It's Chaos Out There

This was the year I planned to organise, but things have gone awry. I was going to manage my finances, my time, house and wardrobe. Everything, really. Instead, I've done none of that, and, so far, I've kind of lost track of time. Some might say, I've done the opposite of what I planned. Oopsie.

Get Back on Track

Okay. Reset! It's an ordinary Wednesday, halfway through the year, but that seems as good a time as any to restart. I've got my notebooks out, which any writer knows is an integral part of organisation, and I'm trying to be more focused. 

Family, of course, has the priority on my time, but second to that is writing. I've got half-written stories coming out of the whazoo, and it's time I got them finished. 

Planning Ahead

I think the secret to order is looking ahead to the future, which is why I'm already planning Christmas. At the end of each season, prepare for the next. At the end of each day, prepare for the next. At the end of each book, prepare for the next. 

Finding Order

It's chaos out there, and to be a writer, I need to develop some serious time management skills. Organisation is not one of my natural skills. I'm a messy person, and as hard as I've tried, it's not a talent I've managed to develop. 

It doesn't mean I won't try. 

Tomorrow is a new day, and with a one-year-old, it will be an early start. I may as well be as productive as my kid lets me be. I'm looking forward to the order in the chaos. 

Kindle Overload

 

We've just passed the six-month mark, so I've made a mid-year resolution. My plan is to read the books on my Kindle. I've got a few on there. Some were free, some I've read, some are on my digital TBR pile. But the time has come to read them.

Evaluate and Read

I think the six-month mark is a good stage to evaluate things, and so far this year, I've been rubbish at reading. I've been in a slump, and I can't decide what I want to read. 

Time to work through the list, but naturally, it will be in between working on my own books, so it may take a while. I'm about to read a boatload of romance because that's mostly what's on my Kindle. I feel like this is an achievable goal, given that it is reading. I'm good at that. 

New Books

I'm not planning on buying new books while I do this, but come on, be real... I'm not going to be able to resist buying books. That's a hobby all on its own, so for all I know, this will be a resolution that never reaches an end because I'll just keep adding to it. I'm okay with that. 

Alphabetical or Jump In

Do I start with the As or do I pick and choose? That's the question. I think I'll pick and choose. Sometimes you don't fancy certain books, and I don't want to make the slump worse. I want to get into reading again. I want to lose myself in books. 

If you enjoyed this post, then take a look at some of my others or head on over to my website. 

Things I Need to be a Writer

As a romance writer, I don't need a lot, but there are a few things that help me to write the erotic romance novels that I do. Some are a given. The day job funds my writing career, the laptop is essential for the practicalities of being a writer, and my imagination is what makes me a writer. But there are some essentials I couldn't get by without. Or maybe I could, but it wouldn't be as fun. 

Books

Not my own, but other people's. I need the words and stories of other writers. They inspire me, but as well as that, they take me out of my own writing when I need it. They can work like a palate cleanser for fiction. 

The core of the reason, though, is that books are just brilliant. I love writing, but as much as that, I love other writers' words and stories. Their minds work in ways mine doesn't. Their books have plots I could never invent. Their characters are different because they aren't a part of me like mine are.

Tea and Coffee

Coffee kickstarts me in the morning. Tea sustains me throughout the day, and if I'm going to sit at a laptop and write, then I'm going to require tea to keep me there. Some Jaffa Cakes and Bourbon Creams wouldn't go amiss either.  

Music

Music is a powerful thing. It can have an impact on mental health, it can reduce stress, but on a more personal level, it shoots me into writing, in a way that nothing else does. I play music, I think of my book, and scenes play out in my head. If I'm struggling with a scene, and writer's block has me in its grip, then I can usually find my way out with music, especially when it's hand in hand with...

Walking

I put in my earphones and I walk the streets. The important thing is to be careful. I go early, and I stick to the areas that are populated. I look both ways before I cross the street too, and then I can lose myself in my imagination.

Notebook and Pen

This is my other cure for writer's block. If I've stalled on the white screen of a Word document, then switching to hard copy can make all the difference. Lined pages and a pen... It's the way to go. Also, it feeds my stationery addiction. I get to keep buying notebooks. 

Essentials

I'm a romance writer, so I can write with no more than a notebook and pen, or a blank computer document if I need to, but the things I've listed are comforts that make it a much more enjoyable way to do it. 

If you enjoyed reading this article, then take a look at some of my other posts or head on over to my website. 

