Category Archives: Randoms

Random: You’ve Gotta To Love Her! #music #inspiration #love #random

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Okay so I did a throwback Thursday post with Beyonce. I LOVE THIS SONG!! YOU HAVE TO PLAY IT LOUD! The lyrics toward her husband ( Jay-Z)  are …. well, what made me look at Beyonce, a little differently. I guess I had a new level of respect for her, and her spunk.

You tell ’em B!

One of my favs on the Lemonade album, I listen to this track over and over the beat is sick, I love the rifts.  I love her style, the “Jackie Brown” 70’s retro with the fur coat  vs urban fashion with her braids, and those killer heels. Work it B!

Have a great day! I better get to work I am procrastinating.

Throwback Thursday!! #music #writerslife #throwbackthursday #oldskool

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Goooooood Mornin’ to ya!

It’s a grey cloudy one in London. I’m sitting here about to crack on with the final touches on my first, of two published books this July. You know me by now right? The music is going, coffee is being made, I’m in the zone. This song came on the radio as I was in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil, giving it so much attitude as I sang along, doing my best Beyonce impression.  (Not a very good one, but plenty of attitude though).

This song came out in 1999… Woah  I was sixteen years old ! How old were you in 1999? Do you remember singing along to this song?

 It set me in a good mood to work. I like Beyonce’s work ethic too. Eighteen years she has been a successful woman since this first song came out. Inspirational being the same age too.

Music will always be my saviour in life! And what I write to.

#throwbackthursday

 

Good Morning, It Can Wait Until Monday!: Friday Feeling… What You Up To? #fridayfeeling #weekend

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Friday 2

 

 Is it Friday yet in your part of the world? If so that’s right, we’ve made it through another week guys. It’s only 8:00 a.m London time, but to quote the Russian Femme Fatale,  I really enjoyed writing so much for  writing for week 5’s short story…

” vhere vodka an’ shot glass?”

Vodka

 

Already I feel like celebrating the fact, I made it through a very busy week, with a shot. I’ll try and hold out until midday at least 🙂 . It’s been a crazy week of trying to meet deadlines, working, caring for the family, trying to de-clutter / clean the house and in between to sleep. Noticed I used “try” only half of this I actually got done.

How do you feel? What’s your week been like?

What are you up to this weekend? What’s on the to – do list? Here’s mine

  1. Finalise the last chapter of Lover’s Retreat, hand the manuscript to my editor and beta readers. I’ve done it! Knocked out 30,000 odd words whoop whoop! .. now vhere vodka?
  2. Paint my nails (finally).
  3. De-clutter a room in the house ( finally).
  4. Start working on the very special twist Didi and I have planned for Kim and Did’s Suspenseful Collection. 
  5. Outline  in a bit more detail, the short story idea I have for book three of my Romance Set In Paradise Series.
  6. Do some washing or laundry if you’re one of my American Friends.
  7. Finish reading the short story author E Denise Billups sent me. Continue reading  author Sara Ackerman’s historical romance.
  8. Listen to some music!
  9. Write a letter to a few pen pals who think I’ve dropped off the face of the earth.

  10. Have a wonderful time hanging out with friends and family… leaving my 99 problems until Monday!

Have a great last working day of the week. Be safe whatever you do this weekend. Please do share your to-do list with me? Are you going anywhere nice?

Self Published Authors Talk to Kim & Sascha Darlington: How To Work With Reviewers & Remove Stigma. #author #amwriting #writerslife

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I did a blog post last night about my views and personal thoughts, after reading on a book reviewer’s site……

“they won’t read books by self-published authors.”

WTF 2

Yeah, I felt the same when I read that. I was traditionally published before self published, I have a strong view point on this statement by book reviewers.  You can read the blog post here, which also lead to a conversation with Sascha in the comments. Interestingly she asked what she could do to help support self-published authors? Even though from what I understand, she has had a bad experience with some. Well I dunno? I guess try to keep reading work from self published authors.

But if you’re a self published author what could help improve the image self published authors have? And how can book reviewers support indie authors? Rather than have a hostile board-line discriminatory attitude toward those that do self publish. Oh and guys please what is your view on “vanity publishing” is that what it’s called these days? I did laugh have you heard this?

I have just a few things/ideas on this poll, add your own in the comments and do give feedback. It would be great for Sascha and I to hear all of your POV’s, as I am only good at talking up for myself… as you can probably tell 🙂

Do Book #Bloggers Discriminate Against #Indie Authors? Can You Believe That? #author #annoyed #writerslife

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WTF

 

Okay I’m about be real honest, state how I feel about what I’ve  just read, post this and that’s that.  If I offend anyone too bad! I’m sticking up for what’s right and authors all around the world. I’m too old to be walking on egg shells and not speak on what I feel passionately about. On top of that, I’m being real here.

