Writing
Down the Rabbit Hole, We Go
As a writer, I have to know about writing, tropes,… Read More »Down the Rabbit Hole, We Go
A Trial of Sparks & Kindling Playlist
I was a bit disorganised with this, I have to… Read More »A Trial of Sparks & Kindling Playlist
Have a Free Colouring Book
A Trial of Sparks & Kindling is set to land… Read More »Have a Free Colouring Book
A Trial of Sparks & Kindling Trailer
Folks of the world, I’m super excited to share the… Read More »A Trial of Sparks & Kindling Trailer
About Yesterday…
So, yesterday. One of my author buddies, Suneé le Roux,… Read More »About Yesterday…
Face Claims – Fall of the Mantle
This post is brought to you by random discussions. A… Read More »Face Claims – Fall of the Mantle
Sexuality — Fall of the Mantle
Someone asked me the other day if the Fall of… Read More »Sexuality — Fall of the Mantle
Hello From the Inside
This weekend, we went for a drive. We didn’t get… Read More »Hello From the Inside
Growing Out a Pixie Cut & Other Random Tales
Hey, I’m growing out my pixie. My hair is now… Read More »Growing Out a Pixie Cut & Other Random Tales
Art Inspired By A Trial of Sparks & Kindling
I mentioned a while back that I’d commissioned the epic… Read More »Art Inspired By A Trial of Sparks & Kindling
I Haven’t Left the House in 9 Days
What I miss is walking. Up until last Friday, I… Read More »I Haven’t Left the House in 9 Days
Tales from Self-Isolation
Honestly, as someone who spends the greater part of her… Read More »Tales from Self-Isolation
Rot – An Illness Based on the Bubonic Plague
A major plot arc in A Study of Ash &… Read More »Rot – An Illness Based on the Bubonic Plague
This Post Comes to You in Four Parts
Totally paraphrasing John Green there. 🙂 DFTBA, people. Anyway. Part… Read More »This Post Comes to You in Four Parts
A Study of Ash & Smoke – 7th Annual WD Self-Pub e-Book Awards
Sometime around September last year, I got an email about… Read More »A Study of Ash & Smoke – 7th Annual WD Self-Pub e-Book Awards
Five Easy Ways to Combat Writer’s Block
Ah, writer’s block. The bane of many a writer’s existence.… Read More »Five Easy Ways to Combat Writer’s Block
A Trial of Sparks & KIndling Cover Reveal
I should probably have waited with this until a bit… Read More »A Trial of Sparks & KIndling Cover Reveal
We Want Spoilers! A Trial of Sparks & Kindling Edition
So, recently, quite a few folks have been asking me… Read More »We Want Spoilers! A Trial of Sparks & Kindling Edition
Let’s Write – Common Mistakes
Welcome back to another post in our self-editing miniseries. It’s… Read More »Let’s Write – Common Mistakes
Spot the Differences – Writer vs Main Character
I posted an excerpt from A Study of Ash &… Read More »Spot the Differences – Writer vs Main Character
Behind the Scenes – Editing
I figure I might as well clue you all in… Read More »Behind the Scenes – Editing
How AHA moments changed A Study of Ash & Smoke
We all have little aha moments while writing. Those moments… Read More »How AHA moments changed A Study of Ash & Smoke
Let’s Write – The Structural Edit (Continued)
In the last post, we talked about the first two… Read More »Let’s Write – The Structural Edit (Continued)
Let’s Write – The Structural Edit
Welcome back to the self-editing miniseries. 🙂 It’s good to… Read More »Let’s Write – The Structural Edit
What’s Happening with A Trial of Sparks & Kindling?
As you all know, my summer was a whirlwind of… Read More »What’s Happening with A Trial of Sparks & Kindling?
Let’s Write – Basics of Self-Editing
Something about the editing process has always intrigued me, and… Read More »Let’s Write – Basics of Self-Editing
On Writing Sequels
Somebody recently asked me how I found the process of… Read More »On Writing Sequels
Wake Me Up When September Ends
Well, I’m back. I’m happy to inform you the two… Read More »Wake Me Up When September Ends
My Writing Process (Updated)
So, I’m a published author now. (Look, Ma, I’m famous.)… Read More »My Writing Process (Updated)
Major Character Death
I’ve recently read a few books where major characters died–and… Read More »Major Character Death
My Favourite Character Trope: The Lovable Rogue
The way to hook this reader is easy. Write a… Read More »My Favourite Character Trope: The Lovable Rogue
Ideas For Writers of Instagram
I’ve been trying to up my Instagram game. I stumbled… Read More »Ideas For Writers of Instagram
So You Got a Bad Review
Or maybe your beta reader/s had some less than ideal… Read More »So You Got a Bad Review
Books That Inspire Me – The Black Magician Trilogy
I’ve never really talked about those books that inspire me,… Read More »Books That Inspire Me – The Black Magician Trilogy
How to Review a Book
This post exists just because so many of my close… Read More »How to Review a Book
A Study of Ash & Smoke Book Trailer
Friends, I had something else planned for today, but then… Read More »A Study of Ash & Smoke Book Trailer
Should Authors Step Away Once the Novel is Complete?