Dreams of Distant Places

 And not so distant places. 

I'm a romance writer so a sense of romance is built in me, and I'm not even as romantic as I could be. I don't like weddings, I don't need a path of rose petals, and a room full of candles just makes me wonder how they got them all lit and how long it takes to blow them out.

But I do love the idea of soulmates, of tangled limbs and twisted sheets, of mixed breaths. Even when I'm not romantic, I'm still a dreamer. 

What Do You Daydream About?

I see wet pavements in foreign cities where I sit under cover at a table, drinking wine and eating food I can't get at home. I see myself in a two-piece on the beach, tropical sunshine warming my skin while crystal water laps at my feet. I see airport journeys and ferry trips. Driving on the wrong side of the road. Friendly strangers. New languages. 

Those are daydreams though. Reality is a little different. Reality is day jobs, budgeting money, and cooking dinner. It's responsibility, bills and parenting. And if I want to travel I have to save up to do it. Save up for a long time. 

Even staycations are few and far between. I don't get many trips to the seaside and I haven't even journeyed to London for years and that's my favourite city in Britain.

Writing is a Dream

I find time to write because I'm a romance writer and it's important to me, but imagine being able to do it in the daytime because I earn enough to not need a day job. That's the dream! To let the words flow. To spend as long as I want on a piece of writing without having to stop because my shift starts early in the morning. 

The dream is to have people reading my books and wanting more. For people to care about my characters as much as I do. To not be an echo in a void.

Maybe I'm getting a bit contemplative but it is eleven twenty at night. Almost midnight. The time of dreams.

Reality is Okay Too.

I'm pretty damn happy with things as they are. As unromantic as I am, and as much as I daydream about the future, I feel content with all I have. Sure, I'd like a newer car, a bigger home for my babies and me, and financial security, but saving up for things I want isn't a bad thing. 

I'll take the holidays I want eventually. I'll earn more money. I'll get by. I'm getting pretty good at budgeting, and when it comes to love? Well, I'm a romance writer. I'll write it. 

If you enjoyed this blog then I have plenty of others on this site to read, or for book news, you can visit my website. 

Beltane

My first book River’s Heart is the first of The Shadow Coven series. It’s series about a cursed coven who have finally found the goddesses forgiveness and now they’re finding their mates.

Wicca and magic is a major theme of the series and with Beltane upon us, let’s take a look at exactly what it is.

What is Beltane?

There are eight sabbats in the Wiccan religion and Beltane is one of four fire festivals throughout the year. The others are Imbolc, Lammas, and Samhain.

Given that Beltane and Samhain are opposites of each other, with Beltane celebrating life when Samhain honours death, you might be surprised to know that they actually have some things in common. It’s during these two holidays where the veil between life and death are thinnest, and both mark a change in the year.

Beltane, however, takes us from a long winter and into a blooming summer.

We get longer and brighter days and the earth flourishes with blossoms, leaves and natural magic. We see the start of the summer farming season. We celebrate purity and protection. We find new life.

More interesting to an erotic romance writer, though, is this season of fertility and passion. Hell, it’s the season of lust.

You’ll probably be invited to more weddings as we enter this time of year, or if you have Wiccan friends, handfastings. It’s a sabbat full of sensuality and sexual energy.

In fact, some people will encourage you to have a little sexy time in your garden. Just try not to shock the neighbours.

When is Beltane?

Beltane takes place between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, It’s traditionally held on the 1^st of May.

 Decorate Your Altar.

When it comes to decorating your altar, think about the colours of spring. Greens, yellows and blues. You want lush colours. Colours of the flowers, of the grass and of the sky, and you can use them for your altar cloth or your candles.

Frankincense and rose are good choices for your oils or incense, and when choosing gemstones, consider rose quartz, fire agate or aventurine.  

You can add a bouquet of spring flowers to your altar. Daffodils, daisies, tulips, dandelions, lavender. Include peppermint and rosemary too.

Beltane is one of the four fire festivals, but it might not be easy for you to include a bonfire in your ritual. An alternative is to represent the element on your altar. You can do this with candles, with a small caldron filled with yellow and orange items to imitate flames. Even paper will work for this. Another option is to simply use images of fires. Whatever works for you.

Other symbols for your ritual include May baskets, floral crowns, chalices, antlers, honey and oats, and fruits like cherries and pomegranate.

How to Celebrate.

