Monthly Archives: October 2016

Is Being a “Good” Girl Hurting Your Career? Why “Bad” Girls Become Best-Sellers

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I love this. I like #4 of the “bad girl” . I think every aspiring female author/writer should give this a read.

Kristen Lamb's Blog

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Today is a repost because of a death in the family last week. But you know what? Life moves on.  I chose this post because we all need a good kick in the ass now and again, even ME.

It was a FUN post and a good way to get my moxie back….because seriously my moxie got kicked in the face last week. I am sure NONE of you have been there. Feeling like a failure, like nothing you do matters?

Well, get over it. We are going to have a hell raising Monday!

Last fall I read Kate White’s I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know. There are bad books, okay books, good books and great books. But there is another kind of book and it’s the rarest.

The game-changer.

White has a witty, sassy style. She is seamlessly intelligent and down-to-earth in…

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100 +Short Story Writing Prompts- Release The Writer in You. #amwriting

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As the autumn days draw in I’ll spend less time outside, and more time inside writing. It’s a chilly day today in London, I will not be at the pool for our usual Sunday swimming fun. We’ll spend the day in pyjamas instead.

Are you looking for inspiration to write? I  just stumbled across these great little websites, with  writing prompts! I have books with writing prompts, but I feel like trying something new. A little research and hey presto. Here are a few sites I found, what you’ll find are a mixture of situations or the start of a story (prompt) to continue writing :

100 short story ideas

More short story ideas

Twenty-Five creative writing ideas

This one generates random one line prompts click here.

 Release the writer in you-I look forward to reading some of your short stories in my news feed.

 

NEW YEAR, NEW CHAPTER_ 20 Quotes About Life, Creativity and Travel ___

Are you a #Writer?Here’s A Submission Call For #Stories From A #Publisher #amwriting #halloween

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I thought I’d share this with you all as it appeared in my inbox. Now I’m far from a scary writer.  Horror, scary or paranormal stories are something I’ve never turned my hand to. But if that’s you , or you’d like to give it ago and win a chance to have your work  published in a book, check out this  Halloween submission call from Tell-Tale Publishing. Click here

Good luck!

Kim’s Cover Reveal: Not Just For Christmas #amreading #romance #romancereaders

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Afternoon,

I am proud to share with you all  the cover of my next romance book. Again I’m very pleased with what my publisher came back with as a cover, based on the brief I gave them for it.  Not Just For Christmas is a nice feel-good romance story set in my home town London.  Release date Christmas 2016, stay tuned for more details. A chapter preview will also follow shortly.

Book Blurb:

In Not Just For Christmas readers are taken on a romantic journey set in London, during the festive season. Following two characters originally opposed to each other fall in love, with a enough warmth and sensuality to keep readers warm at any time of year.

As Christmas draws near thirty five year old social worker Ava Green, finds herself desperate to not be alone at her favourite time of year. Following the break- up of her engagement to her ex earlier in the year, Ava has spent  ten months on a mission to get over her ex.  With the support of her two of her closest girlfriends Tasha and Marie, Ava makes a bold move which surprises her girlfriends in order to find a companion for the festive season.  Ava’s path crosses with tall dark and handsome Detective Jerome Samuels, a forty five year old divorcee also in search of love. Once their paths cross after a few bumps along the way there’s no turning back, these two characters are caught up in  a whirlwind of sensual and heart –warming romance, that Detective Jerome Samuels hopes is  not just for Christmas, he’s on a mission to claim his lady Ava.

 

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Seven 5* Amazon Reviews I Want To Share. #amreading #romance #amwriting

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Morning,

Yesterday I had a really terrible day (Tuesday) I won’t bore you all with why, it’s a new day. Today -Wednesday I woke up to two more five star reviews for A Stranger in France. This makes a total of seven so far. I swear the last one almost made me want to cry! As I said when I posted my four star review that came back from  Goodreads it humbles me, surprises me and most of all motivates me to know readers so far are enjoying my work.  It’s feedback like this that makes a writer hold on to their own self-belief, that maybe one day they can just write! For the love of it.

