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. 

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. 

Meet Alice, Liam and Noah

 I'm working on an instalment for the Lunar Falls series. I'm trying to keep it short because it's an extra little story I hadn't planned on, but what can you do when the plot bunnies are stubborn? Nothing to do but write. Keep reading for a small introduction to the members of the Accalia wolf pack and the woman they want to claim. 

Alice Taylor

Alice has come to Lunar Falls looking for a safe place to live where she can earn money to work off an inherited debt. 

She's started waitressing in the diner alongside her new friend Sammie. (Does anyone remember Sammie?) She has no family left now. No siblings, no cousins. She's alone in the world. Although, not for much longer. 

She has long, red, curly hair, a wide smile, and a curvy body, and she's bright, lovely, and smart. She's an optimist and sees the good in people. 

Liam Sharpe

Liam is a wolf shifter and a member of the Accalia Wolf Pack. He owns a bar and he works all the time. 

He's pensive and professional. For a long time it was just him and his mother, and he was man of the house. His mother is remarried now, and his stepfather is great, but he shoulders the burden of responsibility. 

He's tall and handsome with auburn hair and tanned skin. 

Noah Brennan

He lives with Liam who is his best friend. As close as brothers. He owns a construction company.

Noah grew up in a loving home with his parents and his two sisters. he's stubborn and protective, and his nieces and nephews love him. He's focused and driven but has a cheekiness. 

Handsome with blond hair and stubble on his square jawline. He mostly wears jeans and t-shirts but can up his professional game when needed. 

Their Worlds Collide

These three characters are about to become connected in a way none of them could have prepared for. With a fiercely independent mate who is determined to stand on her own two feet and not rely on the security these two shifters offer, how will Liam and Noah convince her to take a chance on them? 

If you want to read more about these characters then keep your eye out for their book. The next in the Lunar Falls series. Also, if you would like to stay up to date on my writing then follow me on socials, take a look around this blog or visit my website. 

Between (Writing) Jobs

 One book finished... Another to start.

Protecting Their Heart is officially released, and I've been on a bit of vaycay before getting back to writing. Even a romance writer needs a break. 

Now, though, the break is over. Time to work. Time to write that book. 

It's been quite a rest period, and I admit that there have been feelings of guilt. So how long is too long when you stop writing? I felt justified when I decided to spend some time on other hobbies, reading books, and binge-watching boxsets, after all, I don't take time off at Christmas. I just keep writing.

Now I'm getting back to it, I feel like I've taken too much time. If I hadn't had that break, think how far through my first draft I would be...

Is It Okay to Rest?

Heck, yeah. When you work a day job, as I do alongside writing, you get annual leave. You get vacation days. Because burnout is a real thing. 

You might still think about your project and that's okay, but it's also okay if you don't.

Take a break because it's been proven that those who take time off are more productive, and happier. 

Warning Signs 

How do you know it's time to take a rest? Look out for these feelings:

Writer's Block

Sure, maybe you can push through writer's block. Maybe you just need to take a walk, read something else, switch to longhand. But maybe it goes deeper. If you're stuck, deeply stuck, then don't be afraid to take some time for yourself. 

Exhaustion

This could be the border of burnout. If you can't face sitting down at the screen and getting words down, if you're looking for a way to avoid it, then it won't benefit you to force yourself. All you're doing is increasing that fatigue. 

If dread accompanies your writing then you're doing something wrong. It doesn't have to be fun every second, and it doesn't have to be easy, but you should want to do it. It should be important in the moment. You should still love being a writer. 

You Just Don't Want To

I love writing. The stories I'm plotting and planning always play in my brain, so if I don't want to do it at all, then that means there's more wrong than a lack of motivation. This isn't the same thing as being stuck on a scene, or a part of your book not being as fun to write as another. This is when there's no will at all. 

Something More Important 

Writing can't always be your first priority. It's not possible. We're adults, and we have other responsibilities. Whether that be a day job, a family, or something else... If you have something in your life that needs to be resolved first or put before your book... Writing will still be there. It will wait for you. 

How to Take a Break

I have a lot of hobbies and many things that I like to do, but most of all, my favourite thing is books books books. After all, it's why I'm a writer. So, if I have time to spare, I'm going to spend a chunk of it reading. 

