to a 'T'. If you've not read Stable Mates yet, then you won't have met Tilly, who is one of Rory's terrier trio and the leader of the pack. And as for those knickers she has her eye on, well there's a story behind those.... all will be revealed(!) on release day which is 7th May, with the paperback following in July (just in time to take on holiday!). More details HERE.

And if you've not yet caught up with Stable Mates - find out more HERE, or read the lovely article that appeared in the newspaper HERE!

I've had an amazing week - but next week the laptop is having a rest for a couple of days, I need to find a wedding dress! Any suggestions? We're tying the knot in Barcelona, so it's going to be hot, but a gorgeous hotel so not too casual.... sophisticated, glam, but not too formal or dressy.... 

Thanks for reading, and mega thanks to everybody who has taken the time to share all my news over the last few days!

Zara x

I was also incredibly lucky to be invited to my local library to talk at a Writers' Forum recently. I love my life as an author - spending time with my truly gorgeous men and their wonderful horses, some feisty girls and Cheshire glam is a wonderful life, but it is also great to talk to real people! 
An evening spent reading some excerpts, answering questions from readers and aspiring writers, and of course enjoying a glass of wine, was great fun. I met one lovely author, June Walker Smith, who has recently self-published a couple of stories, and I'm hoping she'll agree to feature as one of my guest authors soon.

With some incredible new reviews for Stable Mates, including praise from Fiona Walker (I absolutely adore her books - if you haven't read them, you should!), plus news that my local supermarket will be stocking copies soon, 2015 is looking like it will be fun!

And for all those readers that have asked when Stable Mates is going to be made into a TV series - I would so love to see that, any suggestions for who should play Elizabeth? In the meantime I'm planning a short trailer of my own!

The weather is picking up now, and I'm looking forward to attending a Pre-season party at the Polo Club soon. Nobody will object to a hot polo player in the next book will they? I will report back when my research is under way!

Zara x

The title might have given it away - chaos rules! There is so much going on in my life at the moment that I feel a bit like Lottie in Stable Mates, scatty, disorganised and hoping for a miracle...
Where do I start? Well, Happy New Year (have I already said that?) - I hope 2015 is a wonderful one for you. May whatever you need arrive on your doorstep, and whatever you desire be out there for you to chase and catch.

So here's my last few weeks in fast forward.... starting with the most important bit of all (the desire and catching bit), like Lottie I got my man (or he got me)! My very own hero proposed, not quite on one knee, but close. It was romantic, totally unexpected and wonderfully, brilliantly, lovely. And the ring? After some searching we have found the perfect ring that says it all... from Barcelona (our second home that we love so much), unique (from a designer who works from a studio in the city), understated (it's all about how we feel about each other, not being flashy), not quite ready (did I mention being busy??). I will show you when I have it, soon, I promise... We're getting married in an amazing (I do not use that word lightly) hotel in Barcelona in June, there will be a weekend of champagne, tapas, fun, sun and romance. I'd love to be able to invite you all, but as it's impossible (and I know flights are expensive) I will post updates and photos, and hope you'll join us in spirit. And in the meantime, I need a dress!! All suggestions gratefully received :-)

And on to the cats... ah yes. Bilbo, my 'not so little any more' black kitten had his first Christmas. We will brush over the fun with the Christmas tree and concentrate on the positive. He's given us hours of entertainment playing with his new 'Cats Meow' toy, and it did distract him from the tree. Now all I have to do is find out how to distract him from sitting on my keyboard and deleting the last 100o words I've typed (how does he manage to do that?), and stop his new addiction to day time TV - yup, he's found out that prodding the remote control when I'm out can be fun...