Category Archives: reflections

What’s On Your Mind, Right Now? – Parents vs Return To School and Covid-19’s Influence On Our Decisions

Posted on by

I’m just thinking out loud really, and allowing my fingers to move across my keyboard. I’ve actually stolen a writing prompt from my own book 365 Days Of Writing Prompts For Romance Writers. ‘What’s on your mind, right now?‘  You see I woke up this morning thinking deeply about parents around the world right now, and how many of us are ‘stuck between a rock and a hard place’ as my own mum would say. Debating what to do about returning our babies no matter how old they are back to school vs the need to earn a living even if there’s a risk to our babies. Then I just finished home school my son about ten minutes ago, left him to get on with whatever six year old’s ‘get on with’ when their parents aren’t looking LOL so I could do some blogs. I got interrupted  as I received an email from his school. Since school has reopened a couple days a week around the 12th May, they’ve had just twenty kids return over three classes! Part of me wasn’t really surprised, the other half was absolutely  heartbroken that they went back. He attends a small private school with about  no more than fifteen kids in his class, so it’s a small school. Twenty returned over three classes has got to be less than a handful of kids per year group, but they are still there! I asked myself why? Why have these kids gone back to school!? If I could I’d baby sit them all I’d do it…then I thought about my sanity LOL.

Mission Statement Blog post2

 

I’ve read all the articles and listened to all the news reports in every corner of the world, since I’ve been locked down officially since 11th March. The newest worry being the Covid-19 impact on children. Especially, after it was thought that kids are less at risk, seems there’s something else that attacks their body.  I read one today, and how it attacks the vital organs. This is what made me decide that my son is not returning until September to school, earlier this month when some opened and the news reports started to surface I just could not do it to him, or myself. Many parents can’t even make that decision, many parents might forced to send their babies back to school. This is what crossed my mind as I woke up this morning. I felt incredibly blessed that I work at home anyway, so it’s not a thing to keep my boy off. But it’s damn near impossible to work as he is young, and not a teenager who understands ‘ I’m working keep the damn, noise down boy!’ My sacrifice is only to work when I should be asleep, and sleep when  I should be working. But many parents their sacrifice is actually safety because they need to return to work so their kids have to or must return. I sat with that thought all day today, and even more so when I got an email from the school.

It’s so sad, and I feel incredibly …. what’s the word I wanna say ’empathetic’ or maybe even ‘sympathetic’ towards all parents who have had to return their babies to school. If you are one of these parents reading this my heart and love goes out to you.

This Covid-19 has really shaken up life as we’ve known it for sure, and in some parts of the world governments are handling it very differently. Yesterday, I had a conversation with a friend on Skype in Brazil, she told me her president never agreed to the lock down. (OMG, right) and therefore the death rate in Brazil has been on a steady increase over these  last few months. My heart went out to this part of the world. I look at my own native country the UK, and feel that while we were so slow to move unlike other parts of Europe, one thing that we’ve got right is the financial support for those who need it who can’t work. But the health management part has been a bit of a disaster, as for the school’s management. I don’t see or even believe for one second as an ex- high school teacher that kids can ‘social distance’ at all!! And I don’t for one moment believe that when class sizes on average are around thirty in the UK, when I was teaching how they can expect teachers to narrow down classes to less than fifteen or whatever ridiculous number they suggested.

Then I think about the USA, and the outlandish comments the president has made around Covid-19, and even suggestions around drinking bleach!!? *Sigh* right now, I have so many views on what’s going on. And I just hope that every parent out there right now is able to make a decision on the return to school with safety at the fore front of their mind, and try not to let employers push you too much. I spoke to a girlfriend, she told me her kids will return a couple of days a week because her employer wants her to work from home still, but more efficiently. She has two small babies that are five years old – twins, so her work rate has dipped and her employers are throwing a fit. It upset me she is put in this position. Parents, please consider the pros and cons of this all, consider the reports on the impact of Covid-19 on children. Kids can’t and won’t social distance, my son can’t social distance to save his life LOL it’s his personality a very bubbly, touchy feely kinda boy. If he’s sick the whole house is sick, if he has a minor cold.

Ask your employer to stay home, apply for all the financial help your country offers and don’t be too proud to snatch it up!

Right now, I feel like home school should be an option for as many as possible, and the option to remain working from home. This would be my ideal world, and I know for many it may not always be possible. But, my thoughts are with you all.

How has your country or city handled the return to school? Have you sent your kids back? Why or why not? I’d love to hear how everyone is getting on do drop a comment.

Keep well everyone.

 

Writing Prompt-‘It’s A Text, Text, World’

Posted on by

‘How do you communicate differently online, than in person, if at all. How do you communicate emotion and intent in a purely written medium?’

What a cool  short little prompt for today’s date. In all honestly I don’t actually feel or think that I communicate much differently online, than in person. The only real difference I think in my communication is it depends on who I communicate with be it online or in person, that might be a different style. When I think about this no matter how I’m communicating or who with, I’m always:

  1. Myself.
  2. Pretty straight forward I don’t tend to beat around the bush,  you get to a certain age and you  pretty much say what you mean. But that does not mean I’m mean, rude or nasty. Never at all, just honest.
  3. Articulate.
  4. Friendly.

IMG_20190314_104032

But the style may change depending on who it’s with.  If I am communicating with say my mum or son. I’m less likely to use swear words, well very unlikely actually. Same could be said when I was working in an office kinda environment, outside of the house, I wouldn’t really use bad language with co-workers. But, my style of communication was always the same as above in the  points. With friends then I guess I’ll let my guard down a lot more, and will use bad language or even with family members that I’m close with LOL.

