Category Archives: reflections

International Women’s Day 2020: Equality In The Work Place, My Story #IWD2020 #EachforEqual

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womens-day

So it’s International Women’s Day 2020 today! #IWD2020 Yeah! While I believe in celebrating women and the contributions we make to the world and society at large daily, I’m always pleased when the day rolls around. This year’s theme is equality,  or #EachforEqual. I actually have an experience of being a woman in the world, battling for equality personally that I thought I’d share.

So let’s step back many years ago I was a pregnant woman in my late twenties, working extremely hard in the work place.  One as my department was being restructured and my co-workers and I was at risk of redundancy, two the department was in a shit load of mess anyway! And me being typical me, I wanted to do what I could to help clean it up. We all had to in away reapply for our jobs, to  ‘prove’ our worth to not be selected for redundancy and have our jobs merged so some went jobless. It was very stressful I tell you! Especially while pregnant I feared for my growing family’s stability.

While all this was going on, just before I started my maternity leave I started to take on ‘extra responsibilities’ in the work place, I was doing my job and another. And, yes you guessed it I wasn’t being paid for taking on the roles of a job above me.  I was not even formally asked to take on the extra work, it was just dumped on my desk by management. We had a change of management also. A man stepped in, one who had a reputation of being very harsh, unfriendly, awkward, not a people person or in any way emotionally intelligent and a ‘hard task master’.  The whole organisation was in such a mess, and going down hill I think they brought him in to try and ‘shake things up’. He never bothered me as I thought well I’m on leave soon, and anyway it’s not like I don’t do my job and then some, so whatever! Is all I thought. So anyway I did what I could, stressed, worried and about to give birth any time soon, I was in the final weeks of pregnancy.

While on maternity leave the department was restructured, I did keep my job, but during the restructure  of the organisation and department the job that I was doing ( the extra part with no pay) ,was made into an actual new role.  With higher pay and more clout… so they notified everyone internally and I heard via  post ( as they legally had to tell everyone who remained an employee of that department).  Naturally,  I put in an application for the job. Why not right? I was doing the job for nothing, no pay or anything! Before I went on maternity leave, I did it well even though I was very stressed and glad to get out of the place. I also was highly qualified for the role, in terms of experience and academic achievement etc.

This happened a few weeks before I was due to return from maternity leave. When I did  return from leave, I found out I was not even shortlisted for an interview. *face palm* Hold on a minute…. who was doing that job before leave? Unpaid? And helped to clear up a lot of the mess left, by employees that really didn’t give a hoot, left, and just were down right lazy? Muggins here, me that’s who!

Yeah, I put my male boss on the spot about it  one day when I returned and asked, “why was I not shortlisted for an interview at least?” Do you know what that ass-hole told me, “you’ve been on maternity leave that’s why, you can’t do the job?” I raised an eyebrow and left him to run his mouth as I knew then and there, I was filing a claim for discrimination on the grounds of gender, and maternity leave.  Totally illegal in employment legislation. Lucky, one of my master’s degrees covered law too… ya girl was clued up! I dread to think what would  have happened, if I were a female who never understood the laws of discrimination in the work place.

So once my sexist, abrupt, white, discriminatory,  male manager ran his mouth, I smiled sweetly and said, “okay, just to confirm because I’ve been away exercising a right that I was entitled to legally, as a woman, you’re telling me you decided not to shortlist me for an interview, and dismiss me for a job that I was already doing and can prove I was, before I went on maternity leave?” His face went pale, and he said, ” yes, you’ve been away.” I stopped there, went home then drafted up my complaint for inequality, sex and gender discrimination in the work place against my boss.

I won’t bore you with all the details, but did it turn into a legal battle? You bet your bottom dollar it did? Did I win my case against my boss and this organisation? You bet I did! And I was proud to present my case and win! I felt a sense of justice not just for myself, but for all the woman around the world over looked for jobs, by employers using measurements that impact on only them as a demographic of society, and therefore they miss out. By being marginalised and excluded from promotion, pay, and career progression. It was inequality and discrimination at its worst! So many laws are out there against this, it’s not just race the common one we hear about.