Dance around a bonfire, weave around a maypole: there are many ways to celebrate this festival.

Easiest methods are to make May baskets, or you can wash your face in the morning dew, decorate your garden bush with ribbons, The most simple and natural way to show your appreciation for Beltane is to go outside. Spend some time outdoors. It’s as easy as that.

A Fertile Earth

In wiccan mythology, Beltane is the time of the year when the goddess and god came together to fertilise the earth, and because of this, the world bursts with new life. Celebrate by sharing mead and cake with your family. Make the most of this time of love and passion.

 If witch romance is your thing then River’s Heart is just the beginning of The Shadow Coven series, and if you enjoyed reading this article then you can read more like it on this blog.

 

 

Sticking to Resolutions

 We're leaving December 2022...

January 1st is the start of a new adventure, or at least that's what they say. As an introverted romance author who is happiest at home, my adventures will probably happen on the page and in the paranormal romance stories I write. 

I do like to set some New Year Resolutions. 

The flaw with resolutions is that they're tough to stick to long-term. In fact, only 40% manage to maintain their resolutions beyond 6 months.

My New Year's Resolutions tend to be focussed on being less lazy, writing more, and working harder, but I like a refresh, and day one of a new year is a good time to start. The question is, what's the best way to maintain your willpower?

Choose the Best Goals

The place a lot of people go wrong is setting a lot of different goals. Taking on too much can be overwhelming, which means the easiest way is to form new habits. Be specific with what you want and plan the steps to achieve it. 

This leads to the next step...

Plan Plan Plan

Write down your goal and brainstorm how to achieve it. Make lists, prepare for obstacles that might block your path, plan ahead. Know what you want. 

Start Small

Don't jump in at the deep end. That's what your steps are for. You build to the end achievement. You might feel like it's going slowly, but that's what progress is. You're not planning on being an overnight success. You'll have to put the work in. 

Deadlines 

Deadlines can help, but they come with their own downfalls. If you're going to be disheartened when you miss one then they might not be worth it. Give yourself a contingency plan and figure out how you'll proceed even when you feel it's not going as quickly as you want. 

Keep it Fresh

Don't keep trying to achieve the same goal. You're already starting for a low point if it's something you've failed at. Make enough changes to the New Year Resolution that it truly is a fresh start. 

Be Patient

This a process and that means it won't be an instant success. There will be setbacks and missteps. It might not happen as quickly as you want, but keep your spirit, keep planning, prepare for anything, and try your best. 

On Your Way...

Now you have the basic tools to get going. All you need is to figure out what your New Year's Resolution is going to be. I'm making it easy on myself. My first one is to publish my book, which is almost ready to go. 

Keep an eye out for book extras and updates, and if you like what you read here, take a look around and read some of my other articles.  

 

 

One Broke Girl

 I'm not alone in struggling financially at the moment. I think we're all feeling the strain.

My piggy bank is empty and it will be for a while. 

I'm a struggling romance writer with a minimum-wage day job, which means, money is often on my mind. 

I've read some ridiculous tips on cutting costs and budgeting. Things like cutting down on coffee shops and instead having coffee at home, and cancelling unnecessary subscriptions. As if those aren't the first things to go. 

I was advised to find out what financial help I'm entitled to, which is zero because I have a job. Another tip was to resist splurging and save the money instead as if I can afford to splurge on anything when food and power bills just keep rising. 

I'm no money expert. If you need deep advice there are better sites to go to for that. I'm just a writer with no money., and the truth is, there really is no way to budget and save when the money isn't there, but I have found some ways to be a little thrifty. 

Yellow Stickers

That's right. I'm a yellow sticker enthusiast. There's no reason not to be. When you consider the same product was £3 at ten to five, and then at ten past five has reduced to as much as 70%. I'm buying that bad boy. And most supermarkets have reduced sections, and I've actually found toys for 40 pence that have made an activity pack. 

Saver Brands

Supermarket own brands are cheaper and a lot of them match up to more expensive brands. There are some brand names that I can't bring myself to give up - I'm looking at you Tetley and Nescafe - but there aren't many food products that I'm willing to pay so much more for. 

Another thing to think about is wonky vegetables. They're not as pretty but what does that matter once they're chopped and cooked?

Less Waste

According to the Office for National Statistics, households make up 70% of all food waste and a third of that waste is still edible. Of course you don't want to make yourself ill by eating inedible food, but think of it like this; best before is a suggestion, while use by is a rule. 