In text messages, I think it’s the writer in me, my text messages are still written in full. No ‘text talk’ or things like wyd, or idn or idc short form. I remember having to ask someone what smh meant LOL. I didn’t know as  I don’t use the short form,  I even spell out the numbers , as if I was ‘writing, writing’  like a book or story. I’ve only really just noticed this now as I’m thinking about writing this.

Overall, for me I communicate pretty much the same in person as online, my personality is not really any different. When I do communicate online the tone is always relaxed, informal, friendly  just like in person. So nope, for me there is no real difference in how, just when it comes to who I communicate with.

How Do I Communicate Emotion In A Pure Written Form??

This is where this prompt get’s interesting for me,  from many of my book reviews the  feed  from readers a lot of the time has been that, this is something I do well with characters and in plots. And to be  honest, I don’t actually know how I do it… I can’t answer, but I guess it comes naturally when I just try to ‘think like the character’ or even ‘place myself in their shoes’ that’s all I do. I remove myself and what I would do, or even how I would act or what I personally think about whatever shit I’ve landed my characters in LOL and simply just try to communicate the emotion ( in writing) as if it’s really from them, and nothing to do with me. I really don’t know what else can be said, when it comes to fiction work. Just become the character or the situation that’s going on.

With my own personal communication via text, or email etc and putting across how I feel, in all honesty, I’m the emoji queen! I really am I do love to use them 🙂  With words, or sometimes there are certain emojis that just express exactly what I wanna say. I wish I could show you them somehow on this blog. If anyone is friends with me on FB I’m sure you’ll know what face I use a lot, when I’m in shock, can’t believe something or even just fed up!

And that’s it, that’s my communication style, what’s yours? ( If I could naturally there would be the thinking face emoji here).

New Month, New Goals!… Or Continued Goals

Posted on by

So it’s May already, it feels like just yesterday I was saying it’s April. And with a new month ( for me personally) comes new energy and  a review of where I’m at with things, and where I need to pick up the pace. So at the time of writing this, I am about 30k words deep into my 60k word goal for my current project. It was 50k but I extended it, I think I’ll need it! I like to set my intentions and write them down, normally I do in some kind of journal, but of late I’ve been sharing them a little more on my blog,  to put that energy out to the Universe and get it done so here goes….

target-1513758_640

So, this month I hope to write about 800 words minimum per day, to reach my goal of completing this project by mid -June latest. That’s if I write the minimum of 800 words! I guess for me May will be like a mini NaNoWriMo all over again. Of course if I do more per day I may even finish early, which is always a bonus.

Secondly,  to add to the  Suspenseful Collection series Didi and I have,  I hope to start off  one short story and send it to her.

I also plan to read one book  for an author’s book tour this month. I’m rather looking forward to it too, it seems really cool.

What are your goals for May with anything you’re working on in life, love, work, family etc do share I’d love to know.

 

 

Friday Rambles And Reflections

Posted on by

I thought of doing a writing prompt today, using one of  my books to see what’s under today’s date. Then I thought nope, just write! And say hi to all of the existing and new people who have decided to follow my blog here. Welcome and thank you!  Of late I’ve been mainly interacting with a lot of shared work, releases and promos from other authors and book reviews, so why not do a personal blog today. I went a little quite on the personal blogs as I was working hard with my co-author Didi, to get The Suspenseful Collection #2 done and dusted, our release date was just this week! I’m really proud of us.

So it’s Friday?

It sure is but I had to double check lol, when I woke up (again), I was not sure what day it is and had to check my phone. I’ve been on ‘lock down’ since mid-march, and not left the house for anything other than food. It’s been tough kinda, as my son wants to see his friends as do I, I’d love to go out freely when there’s nice weather , but in all honestly from following the news I’d rather be at home.

It’s late afternoon now and the sun’s out. I’m  in the garden following a BBQ lunch randomly, due to the nice weather. My son’s in his paddling pool and well, just felt like a ‘free day’ today, no homeschooling,  no real routine just chilling in the small outside space with some wine. I feel a bit drained today but not in a negative way at all, just a bit reflective on the world really, and how we’ll all return to some kind of normality, like before the pandemic?  If that’s even possible some time soon?? What do you think? How are things where you are in the world? Do tell me.  Since mid- March I’ve been following the news in every corner of the world, from my living room and  it’s been heartbreaking at times. I do hope you and your family have not been touched by this virus.

Has ‘Lock down’ been  positive in anyways?

A few weeks back I wrote about the positive things to  take from lock down and the coronavirus here.  as at the time I felt ‘it’s hard but surely there’s a positive.’ I still do feel that way. Personally it’s helped push me with my writing a lot!  This week Didi and I  had a joint phone interview yesterday, which we’ll share. But in other news, I’ve added a good chuck of words to my romantic crime thriller, and sent the proposal to my publisher to see if they are interested! And revamped a story idea I had, which will now be the third book in my Romance In The City series!  I will hold on to this one though and self-publish that.

 

gratitude-1251137_1280

Works In Progress…?

  • I’m very excited! As in a few weeks I will share the cover reveal for this romantic suspense, that I will self publish in my Romance In The City series with you!!  I  don’t plan to release this until  later this year, but will put it on pre-sale.

 

  • Sacrifices  my historical romantic suspense, I’m waiting for the cover design from my publisher, that is in their release schedule for August!! I will share it as soon as I have it.

