Okay I’m about be real honest, state how I feel about what I’ve just read, post this and that’s that. If I offend anyone too bad! I’m sticking up for what’s right and authors all around the world. I’m too old to be walking on egg shells and not speak on what I feel passionately about. On top of that, I’m being real here.
Seriously, I’m just sitting here minding my own business catching up on blogs and stuff, with a glass of wine. I just clicked onto a book reviewer’s site and read “I don’t review books from self-published authors…blah blah blah.” I’m what you’d call a hybrid author I guess, I’m both traditionally and self published. I was traditionally published before self published. And let me tell you as a traditionally published author, publishers can still f*ck up your s*it, and you can be left rather unhappy with it. Don’t think for a moment because an author is self published they are any less of a writer, author, creator and kick- ass person, who can keep up the stamina to write a good book. Around work, families, drama and all kinds of things. Self published authors are made of some strong stuff, they are determine, they are titian and the world is a better and more diverse place with them. I’ve met some great ones.
Yes honey, I did say that! People out there think that being traditionally published is some kind of “gold standard.” Get with it, and move forward. I am so glad I found out all the benefits of self-publishing good well written stories. Yes I would be traditionally published again, but not because it is the be all and end all. Or I need that seal of approval. It’s nice sign a contract of course … I’ve done it three times and loved it but it’s not what makes me “an author” or another writer “an author.” I’m so fed up with the stigma and stick that self- published authors get, for going their own way. Handling their own business and doing what they love. Self published authors have heart,have hustle and keep going!
Stop/Do not discriminate! And don’t hate!
*Resting bitch face in full swing*…. You heard me.
It’s a damn close call for this week’s winning writing prompt guys! These three ladies are neck and neck in the voting poll. Which one of these Femme Fatale’s lyrics should Didi and I use this week? Rhi Rhi, Nina Simone, or Amy Winehouse?
Voting closes today. Do you have two more seconds? Good click on a lyric in the voting poll below, to tip the scales for a winner! Find out more about the challenge read previous stories here
I’m fed, watered and ready to spend the whole evening tapping away until the early hours tonight. It’s almost 10.00p.m London time, a random thought popped into my head as the creative bug bit me this evening. I’ve not pulled up my second romance novella I’m working on in five whole days! *cringe*. My editor kicked me up the ass today, she’s excited to read it. Tonight I’ve got a serious case of creativity, not to mention withdrawal symptoms.
It made me wonder, when do other writers get bitten by the creative bug? What’s your most creative hour of the day? I wonder what other writers do as part of their “routine” for writing? Do they write every day? Every other day? Once a week … what? So I’m asking you all, tell me I’m really interested. Leave me a comment let’s talk.
Personally, being a mum I write in the evening always. This is not a bad thing far from it, it suits me as this is when I naturally find I’m in the mood, and I have more creativity then. My creative hours are between 9:00p.m-3:00a.m. Or maybe I think I have more creativity as the house is damn quiet! Peace at last!
Five whole days away from a manuscript is a long time for me. I do tend to try to write everyday. I’ll be real honest, the last couple of weeks I’ve not. Mainly as I’ve been tired (nothing new there then), I’ve been reading a lot (like always). The last few books I’ve read have really gripped me. They were hard to put down, I’ve passed up writing to read. I started reading the first novel of one of this month’s Meet The Author featured authors, you’ll find out who on the 25th. I also want to read the other featured author’s work too.
Anyway, here’s my routine what’s yours like?
Try to write every day. Is this what you do?
Eat dinner, make a coffee, wash my face and turn on the radio. I normally listen to some easy going radio stations, that play all genres of music. We have some great ones in the UK. Or if I’m completely behind and need to knock out some serious word count… I pull out the classical piano playlist, to get in the zone classical music really focuses me.
Sit at the laptop, pull up the manuscript. Glance over it, sip coffee. Check my phone, check Facebook, check e-mail.
Pull up YouTube or some distraction on the internet, mess around for about a good half an hour … or longer *pulls a face*.