I ended up during my battle being head hunted for a better job than the one I had applied for, with better pay! I had an interview and got it. I left that piss-poor organisation a happy woman, who fought for justice, and never looked back.

Moral of the story is, in this day and age there is still a lot of work to be done for women when it comes to equality. Any statistic will tell you that, pay, promotion, etc. It makes ugly reading when you go through all the write ups, articles, and research into discrimination around women and equality. Quite frankly, I’m disgusted to read it, and to have experienced this a young woman myself, working hard, trying to balance work and life. And not miss out on the wonderful chance to be a mother, in fear of missing out on career progression.

So many woman are faced with this decision I was in, do I start a family and risk taking leave that I am entitled to? Or put it off and stay at work?  At the time as a woman in my late twenties I was proud of my achievements I was being paid well for my age, but did not let that stop me from the decision to take a long period of maternity leave I was legally entitled to and have a wonderful new chapter of my life open up.

From this experience I’ve learned first hand how we can be overlooked in the work place, at times I asked myself if I had not taken maternity leave, would my male manager have shortlisted me anyway? Based on his track record, and reputation he had would he  have wanted to even have placed a woman in that job that was created? Would he have felt “I could not do the job because of who I am?” Anyway, fuck him, and any employer or manager like him. All I know is, my name is one he’ll never forget. And I hope he has learned from the professional discipline he experienced, from bringing the organisation into a legal dispute, based on his discriminatory views against woman in the work place… the shit bag! Fuck him!

Have a wonderful International Women’s Day 2020 #IWD2020 and let’s continue to fight for #EachforEqual in whatever way you feel is needed, at work, in life and just generally.

I’d also like to take a moment to shout out these females who I respect to the max, for their outspoken, feisty, female empowering lyrical content…

P!ink-  what a rock star, love you and your personality from the bottom of my heart. I have been to every London based concert you’ve done, and I love how you fight for what’s right!

Pink

Christina Aguilera- “Can’t Hold us Down” is an anthem of female empowerment that never sounds old! Thank you for those words. “Fall in Line” is such a great song of empowerment, and the way you sing it you can’t help but feel the uplifting energy for us women!

xtina

Beyonce-  You’re just a boss when it comes to females staying on top!! Some of your songs have really resonated over the years.

Beyonce

Sia- “Unstoppable” when I first heard this song, I knew it was you singing it a totally unique voice, singing such an empowering song. Thank you.

Sia

Rhi Rhi – The line up of empowering females would be incomplete without you! You make being a woman of colour a beautiful thing, and do so much for women in general  regardless of race, and fight for what’s right. Your music, make-up line and personality are great. Very inspirational!

RhiRhi

 

Happy International Women’s Day March 2020!

#IWD2020 #EachforEqual

Writing Prompt- Places…

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Welcome to March! Today’s writing prompt in book is simply answer… ‘beach, mountain, forest or somewhere else?’   This writing prompt called me so much! For me it’s all about here….

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I’m beach lover for so many reasons, not only is it beautiful to  be right  at the edge of a country or island, it’s just a stunning place visually, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for me. Here’s why I’d choose the beach over the mountains, forest or some other place.

I’m a water baby!

Through and through I just love the water. Be it the beach, pool, bath or shower lolz I can’t get enough  of it. I soak in the bath for ages, and  a five minute shower is unheard of for me. I find water actually really calming. Once, when I worked in the depths of south London the building was right across the road from one of south London’s popular parks. I would spend my lunch break right by the lake or make-shift pound you could call it. Even when it was a little chilly, I’d just wrap up and have my lunch there. It was at that point that I realised that the water calms me, and centres me.  The work environment at the particular place was very stressful. I also worked their while pregnant and I needed to get out and away.