By wasting less you can save yourself a small fortune in money, and there are ways to utilize what is in your fridge. Things like chopping your veg and freezing them or putting bread in the oven to crisp it up. Make the most of what you've got. 

Track Your Spending

It's boring, and it can be frustrating, but by budgeting and tracking the money you spend, it makes you aware of where your money goes, and if there is a way to save somewhere, this is where you'll see it. I use a spreadsheet to budget but I know someone who writes it in a notebook, and there are plenty of apps. 

Pay Off Debts

They say to pay bills and debts before you save and I think it's a good idea. When you have debts you pay interest so it makes sense to get rid of the debt costing you money first. It makes more sense to prioritise that. 

Just a Writer

Like I said, I'm no money expert. I'm just a romance writer with a day job that doesn't pay a lot, so I'm learning to make the most of the money I have, and I'm sure that if you're looking for tips, you've already tried what I suggested, but maybe there's just one thing there you haven't thought of and I hope it helps. 

If you have any tips to share then feel free, and if you're here looking for writing news, then stay with me. Alternatively, you can head over to my website for homepage news and updates. You'll even find some book extras there. 

Where Have I Been?

 

I haven't blogged since July.

I've cut down social media time. 

I'm just trying to write. To finish what I'm working on. To complete projects. And I've taken a little time for myself too. 

I'm not hiding away, but I think I'm trying to be in the real world and less in a web-based world, and sometimes I think that too much social media can negatively impact me. It's about whether the benefits outweigh the negatives; lately, they haven't. 

The real world has been busy too, which hasn't allowed me a lot of free time to spend online either, so writing has been my priority. 

Protecting Their Heart, my new shifter romance is in its final edit so will be coming soon. 

Lifestyle and Romance Writing

 This blog is a bit of a lifestyle post. I’m writing it from a single woman point of view, rather than a romance writer point of view. Or maybe both. I’m a romance author all the time.

To the lifestyle blog of it, here it is. 

Inspired by Lifetime Movies

I’m watching a movie. It’s a daytime movie. One that’s on channel 5 in the afternoons.

I love this kind of movie. They’re dramatic and predictable and easy to watch. Not to mention that crazy characters are hella fun to watch.

In this particular movie, there’s this one scene where the couple are sitting at the restaurant, it’s a pretty patio with twinkling lights, it’s late evening, and they’re on a date. The chick is crazy, but that’s not the point of this. The point is the crazy chick was wearing this cornflower blue dress. It’s low back, it’s v neck with spaghetti straps.

It’s a beautiful dress.

Evenings in London

The point is that it brings me back to nights in London, at the restaurant overlooking Tower Bridge. My favourite moments in my past.

Over the past few years, I’ve become a bit reclusive. Covid hasn’t helped. In some regards, I have improved. I’m more motivated, I’m trying to build my writing career and while I’m not at any risk of earning millions, it is currently the best it’s been.

But… I miss London. I miss wearing a pretty dress and sitting at a restaurant on the outside patio on a warm evening, eating ravioli and drinking wine. I miss having a cocktail and exploring the city.

I want to go again.

The crazy chick in the movie, sitting at the restaurant in the pretty dress, marked the moment I decided I wanted to get off my ass and find my motivation.

Lifestyle Change Please 

Currently, I’m unhealthy, and overweight which makes me lethargic and fatigued. I’m lazy and that doesn’t help the situation. I’m a little bit of a scruff-bag.

I don’t want that to be the case anymore. I don’t want to go to work, come home and never do anything. I want to write short stories and romance novels, and when I’m not writing to go outside.

I want to wear a pretty dress and sit at a restaurant on an outside patio on a warm evening, as I eat ravioli and drink wine. Now, though, I want it to be a dog-friendly one, so my furbaby can be there too.

Romance Writer Leaves the Cave 

My writing cave is super cute. It has a big bed, a big TV and it’s stocked with junk food and booze, but now, I feel like it’s time for me to step out of it. At least every now and then.

Maybe do some exercise. Eat some healthy food. Breathe some outside air. 

I need to be more active than I  have been! 

If you enjoyed this blog then take a look around and read some more. Or head on over to my author's website for book extras.

 

Expectations vs Reality of a Romance Author

 

Hands up if you thought being a romance author would be more romantic.