 

  • Right now, I am writing my romantic crime thriller and aim to have that completed in  the next three months, and  if my publisher likes it, hopefully that can be squeezed into their schedule for 2020 some time.

So over all, ‘lock down’ has been helpful for me with regards to writing. I’ve not really be able to work from home during the day much, mainly evening and write at night. The outcome is that I have one WIP with added word count, and one addition to my series! Brilliant, so stay tuned.

Generally though with  this madness that’s going on in the world, I’ve been okay. At times lost my mind lol but I all honesty, I feel like while this virus is taking lives left right and centre I’m better off inside. There’s talk of schools opening in May…. I don’t honestly think I will be sending my son back. I will home school him for the rest of the academic year if need be, my son’s  school have been amazing with organising this for parents and sending us resources. Plus I was a teacher myself for ten years, so it’s no problem for me to continue his education with their resources, and the wonderful online resources I have found for his age group. Call me paranoid, but I just don’t think I can bring myself to allow him back so soon.  Has your part of the world re-opened? What about your children will they return to school this academic year?

The Bookworm in me…

I’ve also done a lot of reading, sometimes a book in one day! I can’t remember the last time I actually did this, or even had time to. I’ve raided Netgallery for some good books to read and review. I’ve really been drawn to non-fictional stuff. I think part of this is because of the lack of outside contact, I feel like my brain is shrinking and vocabulary limited to anything ‘virus’ related lol.

So from me to you, hello friends!  Happy Friday, I hope you’re well and your family is too. Have a wonderful end to your week! And do let me know how you’re getting on generally with the change in life since the pandemic in the comments. It be great to hear from you.

 

 

Writing Prompt: Million-dollar Question? #amwriting

Posted on by

 Writing Prompt> “Why do you blog?!

Lol, what a writing prompt for today? In all honesty I have no real idea, it just feels like something I gotta do! Like put on my eyelashes every morning LOLZ. I started this blog four years ago now. And it started as it was what I ‘heard’ authors are ‘supposed to do’. So I just thought, okay cool let’s give it ago. Over the years I’ve met some wonderful people.

imagesAnd come across some beautiful blogs. I met my co-author via blogging too, and if I had not started here on WordPress, I would not have two anthologies, I’m very proud of, under my belt with her. I don’t get to blog as much as I’ve love to. But the focus of the blog  has changed over the years.

What’s The Point Of My Blog?

These days, it’s not only a way for me to connect with readers,share my work,or readers to follow and find me, or an ‘author platform’ as they call it, nope! It’s about sharing ‘what’s good’ in the world of books generally. I like to interview other creatives on the 25th of each month, and connect people with other great authors, and a chance to market them. Generally I love pimping  out authors and great reads, so I also do lots of book promo and work with tour companies, read and review books,  and share them with you and help other authors, I like to also drop any writing tips I can that may help.

So my reason for blogging has become much more wider, and this site is not just about me! I also like to just generally chit chat too one in a while, do writing prompts ( like this), weekly that I find in my book.

What Does Blogging Do For Me Personally?

Feeds my need to write! About any and everything, a chance to also be social and connect. I just like writing really y’all so that’s all it does is itches that scratch. I would like to maybe do other blogs as well, like on other specialised subjects that I love, outside of writing. Maybe one day! Generally I blog to connect with you, so you can connect with me, and I always be myself. So yes, I will swear, yes I will be blunt and no I won’t always try to come across as perfect, cos I’m not. So far I’ve not offended anyone, so I will keep on blogging as me, as person in my own voice and personality.

Why did you start your blog? And why do you blog?

 

 

Writing Prompt: Imperfection #amwriting

Posted on by

 

mistakes-2460733_1280

“Imperfections- in things, in people, in places add character to life. Tell us about an imperfection you cherish?”

Mistakes! I Love Them!

Yep, that’s right I do, and a great writing prompt under today’s date in the book.  To be honest, I feel that as we all make mistakes it’s an imperfection that we all have, as people. Whether it be taking the wrong turning while driving, work mistakes, or in my case as a writer God forbid typos!!  These are just minor things of course. In all seriousness, I value this ‘imperfection’ of making mistakes ( major/serious ones and minor ones), we have as humans, as I believe that the mistakes that we all make do a few things as well as add character to life:

  1. Teach.
  2. Give direction.
  3. Allow growth.
  4. Confidence.

Now, I’m not just talking about the minor mistakes we may make on a day-to-day basis. I also mean those major, maaaaaaaaaaaajjjjjjjjjjor mistakes we make in life, generally.  The ones that make is question what the hell we were doing LOL.

Think about it. If you’ve ever made a mistake most likely you did learn something from it. Even if it was not pretty, you still learned something, which then gave you a direction, sometimes even a new one! This new direction brings ‘growth’ be it mentally, as a person, or in your skills set/attitude etc. and then, I have no doubt that you had a brand new air of confidence about you, right? Yep I knew it!

Sometimes…. this doesn’t happen, though.

Yeah, by this I  mean when we make a mistake, if we don’t embrace it or this ‘imperfection’ and by this I mean the actual mistake or action, not the fact that we made one, it’s in these cases feel that a person won’t experience the beauty of the mistake.  The beauty being, the four things I listed above and the positive side to embrace of this ‘imperfection’ we all have.  These four things, in my view do four further things.