Set to work.
Tell me what is your routine? I’m keen to know. And do you get straight to work or do you mess around before you actually type??… don’t lie to me now, be honest.
I better get to work as right now, typing this post, I’m on step four of the above… distraction 🙂
As much as I love to write fast paced, engaging and gripping stories. With strong characters and even some very dark unsavoury ones. When it comes down to it, I’ll always be a romance writer at heart. My stories will always comeback to this no matter how gritty , controversial or full of drama they may get.
Yes I’ve knocked out some gritty characters in crime, and physiological themed stories as part of the weekly challenges for Kim and Didi’s Suspenseful Collection. And I’ve started to write a novel with this theme too! But this week as writers we have both put out such a different feel. So different the story moved me to actual tears I just read it back to myself. I can’t recall I time I’ve actually been moved to tears, by something I partly wrote 🙂
Maybe it was the music, I dunno? Unintentionally at the moment I have Magic FM on the radio. If you’re not from the UK, you might not know that this station plays some of the most relaxing feel good songs. I love to write with it in the background to focus. Around this time in the evening 9:00 p.m it gets a little soppy! It’s called ” Mellow Magic.” This song came on, I actually shed a tear (or a few) while reading the story. Good ol’ Whitney! It fits the story so well.
As I said earlier on today it’s a real close call between week four, and week one as my favourite story so far. I loved creating both pieces of fiction. As a romance author, I sincerely hope you enjoy what Didi and I came up with. And I thank her openly for the decision (not mine) to do a romance theme week. Because love really does concur all.
Wait for it! …..If this romance writing prompt wins all the votes this week, this is the story you will get from Didi and I next Tuesday. From the votes we’ve had this one is in the lead. Not your cup of tea? No problem, see what else in on offer and vote for another short story writing prompt. If it IS your cup of tea, and you’ve not voted please do and keep it in the lead.
Voting closes today! Better be quick just two clicks of your mouse…. Go on, you know you want to. Week one- three’s stories can also be read on the link below also.
This interactive writing challenge is simple and insanely creative. It’s a group effort and we are so glad to have you join in the writing fun!! I hope you’re ready to challenge us by choosing which prompts we can transform into stellar suspense! Give us your best shot! You vote on our weekly prompt, and we provide the entertainment. It’s that simple! Here are the steps.
STEP ONE: Every Wednesday well post a voting pole with a few prompts to choose from.
STEP TWO: With the click of a button, you cast your vote on a prompt. (voting will stay open for three days.)
STEP THREE: READ AND ENJOY!Every week on the following Tuesday we will post the short story that transformed from the very winning prompt you chose!
All comments on the story posts will be open. We love feedback, and I’m willing to bet you will never guess who wrote what!! Therein a challenge of your own! (Yes, one of us writes in British English, and one of us in American. We are well aware, and ready for some trickery. Trust me, we are brilliant at adapting styles.)
Oh… well that grabbed your attention didn’t it? Haha Sorry guys, I’m not looking for or offering that type of threesome … but we have a threesome tie in the votes for this week’s writing prompt! It’s split three ways. Which means Didi and I need your help… now. Tip the scales with two clicks of your mouse, what should be this week’s prompt? C’mon people it’s two clicks, break up the threesome and find us a winning prompt. We hope to see some of your stories if you write along with us using #kdsuspense so we can find you.
This interactive writing challenge is simple and insanely creative. It’s a group effort and we’re so glad to have you join in the writing fun!! I hope you’re ready to challenge Didi and I by choosing which prompts we can transform into stellar suspense! Give us your best shot! You vote on our weekly prompt, and we provide the entertainment. One of us will start the story and the other will pick up where she randomly left off. It’s that simple! The super easy steps are as follows:
STEP ONE: Every Wednesday we’ll post a voting poll with a few prompts to choose from.
STEP TWO: With the click of a button, you cast your vote on a prompt. (voting will stay open for three days.)