Seriously, I’m just sitting here minding my own business catching up on blogs and stuff, with a glass of wine. I just clicked onto a book reviewer’s site and read “I don’t review books from self-published authors…blah blah blah.”  I’m what you’d call a hybrid author I guess, I’m both traditionally and self published.  I was traditionally published before self published. And let me tell you as a traditionally published author, publishers can still f*ck up your s*it, and you can be left rather unhappy with it. Don’t think for a moment because an author is self published they are any less of a writer, author, creator and kick- ass person, who can keep up the stamina to write a good book. Around work, families, drama and all kinds of things. Self published authors are made of some strong stuff, they are determine, they are titian and the world is a better and more diverse place with them. I’ve met some great ones.

WTF 3

 

Yes honey, I did say that! People out there think that being traditionally published is some kind of “gold standard.” Get with it, and move forward. I am so glad I found out all the benefits of self-publishing good well written stories. Yes I would be traditionally published again, but not because it is the be all and end all. Or I need that seal of approval. It’s nice sign a contract of course … I’ve done it three times and loved it but it’s not what makes me “an author” or another writer “an author.”  I’m so fed up with the stigma and stick that self- published authors get, for going their own way. Handling their own business and doing what they love. Self published authors have heart,have hustle and keep going!

 Stop/Do not discriminate! And don’t hate!

What

 *Resting bitch face in full swing*…. You heard me.

Reading Habits… Mmmm #reading #books

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I love books

I made a visit to a lovely book blogger’s page this evening. I read her random post on her reading habits. Inspired me to keep the post chain going. I love to read, I was (and still am) an avid reader before writer. Here are my habits what are yours?

Do you have a certain place in your home for reading?

Not really, I read anywhere. Including public places. Normally when I’m at home I read  in bed or in the living room on the sofa. Curled up with a cup of tea or coffee, sometimes something a stronger. Okay, not sometimes most of the time.

— Bookmark or random piece of paper?

Bookmark all the way! I have collected some pretty ones over the years. It annoys me if they slip out or I lose them.

— Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop reading after a chapter / certain number of pages?

Most of the time I aim to finish the chapter. I find it hard to cut off and disconnect. If I’m really tired I may stop part way through, but I always aim for the long haul and finish a chapter.

— Do you eat or drink while read?

All the time! The crumbs on the E-reader is unbelievable.

— Multitasking: Music or TV while reading?

Ahh, hard one I always have something on in the background, the hard decision is music or TV. If I have the TV on it’s always the news channel I place it on, I have no idea why. If it’s music, something easy going is playing.

— One book at a time or several at once?

Just the one thank you! I give it my full attention.

— Reading at home or everywhere?

*Raises an eyebrow* what do you think?

— Reading out loud or silently in your head?

Silently in my head… what am I? Five years old?

— Do you read ahead or even skip pages?

No. Never. It’s a sin.

— Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?

Keeping it new…

— Do you write in your books?

Who? What? … Hell No! Why would you? When I was at university I didn’t even like making notes in my text books.  But reading books? My escapism?..  You’ve lost ya damn mind.

What are your reading habits?

Romance Writers’ Blog Challenge Wk #23: “If I Could Eat One Last Meal” #MFRW

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I’m fashionably late and behind again, with the romance writers’ #52 week blogging challenge *sighs*.  But I’ll jump back in on week #23. I adore food, this is probably one area of  life that I’m so versatile, and will try almost anything. My parents originate from the Caribbean, growing up I ate mainly this type of food. I guess even though my mum immigrated here to London years ago, she has never left her roots. Even English dishes she cooks are sprinkled with some kind of Carib twist.

The other day I made this dish,  I was so proud of it (I do love to cook also) I took a snap. It’s Caribbean chicken using my mum’s secret recipe. If I could eat one last meal I think it would be this. Well marinated, slow cooked, chicken, rice and beans with a coconut flavour and of course can’t forget the salad.

When my mum cooks this dish it tastes ten times better than mine, I can never quite get it the same, but mine is still yummy. She also likes to add Plantains to the dish. These are like bananas but not quite, and they are so sweet! You can fry them, boil them and even make crisps or potato chips if you’re from the USA from them. You’ll find them in many hot countries. Sometimes she’ll throw in a lil’ potato salad too.

The Caribbean is such a wonderful part of the world when it comes to food. Food is like a way to celebrate, and to bring people together. Flavour and spice is a big part of the culture. Never boring and never bland. Caribbean food is cooked with love, care and passion. I’ve heard this said about Italian culture and food also.

What’s your favourite dish to eat? Are you adventurous when it comes to food? Are you a great cook? If I came over to your house for dinner, what would you cook for me?

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Question For All Writers: What’s Your Creative Time? What’s Your Routine? #writerslife #amwriting

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Three Day Quote Challenge 3

I’m fed, watered and ready to spend the whole evening tapping away until the early hours tonight. It’s almost 10.00p.m London time, a random thought popped into my head as the creative bug bit me this evening. I’ve not pulled up my second romance novella I’m working on in five whole days!  *cringe*.  My editor kicked  me up the ass today, she’s excited to read it. Tonight I’ve got a serious case of creativity, not to mention withdrawal symptoms.