  1. Heal.
  2. Strength.
  3. Determination.
  4. Self-belief.

Yes,  as you’ve probably clicked to me mistakes (the imperfection I love in life), are things that provide a circle of experiences– that better you. If you do embrace this imperfection and experience what I mention in the first paragraphs, most times we come full circle and heal (even if the mistake was not traumatic, healing comes in many forms and it could just be as simple as knowing that you’ll never make that minor mistake again). Then, we have strength to keep going, be determined, and that only leads to increased self-belief in my view.

Overall, in all honesty many people hate making mistakes  ( myself included I do like to do things as best I can, generally). But, when push comes to shove if I had to embrace an imperfection in life, as someone who likes perfection, I’d say I’d embrace making mistakes. No matter how major or minor, as if embraced fully you can gain a hell of a lot, no matter how minor a mistake it was!

I think the imperfection that adds character to life is our natural human ability to fuck up, royally sometimes! *shrugs shoulders*.

What about you? What imperfection do you feel adds character to life?

Writing Prompt: Judgement Day..

Posted on by

cemetery-3210234_1280

If you were to judge your favourite book by its cover, would you still read it?…

 

A really good writing prompt under today’s date in my book, and very fitting as just this week on Facebook, an author friend asked the question ‘ what’s more important the cover or book’s blurb for readers?’ Me being a big reader I responded, and said in my personal experience and opinion the cover is not really that important, compared to the book’s blurb. Ultimately this is what makes me buy a book not the cover.

Why Is a Book’s Blurb More Important To Me?

Well, as a reader this is what tells me about the book. I have read some books with shockingly plain or even boring covers. And some which don’t represent the true ‘ride’ the book gave me, and they turned out to be outstanding five star reads!! So this is why I personally feel as a reader, covers are cool and yes important, but more focus for me is on blurb.

If I find it interesting, or pulled to the characters I am for sure going to read that book! Regardless of the cover. On the other hand, I have read some terrible books either badly written, not my cup of tea etc , and the cover was real eye-candy. I feel that a cover does not really tell you the FULL detail of a book.

What Does A Book’s Cover Show Me?

If I’m really honest, as a reader what genre it might be lolz, and that’s about it. It does not tell me if I’d like it, if it’s interesting or pull me to buy it. It may sound weird to some who read this, but as a reader personally the cover just gives me a hint of the genre. *Shrugs shoulders.*

So… If I Had To Judge My Favourite Books By Covers Would I Read Them Again?

Yes! As it was probably the blurb that pulled me in, and that’s why I picked it up. The author then did a great job with delivering to me what was written on the tin, and I enjoyed it so yeah I would. Some of my favourite books have really plain covers. In all honestly book covers that are eye-candy are lovely, and every author wants one ( me included). But, at the end of the day, it’s all about the delivery and your blurb. I know this a reader and because of this experience I have had, as a writer I try to ensure that my blurbs deliver a true representation of what’s within the pages! So never judge books by covers is my response, go by the book’s blurb.

What about you, what’s more important the cover or blurb? Which one calls you to buy or read a book? If you had to think of your fav reads and their covers, would you read them again or be pulled to them?? Let me know?

Writing Prompt: Local Flavour

Posted on by

britain-2938_1280

Write a piece about a typically “local” experience from where you come from, as though it’s an entry for a travel guide”

Brilliant writing prompt under today’s date in my book, I’ve never tried my hand at travel writing…so here goes! London, like the rest of the world is on some form of lock-down, due to the Coronvirus outbreak. I too am at home  and have been for eight days! Let’s pass sometime with today’s writing prompt and see if I can ‘sell’ my city as if I were a travel guide writer!

London…

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, and one of the most diverse cities of the world. The city is located in the southern part of the United Kingdom, and has a population of 8.9 million( as of 2018)  

The capital of the United Kingdom attracts many visitors and tourists each year, to date 39.7 million visits have been recorded to the ‘city that never sleeps’ at the time of this article. The diversity of London is great, and that’s what gives it the reputation of being one of the most welcoming, tolerant and culturally richest part of the United Kingdom.

There is plenty to see and do in this part of the country, the city is divided up into what’s known as ‘post codes’, similar to the zip codes of the USA and other parts of the world. The River Thames run’s directly through the city, and is what divides the capital up between north and south.

What is there to see and do?

Central London- ‘The West End’

This part of the capital is as the name describes, the  most central part of the city.  It is the financial hub of the country. London’s economy is based largely in the central part of London. Here you will find the famous landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street  and Soho. As well as many of the other well known ‘tourist attractions’ of the city.

The centre of London, or London’s ‘West End’ is a most see! And the ultimate starting point of any visitor to the wonderful and vibrant city. Tube lines ( subways) are easy to access and navigate around the capital. In addition, there are many bus routes, overhead trains and even local bike ride schemes to travel around the city.

London operates on a strictly no cash system on transport services, therefore you will need to obtain one of London’s Oyster Cards ( a travel card) and ‘top it up’ with money to pay for travel before hand. Or you can use your debit or credit card by touching in onto the screens, when you board any form of transport.

In central London, you will also find many theaters, restaurants bars, clubs and night life! In fact, London’s night light is highly sort after as an experience, and comparable to big cities such as Miami, Amsterdam, New York and Paris! But  London is the place to be.

Museum’s Parks and Attractions

The London Eye is London’s main attraction, located along Westminster Bridge, and a stone’s throw from the iconic Big Ben Clock, that London is recognised by. Here, visitors to the capital can experience  panoramic views across London, from the height of the ride’s wheel.  The ride itself is a large Ferris wheel, that moves at a smooth and comfortable speed allowing visitors to see the north, east, south and west of London. while located in the centre of London! Don’t miss this attraction. The nearest tube stations are Lambeth North, and Westminister Bridge.  Tickets must be purchased beforehand, arrive early to avoid queues.