I'm also going to watch TV. It's the perfect opportunity to catch up on shows you've always wanted to watch but never had the time. Binge-watch, baby. It's what streaming services are for!

There are a thousand things you can do. Go outside, get exercise, eat out, eat lots, see your friends, meditate, go dancing, drink cocktails, paint, draw, skate, ski. There are so many things in the world to do. There's no way that you won't find something you love. 

Romance Writer Clocking In

All vacations must come to an end, and mine has reached that point. That's not a bad thing. As I've already said, I love writing, and the story ideas and scenes don't stop coming because I'm doing something else. 

I've got so many stories I want to tell, and I can't wait to share them. To meet new characters, and find out what happens to them. To develop old characters and learn new things about them. 

Protecting Their Heart is on sale, but I have plenty to be getting on with. After all, the books to be written by a romance writer never ends. There's always writing to be done.  

If you enjoyed reading this blog then feel free to read some of my others, or take a look around my website and learn about my books and book extras. 

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.  

 

 

Writing the Blurb

My book in summary...

I love writing. I've loved it since I was a little girl. One of the things that's changed over the years is what I write.  As a romance author my stories have got a wee bit sexier, but that's what paranormal romance is about. 

And one of the things I don't love about writing is the synopsis and the blurb. 

When it comes to writing the blurb, I've discovered I find it so much easier to write it before I write the story. It gives me an idea of what's coming and a general outline to follow. It also means I won't get bogged down by all the things I've written. 

Writing a Paranormal Romance Blurb

Somethings I like to include when I write a blurb are:

A Tag Line

Just one line that leads into the blurb and grabs attention. It can be an intro or something from your book, but one thing it must do is grab attention. 

Your Plot

Seems like a given, I know, but your plot needs to summaries in about 150 words. What is the conflict? What are the obstacles? What is your book about?

Characters

Another one that goes without saying. You need to tell readers who these things are going to happen to. Who your characters are. 

Before I Write...

The fact that you have to put thought into those things for a blurb is why I write the blurb first. Once I have the story idea, the blurb helps me build the story, creating my paranormal romance and once the blurb is complete, I can flesh out a full outline. 

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. 

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. 

Rebellious Characters

 

I’m not a pantser, and by that, I mean that I love a good book outline. I like planning who my characters are and where my story is going to go. I like the structure of following a plan.

But with characters like these, I may as well not bloody bother. They don’t behave. They just go off doing what they want. It doesn’t matter to them if it makes the book longer and longer. So, I ask you, why do we bother with outlines when characters have their own ideas?

On one hand, I suppose it’s a good thing. It means they’re very real to us, but on the other hand; what about all my story ideas that I wanted to write?

Either way, I love my mischievous, mind-of-their-own, rebellious characters.

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.

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.

Speaking into the Mist

 

Some days I update social media even though I'm certain nobody reads it. I update my blog, my website. I work on my book. 

It's like I'm an echo, fading into the mist. My voice has no substance. 

That's the thing with being a writer. You can't guarantee that someone is going to read what you write, but personally, I do it anyway, because my brain throws out stories all the time. Characters, plots, scenes. So, I write them down, and hope that they make their way to someone who will like them. 

But I have to say, I do wish that every now and then, I didn't feel like it was such a redundant task. I guess these words can be just for me, and for the few who find them. 

I'm all about the words after all. I'm a writer. 

Loving #PitMad

A few days ago, I was scanning Twitter reading and loving all the pitches for #PitMad and wishing I had finished my book so I could have been a part of it. I'd have loved to have joined in. 

Unfortunately, my book is still in progress. I'm at the 50,000 word mark with no end in sight. It was supposed to be that length at completion but apparently my characters are little chatter boxes with too much to say. 

#PitMad was still fun to follow though. The goal is to write pitches for your book within 280 characters using hashtags to draw the right publishers and agents to your book. You post your pitch on twitter and get involved in the amazing writing community, all supporting and helping each other to reach out. 

Like I said, though, my book isn't finished so I was little more than an observer. It was still great to see how much support is out there among all the writers. 

Maybe I'll be ready to join in for the December round of #PitMad. I just gave myself a goal. 

Writing Through a Cold

 Pass me the whisky! I've got a cold! (And only a cold.)

