tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56799921819824678432024-03-12T20:02:10.269-07:00My Writing RoomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-84964247756951295152014-09-16T13:45:00.000-07:002014-09-16T13:45:03.609-07:00Book Review: Forgive Me by Lesley PearseForgive Me by Lesley Pearse is one of the bestselling novels by this author and already stocked on the shelves in most supermarkets and book shops. I decided to give it ago when my boyfriend's mother let me borrow it after seeing it so frequently, and I can see why it's so popular.
Firstly, I didn't think the book would be my usual type. The title alone didn't fill me with much enthusiasm and the blurb didn't help much either. But, reading the first few pages I knew instantly that this was a book I was going to enjoy.
Pearse writes in beautiful detail which creates a vivid image of the surroundings of the characters. Although, while she defined the details on the external objects and places, I felt it lacked when concerned with the characters themselves. In the beginning there was very little description of our main character, her sister, brother, mother and father. The same came with the rest of the characters that were introduced, such as Phil the love interest. But that didn't bother me. The drama surrounding the poor MC, Eva, overruled these issues. The writing pulled me into the situations which made me care more about what was happening rather than who it was happening to and what they looked like.
The novel is full of drama. It's overflowing with it. The first thing that happens is a suicide. While it's written in a gentle way to not offend or push away readers, it is the beginning of a very long and tiresome journey for Eva. The suicide starts off a string of unfortunate events. Each one just bruises Eva more and more. Her family turn against her and the life she knew disappears. Of course there is a happily ever after, but Eva struggles to get there.
One thing I loved about this book was that it expressed the generosity and kindness of strangers. Phil and his work team all become a support system for Eva when she moves away. Lost, hurt and alone, this bunch of guys help to rebuild her for no reason other than to just help. Of course Phil is helping because he fancies her... Nevertheless, the kindheartedness this book brings is thoroughly refreshing amongst the pit of despair and drama Eva is dealing with.
But... the amount of drama was becoming tiresome for myself. I found myself thinking: "Oh c'mon, this is getting ridiculous now". Admittedly, the ongoing song and dance for the character by the author was making me want to put the book down. It was becoming too much, just one thing after another. I'm glad I didn't put it down, I honestly wanted to know what was going to happen, particularly because I wanted to know what happened to Eva's mother, the girl who committed suicide.
Eva's mothers story is the basis of this book and how Eva finds out about her mysterious path, meeting very nice people along the way. These people, again (of course) are extremely nice and helpful when Eva starts asking questions. The only real baddies are from Eva's own family and very few external characters which I find slightly unrealistic. Personally, I would oblige, but not many people would be happy to reveal so much about someone they "loved dearly" to a complete stranger to them - especially when they don't ask for proof of who Eva even is. Still, the generosity of the other characters is lovely to see, even if I found it slightly unusual.
The plot thickens the further into the book. Something happens to Eva, and then she finds out some incredible fact. The wave of emotions is constant. She remains lost for most of the book (emotion-wise) but I'm happy she finds a decent boyfriend and a happy ever after.
This book is written with skill and it entertained me for two days. The constant mystery of what Eva's mother had done, whether the drama with Eva's family would be sorted and the hype of whether Eva and Phil will finally get together drew me in and I really enjoyed the novel.
A four star on my rating! Nice one Pearse :) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-58122889364681617772014-09-14T10:24:00.000-07:002014-09-14T10:32:33.121-07:00Why I write...Firstly, let me begin by thanking the girls on twitter for including me in this blog hop.
So... why do I write? From reading writing tips on novelicious (as I do far too frequently when posted) and other blog hops it's seems we all understand the fact that writing is something that just has to happen. Words have to be put to paper before we, as writers, malfunction. We simply have to do it. But why?
I write simply because I love to create worlds and people that don't exist. I adore the freedom of being able to do anything and say anything between characters on my pages. It's cathartic almost to put the ideas down on paper after plaguing you all night.
I simply love my characters, Maddie and Nick, in my novel Madeline. And as if they are real people, I think about them a lot. One of the reasons I write is because these two characters pester me. I'm sure I'm not the only writer who thinks about nonexistent people frequently...
But it isn't just the characters and he creative process that makes me write. I write because I have an amazing supportive team behind me who encourage me to believe that my writing is good and enjoyable. That alone is a reason which allows me to continue writing - because it DOES entertain people.
Now let me introduce you to some VIP's...
The lovely Claire C Riley...
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGYZtvfQF4Mm1oMVq8g2aeaNGgTrx07jkimI9Sj75TtWGJTIMxOidJV3WfOxDbCfTi1MDXrJ8_941SO7bdDZeXgHK1AVjX_Kbcd8QMb6DWr6hkfhOZ-v_HScsB9-6O3kf7Wo0wmRBIMQ/s1600/IMG_131779622389773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGYZtvfQF4Mm1oMVq8g2aeaNGgTrx07jkimI9Sj75TtWGJTIMxOidJV3WfOxDbCfTi1MDXrJ8_941SO7bdDZeXgHK1AVjX_Kbcd8QMb6DWr6hkfhOZ-v_HScsB9-6O3kf7Wo0wmRBIMQ/s320/IMG_131779622389773.jpeg" /></a>
My first fan and the reason why I felt confident to upload my WIP onto autonomy. She's also one of my favourite authonomy authors. She's the first person I became friends with in the writing world and has always offered her support. A self published writer whose book Limerence is gold and my favourite book of hers. Follow her for other books and news on the twitter!
