• writing

    Writing Wednesdays #1

    As I write this blog post, I am aware of how hard writing fiction is. I started my first venture into writing when I was in my early teens, creating poetry from real life experiences. Never did I show anyone what was on the 20+ pages of a4.

    This project however is different. I am aiming to write between 1 and 20 books: these include 2 adult novels, 1 young adult/teen book, and lastly a children’s book series of 5+ (150 pages each) books. It is a big commitment for me & hard work!

    For now, I will refer to the page already up on my blog (Previous work etc). This has all my WIP (Works in Progress). I am aiming in 2020 to complete 1 of my novels or be half-way between 2 of my novels. I am aiming to plot another 5 books in my children’s series but not start until my first novel is fully complete.

    I am expecting this journey to be a hard one. I am aware even after completing the novels there is a long process before it gets published, possibly years later.

    The way I get my inspiration for the novels, is through watching great TV, reading even greater novels (did you know I’m also a part-time book blogger on this blog too), and of course by real life events, whether they be with me or around the world. I’m hoping my novels will inspire people to read, write, appreciate books, people and respect others more.

    My children’s series I plan on writing in the future, I got the inspiration by growing up reading Harry Potter, Beatrix Potter, & the Famous Five series. I loved reading throughout my childhood, even reading in the dark under a blanket with a torch after bedtime… I really did think carrots would help me see in the dark, honestly!

    So, as I close this post about getting to know me and my writing, I hope you will come on this journey with me and discover more about my writing and how far I’ve come, since starting my first project.

    CURRENT STATS:

    • CRIME NOVEL: 8,000 words
    • Mental Health novel 1,000 words,
    • Historical Novel: 500 words,
    • Children’s 5 book series: not started. (TBC)
  • Books,  Favourites

    Why I cancelled my readathon last year // Why it’s back!

    As you might have noticed by my pinned current tweet on my Twitter, I have advertised my month-long readathon, that I created September last year.

    I came up with the idea while trying to think of a book series I would like to read, along side a children’s series. “The Chronicles of Narnia” does both.

    I decided that over the space of a month it is plenty of time to read the short 7 book series and it will get people reading again as it is a simple level to start back up reading.

    Sadly no one was able to join in or promote my readathon, so I shelved it for the year. But as it’s been a whole year already, I thought I would try and bring it back this year. Hopefully a few if not a lot of people will be interested in trying it this year.

    Not only will it give my blog more publicity. It will also encourage new and old readers. ????

    I hope you join me this year and I look forward to us all completing the NarnAThon challenge by 30th September.


    Here is my original post: NarnAThon #Readathon

    Happy Reading!

  • Books,  REVIEWS

    [REVIEW] #ad Pigeon Blood-Red – Ed Duncan

    GIFTED*

    This book attracted me to the synopsis. I like most crime books and haven’t read one in a while. As a short book of only 201 pages, I thought it would be quite quick to read, which it was.

    DISCLAIMER: This book was sent to me via the publisher and author. This doesn’t affect my full review below.

    This book focuses on criminals and the people around them, both good and bad. As I was reading this I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an interesting book which is a fast-paced and good character and plot-lines.

    The characters, although not relatable due to being criminals, are interesting and make you want to read more. I felt myself being drawn into the storyline and wanting to read more about the characters. Chapters were generally quite short which kept the pace at a constant level.

    The main storyline is about a criminal enforcer who is looking for an expensive necklace he lost while in transit. We find out early on who took it and why, but we don’t know who will keep it in the end or what he will do to get it back. It has multiple storylines that some aren’t related but they are all very interesting.

    Although when I first started reading about Robert I was immediately sympathetic to him and his life I believe the best character is definitely Rico as we see his story progress the most and even if you don’t agree with the actions he does, you still want him to succeed. He comes through as a macho male and you don’t see much of his emotions but you still understand him.

    Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would as this author is not well-known and created a great short (just over 200 words) novel which was engaging, interesting and a fun read. I hear there are 3 books to this trilogy being planned. The 2nd book is already out and the 3rd should be released soon, so look out for Ed Ducan’s older work and the rest of this series.

    Do you love crime books? & a quick read?
    Do you like reading about “Gangsters” and criminals?
    This is the book for you.

  • Uncategorized

    Short post about Goodreads (2018)

    This post is a short reply to Zoe Collins’ booktube video about Goodreads. I agree with Zoe’s comments about book bloggers and readers alike. This is especially true for people who don’t read as much as others, Goodreads can be demoralising to use.

    Goodreads is a site where you can record your reading throughout the year. It is a site which is good for when you want to remember what you have read, want to read and how much you have already read Also you can see your “friends” progress throughout the year. It is very competitive but in general, as an adult, I have chosen not to judge myself against others.

    Goodreads to me personally is a website I use to watch my reading progress. I do not use it to compare how many books others read as I would be embarrassed.  Every year Goodreads hosts a challenge where you set your goal of how many books you are going to read a year.

    Although I use Goodreads and take part in the challenge since 2017 I do not put it high as I want it to be realistic but this year I am already 4 books behind my goal of 24/5 books in 2018.

    This post was not sponsored. The name Goodreads is Copyrighted.

    Are you on Goodreads? Do you track your reading?
    Are you behind on your bookish goals this year?
    Join in the conversation about reading. 

  • Favourites,  The Library

    Libraries in 2018 (part 1)

    A library is an old idea which has been around for centuries. It hold books and recently since the 21st century DVDs and Audio books (tapes & CDs). It is a place where both young or old gather for their love of books & reading. It is a place anyone can go & not be judged. – (tweet this quote)

     

    Adults

    In a library there is the Non-Fiction which house books on subjects from DIY to Cooking to Mental Health guides and everything in-between. It is the section for those of us who want to gather new knowledge.

    In the library there is the Fiction section. This is where the magic happens. You get transported into alternate realities, face dragons and queens, sometimes you even help solve crimes.

    Children

    The other side of the building is for children This is split into fiction & non-fiction.

    Children’s non-fiction includes topics such as history and how animals are born and live. It is a wonderful place where children’s brains are constantly engaged and active.

    The children fiction is a place for fantasies and fun. It is where after a hard day in school they can switch off and read a classic Jacqueline Wilson book or the newest David Walliams book. There are so many books to choose from that it is nearly impossible for a them to decide.

    Picture Books

    There are also books for the youngest library members, the toddlers. There are over 100 books to choose from to keep their minds active. These are the picture books and short and full of pretty designs that engage with the child and the parents who read to them.

    My experience

    As I grew up I loved reading but after I hit high school I decided that reading books wasn’t cool enough and reading was for old people and children. I would read occasionally when no-one was around and when I went home but reading in my teens lost it’s mojo.

    Fast forward 15 years and I joined the local library in 2017. I am still amazed by how many people go there from all ages. I decided after careful consideration that I should start reading again. I forgot how much I loved choosing a book, how I felt after I finished and how enjoyable reading is.

    My recommendation

    I am now unofficially an advocate for reading and for libraries. Everywhere I go and whenever I meet up with friends I like to discuss my latest book I’m reading or which place is the best to get a cheap book if the library doesn’t have the book.

    I love going shopping sometimes as I get to check the book section. The best sellers at half price or the new releases to see if my favourite authors got a new book out.

    I can’t stress enough how important reading is to all ages. It’s not only a hobby it keeps your mind active and some people use reading as a stress reliever after a hard day or week in work.

    Go to your local library and please support them!

    Not many people are aware of this but government cuts have left many libraries struggling to keep open. Just one more person (that’s you!) could be the difference between a library shutting its doors for the last time or staying open for the public for another year.