Visions of reclining on a chaise longue, sipping champagne and eating chocolates while the words flow out of me and onto the page may not have been quite accurate.

Misconception Number One: I’m a writer. I’m gonna be rich!

It’s hard to type when I’m laughing so hard at the hilarity of that thought. Rich…? Good one.

Hours at the laptop, hours on social media sharing posts and making connections, hours writing blogs and researching book marketing, and still no guarantee that the books will sell. You can do all the right things, and still be lucky to earn sixty pence a month.

There’s always the dream to be the lucky one. To be the one who will be discovered, the one who defies the odds of being a self-published author and makes millions, but the reality is – that more than likely – you will probably work a day job and write in the spare moments you scramble together between the responsibilities of your normal life.

Misconception Number Two: I’m a writer. I must be smart.

No.

What I am is a person who daydreams a lot. Sure, some of the things I write require research, but what that means is I google a lot of stuff and then promptly forget it as soon as the book or story is finished.

Any visions I had of swanning around with my hair in a chignon, smart-lady glasses and a pencil behind the ear, while I spout facts and answer any question asked has been replaced with a scruffy ponytail, finger-smudged lenses, and a confused expression on my face.

Misconception Number Three: I’m a writer. Nothing else matters.

Hmm… I like to eat food and have a roof over my head, so the day job is a little higher on my priority list. As is my family, my dog, my friends. I love writing, but I personally need time with all the people I love, and so I do give writing as much time as I can, but not at the cost of relationships.

I’m an introvert by nature. I’m mostly happy in my own company, and I’m lucky that pairs well with being a writer, but other things are important to my mental and physical health, and they definitely matter.

 Misconception Number Four: I’m a writer. I write every day.

As much time as I do spend writing, it’s not necessarily every single day. There are days where I work long shifts, or I go out, or I have other tasks of equal importance that need to be done. There are times where I just don’t want to, and though I can push through it, I don’t always do it, because if I make writing an ordeal, I won’t want to do it, and right now it’s an important part of my life.

I write often, but that doesn’t mean daily. I’m finding the balance important.

Misconception Number Five: I’m a writer. I don’t need to read.

Every book I read helps me develop as a writer. Whether I like the way it’s written, and the story told, or I don’t, there’s usually something to be taken from it. I feel like it seeps into my brain and lives there.

I’ve always been a reader. From my first book, I was hooked. Sometimes they’re rereads, sometimes they’re new, but I always have a shelf full of books, and I think I’m a better writer for every word I read.

 

Misconception Number Six: I’m a writer with rejections. I suck at this.

Or maybe not.

Every failed attempt at writing success doesn’t mean it wasn’t well written or a good story. What it means is that it’s hard to stand out in a mass of other works by equally ambitious writers.

I’ve been rejected a lot, because I’ve tried a lot. I remember a famous actor saying that for every success he gets six rejections. Sure, for me the ratio is tilted heavier toward the rejection side – one book I’ve written was rejected nearly thirty times before there was even a hint of someone showing interest – but rejection is a part of being a writer, and as I’m told often in rejections, writing is subjective. Just because one says no, doesn’t mean the next will. Keep trying. Your next attempt might be the yes you need.

 

 

 

 

 

Single Valentine

 Love Day is rolling around again!

As a single woman, this day, where all the social media streams and timelines are filled with the romantic gestures of those in love, it can be a tough one to get through. It’s no coincidence that singles awareness falls around the same time.

 

Supermarkets turn into florists. Their brand colours change to pink and red. It looks like cupid exploded. 

 

Well, I've been single a long time, so Valentines is generally a day that takes me by surprise, but as I always say, being single isn't so bad, and over time I've become really good at it. I sleep diagonally in bed, I eat what I want and mostly my time is my own, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss the feel of another body in my bed. (Not counting the dog, no matter how much room she takes up.) It just means that to give up the things I love about being single will take someone special.

 

I’ve read a lot of articles that list the best reasons to be single and if I’m honest, they don’t always apply to me. Things like ‘spending time with your friends’ only works when they’re not in relationships which all of my friends are. ‘Having sex with anyone you want’ – well I’m too prudish to take advantage of that one. My reasons for being single are simple but honest. I don’t want to be with someone who makes me wish I was alone.

 

I’m not a bitter single woman. I’m a hopeful single woman. And I’m a patient single woman. I’m okay being by myself until I meet the one who changes that, and if that doesn’t happen, then I can honestly say, I’m pretty damn happy being single. 