London also has many picturesque parks such as Clapham Common ( south London), Richmond Park ( south London), Victoria Park (east London), Hamstead Heath ( north London) as well as parks in the city centre, located near the residence of the royal family.

In the city centre,  there are also museums for those who which to soak up the culture! Such as The National Gallery, along London’s South Bank you will also find The London South Bank Museum here.  Nearest stations are Trafalgar Square and Elephant and Castle which which are both walking distance.

Urban Life in London

London, would not be complete with out the underworld of ‘urban life’. Those who wish to experience the true unique, diverse and alternate culture of London, should head out the the tourist areas and visit Camden Town’s Market. Camden Town is a funky, diverse and cool part of London, not to be missed. Shops, restaurants, bars, and tattoo and alternate body art shops are all to be discovered. Nearest tube station is Camden Town.

Brixton Market located in the south London is a must see, and a very vibrant area to experience, where all races mingle and mix enjoying the ambiance of this part of the city. Nearest tube station is Brixton.

The August carnival to celebrate Afro-Caribbean culture in the capital, takes place on the Bank Holiday in August, at the end of the summer each year! This is one big street party, where there’s food, music, drinking and dancing along the streets of west London all Caribbean style. Don’t miss this iconic event, that has been part of London’s history since the large influx of Caribbeans who settled in the UK with the Windrush Era.

Safety While Traveling

London generally is a pretty safe place to explore,  safety should be taken with valuables as with any large city in the world, opportunists will strike and pick pocket if tourists are no alert ,and protective of possessions. Female travelers should feel safe, but should also take care and guard general safety.

Overall, London is  a great city! Home to many people from all over the world. Racism is not a big thing in this part of the country, compared to other parts. As the population is diverse and it is in this part of the UK, as with other large cities such as Birmingham and Manchester and Liverpool, that you will find the highest population of immigrants, as well as inhabitants that fall into the Black-British, or Asian-British, and Non-White category.

Visit London today! The best times of year are during the  spring and summer months typically from March- August.

 

How about it guys?? Who’s coming to London ( after the travel ban is lifted LOL), have I sold my part of the world to you?? Let’s see your travel guide pieces on where you’re from. Drop your links below I’d love to read them!!

 

 

 

 

 

101: Narrating Audio Books, And Having Your Books Narrated, What’s The Deal?

Posted on by

 

coming soonThe last few weeks have been a very unexpected experience for me! I got two jobs narrating two audio books, and uploaded my books to be narrated. That was the main intention, to have my books placed into audio and open it up to auditions. After speaking with a fellow author on Facebook, who happens to be an audio book narrator, I decided to see if there was any demand for British narrators following her encouragement. She was sure British accents would be some kind of ‘hot commodity’ that’s needed. LOL Turns out there is a massive demand!!

I did two auditions, of just two minutes reading a script for two books that interested me, and got both books offered to me to narrate. One from a publisher and one from an author. I thought I’d share both sides of the coin, how to place your books in audio, and why you might also wish to consider becoming a narrator yourself!

Where Do Authors Find Narrators?…

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy…head to ACX’s site this is Audible and Amazon’s website HERE.  

Simply log in using your own Amazon account, or set up one under your author/narrator pen name. Then, head to the section which states ‘add projects’. Here upload the details and Amazon will automatically pull your book in, confirm it and that’s it! Then, you need to add a script for narrators to audition with. I recommend not placing your whole MS up there, just copy and paste a sample. It does not have to be the first pages either, you can use a really tense scene, steamy scene etc, to see how  potential narrators would handle these aspects of your book. Or just opt for a sample from the first chapter. Either  way paste it into the box, or save a Word.doc  and upload it. Bosh! Done you’re book is out there for narrators to find.

What Cost Are Involved For Authors?…

None, if you don’t want there to be. Authors and publishers are able to place their book(s) up, and offer what’s called a ‘life long royalty share option’ to the narrator. This means, if you are willing to give exclusive rights to Amazon and Audible you just split all royalties earned from audio sales with the narrator. You’ll receive 20% and so will they, each month for life. The rest goes to Amazon and Audible of course.

Or, you can pay narrators a fee per audio hour they produce. This option will involve costs to you. So if a narrator’s fee is £50.00 per hour produced for example, and your book is eight hours long = 8 x 50.00=  £400.00 must be paid to the narrator.

Or, lastly you can offer the royalty share option + an amount for each audio hour, say £20.00. So if your book is eight hours again 8 x 20.00= £160.00 PLUS a 20 % royalty share per month.

There are three options, the first one you have to give Amazon and Audible exclusive rights, with the other two you are free to have  your book sold in audio elsewhere. But there’s costs to you. So if you don’t want upfront costs, then don’t go with them.

How Do Authors Find Narrators?…

Once you’ve added your book(s) as projects, fill out the options to decide what kind of narrator you’d like. eg accent, age, type of reader eg versatile, feminine, husky etc Basically narrow down the options to the best voice you feel would be suited, or that you’d like to hear bring your work alive. Press submit and that’s it.

Narrators looking for projects will come across your book(s), and if they are interested audition. You will get an alert of an audition and can hear their voice.

What Happens Next?….