Allison Christie...
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnOiy_4Vqk2eNDVQ71pszh4bPNDKAJBRQtjysK3LQcEOXQ_iFk1s3XOjCd8kn8ih2M-n2xa96a9c3VlMzxksLhV5Ro8wagltjEvvq2e7wrd7LBph4JRjjoXTGXNHDpFSnxLq1qkGgyA4/s1600/IMG_131673840926151.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnOiy_4Vqk2eNDVQ71pszh4bPNDKAJBRQtjysK3LQcEOXQ_iFk1s3XOjCd8kn8ih2M-n2xa96a9c3VlMzxksLhV5Ro8wagltjEvvq2e7wrd7LBph4JRjjoXTGXNHDpFSnxLq1qkGgyA4/s320/IMG_131673840926151.jpeg" /></a>
One of my biggest cheerleaders for Madeline and one of my closest writer buddies. She's one of two main readers and editors for my books and doesn't hesitate to offer help or give read throughs. A writer I trust and respect and am so grateful for being part of my writing journey. Her unpublished work is written with confidence and full of emotion. A book I simply can't wait to get published - Loved and Lost.
Lynn Montagano...
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2omTouv3lP8SO2LUIvTDgCLmea-_XgmZHJ-2qr_EBWEpz3PCBSAUL0HcvSVxc5_oWIB9g_juMEtR4a1O6_9mxdBIE6FMzeJSz7eUbtEgC_TzbwwU5OslYh8OKnItHHPnG90voxRMzDA/s1600/IMG_131690150954228.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2omTouv3lP8SO2LUIvTDgCLmea-_XgmZHJ-2qr_EBWEpz3PCBSAUL0HcvSVxc5_oWIB9g_juMEtR4a1O6_9mxdBIE6FMzeJSz7eUbtEgC_TzbwwU5OslYh8OKnItHHPnG90voxRMzDA/s320/IMG_131690150954228.jpeg" /></a>
My other biggest cheerleader. This woman alone offered to edit my full manuscript and became my biggest advisor for the publishing world. A published author herself with fantastic sexy books, Lynn is one writer friend who provides unlimited help. My across the pond pool of information for my US set books and brains behind submissions and the technical processes. She even emails me helpful contests and such! Another writer I have so much respect for and I can't put into words how grateful I am to this girl. Her books are available from Harper Impulse and you have to check those out. Catch My Breath and the sequels are highly recommended ;)
It's simple to say you're a writer. But if it wasn't for these three ladies I'd doubt I'd continue on my journey. I'm young and wasn't that educated in the world of writing. All I knew was that I wanted to create books that people would enjoy, and the support system I have has provided a comfortable circle in which I can expect honesty, help and encouragement through any stage in the writing process.
I'm looking forward to why you write! Follow the tags on twitter to read more from fantastic writers. See you soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-11537266054343702302014-09-09T15:42:00.000-07:002014-09-09T15:42:06.143-07:00I'm back! :)Hey there, it's been a while. I'm sorry for that. But here I am, author of Madeline and currently unpublished writer, I'm here to narrate my journey along writing my novels and the difficulties and loves of being a writer.
My first book Madeline is currently under consideration by important people, and yet the urge to write still isn't lost. Admittedly, I have taken a gap from it. But still in my notebooks sits ideas for new stories. All of which have blurbs prepared (honestly a first for me!)
I have also been tagged along in writing a post as to why I write by the lovely Allison which will be posted within the next week.
But until then, I leave you with the confidence of returning to give you book reviews, blurbs, new writings and more!
Can't wait :) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-70776871415275513992013-11-28T15:09:00.001-08:002013-11-28T15:09:27.720-08:00A Tearful JourneyInspiration hits. It hits you hard and sometimes you just aren't prepared for it. That happened to me whilst waiting for my 120 bus from Pontypridd to Caerphilly. It was a sad thought, concerning one of my most treasured characters, a person whom I'm mentally close to. Alas, the scene played out as my journey home begun, only to have tears rolling down my face.
The other passengers started to look at me, of course they did. I was sat on a bus going home to a warm house. Why would I be crying? If only they knew the tragedy going on in my mind about a loved one...
The tear-welling scene is still clinging to my emotions, tugging at every quiet opportunity. When I got home, I scribbled it down to keep for the future. Who knows, I might just use it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-34282132347392211512013-11-16T06:56:00.001-08:002013-11-16T06:56:18.283-08:00Back On TrackMy university had cruelly placed four 2000 word esays/reports within the space of just a week. So, clearly, not much writing has been done since. The stress was getting annoying. Anyhow, those assignments have been done and submitted. Yay!