STEP THREE: READ AND ENJOY!Every week on the following Tuesday we will post the short story that transformed from the very winning prompt you chose!
Evening all, Have you had a good weekend so far? I hope so. Just a short note to announce week #2’s winning writing prompt. You voted for ” every time I hear that voice from my basement.” Thank you for your votes, all of you.
The writing has started and on Tuesday Didi and I will reveal all and tell you a tale. How will author A respond to this prompt? And what will she craft for author B to finish up??… ahh the suspense, see ya Tuesday!
This interactive writing challenge is simple and insanely creative. It’s a group effort and we’re so glad to have you join in the writing fun!! I hope you’re ready to challenge Didi and I by choosing which prompts we can transform into stellar suspense! Give us your best shot! You vote on our weekly prompt, and we provide the entertainment. One of us will start the story and the other will pick up where she randomly left off. It’s that simple! The super easy steps are as follows:
STEP ONE: Every Wednesday we’ll post a voting poll with a few prompts to choose from.
STEP TWO: With the click of a button, you cast your vote on a prompt. (voting will stay open for three days.)
STEP THREE: READ AND ENJOY!Every week on the following Tuesday we will post the short story that transformed from the very winning prompt you chose!
Oh, you’re not voting? Why not?? Didi’s put the last call out over the other side of the Atlantic. She’s allowing three more hours, before she closes the poll for week #2’s writing prompt selection. Then we’ll see you Tuesday for the story post. There’s one prompt in the lead “ every time I hear that voice from my basement.”
It’s a hot muggy night in London, and it was a hot day full of sunshine. I spent it in the park. I’m about to start work on Lover’s Retreat book #2 of the Romance Set in Paradise series, I’ve not been productive at all. I’ve been reading lots of other author’s work. Tonight, I’m in for a marathon night of writing now the house is quiet.
Have a wonderful Friday night or day wherever you are!
It’s paranormal genre week……… get involved and vote!
This interactive writing challenge is simple and insanely creative. It’s a group effort and we’re so glad to have you join in the writing fun!! I hope you’re ready to challenge Didi and I by choosing which prompts we can transform into stellar suspense! Give us your best shot! You vote on our weekly prompt, and we provide the entertainment. One of us will start the story and the other will pick up where she randomly left off. It’s that simple! The super easy steps are as follows:
STEP ONE: Every Wednesday we’ll post a voting poll with a few prompts to choose from.
STEP TWO: With the click of a button, you cast your vote on a prompt. (voting will stay open for three days.)
STEP THREE: READ AND ENJOY!Every week on the following Tuesday we will post the short story that transformed from the very winning prompt you chose!
Time is ticking, Didi and I are watching the votes climb we have one writing prompt in the lead ” every time I hear that voice from my basement.” I Know Didi’s excited for this week, when I caught up with her on Skype last night she was very excited. Personally I’m on the edge of my seat … I have never wrote anything paranormal in my life before this will be the first time. I will be totally out of my comfort zone with this challenge eeeeeeeek. But that’s what this challenge is about, and the main reason why we’re doing them. Gimmie a suspenseful, romantic, thriller, crime or even damn right sexy prompt I’ll knock ’em out no probs. This week, I’m a little nervous! But can’t wait for the writing to begin.
Thanks for voting, keep going the poll is running on USA time this week, and closes today head over to Didi’s author page and see what’s on offer and place a vote.
This interactive writing challenge is simple and insanely creative. It’s a group effort and we’re so glad to have you join in the writing fun!! I hope you’re ready to challenge Didi and I by choosing which prompts we can transform into stellar suspense! Give us your best shot! You vote on our weekly prompt, and we provide the entertainment. One of us will start the story and the other will pick up where she randomly left off. It’s that simple! The super easy steps are as follows:
STEP ONE: Every Wednesday we’ll post a voting poll with a few prompts to choose from.
STEP TWO: With the click of a button, you cast your vote on a prompt. (voting will stay open for three days.)
STEP THREE: READ AND ENJOY!Every week on the following Tuesday we will post the short story that transformed from the very winning prompt you chose!