Your book(s) will be up for ‘audition’ and narrators can find you.You should hopefully start receiving auditions and hearing different voices. You can respond to anyone who takes your fancy. You can also search the data base of narrators based on the criteria you selected, then invite them to audition or reach out in some way. Once your book(s) are up, it’s time to either reach out, or kick back and wait for people to find you.

Once you offer a project the narrator has two days to accept, if they do you upload the full MS. Then, they will start working and submit to you a fifteen minute sample of their work, before the deadline agreed. You will then approve it or not, and if you do they continue and you kick back, and wait for your book to be transformed into audio by the agreed due date! Then it goes up on sale once complete and ACX has approved it for quality.

Are Narrators Willing To Do The Work With No Upfront Fee?

In short, yes I was and would do it again. Depending on 1. if they feel your book will sell 2. they have a genuine interest in your book 3. you include in your book’s details what you plan to do about marketing. To inform potential narrators who may have an interest what you’ll do to spread the word. So they can see potential.

Of course there are professional voice actors who are not! And wish to be paid a fee, rather than  risk the time and effort, your book sells little or nothing or not what they would have imagined.

My Experience So Far, As An Author…

Well as an author my books have only been up just over a week, I have not had auditions yet, but one narrator did make contact and say she would like to audition once she’s finished up a few books she’s working on this month. I honestly think patience will be needed. That said, I would advise any author wanting to place their work into audio, to be just that patient. Don’t run with the first voice you hear unless it grabs you! Remember you are looking for someone who will bring your story alive, be it fiction or non-fiction. I’m more than happy to wait and hear the right voice and emotions for my work. If you do this, I suggest you do too.  This will increase the chances of you being happy,  once the audio book is produced. I found that it was a very easy process to place my books up on ACX too.

My Experience So Far, As Narrator…

Wonderful!! Like I said, pick books and subjects that genuinely interest you. One book is non-fiction and is in the esoteric,  spirituality, and metaphysics genre so of course I’m loving it! And it’s a short book, just 15,000 words or so. The second is a autobiography, this lady’s story really interests me too. The third, which the publisher emailed me about this week to potentially narrate, is a fiction book in the women’s fiction genre. This should be interesting as it will be a different type of narration voice for me, proper voice acting for different characters! I will review it and see if I am drawn to it and the characters.

The thing is, it’s not as easy as reading out a book, you do need to make it interesting and ‘act’,  even if it’s not a fictional book. Think of the listeners, so adjusting your tone, speed and how you wish to present the author’s work for listeners in an engaging way, is key. Secondly, it can take time! To learn the software, to edit, and re-record the words and sentences you stumble on LOL. But it really has been a great experience for me, and  would do more for this publisher and other authors for sure.

I am now more than fifty percent through my first book, and hope to get it all l completed this week or next. That’s the other thing, you will agree with the author or publisher a reasonable due date. I recommend, no matter how short the book ask for six-eight weeks on the project. Unless you really feel you could or want to do it in less time.

My advice is take your time, aim for perfection and quality ( after all you want good reviews, and more work from the publisher or author). And you want to do it right, right? You need time to get each chapter correct.  I would advise you take more time, and if possible do it in less or at a pace that works for you.

When you start out I would not take on too  many projects either, if you don’t have much time on your hands. I only took on two as the first book is so short, and the second is a novel. I would not have taken on two novels in my first attempt at this, trust!

Hence why, the first project that I searched for I wanted only under three hours production time, in the genres I was interested in, So I didn’t bite off more than I can chew. But from the experience, I do feel I could do a full novel with a good timescale, and one that deeply interests me, hence I took on the second book.

What Do I Need To Narrate Books? Could I Do My Own?

Yes, you can narrate your own. In fact the thought crossed my mind to do mine if I did not find a narrator I really liked. In order to narrate books, be it your own or someone else’s all you need is…

  • a decent microphone and pop filter. ( Don’t even think about using your computer’s one it’s too crappy). A Pop filter will help to remove mouth noises, and sounds of breathing or inhaling and you DO NEED IT don’t skip it! I would not say you need to buy the most expensive either. Mine cost me under £30.00 with the pop filter. I think about £20.00 and it is ahmaaaaaaaaaaaayzin! Great quality.
  • a laptop or PC.
  • recording and editing software. Which you can grab free!! One called Audacity. ACX recommend a paid expensive software, you don’t need it all all.  I recommend you grab a free software download of Audacity HERE. It’s so simple to use too.
  • And I recommend this great ebook on Audio book production  by Krystal Wascher . Recommended to me by the author who encouraged me to audition, and I too recommend it. It’s like a Bible and a must have. There are many resources on ACX’s website to help, I say get the book too. Free on Kindle Unlimited to read also. Grab it here.
  • A VERY VERY quiet environment, table and chair.  This is key, please don’t think that any old place will do. I record in my bedroom ( at the back of the house away from the main road). Choose a quiet room, the smaller the better too.
  • Water to drink!

Overall, I think that audio books are great I have listened to them in the past. I also think that as authors it’s great to reach as many readers , via as many channels as you can! So while I am now redoing all paperbacks for my self-published works, I’m also doing audio books. My publisher who I signed with for my historical romance,  really, really also recommends that audio is the way to go…. so go for it authors!

On the other hand, if you’re someone who thinks yeah, I have the time and skill or even desire to narrate books I say go for it too. Pick the books and genres carefully, stick to what interests you. Also, think of what your voice may suit also! Keep in mind that fiction work will have characters, so you will need to adjust for this. Male and female voices, non-fiction the author will want a different approach to how their book is narrated.