Well until that day comes for me, I better continue getting ready for the day job, and focus on writing my third story and the charity book story.  If you’re an aspiring writer, published author whatever you want to call your self bottom line is you have a dream to write … don’t stop, if you get turned down, take it on the chin and keep it moving. If you get told don’t write this write that but you have just one passion- keep it moving believe in yourself! And be you. Good luck!

 

With love,

Kim

5.0 out of 5 starsI felt like I was a fly on the wall during all …
ByLindsey Kramer/ Shakespeare’s Wench Book Blogon October 18, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
I absolutely adored this book! I felt like I was a fly on the wall during all of Kate’s experiences. The story was great, and I really hope that Kim Knight writes more books that I can read! I love novels written by anyone, but I especially love novels written by a Brit! I love British slang and humor and this book had it all! Kim Knight is awesome! She should be on a top list of authors for people to read, as well as one of the best books of the fall! A Stranger in France is high on my list!
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5.0 out of 5 stars5-Star Read!
Bycandy hernandezon October 17, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
This reminds me of the movie Under The Tuscan Sun. Here, the story unfolds in the beautiful backdrop of France. Seeing their marriage is failing because of her husband, Kate travels to her bestfriend who lives in Marseilles, to take a break from her marriage. During her vacation, she met a charming, tall, dark and hadsome man, Nicholas. You will get entangled with Kate’s journey with twists to entertain all readers. Kate represents a strong woman who has her own mind and strong will.

I volunteered to review the Advance Reader Copy provided by the author.

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Out now on Amazon click here.

Lovely 4* #book review on #Goodreads #amreading #romance #amreadingromance

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I’m so humbled, surprised and of course pleased when I get 4 and 5 star reviews, for A Stranger in France! Here comes another one on Goodreads you can read here.

I’m so glad readers (so far) are enjoying!

Thank you for reading!

 

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14 Nights of #Halloween Hop & #Giveaway

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The nights draw in early, the pumpkins are in the supermarkets- that can only mean Halloween is near.  Here is a fantastic giveaway for you! Just tell me what is your favourite scary movie or book?… I do like Halloween more for the dress up than anything else. I remember earlier this year, I did a writing prompt challenge and wrote a short story, with Halloween as the setting. You can read  part one  by clicking here, and part two of it by clicking here. Then enter below to win yourself some fantastic Halloween goodies.

What’s your favourite scary movie or book? Leave me a comment. One scary movie I’ll never forget is the Poltergeist. That movie totally freaks me out.

It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, the air is
getting cooler and the nights are getting spookier. Yes, it’s time for
tricks and treats, goblins and ghouls, chills and thrills and huge
amounts of sugary sweets. But at the Laughing Vixen Lounge blog it’s also time for the 5th annual Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway. Join Laughing Vixen Lounge and our bewitching co-hosts The Kids Did It, The Mommy Island, Herding Cats and Burning Soup, The Hopping Bloggers, Mama Smith’s Reviews and Women and Their Pretties for a spooktacular Halloween event.

Enter to win a $250 Prize Pack filled with goodies from 10 wickedly
fabulous shops. All shops are offering Gift Cards or your choice of
item(s) so there will be something for everyone. Many of the shops have items perfect for any book lover along with lots of
unique, handcrafted and custom designs to choose from.

Visit the Laughing Vixen Lounge
blog daily during the giveaway for the Halloween Movie Marathon. Test
your movie knowledge with the Guess the Movie Game. Then try to solve
the Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt, if you dare! Each event will get you
daily entries in the giveaway plus a special giveaway for the Scavenger
Hunt. Find full details for these events HERE.

You can start by entering the Rafflecopter widget below. To
experience all the games, movies, shop features, giveaway info and all
around awesome fun make sure to stop by the Laughing Vixen
Lounge blog HERE.