I’d never heard of death of the author until a… Read More »Should Authors Step Away Once the Novel is Complete?
On Writing Advice
The internet. A place of abundance. You can learn almost… Read More »On Writing Advice
How to Support Indie Authors
Another huge bomb has dropped on the world of indie… Read More »How to Support Indie Authors
Strong Female Characters
There’s this thing all around the internet. Advice paired with… Read More »Strong Female Characters
What’s Up With Your Writing?
Cross-country move aside, this has been at the top of… Read More »What’s Up With Your Writing?
My Novel Planning Journey
It’s Preptober! I’m not participating in Nanowrimo, but I figured… Read More »My Novel Planning Journey
Travel in Writing
Quick fact – the average horse and the average person… Read More »Travel in Writing
Book Talk – The Physician’s Apprentice
EDIT – This Book’s title has changed since I wrote… Read More »Book Talk – The Physician’s Apprentice
Let’s Write Excitement and Nerves
Welcome to part three of the Writing Emotions series! You… Read More »Let’s Write Excitement and Nerves
Let’s Write Sadness
Picking up from where we left off, we’re talking about… Read More »Let’s Write Sadness
Let’s Write Anger
Friends. Writing is difficult. Especially emotions, which are the slightest… Read More »Let’s Write Anger
Just Publish it Already
We’re back to reality today, after a week-long break (if… Read More »Just Publish it Already
The Writer’s Supply Network
Hang around writer’s forums long enough and you’ll soon see… Read More »The Writer’s Supply Network
December/January Writing Update
The last few weeks of my life have been intense.… Read More »December/January Writing Update
To Say or Not to Say
So you’re a writer. Welcome to the club, please pick your t-shirt from the pile and have a seat. You’ve probably been around the interwebs and have no doubt found an article or two on the topic of said. You know, dialogue tags.
There are two firm groups of thought here. Okay, okay – two groups of fanatics.
One will tell you Said Is Dead. This group probably started to screw with your mind in high school – I know I was taught that it’s much more descriptive and interesting to use different words than boring, overused said. I remember exercises where we had to complete dialogues by using any words other than said, or we’d be penalised.
August Writing Update
It’s already September, I know. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. 🙂 I certainly didn’t think I’d be doing this with all the insanity going on in my life right now, but I’m happy to report that I’ve been writing something amid the chaos!
My good friend Tallulah and I just finished a short fic for Cullen Appreciation Week. It was my first fan fic and also my first collaboration, so I learned a lot from this exercise. I’ll definitely write some more fan fic soon. 🙂
Three Steps to Deep Point of View
I’m by no means an expert on the topic, just a noob who’s learned a thing or two from writers much more experienced than I, willing to share their knowledge. These are three little things any writer could use to hone their craft – some so obvious, it’s blinding. Who felt like an idiot after reading her editor’s notes? I did.
This is why I follow senpai’s advice to the letter, and probably why she reckons I’ve levelled up in the writing hierarchy.
Let’s talk about deep point of view (POV). If you’ve never heard this term, you’re in good company. Until my first draft of The Physician’s Apprentice was being edited, I’d never heard it either.
Writing Update
You were supposed to see this post at the end of July, I know. Apologies. I’m more scatterbrained than usual lately and I forgot. But better late than never, right?
The writing has been going exceptionally well. After The Great Word Draught of 2017, I never imagined I’d be writing so much, especially now that The Physician’s Apprentice has been completed (again).
So You’re a Beta Reader
This post, born in the darkest corners of my mind,… Read More »So You’re a Beta Reader
Write by the Rules
I read an article this morning about why you should write romance novels only in third person point of view. In the past few weeks, a few people made comments on the writer’s groups I belong to about writing in a certain point of view and being criticised for their choice.
I gag a little in my mouth every time I read something along these lines.
My Writing Process
Writing about writing is tricky. People will often try to… Read More »My Writing Process
Writing, as Taught by Kids’ TV Shows
A year or so ago, I read a writing exercise idea on a blog that changed the way I view watching TV. The blogger in question would make notes of, then dissect the episode she was watching. She’d figure out which plot points worked, which didn’t, where the dialogue fell flat, where it rocked, and how she would have improved the episode. By doing this, she swore she learned better writing techniques. (I’m sorry I can’t find the link to this article now.)
I’ve never taken an episode apart like that, but I haven’t really viewed anything on the telly in the same way either. This thing about learning better writing from TV has remained in the back of my mind, so my viewing has become more critical.
Noob Writers Unite
I had a conversation about writing with my cousin, as… Read More »Noob Writers Unite
Help a Blogger Out
Here’s an interesting turn of events. I don’t know what to blog about.
At first, I couldn’t understand what the hell this caused this sluggishness. Sure, blogging is difficult sometimes. I’ve been doing this for six years and I know ideas dry up at some point. That’s why the blog changed its direction even before I moved here from the Couch. Still, I was on a roll a while back, so this drought is both unexpected and seriously annoying.