It’s the 25th of the month! That means I have another author for you to meet. This month it’s erotica author Ms. Ava Sterling. Ava caught my eye last year, we started to follow each other’s author site. What made me take note of Ava is 1. her genre, I have so much respect for writers who can comfortably write a good sex scene. Erotica is my guilty pleasure when it comes to reading. 🙂 and I hate it when people call it “smut” it’s not. As a romance author myself I write the odd sex scene (okay I write a lot). I like to see how others create emotion and sensuality (which is more along the lines of how I go about writing). I also like to see how others create down right dirty red hot scenes! … Ava ‘s writing is red hot! 2. she is soooo damn productive as a writer. I remember liking one of Ava’s new release posts, then within a few days there was another one. I said to myself didn’t Ava just release one the other day?? Ms. Sterling knocks them out rapidly, I love it. I had the pleasure of reading a good few of Ava’s stories. The first time was while at the airport passing time in April.. I was sat in front of my mum, each time she raised her eyes to me from her newspaper I hid my smile and raised my tablet . :). I also got lucky one Saturday night, I decided not to write that night, I wanted to read and escape. In my inbox was one of Ava’s stories just waiting for me. I indulged again. Ava is very sexy, her scenes are hot, steamy and well written. I as a woman can relate to what I’ve read. Let’s get to know her style… Ms. Sterling over to you.
Hello nice to meet you! Tell us a bit about you where are you from and other than writing what else do you enjoy?
Thank you, Kim! It’s great to be on. I’m from the Midwest area of the United States. It’s fairly moderate when it comes to temperature and it can get a little humid in the summer. Other than writing, I enjoy running, watching movies, archery, and reading.
How did you start writing? What was your inspiration to create?
I started writing like a lot of people have, by just jotting down story ideas and wandering into it from there. I get asked a lot whether my stories are based off of my personal experiences, and sure, some of them are. I imagine it would be difficult for writer not to write about his or her personal experiences at least in some way.
Kim: *lifts her eyebrows* okay… hmm. Ya know I’ve never actually created a sex scene based on my own experience- consciously. Or have I??
What genre do you enjoy reading?
I try to read widely. Of course, I read the expected erotica and romance, but I also enjoy fantasy and even some science fiction.
Kim: I really respect paranormal and fantasy stuff, it takes a special kind of creativity to create a whole new world. I like paranormal romance too.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Oh gosh, everything. It’s an experience publishing your first book, and you never quite go about it the same way, for the better. Probably more accurately, my writing and publishing process changed quite a bit after the first dozen short stories, as it became more systematic and more of a natural process.
Kim: yes, agreed. The first one is like child birth, slow and painful in places.
What has been your most proud moment as an author?
My favorite moment as an author is receiving positive feedback about my stories. There’s just something about that moment when someone reaches out and says that they like what you created. It’s a natural high that fuels many authors.
Kim: nods her head * smiles*
Was there ever a time you wanted to pick up your laptop, and then launch it out the window with frustration?
It might be a boring answer, but not really. Although I do enjoy writing actual, believable plots into my short stories, because they aren’t long, I don’t have to concentrate much on intricate plot threads. I just focus on the characters and how they interact, and it seems to go pretty naturally from there.
Kim: I’m so jealous, NEVER Ava are you sure?? I’m happy for you that you’ve never experienced this. You have a very good point though,when I wrote A Stranger in France (90,000 words) I almost launched mine right out the kitchen window, a few times LOL.
Am I the only one who gets hung up on commas? Do they make you go blah! when you’re writing?
They used to trip me up a lot more than they do now. I used to be a prolific comma putter-inner. In other words, I would overuse commas. I’ve gotten better about it over time.
Kim: I’m trapped in between putter-inner and taker-outta. Blah!
What three tips would you give any aspiring writer?
These days, it seems to be about volume. Quality will always be important, but with so many self published authors cranking out stories and novels so quickly, it seems like an author needs more out there than ever before.