It made me wonder, when do other writers get bitten by the creative bug? What’s your most creative hour of the day?  I wonder what other writers do as part of  their “routine” for writing? Do they write every day? Every other day? Once a week … what? So I’m asking you all, tell me I’m really interested. Leave me a comment let’s talk.

Personally, being a mum I write in the evening always. This is not a bad thing far from it, it suits me as this is when I naturally find I’m in the mood, and I have more creativity then. My creative hours are between  9:00p.m-3:00a.m. Or maybe I think I have more creativity as the house is damn quiet! Peace at last!

Five whole days away from a manuscript is a long time for me. I do tend to try to write everyday. I’ll be real honest, the last couple of weeks I’ve not. Mainly as I’ve been tired (nothing new there then), I’ve been reading a lot (like always). The last few books I’ve read have really gripped me. They were hard to put down, I’ve passed up writing to read. I started reading the first novel of one of this month’s Meet The Author featured authors, you’ll find out who on the 25th.  I also want to read the other featured author’s work too.

Anyway, here’s my routine what’s yours like?

  1. Try to write every day. Is this what you do?
  2. Eat dinner, make a coffee, wash my face and turn on the radio. I normally listen to some easy going radio stations, that play all genres of music. We have some great ones in the UK. Or if I’m completely behind and need to knock out some serious word count… I pull out the classical piano playlist, to get in the zone classical music really focuses me.
  3. Sit at the laptop, pull up the manuscript. Glance over it, sip coffee. Check my phone, check Facebook, check e-mail.
  4. Pull up YouTube or some distraction on the internet, mess around for about a good half an hour … or longer *pulls a face*.
  5. Set to work.

Tell me what is your routine? I’m keen to know. And do you get straight to work or do you mess around before you actually type??… don’t lie to me now, be honest.

I better get to work as right now, typing this post, I’m on step four of the above… distraction 🙂

Share your experiences!

 

Reflection: What I write. #writerslife #amwriting

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As much as I love to write fast paced, engaging and gripping stories. With strong characters and even some very dark  unsavoury ones. When it comes down to it, I’ll always be a romance writer at heart. My stories will always comeback to this no matter how gritty , controversial or full of drama they may get.

Yes I’ve knocked out some gritty characters in crime, and physiological themed stories as part of the weekly challenges  for Kim and Didi’s Suspenseful Collection.   And I’ve started to write a novel with this theme too! But this week as writers we have both put out  such a different feel. So different the story moved me to actual tears I just read it back to myself. I can’t recall I time I’ve actually been moved to tears, by something I partly wrote 🙂

Maybe it was the music, I dunno? Unintentionally at the moment I have Magic FM on the radio. If you’re not from the UK, you might not  know that this station plays some of the most relaxing feel good songs. I love to write with it in the background to focus. Around this time in the evening 9:00 p.m it gets a little soppy! It’s called ” Mellow Magic.” This song came on, I actually shed a tear (or a few) while reading the story. Good ol’ Whitney! It fits the story so well.

As I said earlier on today it’s a real close call between week four, and week one as my favourite story so far. I loved creating both pieces of fiction. As a romance author, I sincerely hope you enjoy what Didi and I came up with. And I thank her openly for the decision (not mine) to do a romance theme week. Because love really does concur all.

10 Randoms and Facts About Me…. #author

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kimknightprofilepicI was inspired to do this blog post right after I read another blogger’s, what a great idea. So here are 10 randoms about me, I just wrote the first that came to my mind. If you have questions do ask me! I will answer.

  1. I’m five foot five in height.
  2. I always paint my nails and toes no matter what, I like them to look pretty, and I like to look pretty lol.
  3. My favourite colour is green.
  4. My birthday is the 14th February – yes Valentines Day.
  5. I am a massive music fan.
  6. I did dance lessons until I was about twelve or so.
  7. I speak French.
  8. I love fashion and to make clothes. I can follow industry made patterns to make  shirts, dresses, trousers whatever.
  9. I like body art, I have four tattoos the least painful one was  the flowers I have tattooed on my right foot! I’d like another one.
  10. I have a masters degree.
  11. Let’s make it eleven facts…. I’m a very spiritual person rather than religious, I don’t tie myself to a religion or follow it, personally. That said my mum would lean toward catholic as a religion… imagine her face when she reads my books ” Now Kimberly there really is no need for that language and all that sex,  how and where did you learn THAT!??” LOLS.  I believe in the Law of Attraction, The Universe, Affirmations, karma and all that good stuff!… call me chooco but I really have seen it work wonders in my life. Everyone needs some kind of faith to hold on to this is mine.

 

Tell me  randoms about you…