Of course I love to swim too, one of my favourite forms of exercise and really wish I had more time for it. Overall, my ideal home would be right by the water. I am lucky that where I live now, I am by water. That said,  if I had a beach front house, or even lived within walking distance or a short drive from a beach I’d be on cloud nine. It’s just beautiful. I like to sit by the water and just …well…watch it. Listen to music, read, write whatever just being near.

When I’m on holiday I’m the kinda person to spend all day, and I mean all day at the beach, and then explore during the evening or later in the day. It’s pretty hard to tear me away I’ll just chill and people watch.

Ideally, if I could live anywhere in the world, it would also be somewhere with great beaches.

I like exotic and warm places!

Well…. I’m the author of  the ‘Romance Set in Paradise Series’ so that’s hardly surprising I like the exotic! But personally, I’m a warm blooded human, I love the sun and everything about it. Apart from difficulty with keeping my make-up on lolz. I really enjoy the warmer weather as I feel everyone is in a much better mood, and I am too.

Summer  and the beach to me is ‘fun’, ‘carefree’ and time to enjoy yourself and get out and about. Rather than be stuck in doors. I also find that there’s a hella-lot of great books released in the summer time.

Many of the places that I would to visit are parts of south America, the Caribbean, Thailand and I’d love to do a safari…from the safety of a very enclosed car though.

Spiritual, Mental and Emotional Well-Being

This can all be experienced from the beach. You can do Yoga, Pilates ( things I do do), and even peaceful meditations to the sounds of waves. Like I said I find the water and its motion very alluring to me. The water is also a great force of nature, it can be calm and welcoming but at the same time cause chaos! And even sadly, take lives. It must be respected.

Writing Inspiration…

If I ever become fortunate enough to live near a beach, a real beautiful one I think that inspiration to write would flow ‘like water’ LOL. Okay, that was a bit cliche but it’s the truth. And I don’t think I’d write stories set in just exotic or warm places. I genuinely feel being near water could motivate and inspire me.

Overall, I find the mountains too high for me I’m not great with heights,  and probably a bit chilly, I’m not great with that either. Hmm the  forest there could be creepy crawlies I’m not great with them either. I could never camp! So the beach suits me, my personality and how I can find inner peace and calm to a T.

What would you go with beach, mountains, forest or some place else? And why let me know?

Writing Prompt- Buffalo Nickel

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Prompt- ‘search through your wallet, pockets, or down the back of the couch find the first penny you can. What year was it printed/made and what were you doing??

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The first penny I found in my purse was made in 2011… let’s step back

2011

Well that’s  nine years ago and back then I was twenty-eight years old, and life was so different, but how! In every way.

Appearance- I wish I had a picture, but in this age of technology the photos on my phone really don’t go back that far. I have also changed phones a number of times since then. But, what I can say is I had a short, straight bob just under my chin. I used to chemically straighten my curly hair too! My weight and height really has not changed. Still 5’5 and still a UK dress size 12-14.

Living- I was living in south London, in a beautiful one bedroom apartment with my then  partner. I was not a mother yet, and I guess at the time I thought I was happy. But I soon realised, nope I was not! Fast forward a few years I moved away from south London and became a mother.

Job- I was working at a local college, like a high school I guess you could call it. I loved my job, and most of the people I worked with. It was around this time that I would say, I was at my ‘peak’ in my nine- five working career. Before I started to take writing seriously.

What do I miss about the year 2011?-  in all honesty, nothing really when I think about the rat-race job I was doing, some of the unmotivated people I worked with, and how different I was as a woman, as in I was not in touch really with all the things I naturally love. Mainly due to the person I was with at the time, and trying to be everything to everyone else, but not true to myself. I can  honestly say over the last nine years I have  grown so much. I’m much more authentically me, happy and in a way glad that  I’m no longer stuck in south London, in the job I was in, or chemically straightening my hair as the damage it left, was unreal!