This Book Won't End

 

I feel like I've been working on my current WIP forever. 

My shifter romance, the first book of the Acalia series, and the characters don't want to wrap things up. I reached 60,000 words and didn't feel very far along, and now even even further into it and the word count keeps growing. 

How do you make your characters sort things out when they just want to keep gong on? If anyone learns, could you tell me, because if not, Protecting Their Heart may never end. 

I think what could help would be if I could go somewhere with no internet and no people, and just a typewriter. Unfortunately, in real life, I have a day job, I have responsibilities and I have to work around those things. 

Trying to find time to write is hard enough, but when its for a book that won't reach it's end, sometimes it feels futile. 

This book has to end though, even if it's so I can find out what will happen to my characters myself. I need my characters to reach their resolution. 

Long Stories

 

Why do my stories never end?

I'm writing a book, that was initially title Short Shifter. I feel like I've barely started it and it's already at 60,000 words. That's not short! What the heck, story. You're supposed to be short!

But these characters keep throwing up obstacles, and generally being pains in the butt, with all their chatter and their reluctance to get the story going.

That's the problem with characters sometimes. Just because I have a plan for them, and an outline to follow, it doesn't mean, they agree, and it doesn't mean they'll co-operate.

So, for now, I just keep writing, hoping the end is growing closer with every world, but it probably isn't.

 

Writing. Not Marketing.

 

Last year I did a lot of work on my website, my blog and my social media. I regret that now.

I spent many many hours writing blogs, planning posts and generally trying to interact with other people. The impact that had on book sales was zero.

I’m a writer, and somewhere along the way, that shifted, and I felt like I was working more in marketing. The repercussions of that were that I wrote less, I published less. I missed out on doing what I love doing, and that is just writing stories. It was my own fault. I thought it was important to being a writer.

Don’t get me wrong. I like social media for engaging with others, but last year, I think I looked at it wrong. I concentrated on it too much, to the detriment of my writing, and that meant that word counts and completed works took a hit.

I’m doing it differently this year. This year I’ve decided to concentrate on writing more. Not because I think marketing isn’t important, but at the end of the day, you can’t market what you haven’t written, and I write because I love it. Because I want to share my stories with others, even if that story is only shared with a few people.

I appreciate each and every person who takes a chance on me by buying my books, and downloading my stories, and so this year, I want to get more of them out there.

I still want to engage, I still want to talk to others, but I want to do it so that I can share with you. I want social media to be fun.

This is my year of writing. Not my year of marketing. I am a writer after all.

 

A 2020 Christmas

 

This year Christmas is going to be a little different for most people, and as a single woman, it’s going to be a very quiet one for me this year. 

I’m fortunate that I am in a tier that still allows me to be with my parents on Christmas day, and as for the rest of the days around Christmas, luckily for me I’m an introvert writer with a dog and I am happy in my own company with just my furbaby at my side. Usually, anyway, but at Christmas, even I like to spend time with the people I love. Heck, this is usually my most sociable time of the year.

But not this year. To find the joy in Christmas this year, I’m making it for myself. This is what I’ve done to make it a little bit special.

 Little Festive Touches

There’s a tree, there’s tinsel, there are cosy fairy lights and candles. I’ve got Christmas pyjamas and fuzzy socks. I’ve got a fluffy blanket on the sofa. I’ve got fancy bath bombs for a lush bath, which to be honest, will be taken with a glass of wine. I’m going for a snug Christmas this year

 Food Glorious Food

You gotta have the treats at Christmas. I haven’t restricted myself at all this year. I’ve got fancy cheeses and I spent extra on hot chocolate to get fancy flavours. I’ve baked myself some treats and tonight, I’ll be making Christmas punch. I’ve got whisky and cream to make my coffees Irish. I love nice food at Christmas, and I admit, this year, I’ve gone a little extra. But I’m doing what I need to for a good festive season.

 I love Presents

I have no husband, no children yet, and my friends and I have reached the stage in our life where we don’t really buy each other gifts anymore, and dang it, I do like presents. It’s just the natural progression of life that you do get less, the older you get. So, I’ve bought them for myself. And I am excited about them. On Christmas morning, when it’s just me and my dog, (who also has a huge stocking full of gifts) I will have some surprises.