The giveaway runs October 18th – November 1st and is open worldwide to
anyone 18+. 1 winner will win the Prize Pack and 1 winner will win the
Scavenger Hunt Prize Pack. Laughing Vixen Lounge is responsible for all
giveaway details. Click HERE for full details.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Writing Prompt: Mid-Season Replacement, Are You Ready For Change? #amwriting

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Writing prompt: For many of us the seasons are changing, bouncing unpredictably between cold and warm. Are you glad to be moving into a new season, or wishing for one more week of the old?

Personally, I’m a warm hot-blooded woman! I love the sun and everything that comes with it the  beach, parks, ice cream, cute sundresses, sunglasses, sandals, pedicures and bold colour nail varnish. Without a doubt summer has to be my favourite season, followed by spring.

That said, there are a number of things I love about fall – or autumn as we call it here in the UK. Autumn is well and truly on us here in the UK, the rain, chilly wind and darker evenings are all the signs you need as a Londoner,  to know it’s time to pack away the flip flops for another year.

I’m always keen to drag out the summer months for as long as possible, but when I thought about this writing prompt when I saw it, there are a number of things I love about the change of season to autumn.

  1. An excuse to read! Oh yes, with the cold windy weather it is a great reason to stay in and cuddle up with a great book.
  2. I’m more productive as a writer in the colder months- I don’t want to go out in the wind and rain, I’d rather be behind my lap top than out in the bad weather.
  3. The fashion: There is something about autumn fashion that really gets me going, the colours of autumn are really cool.  Nice stylish winter coats and hats.Not black or grey I mean browns, golds, dark greens. I love boots, and autumn is the time when all the nice ones are in the shops. Be it ankle  or knee height I don’t mind, I just love a new pair of boots. 
  4. I love to wear scarfs – nice chunky ones with bold prints. No better time than in the autumn.
  5. The change in colour and look when it comes to make-up and nail polish. You just have to take a glance on You – Tube, as soon as 1st September comes, to see all the make-up artists show-casing their “fall make-up” as soon as August is up. Reds, berry colours, browns I love all the deep  colours when it comes to lipsticks which are perfect for this time of year. Nail colour trends turn dark and vampy out goes the pinks and pale shades in come the reds, burgundy, navy and purple shades. I love it all. 
  6. Christmas- oh yes my favourite time of year. I love Christmas not for the gifts or money spent, purely for what it represents ( to me) family time. The one time of year you get to sit down and catch up with your loved ones and friends over a great meal. All year you’ve been busy, at Christmas everything slows down and the focus ( in my house) is on family time. I really, really enjoy cooking up a storm in the kitchen too this time of year.
  7. Meal times- in autumn are all about soups,stews, roast dinners and nice wholesome foods, which I enjoy cooking and eating.
  8. Reflection time- often this time of year I start to look towards the new year, (yeah like two months early.) I’m already thinking about what I’d hope for, for the new year, what I want more  or less of in the new year to come. This time of year I’m very out  with the old and in with the new.
  9. The start of a new academic year: as a teacher this is the chance to really make an impact on each student’s life, by preparing them for what’s ahead. Be it an exam, coursework or the next stage of study.
  10. My son’s birthday: yep! My baby boy is a winter baby just like me when it comes to his birthday. This time of year I get to celebrate another year spent with the best toddler in the world. I always look back and see how much he’s developed I can’t believe he’s going to be three.

So I guess for me, the change of season brings around a lot of positives, especially as I’m more productive as a writer.Even if I’m not a fan of the weather, without it ( the shift from sunshine to wind and rain) I would not enjoy my usual piqued interest in fashion, be  more creativity while cooking, or start  preparation and planning for the new year. 

So yes, while I’m wishing for one more week of sunglasses and a sundress, at the same time autumn, for me personally brings around a lot of personal growth as I look towards the future. It just occurred to me while writing this, my spring time eg new-begging is not in March/April time when spring actually starts  but in autumn September/October!