What’s been the biggest lessons since 2011- that when it really comes down to it, you really have to be true to yourself. If this means letting people, places and situations go for 1. your own sanity , peace, mental emotional and spiritual well-being then DO IT! And don’t feel bad. Secondly,  the universe works in very mysterious ways, it a-lines in ways to put you in a-linement. This means, removing people, places, situations and things that are not for your highest good. Then not only replacing them, but upgrading them too!

Lastly, people come into you life for a reason, some stay, some go, some teach you lessons about yourself and life. Pay attention. And always listen to your gut, no matter who thinks you’re crazy. If you feel called to do something or make some kind of change, it’s your intuition guiding you, never doubt it no matter how scary the change or new thing may be.

Would I change anything that has happened over the last nine years?– err good question. Some things I would BUT, when I think about it, if I changed these particular things I would not be on my path now. I honestly feel I’m now on the right path, so when I look at it like that I should be grateful for the last nine years. Even all the experiences that I would say ‘ yeah I’d change that’. It’s a big catch twenty two question.  I’d change maybe how giving I was to some folk, only for them to turn around and take that for granted. But everything else I’d keep it, as it honestly set me up nicely for my late thirties!

Pick a random penny, what’s the year and what were you doing? Drop a comment, or blog it and link it down below I’d love to know.

 

 

Writing Prompt- Plot of Earth…?

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Prompt-  ‘You’re given a plot of land and have the financial resources to do what you please, what’s the plan?’

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what a wonderful idea! This really got me thinking, what would I do with unlimited resources and land? Many may say ‘build a house’ or do something for themselves, personally if I were ever luck enough to be in this situation, in all honesty I think I would…

Build a food kitchen, in the most poorest areas in third world countries.

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It breaks my heart to think that there are people out there with not enough to eat! Especially children. I think I would have to start in Africa and set up a place in different areas, where nutritious food is prepared and served daily. If there are  people in remote villages near by, who are unable to get to it, part of the service would be to bring the food the the village.

Build a few schools and invest in education….

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Education is so important to me, as an ex-high school teacher of ten years service I love to see people achieve! I think, I’d select some states across the USA with really low records of student achievement. Here, I would provide the resources needed to help increase students achievement.  Or even just build better and newer schools. In particular I would focus on marginalised students, who have learning difficulties.

In the UK we are pretty good with educational achievement, but one thing I do think the system lacks, sometimes, is enough classroom assistants to help support learners with learning needs. I’d invest in this, in the UK. Increasing the number of schools for those with special learning needs, that are very extreme it holds them back from mainstream school. In mainstream schools, I’d increase the money put into employing special needs assistants in mainstream schools. 1. to support the students in class 2. to help reduce some classroom stress and worry for teachers. Who often worry if their teaching is effective when there are learners with learning needs.

In other third world countries, I’d just build brand new schools! And focus on  increasing the level of students who are able to learn and have access to education.

If I had unlimited money, and land that’s what I’d do focus on feeding people, and increasing education.

 

Writing Prompt- Cupid’s Arrow Has A Crazy Aim!

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So it’s Valentine’s Day (and happy birthday to me too), today’s prompt in my book is ‘write an ode to something or someone you love’, so here goes…

What Do I think about love?

Really good question, personally I do love it but it can be a crazy, scary, and dangerous thing. At the age of thirty-seven I have learned you can’t control who, when, or how you fall in love. That said you should be careful who you give your heart to! Trust me, I know that part well.

Cupid’s Arrow Has A Crazy Aim…

 

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These days, I feel really good about love as yes, I’m in love again. After a painful break-up I never thought I’d say that again. But I’m  well over that!!  Cupid’s aim is crazy, and feel like maybe this could be my happy ever after.

So how do I feel about love? I now know what real love is, before this I thought I was in  love with someone who I spent a number of years with, but compared to how I feel now that was NOT love. I now know that when it’s real you will know, when you have found your soul mate  or twin flame you will recognise each other, even if there’s an obstacle such as distance in between.