I want soup, I want many cups of tea, I want hot toddies, I want thick duvets and I want to binge watch box sets. And then I'll be up to doing some writing.

I'm staying in my pjs until this passes. I feel awful - I look worse - but luckily writing is a solitary thing so nobody is here to see my greasy hair, pale face and red nose.

To be honest, the challenge with writing hasn't come from not feeling up to it. The challenge is coming from lack of peace and quiet in the house. Who knew that feeling ill would be the least of my problems this weekend.

All teamed together; the chaos, the crappiness of being poorly, and the people in the house not giving me a moment to myself has put me in a foul mood, which isn't the best temperament for writing romance.

That's the thing with being a writer though. Grumpiness and illness don't stop you from getting words down on the screen. You might not feel like it, but as with any job, you don't get to say, 'I just don't want to.' Not if you want to finish the WIP!

Still, with the help of my trusty earphones, my cups of tea and my comfy pjs, I'll power through and continue on this shifter romance that I'm currently writing.

 

Treats and Rewards

 

This week I'm all about organisation, and for every task I accomplish, I'm giving myself a reward.

Not necessarily huge rewards. I'm not giving myself a cruise for finishing a short story, but, for example, I have a week to finish the first draft of my WIP and if I succeed or work really hard at it, then I get rewarded with a night to myself with a takeout and a bottle of wine. Maybe a movie.

This is the thing, with the chaos of daily living, something as simple as that is a treat. I have the house to myself, I'm going to make the most of it, but I do need to finish my current book, so as long as I finish, or get close to finishing, then I've earned it.

So, like I said, I'm all about rewards for the work I'm doing. I'm all about incentives this week.

Busy Busy Busy

This has been a pretty hectic week.

I've had a lot on, which has meant writing hasn't been my number one priority, but even with the chaos running rampant through my daily routine, I'm still always thinking about the story.

I think that's the thing with being a writer. Every quiet moment, the mind drifts to plot conflicts, characters, scenes. I plan what is coming in the fictional worlds I'm writing about. I think it's more than likely the same for all creative people.

Every commute ends with a new scene in my mind, and I'm just waiting for the moment I can get out of my car and get it down on paper, trying to keep the words straight in my memory, but as I said, it's been a pretty busy week.

I'm supposed to be taking the weekend off because I have plans, but here I am at eight thirty on Saturday night, a small window of time to call my own, and I'm at my laptop working.

I think the windows are an important aspect of being a writer, especially a writer with a day job, because moments of time are sometimes all I get. I'm making the most of them this week.

Writing, getting this book down on screen.

Reality or the Dream?

 

When you have to pick one option, do you choose reality or the dream?

My day job has been more and more demanding, and it’s bringing to the forefront the skill of prioritising tasks and questioning my will to be a writer more and more.

Do I put my time into the job that actually brings in the money and pays my bills or do I risk it all and prioritise the dream? I’m not the first person to come up against these choices and I won’t be the last.

There have been times...

There have been times I’ve doubted that I have the skill. For example, earlier this year when the rejections were pouring in, for just a moment, I thought, ‘maybe I don’t have what it takes,’ but in the end, I’m a writer so even if I’m the only one who ever reads it, I’ll keep writing.

There have been times I’ve doubted that I have the will. Do I have the strength to persevere in the face of rejection and the lack of affirmations? Do I want to sit at my computer when I could be watching TV or hanging out with other people? Real people. Not just ones in my imagination.

There have been times I’ve doubted I have the energy. I don’t always want to be at work all day and then come home and write. Sometimes I want to get under my duvet and take a big nap.

There have been times I’ve doubted that I have the motivation. For instance, when I’m working to complete a writing project but others are calling out to me. Ideas nudging me to start something new.

The question is which do I prioritise? The day job or the dream?

How do you choose between reality or the dream? How do you choose which path to take? You go with your heart. At least that's what I'm doing, because there are some things in life that demand to be a part of you and there are parts of yourself you can't sacrifice no matter how hard it is to continue some days.

I choose...

I choose the dream. I’m throwing caution to the wind, and when a choice has to be made, I’m opting for writing. I can’t have these stories rampaging through my head with no way out. When the choice has to be made, when a career has to be chosen, when a dream is waiting to be chased then to hell with it.

I’m a writer first and I have stories to tell.