Hello and welcome! Hello, my lovely - I’m Lilac Mills (though you might also see me writing as Liz Davies or Etti Summers), and this little corner of the web is where I share bits of my life, my creative process, and stories that warm the heart. If you've come here after reading one of my books, thank you. It means so much to me. If you're new, I'm so glad you’re here. Either way, I hope you’ll feel at home here. Want to be notified whenever I write a new blog post? Why I wri

Pantser vs plotter - why it’s not an either/or choice. Lilac Mills shares her discovery writing process and why mixing methods works best for her.

Do you need the perfect setup to write? Learn why writing anywhere, with anything, beats waiting for the “right” place or tools.

Okay, so the disclaimer on all my books says something along the lines of... 'This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organisations, places and events are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblence to an actual person, living or dead... is entirely coincidental.' It's kind of true in that I don't wholly base a character on one person. Not really. Okay, maybe just a bit... My characters tend to be romancenste

Readers often want to know what my favourite trope is, and I must admit to having a soft spot for single parent romance. Which is probably why I've written a couple of books featuring single mums - and dads!    Single parenthood reflects real life, whether it be a mum who is bringing up the kids on her own, a dad who is struggling because he doesn't see his children every day, or even a dad who is the primary (or sole) care giver.   So here are the stories I've written where

Many readers want to know whether I set my books in real places or are the settings entirely fictional. My answer is – ‘that depends…’ Not helpful, but true. Take my Island Romance series, for instance; all three books are set on the island of Tenerife, part of the Canaries in the Atlantic. The island is real and so are all the locations mentioned. If you're interested, I've written a blog pos t where I talk about the scenery and places that appear in the books. Even the v

I don't know about you, but as soon as Christmas is out of the way, my thoughts turn to spring, especially during the seemingly endless dark, dank days of January. I find myself looking for signs that spring is on its way - whether it be the almost imperceptible lengthening of the days, or the tiny new shoots poking through the soil. When I see the first catkins on the trees I get quite giddy - and don't get me started on the cute little lambs! Spring is all about fresh start

I love incorporating animals into my writing because, let's face it, many of us have them and they're part of our families. My first uplifting romance - Sunshine at Cherry Tree Farm - was inspired by the loss of my little Westie. You can read about that here , if you like. The book acted as a catharsis, encouraged me to adopt Poppy, my adorable cockapoo. Millie is the pooch on the left, by the way. Then when writing about Nell, the Border collie in The Tanglewood Flower Sho

Explore how embroidery, sewing, pottery, and even sea glass found their way into the Scottish Isle books.

A pottery fail that inspired a Scottish island romance.

A nostalgic look back at childhood longings, the joy of restoring a dolls’ house, and how a second-hand treasure inspired the creation of Tara McTaigh in Surprises on the Scottish Isle - a heartwarming tale of miniature masterpieces and second-chance romance.

January is the perfect time to refresh your TBR with fresh romance novels that promise to captivate your heart and imagination.

Discover Iceland’s heartwarming Christmas tradition of gifting books on Christmas Eve – cozy evenings, hot drinks, and the joy of reading.

Tregolls Lodge Book Club: Exclusive Q&A with Author Lilac Mills   Howard Embery set up the Tregolls Lodge Book Club in Truro back in 2017. Unlike conventional book clubs where members read the same book and discuss it, the members of Tregolls Lodge Book Club meet weekly to chat about whichever books they happen to be reading at the time, and these meetings are even attended by members in the US who join virtually.  The club also produces its own regular e-magazine featuring a

Curl up with the ultimate cosy combination this Christmas - books and festive magic! Discover why bookshop romances make the perfect winter read and find your next feel-good festive favourite.

Learn how to slow down, refocus, and find joy in writing again - without the burnout.

Author reflections on old books, Christmas writing, and a knitting project gone wrong - nostalgia and creativity in equal measure.

This year, I’m once again taking part in Children in Read 2025, a wonderful annual charity event that brings together authors, readers, and book lovers to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

Distraction and procrastination have been the words of the week, as I've been lured away from what I should be writing by the shiny-shiny allure of a new story that I'm itching to start. Monday began with breakfast out, a mooch around the shops and a walk by the river. The dog enjoyed the breakfast (of course she shared a bit!) and the river walk, but the shops not so much. I thoroughly enjoyed all three! The afternoon saw me itching to start work on a second book in my new

Pub gossip, market-day smiles, and maybe a hint of matchmaking... I’m often asked where I get the ideas for my characters from, and to be honest, I find them everywhere. Behind every pub counter, every market stall, and every cottage door, there’s a little romance waiting to happen - everyday people who could belong in a romance novel.   Whenever I’m out and about, especially when I visit the little villages and small market towns that feature in my stories, it doesn’t take m

Discover your next feel-good read with this roundup of romantic novels set in bookshops, from cosy seaside stores to festive village shops. Perfect for anyone craving heartwarming love stories and cosy bookshop vibes.

From Jane Austen’s Bath to vintage key shops, explore the inspiration behind Tabitha Locke’s Key to Happiness, an uplifting and cosy romance novel.

Many villages in Wales have community and friendship at their heart, and I especially love the little market towns in the Welsh Marches (that's what the land along the border between England and Wales is called). The Tanglewood Village series is loosely based on one of them - Crickhowell. Set in a green valley with a river running through it and mountains on either side, it’s a place I would love to live. It has a couple of cafes, a pub or two, a florist and a bookshop. The

It's not every day that world renowned cyclists pass so close to my home town, and it's not every day that the Tour of Britain races up one of the most famous routes in Wales! The Tumble (aka The Blorenge) involves around 1,300 feet of climbing over a distance of four miles – a challenge not to be taken lightly, according to my husband who has cycled this route many times, although not reaching the summit in the impressively quick times the professionals achieve.   Unable to