‘write an ode to something or someone you love’

Dear Mr. X

Happy Valentine’s Day, while we can’t celebrate it together this year due to the distance, just know that I’m thinking of you, you mean a lot to me. I find it so strange, cool and exciting this whole ‘situation’ we have! But I’m committed to it just like you, and really excited. And yes, this meeting is fated like you said,  we’ve known each other for years and so glad we’ve admitted how we feel, and said the ‘L word’. I’m so glad that I’ve found you. Next year rather than a blog post I hope to be by your side!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love Kimmy

xoxo

Rambles, Chit Chat and Works In Progress…

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Finally!!!…..

I’ve not done one of these blogs for a long time, and I’m really excited to finally be back at my laptop writing a  blog post! So today I finally managed to finish off writing the end of a paranormal story that Didi sent me. You may remember the post I did way back in 2017 ‘The hardest scene you’ve ever had to write’   I wrote this on Christmas Eve 2017! I was pondering ‘how the hell do I finish up this story?’, ‘what can I do with this?’ it’s the start of a story she sent me for Blurred Lines- The Suspenseful Collection Volume 2. Just over two years later I finally cracked it!! LOL I am so not a paranormal writer, this was a challenge and I am so glad I done it. This is just one of the things I’ve loved about collaborating on this anthology, writing in other genres and being stretched to my limits.

So now we need to start one more story each from our last conversation, for the other to finish. I have made a start on one, and will be sending it to her this week. Then we’re done! And collection two needs to go to editing.

Work In Progress…

In other news, I signed on the dotted line with my new publishing house I still can’t believe it has happened after all the submissions I made, for Sacrifices. It’s a historical romantic suspense, novel I penned last April 2019. And for the first time I will share the blurb that I’ve written….

What if twenty-five years later a forbidden first love reappears, could you forgive the past sacrifices you made to rekindle your love? 

Sacrifices is a powerful romance story with historic and suspenseful events, that take place between Jane and Louis, both from different worlds yet they become caught up in a heart-felt forbidden love story. Starting from the 1960s jazz scene in London. In the present day and past, readers are taken back through Jane’s experiences as a twenty-seven-year-old jazz singer, forced to make life changing decisions based on a sudden change of events between her, and her lover Louis from Jackson, Mississippi. As a young woman Jane works hard to make a name for herself , she has dreams, hopes and a burning desire to leave London for New Orleans with her best friend and Louis. Her dreams came crashing down in a bitter sweet love story and fight for survival, that Louis is part of. Twenty-five years later Jane and Louis’ paths cross, unexpectedly on a Greek island, during an exotic cruise around the Mediterranean they both go on. Sparks fly, old feelings from the past surface, a love triangle begins and unexplained questions from the past unfold for both characters. Causing them to both question whether they can forgive the past and grow together. 

Sacrifices is a romantic, suspenseful story, with a throwback to a classic era that draws readers into the events of the time, that surround Jane and Louis’ demise, and love story. Set in the backdrop of the 1960s jazz scene, the present day, and exotic Mediterranean paradise. 

Sounds cool right? I’m excited, of course this blurb may change but this is what I’ve drafted.  I sent back the book cover brief to the publisher over the weekend. I’m really keen to see what they come up with based on my vision of the cover. The release day I am awaiting for them to schedule but it will be 2020 I imagine spring or summer time. It will be in paperback, ebook, and I hope audio too!

So while I am awaiting the edits of Sacrifices, I’m finishing off my project with Didi for April, and finishing off writing the last half of my romantic crime thriller.  I keep banging on about this, and really wanna complete it! This week I will share a snippet from it. I’ve told my new ‘home’ about this WIP . They’ve  asked me to send over the outline and  an expected completion date. If they like it,  and contract the crime thriller to publish also with Sacrifices , that would just be the icing on the cake for me too! These are the two projects I am focusing on now.

Rambles….

Well the year has started off well for me I must say, busy but none-the-less really well. Spring seems to be in the air also, we’ve a few nice warmish days, and I must say I look forward to it arriving.