How do you feel about the change in season? Does it represent anything for you? What’s your favourite season and why?

 

Fall Into Romance: Blog Hop (14th-21st October) #amreading #romance #bloghop

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Hi guys!

Welcome those who have  stopped by my blog  as part of the blog hop, for Fall Into Romance. Come in, hang up your jacket, grab yourself a drink and mingle on the blog- happy to have you here.

Last month I mentioned I’d be taking part in this blog hop, never done one -first time for everything, so why not do one within my favourite genre. Here is a bit about it:

Fall Into Romance Hop (Oct 14-21)

Event Theme/Blurb

Fall Into Romance! Share the romances that had you falling in love with the genre!Or the ones that keep you smitten! Stop by each blog for new recommendations and giveaways!

 Kim’s Featured Book : Deadly Embrace- Jackie Collins

So what romance books have I fallen in love with? Well I’m going to go way back to the first ever romantic -suspense book I read, this book introduced me to the genre as a reader. I fell in love with the book and genre from this one book, years later I’m now an author within the genre myself- pretty cool!

 I was in my late teens, barely into my twenties when I discovered Jackie Collins. Man, I remember the feeling I had while reading her book Deadly Embrace woooooooo !  Jackie is famous for giving her readers sex, drugs and rock ‘n’roll, even after her passing she is still a notorious author. But I promise you that’s not why I fell in love with it. Far from it, ok maybe  it was part of it 🙂 but the main reason is the way Jackie wrote the book, the cliff hangers, suspense and the story flips between time frames and generations to weave a great thrill of a story with an OMG ending. All this and some romance to boot. Fabulous!

Deadly embrace, is part of a series, and reading this book does not require that you’ve read the first one.  When I read Deadly Embrace I had not, I started right here. You’ll get into it and pick up the story, a sign of a great writer, writing a series that readers can jump into at any point. After Deadly Embrace, I read many of her books. I proudly display them on my book case at home. From that moment on, I was and still am Jackie’s biggest fan. 5 /5 stars for Deadly Embrace. This is one  for those who like strong characters, a fast story and lots of sexy, but classy romance give this a try.  All hail one of  the queens of romantic -suspense, the late GREAT Jackie Collins.

 

jc

 

The second book I’d like to say I fell in love with, is my own! I had so much fun writing, researching and creating this romantic suspense story.So far I have five star reviews on Amazon. I’d love to share it with all those passing by on the blog hop. Since it’s fall (or autumn as we say here in the UK), and it was released in fall go ahead and fall in love with A Stranger in France…

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Book Blurb:

In A Stranger in France, readers are taken on a fast paced, modern day romantic journey, that spans between the city of London, the glitz and glam of France, and the beautiful English coast in a gripping romantic story, between two complete strangers with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat turning pages. When career driven and successful thirty- two-year-old London-born Kate Brown faces hard times in her marriage, she confides in her best friend Tanya Adams in Marseille southern France. Kate makes a bold move and spends two weeks in Marseille away from her husband in London. Her path crosses with tall, dark, devilishly handsome and wealthy Nicholas D’Coix. An immigrant to France from the Ivory Coast west Africa as a young boy, who turned himself around and built up an empire of wealth as a hustler and money maker, and now one of Paris’ top three entrepreneurs. In a whirlwind of sexy, lustful romance Nicholas and Kate fall in love. Kate returns to London to a few surprises of her own, and still very much in love with Nicholas as she makes yet another bold life changing move. Touching on real life issues these two strong characters battle it out against all the odds in the name of love, across the UK and France.

Buy now links

 A bargain at under £3.00 for UK readers and  under $3.00 for international readers

Amazon.com

More hops to go and have a look at on this blog hop below link just click.

 Main event link: http://theherdpresents.blogspot.com/2016/10/fall-into-romance-blog-hop.html