There is a demand for all accents. So I’ll give this a crack, add to my monthly royalties coming in and have some fun too!

Also, there are things to help you decide on books, such as the reviews it has on Amazon, sales rank, and how established the author is, their marketing plan etc. But at the end of the day, it’s down to you to decide. You may feel a book will sell well, but  it may not sell as many copies and vice versa.

Decide if you want to be paid a fee or via royalty share or both! Remember royalty share is for life. Also remember that as the narrator you should invest in the book’s potential for sales too. Promote it once produced, you are a shareholder in it after all!!

Give it a go if you feel you’d enjoy it. Any questions get in touch or drop them in the comments.

101: Writing Realistic Romance, Seven Tips #amwriting

Posted on by

writing Everyone has their own style of storytelling, believe me I know! I’m a big rebel when it comes to writing in this genre!  I don’t believe in following the crowd, I hate it. I use the present tense and first person often. While a majority of this genre is third person and past tense. That said, I have been pulled to write this short 101 to helpfully help other aspiring romance writers, and anyone for that matter, as this simple advice can be applied across the board in all genres really. Also, I’ve not written a writing 101 for ages!!

I’ve been compelled to write this as, one I read a hella-lot of romance, two I’ve read a hella-lot of romance that’s sadly unrealistic in some ways. This genre has this ‘reputation’ and I feel us romance writers should do what we can, to fight that battle. Now, I don’t claim to be an expert. But I do claim to be a kick-ass romance author that I will blow my own trumpet! And I will admit, that I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea you either feel me, or you don’t as a reader. But I’ll always be feelin’ myself LOLZ.  That’s because I have mastered ‘Kim’s style’ like all writers, I’ve got to a place where I feel happy with what my pen does, and at ease if others don’t like it.  Not everyone will like what you write, but if you write for yourself first, and use your own style whatever comes after is just a bonus, praise of critique. Because, you write for you first.

I’m now on novel number eleven, so from this experience here’s my simple advice and take from a humble POV, that I’d give to craft engaging and believable romance. So we can fight the whining  readers who find it ‘unrealistic’.

Characters

As a big reader I love it when characters are so believable, realistic and engaging to read. When they’re not, it can be a turn off. Not everyone is going to like your characters, and so what if they don’t they’re may be the wrong reader. The point is, when it comes to characters who are they? This is my starting point before I think about my plot. This is because, if you’re  going to write a realistic romance ( or any genre story), the characters will be what drives the plot. Not and never the other way around.  Remember this, think of your characters like this as the plot drivers.

Many may start with the plot and fill out characters, cool okay if that’s what’s best for you. But you may find that you”re  so busy spinning your plot, your characters do unrealistic things, and fall flat. I recently read two books one romance and one other, and this was my experience as a reader. If you know your characters well,  you can portray them better. They will react, think, move, talk, walk more vividly in your plot if you can focus on them first. This helps massively with character development also.

Ever read a book and the characters are boring, or they are from a certain part  of the world yet they speak perfect English in their conversations? Hmmm, chances are the  writer has skipped this part. Hence they speak perfect English, or just flat and not real. For example, when they are from the depths of south London for example and may have a different accent.

When I wrote a particular story for The Suspenseful Collection #2- Blurred Lines, I placed myself and Didi in the story lol. So when I portrayed myself in speech, I did not say, ‘oh I’m so sorry about that, here let me help you.’ I said, ‘oh no, I’m sorry, ‘er lemmie help ya’. That’s because I’m from London, and a certain part and I would not in casual speaking speak like the Queen herself!   Didi and I also had a Russian female in The Suspenseful Collection Volume #1 and of course  she said, ‘ello, yass ‘ow can help you.’ rather than ‘Hello, yes how I can I help you.’ The point is, little things like this matter, as well as who they are as people.  You may think, yeah Kim this is basic stuff. Trust, you’d be surprised  how many can easily forget, during character development.

This brings me to character development and thinking about it a  little deeper, if you start by really thinking about who your characters are, outside of things like age, race etc. But who they are as people, where they have been, how they react to things and most importantly their flaws as people. You will have more rounded, believable and developed characters that drive your plot. Rather than a plot with flat characters, doing very unrealistic things.

Flaws and Growth…

Okay so we all love a romance ( or any genre book really) where the characters are not only real, but we as readers experience and see their growth. Don’t forget this, once you know who your characters are as people, what flaws do they have? And these flaws should help drive the plot and show how they grow from it…. why? As it shows growth of each character, develops story and adds to reality! People have life experiences and we all grow from them, love and romance are no exception to the rule. If anything love and romance really do allow us all to grow in some shape or form. So, give your characters a flaw or two, then make sure in the plot you show somehow that they have overcome it, or made steps to over come it, changed or grown from it.  This could be so subtle in your writing, it does not have to be over the top, but if you can show it well it should make good believable reading. It makes the characters real, the situations real, and the best bit allows readers to experience the plot better.

Plot, Story-line and Storytelling…

Okay y’all like I said, I’ve read a hella-lot of books, especially romance and I feel a plot needs to be very realistic in as many books, if not all as possible. End of story, period and full fucking stop!! This genre has such a reputation for delivering ‘unrealistic stories’ and I hate it, and I will defend my genre I love to read and write until the cows come home! But, as a reader, I gotta say… yeah there’s some truth. Don’t get caught up in trying to spin the perfect ‘fairy tale’ that things seem unreal.  Ask yourself…

1.Would this really happen?

2.Could this even be possible?