I have some author interviews lined up that I look forward to sharing with you, one author in particular who I just loved reading their novel. And a good dose of book reviews will be coming your way this week. I’ve read a couple good reads already and we’re only in February!

This Friday I will turn thirty-seven I can’t believe it, and a girlfriend of mine this morning said ‘we’re heading out for lunch’, which will be nice I look forward to it.

And it’s the school holiday here, so I have two weeks off at home which I am looking forward to. To have some quality time with my family. The time goes so fast I can’t believe the first break is here.

And that’s about it guys a little update on WIP and where I’m at and what’s coming up. I hope you’re all doing well? Oh yes, before I forget I did my first ever interview myself that was live. You can catch that here on this link.

Also Chances, A Puerto Rican Love Affair is now live too!!

So, I’ll catch you later this week with review, interviews and more.

Much Love

Kimmy

 

 

 

Success! -Publishing Deal For ‘Sacrifices’ Novel #9 In The Bag!! OMG

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Guys, I’ve done it!! I almost gave up on this historical romantic suspense I penned in April 2019.  I’ve named it ‘Sacrifices’ and I loved writing every word of this. I was thinking  of maybe just  self-publishing this year, and give up on traditional publishing. I had A LOT of rejection, one offer I turned down, and publishers and editors wanting me to ‘change this and that’…. I kinda said ‘no’.  I made a promise I’d submit my work out for a full year, until April 2020 before I give up. That said, I was at a stage where I was not about to hold out until this April. But, in less than a year, I’ve secured book deal today, from a publisher I think I’ll work with and possibly submit the crime thriller I’m writing to them also, if they are interested. ( I hope).

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I want to say to any writer who aspires to be traditionally published, do not take ‘no’ for an answer. Keep going, the door will and can open, I promise.

The start of 2020 has been so busy with writing, I feel like I’ve used my blog as a dumping ground for promo only! And not really engaged, you have to forgive me. I have Chances, A Puerto Rican Love Affair released next week, and Blinded by Love a short story anthology I took part in released on the 28th February. Also, Didi and I are working on The Suspenseful Collection Volume #2 Blurred Lines , to release in April. So as you can see I’ve had little time to blog. On top of this family life too, to juggle! This is just a quick blog to share the news, and say I will be back to blogging, doing the daily writing prompt challenges, interviewing other authors and all the fun stuff I usually like to do to engage with you. I hope you’re all well, and the start of 2020 is treating you well?

I’m okay, doing great and counting down the days until I turn thirty-seven on the 14 ( yikes!) where have the years gone!??

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!!

Much Love!

xoxo

I Can’t Believe I Did it *Face Palm.* Here’s What I Learned Though #amwriting #writerslife #nanowrimo

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Nano Winner!.jpgI’m letting the whole world and it’s mum know, and I don’t actually care if I FB’ed it already!!  I need to blog about this crazy experience. It is probably one of the most thrilling achievements I feel I’ve made as a writer. I have claimed my National Novel Writing Month badge for the first time, in all the years I have tried to crack this shit! I’ve done it. To knock out 50,000 words is a challenge for any writer, but in thirty days…. it’s tough! Don’t get me wrong the most words I’ve ever written is 90,000, but not so hardcore in such a short space of time.

So what changed this year?

If you have read other detailed blogs I’ve done, you’ll know the past that the last few years for me have been a challenge personally, but I made it through. I am out the other side. Even through the challenges, I tried to do #NaNoWriMo very badly! I completed projects and some still half done to this day. This year I worked in a team with some great writers who I would say are girlfriends too, all over the world some as far as the Caribbean. Via FB messenger we spoke everyday, had fun laughed and joked about just girly stuff really. We manged to keep each other motivated. Overall, the group did well we all made some kind of progress.

I completed book three of my Romance Set In Paradise series, “Chances, A Puerto Rican Love Affair.”  A slightly longer novella, and very different from the other two so far.  I will release it on my 37th birthday the 14th February 2020.  My cover is currently being made, and let’s just say I LOVE IT TO BITS! I can’t wait to share it, and the book’s blurb. I will place this one on Kindle Unlimited too, as I am kinda  liking it, I’ve never used it before as an author only as a reader.