My main advice would be to keep going beyond what is comfortable for you. Continue even when it seems fruitless and you want to stop. My two other tips would be to keep an eye to the market and what sells and to develop a solid social media presence.
Kim: Sounds good to me. Especially encouragement to keep going.
What does “success” look like to you? When would you say “damn, I’ve made it baby!”
For me, success would be living comfortably solely on the income of my writing. I don’t need or expect a lot, just being able to pay my bills would be fine with me, but not having a boss breathing down my neck is the ultimate dream. I’m a very independent person, and I would much rather perform for my readers then perform for a boss at a day job.
Kim: Ditto.. day jobs suck when you’re a writer. It’s always nice to be paid for what you love doing.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
Ha. This question holds a bit more meaning when asked of an erotica author. I’d love to be cheeky and say that I have performed long hours of research for my books, but really, I just write about either my personal experiences, experiences I wish I’ve had, or experiences I would rather not have because I’m not brave enough but like to explore in a story.
Kim’s reaction: Practical “hands on” research as an Eroticaauthor could be fun.
What are you working on now? What will you release next?
Right now (today actually!) I’ll be publishing a story about a woman who receives a happy ending from her male massage therapist. It’s my first massage therapy story, and I’m pretty excited about that. My last published story is about a married couple who decide to visit a swinger’s club. It’s their first experience in the swingers world, and of course they’re shy and unsure of themselves. Luckily, they find another couple who takes them under their wing.
Kim: Thanks for the update! Now I’m wondering how much of what I’ve read, and will read in the future is real??
Where can we get your books?
I try to put up my books on as many places as possible, such as Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble’s, Apple, Smashwords, etc. That way, it removes all barriers from anyone around the world who wants to read my books. The best place to view a list of my stories is on my website. I also have a grid view for even quicker perusing.
What would you like readers to know?
That I appreciate each and every one of them. It is for them I write, and without them, none of this would be possible.
Kim: aww how nice Ava.
And that’s a wrap, it’s been lovely meeting Ava this month. It’s official I love this woman, her stories and bravery. I will for sure be reading more. If you’d like to take a look at this author’s ” toe curling stories” and indulge in a little connect with her below.
Is this for real?” Grace flipped over the gold embossed invitation in her hand, the parchment paper thick and expensive beneath her fingers. Whoever made it must’ve spent a fortune. “A swingers club? Really?”
She eyed her husband curiously, watching as he pulled off his belt. Was he serious? They had mentioned branching out to spice things up and keep their marriage interesting, but this was quite a move without a baby step in-between.
Steve nodded, removing his sports coat. “Yeah.” He took a seat beside her, the mattress dipping down under him. He loosened his tie, pulling it off to toss on the chair by the bed, along with his blazer. “We talked about this.” His voice was melodic, soothing. It was the thing that always pulled her in, lulling her into a state of compliance.
“Yeah, but I didn’t think you’d tell your friends!” Her tone was incredulous, but not upset. To say she was surprised would be an understatement. “Who all knows?” Studying his face, she awaited his reply. Boys and their locker room talk, she thought to herself. Strangely, that thought gave her a little jolt. What all did his friends know about her? When they had visited, did they envision her in all sort of slutty scenarios? Grace wasn’t sure she hated the idea. What would it be like being passed around all his friends?
Jesus, she definitely needed to lay off the erotica.
“Only Pete.” He slipped off his sleek, black shoes next. As an ad executive, Steve dressed his best every day, and she loved watching him peel off each layer of his designer suits. “He told me he had a way to help, then the next day he came to work with that.”
His gaze scanned her expression as he gestured to the invitation still clasped in her hand. “Do you know how hard something like this is to get? We’re going, aren’t we?” His voice lifted like an eager schoolboy. She knew how excited this topic made him; he’d mentioned it every night since it first came up. “Pete tells me it’s the cream of the crop. Serious business. Everyone is vetted, so things are safe. I know how careful you are. Background checks and such. I think they even have guards on duty.”