Uninspired
Some days, it’s difficult to get inspired. I’m having one of those days. I talked about this problem on Friday too, so you’ll know about my predicament if you’ve been around the blog.
The recap version? Today, I have no idea what to blog about and I don’t have the drive to put in any real effort. #yayhonesty This is me winging it.
A quick Google search on ‘how to find inspiration’ offers some basic results. Take a walk, read a book, listen to music. You get the general idea.
How’s the Writing Going?
Everything is quiet again. Back to normal. It’s been a month since our visitors left (I can’t even) and, with the vacation posts out of the way, I can’t ignore the elephant in the room anymore. Too many people have been asking.
Revising x 3 (Mini Q&A)
At this stage, I’m unable to think straight, but I’ve… Read More »Revising x 3 (Mini Q&A)
A Quick Update
Nothing feels real in my life anymore until I share it here. ◄ That’s healthy. 😛
I had some awesome news this week and I want to share it with you. You know, so it becomes real.
I belong to a writer’s group and they’re releasing an anthology later this year. Submissions opened November 2016, with the theme ‘elements’. I figured I’d submit – a thing that came loaded with first-timer’s angst. I didn’t believe I’d be selected, but there’s nothing lost in trying, right? What can go wrong when your story is scrutinised and poked at by people with much more experience than you? *Yolandie laughs forever*
Stuff for Writers
When you tell people you’re writing a novel, they’ll probably react in one of three ways. 1) You’re insane. 2) Ooh, that’s cool! 3) You know, I’ve always wanted to write a novel (this, by the way, is said with the greatest frequency). This post is for everyone in the third group.
I’ve been following some authors on YouTube (because what can’t YouTube teach you) and I thought I’d share some of their stuff with you today.
Soldier Through It
The thing is, it’s tough sometimes. Last year was a… Read More »Soldier Through It
The Threes
My kid will turn three in under a week, can you believe it? I struggle to.
Kayla is a happy, sweet little person. She loves to cuddle and kiss and say ‘I love you, Mama’, which obviously melts my heart. She and I have a blast together, and that’s a good thing, considering she’s home with me all the time. Honestly, I adore her and being her mom.
To Be Proud
When I first started writing, I had no idea what I was doing. I still don’t, but I’m growing. If there’s one thing in life I hate, it’s stagnating. I’ve mentioned this before.
Where writing is concerned, I really think I have grown and I try to learn more with every word squeezed out through my fingertips. All I want to do is share the stories in my mind with you, in such a way that you and I pass something between us telepathically, like Stephen King says. I want the stories that keep me up at night, to keep you up too.
So, growing.
These are my first babies.
Story Cube Challenge – Week 10
Hi there!
I’m happy to report that I’ve broken the 10,000 word mark for this week. Coming up for air to type this post feels strange, as if I’m going to be struck by lightning for doing anything other than work on my book. This isn’t even really coming up for air, because I’M STILL TYPING! Good grief, I’m strange. I think this is the problem anyone with a naturally obsessive personality will face. And also, that obsessive personality is going to make me hurry this, so I can get back to work. 😛
So, this our hero this week:
Story Cube Challenge – Week 9
Hello there.
You may have noticed that things look a little different here. This is due to a bout of website-altering creativity that took me by surprise during the week. I was never completely satisfied with the way things looked on the website, but I’m glad to report that I feel a lot better about all of it now. So, please, jump around the site and let me know what you think, where it can improve and what you like. Also, stick around to the end of the post for some announcements.
Week 9’s hero looks like this:
Story Cube Challenge – Week 8
Hello there.
So, this is week 8 of the #storycubechallenge. Once again, I left my story to the last possible moment. I don’t know why I do this to myself, but in my defence, it was a crazy week with a sick 2-year old. At least I wrote something.
I’m also working on a short story that I plan to submit to an anthology and I got back my editor‘s notes on The Physician’s Apprentice. A lot of brainstorming and prep for a new round of revisions have been happening. Watch this space.
If you missed the place where all of this began, here’s week 1. Also, week 7 and the Pinterest board for the story cubes.
Here’s our hero for week 8:
Story Cube Challenge – Week 7
Hello there, friends!
So, this is week 7 of the #storycubechallenge already. This week, I actually wrote something. Yeehaw for schedules. The cubes for this story certainly made more sense to me than those ones did last week. 😛
If you’re new to this, here’s where it all started. I also have a Pinterest board for the cubes, check that out here. If you’re participating in this challenge, please use the #storycubechallenge on social media, and I’ll go have a look and thumbs up!
OK, this is how our hero will look in week 7:
Story Cube Challenge – Week 6
Hi there.
So, this week I didn’t manage to get a story from week 5’s cubes. I tried, but I couldn’t connect the dots there. I think it was the alien. 🙂
I’ll try again next time.
Here’s the hero for week 6 :
NaNo – Here we go again
Yes, indeedy. It’s almost that time again. Last year, my… Read More »NaNo – Here we go again