So what did I learn about NaNoWriMo and How To Be Successful?

In all honesty this…

  • Outline your story early, before the 1st of the month so you have all month to just write.

 

  • Write…edit later. As in don’t spend days and days and weeks going over the same chapter, or scene to get it ‘perfect.’ That can be done in December, or the next month. Honestly, just write…write..and yes write, get your idea into chapters and make progress. Do not edit a thing….yet. 1-30th is to write.

 

  • Work with other writers. This is probably the biggest learning curve for me. In the past, I have done the ‘caves’ as NaNoWriMo call them. Where via their website you are allocated into a group, with writers around the world. Historically for me this never really worked, as I would not log on everyday there, and if I did I would miss most of the conversation as it happened. As, it’s not like instant. You jump in where you can, based on your time zone. So you kinda miss the ‘vibe’ , unless you’re in the same time zone and let’s face it we all write at different hours. I found that a FB messenger group worked so well, as it’s instant messages and it’s linked to your phone so really you pick up the group’s shenanigans as they happen. *Giggles*

 

  • Go at your own pace. For me it was helpful to have a set word count to try and hit per day. However, some days I could not even find it in me to switch on my laptop, let alone write. I’m the kinda writer that writes in bursts! (unless I really have a serious deadline). For example looking at my history on my stats, one day I’d knock out 5,000 words one day 87, then a few days later 3,000 words ( LMFAO).  I don’t have a consistent bone in my body it appears, it varies. Go at your pace and if you are a ‘burster’ like me, and write when the hell you like at say 4.00 a.m in your pajamas you write 100 words. Or, all day Saturday and not a thing until the following week, so be it. but just try to keep up. If one day you can’t write then catch up the next time. Don’t let ‘ today’s word count target’ get to you mentally and throw you off, or leave you stressed. Writing a novel or even short story is personal, needs time to get the creativity going. Inspiration calls at the oddest times, I had inspiration for a story in the bath, I had to jump out and grab my notebook before I forgot it, then get back in the bath. Even washing the dishes things come to me,  I just giggle. It’s ‘weird’ like that, so one day you may not have the juice to hit the words, but a few days later  you do. That’s okay to be a little erratic with the process.

 

  • As I said, this whole writing thing is a personal experience, for me  inspiration flows the deeper I get into the plot , if I am not co-writing a story and restricted to how much I can babble on for.   I move from my outline, hence the above 50,000 words for the story.  I would say, don’t be afraid to move in the direction your characters pull you, or talk to you about going in. ( Yes, they talk to me sometimes and kinda push me to write them certain ways). I actually have a surprise red herring murder, that I never planned until the last week of NaNoWriMo- this week, but it developed the story so if you get pulled, that’s great! Just write it and edit out what you want later.

 

  • Some progress is progress. Even if you don’t claim your badge and write the full 50,000 words as the challenge. Don’t let this be the goal, let the goal be ‘to complete a project’. And if that does not happen, hey you started it and December is the month to wrap it up, and get it published in the next year. DON’T AND I MEAN DON’T beat yourself up for ‘non-completion’ , ( I have done this all the time) as with writing just writing ‘Chapter One’ is a start.

 

  • Don’t rush, you’ll only write a really sub-standard story-line, and not be at your best. Make every word count.

 

  • Ladies, save your manicures until after this challenge is over, my nails are a mess! The keyboard has chipped them away nicely! So this weekend, it’s about fixing them up.

 

  • Just stop writing when your tired, ( or your false lashes start to irritate you) which ever applies, or come first! *Giggles*. Overall, don’t push yourself too hard, it won’t be your best. It’s okay to become ‘drained’ and need no step back, no shame.

 

Happy writing in the last two days those that are still in for 2019’s challenge let me know how you’re getting on. Drop a comment!