3. And would my CHARACTER react like this, or how would they react and why?? What would my characters do in the situations I have placed them?

Where’s the challenges?…

Now if you, one know your characters, two they have realistic flaws, they should not be doing unrealistic stuff…right? Good glad we agree.

But, how do we keep it realistic, in my personal and humble opinion as a romance author, it’s down to the challenges we give them. By this I mean, if there’s no challenge and everything just fits into place we all know love and life does not roll like that! So it can come across as unrealistic, there needs to be some kind of ‘challenge’ and I use the word loosely to mean some kinda ‘debate’, ‘back and forth’ ‘questions’ or even just a good ‘ol dose of drama to keep the plot realistic. Don’t go too mad ( unless it’s like romantic suspense), but for good, clean, sweet romance a little challenge or dilemma where a decision or choices need to be made are key. And for romantic suspense, ha! Well, bring the heat with challenges!! 🙂 But keep them realistic to the characters, their environment and where they are at in life no matter what kind of romance you’re writing.

My best advice is, place your plot outline in the real world, in the time frame your story is set. So if it’s the present day would what you’ve outlined…

1. Have a chance of happening? Is this a realistic challenge to the character, time-frame and who they are?

3. Could it be believable? What is a realistic challenge for this couple to either be together, come together, or hold them back for some reason. Where is the push and pull before they can be happy?

4. Does it go inline with the challenges, flaws, and issues you’ve given the characters and the overall plot? Does it work?

5. Is there an actual challenge here worth telling? Is there more than sex in your plot? Does it develop into an actual story involving the characters? 

Pace…

All right y’all now, I believe when or if there’s  an issue with pace, it might be because of one of two things.

  1. There’s no fucking story at all to tell or is being told! And really pages are just being filled with words- the story does not move!
  2. The story does not have ‘peaks’ to keep the reader engaged. So, the pace seems like this ———————————————- all on one level and not really moving.

If you’ve really looked at your story line,  plot  or the outline whatever you call it, you should be able to see if there is a story really, and eliminate point one. If so, now where are the areas of ‘peak’ ‘heat’ tension’ whatever you want to call it. Make them clear, for you and the reader. Then decide how you will build up to these peaks. By this I mean what’s your approach to bringing the readers to these peaks, is it a sub-plot, surprise, mystery, a twist, or are you just ensuring that the story is told at a good pace and not dragged out.

You don’t have to spin mystery, surprise, or suspense into a romance, it could just be a nice sweet story ( something I’m not great at writing lol), or a contemporary romance. The point is, as you write your actual story keep up that damn pace! End as many chapters as you can with something interesting for the reader, and for the love of God keep moving! Without skimming or rushing, just make sure your pace is even.

  1. Start
  2. Middle/climax etc.
  3. level off/ OMG what will they do??/tension.
  4.  Bang…ending!

This is the most simple way I can  put it with pace. I would avoid leaving all the juicy stuff until the later part of your story, readers may fall off, lose interest or just feel that ‘the pace is slow’. Keep them interested. As a side note, I mentioned reality as a big thing. So if you leave all the juicy stuff to the end, is this realistic to how life would go, in the situations you’ve placed your characters?

Think about it. Do life and love just fit into place? Nope, think not. Especially if you have a plot with some drama, if your characters just roll with it is that really believable??? Adjust reaction if you can to fit the pace.

Insta- Love?

Ya know lots of readers may dislike this, I kinda do  as a reader as long as it’s believable. That’s the deal breaker. If you like to write insta-romance- do your thang! I like to read it and  have written it where characters connect fast. Remember what I said about pace…. That said, if you serve up some insta-love have you shown a reason ‘why they can’t get enough of each other?’  Give them some kind of connection. There is no use allowing your characters to say, ‘I love you’  ( a lot), when you can’t even see why they would love each other. It sucks, it’s unrealistic and well, where’s the connection more to the point? How or why have they fallen for each other, even if it was pretty soon.

Now connection could be simple things, common interests, both want the same things in life, at the same point in life, etc. People connect when there is a connection no matter how small, we all know and have experienced this. Establish the connection….and keep it real! Show the reader why there is a believable chance these people would fall in love, even if it’s soon.

I read a book recently and I could not see why the author’s characters had a connection, and that placed doubt in my mind about the story, reality, and why these two people were in love. But they said ‘ I love you’ a hella-lot though *rolls eyes*.

In my humble view again, if they fall fast or not, show them falling, show the change of heart! Don’t forget this, don’t write a car crash of love and  not show the change of heart, or the development of feelings in your story. Even in a very subtle way as word count can be limited at times. If you do show this, It will…help it to seem realistic! That’s the name of the game.

How Much Sex, is Too Much Sex?…

Well, this is a hard balance to strike, but in my honest view as a reader yes, there is such thing as too much sex WHEN and only WHEN the rest of the plot is not developed enough. Simple.

You decide on how much or little sex you want,  it’s not for anyone to say…but just remember this can not be the be all, and end all of how you bring your story alive. Consider carefully where you place it, why and what it adds to your overall development of the actual story. Don’t just scatter it around to fill pages, and hope that a steamy story will hold your reader, it won’t and probably can’t when there is nothing else going on. *Shrugs shoulders* I’m just being honest as a reader, and that’s my view as a writer too.

So off the top of my head these are a few tips! I will come back and keep adding to this post, if and when I feel the need. I wish every romance writer the best of luck! Let’s fight that damn reputation we have for the genre, and pen some page-turning and realistic stories! *High five*