“I’m guessing we’re having background checks done on us as we speak?” It was smart, though; she had to admit that. There was a sense of security in taking a chance on sexual matters when they were handled by responsible adults.
He moved the hair from her neck, and she shivered. “Probably.”
“So, Masquerade Night, huh?”
She thought about all the variety that offered and the idea of shopping crept into her mind. A lovely new dress. Something sleek and tight, clinging to every curve. Something clandestine had always appealed to her. A mask gave a sense of anonymity and allowed one the excuse to act like someone else, to indulge the parts that were usually kept hidden.
“This coming Friday.” He smiled, trailing the backs of his fingers over her freckled shoulder before pulling down the thin strap of her camisole and placing a kiss there. “I’ll even buy you something new and sexy.” His teeth raked across her skin. “What d’ya say, baby girl?”
Excerpt from Cougar’s Fling.
“I hope you took him for all he’s got.” Brenda gestured with a piece of cranberry biscotti, then dunked it daintily into her coffee. “You gave him ten years of your life! The best years in my opinion. The least he can do is shell out alimony.”
Evie’s stomach twisted into a knot, a never-ending Celtic knot by the feel of it. Thirty-five and already divorced. It wasn’t what she had envisioned when she met Richard in college. “Can we stop talking about this, please?” All of it was beginning to give her a headache.
It was enough the divorce papers had just been finalized that morning; she didn’t need the constant reminder of how crap her life had turned. She merely wanted to move on. Richard was the past. Who knew what her future would be–hopefully something better. Younger. Blond with muscles and maybe some tattoos. She smiled to herself.
A bundle of brochures lay in front of her on their small table for two. Traveling, she hoped, would help life make some sense again. A few months abroad just to get a new perspective on things. The problem was, she couldn’t decide on where to go.
“Help me make a decision,” she pleaded with her friend. “You know me, I’m thirty shades of indecisive. I’m the type of girl who spends ten minutes in the front of the freezer section just trying to decide what flavor ice cream to get.”
Brenda sighed, clearly bothered that she wasn’t allowed to bash Richard. That was one of her favorite pastimes. “What are your choices?” Her fingers spread out the various pamphlets as she looked them over.
“Prague, London, Jakarta, Melbourne, and Toronto.”
“Eh, not Toronto. That’s still North America. You want to go somewhere different so it feels more like a vacation.”
She has a good point, Evie thought.
“London’s nice,” a soft male voice said, drifting from behind them. “I was there last summer. Had a blast.”
Evie turned her head, and her gaze met with one of Richard’s former students. He was young, sporting a baby face and a mop of tousled, brown hair. But she remembered him. Richard used to tutor him at their house during the kid’s senior year. That was two years ago, right when things started to head south.
“Mrs. Leeds, yeah?” the boy asked as he bussed a table near them.
He barely looked the same now. His lanky body had filled out nicely to be lean, taut muscle. The white T-shirt he wore clung to his arms, displaying enough bulk to be muscular, but not beefy. She always had a soft spot for men like that. Runners. Gymnasts. Swimmers. Lithe, agile bodies were incredibly sexy to her.
“Hey…um, I’m sorry.” She shook her head, pulling herself from her thoughts. “I’ve forgotten your name.”
He wore a blue apron, and in the center of it was the logo of the coffee house; she couldn’t make out the name on his placard, however. He smiled the most attractive grin she’d ever seen. It lit up his entire face, causing his eyes to crinkle at the corners. That always made her melt.
“Craig.”
After tossing the discarded cups into a nearby garbage can, he stepped closer to her but stopped short of extending his hand. “It’s really great seeing ya again.”
Brenda chose that moment to clear her throat, announcing her presence. “Who’s your little friend, Evie?” Her voice dripped with curiosity. Evie could only imagine what she was thinking, and it couldn’t have been good.
Next month’s author: A little different from the norm let’s just say… Stay tuned. if you’re an author and you’d like a feature contact me here.
Author, Kim Knight 