NaNoWriMo Week #2 Progress- Just Hit 30k Words! Almost Finished #nanowrimo

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Nano2019.jpgYes!!! I have met and exceeded my word count goal for this novella length  book twice now! And I still am not quite done yet. Week two’s check in this morning, I hit 30k words about thirty mins ago. I am pleased, and feeling very motivated.

Last week I mentioned that I have a plot idea that kind of moved things around a bit, so this is what I am crafting now, hence the increase in word count assumption for this story. I think it will be anywhere under 40k for sure for this novella. Then I can’t wait to knock out 10k on my other story.  I am  more than half way done in terms of the story telling, and at the ‘pulse of the story’ where things heat up, move quickly and tension builds!

It’s also a great day today as it’s my son’s sixth birthday, he lost another tooth this week which he did not swallow this time. But he has been a bit ill with fever this week. It’s that time of year. This somehow as not stopped writing progress, as when my son is ill he is a lot like me all he wants to do is sleep it off. So while he has been home from school snoozing, I’ve been attacking the keyboard as a sick baby means no ‘day job’ for me…so I may as well write my heart out.

The group of writers I am doing National Novel Writing Month with this year are doing well. We are all making progress in some shape of form, one of them also has a sick child too over the other side of the Atlantic. What’s funny is the same day her child got sick so did my boy. I said to her, her child’s cough flew across the Atlantic and got him LOL.

How is everyone doing so far, day fifteen into the challenge? I hope this week ends on a high note.

NaNoWriMo; Week 1 Progress- I’m Coming Up For Air! #nanowrimo

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NanoWell I have to say guys, this year’s National  Novel Writing Month has probably been my most successful in all the years I’ve taken part! Wow. Maybe it’s helped as I am in a group with other authors around the world I know, love, and talk to everyday on messenger.

So, I have met and exceeded my original word count limit. I guessed that the plot for my third Romance Set In Paradise series novella would be about 25kish words, and hoped I could jump over to finish off my romantic crime thriller full novel, no such luck I’m already on 26K words in, and the plot thickens LOL. So I will increase it to 30-35k or anywhere under 40k and let that be that.

Some people may think, “well Kim  you know, you can’t really put a limit on a story before you’ve even written it.” Yeah, I kinda see where you’re coming from, but for me I kinda can…if that makes sense, don’t ask how I can roughly guess by how I wish to tell the story where the word count might be.

As I am over and not done,  I will keep writing. What’s also interesting is that this story, has turned a little from just pure steamy, romantic and yes suspenseful. Last night while I was talking to the other writers in my team about ‘what do you call a novella length story’ just before, an idea for a twist in the plot dawned on me. And it’s not that ‘pretty or romantic’ it’s rather sad for one particular character. But, really helps to develop my main characters… yeah, you probably guessed I’m about to kill someone off… not the most romantic thing to do either for a romance in Puerto Rico with all that sunshine and good vibes. But, they are going out with a BANG if I keep this idea.

So overall, I am loving NaNoWriMo this year 2019’s attempt will be a success I think. I may actually complete a project during the month, and not go over. My only drag is that I really wanted to complete two! One that’s still half done, but one is good enough for me.

I will self publish this one, and I aim for  January 2020 for book three of  the series. The name is still a mystery even to me, I keep going  back and forth.

I must also say I am not a fan of the new interface on the NaNoWriMo website itself, I don’t really like it that much.. meh. What do you think?

If you’re strapped to your keyboard too this month, I wish  you luck and success with your project. Let me know how you’re getting on? I Hope week two starts off well.

Just a quick “hello, what’s going on” from me, before I start dinner and then knuckle down to tackle another chapter, and touch base with authors as distant as the Caribbean I am working with this year to see what they have done today…or maybe have not done. I’ve found some days I am full of motivation and write sooooooooo much. Other times I can’t be bothered to open up the laptop and end up catching up so I don’t fall behind. Typical me!

Good luck all.