This year, I’ve ordered a couple of subscription boxes and I’ve put them aside to look at on Christmas day. I ordered two beauty ones, and a book one, and I have no idea what will be in any of them because I haven’t looked online to find out. As well as that, I ordered an Ann Summers Advent Calendar with some risqué gifts inside all of which will be opened on Christmas day.

For me it’s not about having the perfect Christmas, it’s about finding joy in the moments. Even the ones I’ve set up for myself. I don’t have the picture-perfect family, and it won’t be a Christmas Card holiday, but it will be whatever I make of it, and I’ve always loved Christmas. This year isn’t going to be any different. I’ve got treats, I’ve got books, I’ve got dogs, and I’ve got people who love me, even if I don’t get to see them, or even if we won’t all be in a room together. We’re still family and it’s still Christmas.

I'm Christmas Ready

My Christmas excitement is getting out of hand!

All my Christmas shopping is done, I've got a new Christmas tree, new decorations, and they're ready to go up. I've got a Christmas story planned for The Shadow Coven series, (just as soon as I post the Bonfire Night one.) 

I've got eight days before I get to start wearing my Christmas jumpers and t-shirts at work, and eight days until advent. Not going to lie, I have about four advent calendars. 

I've got lots of plans for baking and cooking Christmas goodies. 

I am very very excited. 

I'm also excited for the new year. Not because I have plans, I'll more than likely be working on New Year's Day, but I'm looking forward to starting 2021. I know there's no promise that next year will be any better than this one, but there's always the potential for it to be. 

There's always the hope. 

I'm ready for the fresh start that comes with January 1st. The first page of my 365 day story. 

Happy Bonfire Night

 

In keeping with the disaster that is 2020, Bonfire Night has fallen on the first day of the second lockdown in England. Or, I should say, the lockdown has fallen on Bonfire Night.

That ruins a lot of plans for people, but fortunately not for me, as the only thing I had planned was to finish and share a short story from The Shadow Coven world.

As it is, that story is not finished on time. I deliberately didn't share what I was doing because things have been chaotic lately at home, and it has distracted me from writing as much as I would like to, but even so, it doesn't sit well with me to miss a deadline that I had scheduled, even if only in my mind.

Writing is an important part of my life, I think I've said that before, and when I can't do it as often as I would like to, it grates on my nerves, but hopefully after today, I can get back to some semblance of a regular writing schedule and get back on track.

My priority is to finish the SC short story and share it as quickly as possible.

And for everyone who had their bonfire plans cancelled, I hope you still manage to have a fun night!

Ideas All Over The Place

 

I like to write a blog every week. It makes sure I’m writing, and it keeps everyone up to date with what I’m doing.

Lately, though, things have been pretty quiet, and I haven’t had much to say. I was looking at a webpage to get ideas for what to write about in a blog post and one of them was about ideas of what I plan to write. But that list is too long. I have ideas and ideas and ideas and ideas.

The problem isn’t ideas, the problem I have is too many stories and not enough time to write.

A quick update on what I’m working on at the moment: The Shadow Coven’s second instalment is still in progress. Martha’s story is being told. I’m also working on a shifter menage romance, which is nearing completion. It’s a little longer than planned, but that’s just more story for your money.

I have other shifter romances and erotic stories, some sci fi stories, some contemporary menages. All ideas waiting to be developed. Stick with me, for more stories.

Finding Motivation

 

Slugging through the swamp of writing. That's where I am right now!

But, I'm still writing. This book will get finished if I have to do it a tiny paragraph at a time. I will reach the end.

I'm trying all the tricks. Music, walking, switching from typing to long hand. This isn't writers block that's slowing me down. This is intimidation.

The characters took over and made it too long, and now I'm scared it will never end. They're too chatty and they keep trying to take it slowly, but there has to be an end sometime. And I will reach it. That's my goal.

I will reach the end of this damn book, and it's gonna be great. Positivity and motivation!

The Slump

 

I've hit the 50,000 word slump.

In my current Work In Progress, I've reached that milestone, but knowing how much story there is still left to tell, and how many words I've used so far, the motivation has started to fade.

It seems like this book is going to finish up at a bajillion words long. Which mean it will be slightly less than a bajillion pages! That's too many. It was supposed to be a reasonable size.

So, the way it's spiralled out of control has thrown me into the doldrums. I have no idea how long this book will be because it feels like it's barely got going yet, but hell, it's either going to take some drastic editing, or maybe I'll just be giving a lot of book for the money.

Either way, the end feels like a long way off.