Since clearing the uni work, I have been getting back on track and writing the newest scenes of the sequel. I'm introducing new characters, and discovering them is all to exciting. Working on the novel writing month, of 50,000 words, is half way done!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-83503871069831181622013-11-11T13:44:00.001-08:002013-11-11T13:44:31.355-08:00Editing SeshOkay, I've heard writer's can get into editing loops, at first I thought I was in that same loop. But, I hadn't realized just how long it had been since I had last read Madeline from a critical POV. While submitting the first three chapters to everyone is exciting, within that three month period you seem to drift from the novel. And while those words that seemed familiar pop back up on screen, you're mind just finds ways to improve.
One way I find it easier to edit and give more to your book rather than taking away is to read books. You'd be amazed by how much description is added during a character simply walking into an unfamiliar room. Every sense is involved, and if you write in the first person, personal thoughts and feelings regarding that room are evolved into a big experience for a tiny detail in the novel.
It's the little things that count. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-84443318330689339892013-11-08T12:58:00.000-08:002013-11-09T08:34:04.117-08:00Primary sourcesThe joys of finding an original source for your reports is probably the most exciting thing in the world when you've been panicking over a deadline that's been pushed forward. Alas, my writing week has not been filled with the wonderful words of Maddie so far, it has been over taken by the panic and sweat, also blood and tears of a horrible historical report on the nature/nurture debate.
Two days of solid cramming complete. Now I have all day tomorrow... *sighs* only one day left. Boo. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-90379661874634428672013-11-07T15:44:00.000-08:002013-11-08T13:00:12.323-08:00It's Been One Of Those DaysThe rain is falling harshly, and the wind is blowing hard. Again, it's another awful day here in the Welsh Valleys. Popping your head out every half an hour to check whether or not that the box of fireworks you've bought a week ago will finally be put to use, was being something of a ritual. Success did happen, although we had to stop half way through and then begin again with the five remaining fireworks an hour later.<br />
Still, the rest of the day has been one where Maddie is plaguing my mind. I've edited the opening chapter of her sequel, and ever since it's been burning on my brain. Why? I have no clue. Some might call it divine intervention, telling me to get on and edit the rest.<br />
But, before any editing should occur, the book must be whole.<br />
Large chunks of scenes are saved on a document, totalling up to 57,248 words without being pieced into a flowing novel and the bits in-between. Oh, and there are scenes missing.<br />
Nevertheless, this book is complete... in a very dysfunctional form... but it's there. Plus, I have my trusted mind map of the plot. An outline always helps, for me anyway.<br />
Following the flow of the multicoloured map, and Maddie's newest story is unfolding.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-35252896555009692172013-11-06T12:43:00.003-08:002013-11-06T12:43:39.998-08:00A Room Without a ViewIt's reading week (Hooray!) and thus a week of writing has been voluntarily thrust upon me. No assignments, no classes and a lie in. Fabulous.<br />
Although, sitting at my desk - yes, it's the desk today and not the bed - I found myself scowling at my window. While others will class Wales as a mountainous vast green delight, my view today, however, had appeared less interesting and inspiring than a stale piece of bread. The rain fell so pitifully it blew into a thick mist. Those green tress turned grey as the clouds hid the sun, and the wind constantly howled.<br />
My inspiring mountains and sunset were no where to be found, just an empty depressing slop of rain. My heart bled to see the neighbours cat sitting on the windowsill during it all.<br />
Some might call no view a joy, that there is nothing to really watch, and no people to spy on. I like my view. I have the sunset, and without it I felt a little less than complete.<br />
Of course, Wales is notorious for being miserable, wet and cold, but today was especially unexceptional.<br />
Despite the dull view of the valleys, words did appear on paper - well on screen. A new scene. A scene I have no home for in my novel at the current time. It always happens. Random bits of the book jump out at me quicker than others, then I end up piecing them together, like I am right now with Madeline's sequel.<br />
I still haven't had those fireworks, but on the plus side the novels are coming along. One scene at a time. Then it's time to sew them up. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679992181982467843.post-58878967528150736492013-11-05T15:07:00.000-08:002013-11-05T15:07:07.556-08:00My Writing RoomLots of writers have a place that they like to hide away in and produce fabulous novels. Many like the structure of a solid table and chairs, a notebook and expensive pen at the ready, but others prefer the cushions of their sofa and a tablet or laptop. I'm the latter.<br />
While most of my first novel, Madeline, was written on my netbook, a lot of the book was simply written down on anything. Various apps installed on my phone housed numerous scenes ready for emailing to myself. University lecture notes turned into dramatic scenes and so on and so forth.<br />
I do have a desk. It's home to a stylish printer that I bought exclusively for printing my novel pages out and performing a hard copy edit. And for university assignments, too... of course. I love my desk. I have sat for many hours at the little wooden structure, paying no attention to the sun giving way to the night or the rumbles in my stomach.<br />
The only issues I have ever found with that desk is that it's a distraction. Various cups hold onto neat little pens, markers - every writer has an obsession with stationary. Behind my desk is my bookcase, filled with the inspiring stories that have started me on my journey. Then there is my writing file, home to every edit I've made, some typed, some hand written. But the worst thing... the drawers. Whenever a moment of pure block occurs, emptying drawers and find things you didn't realise you had becomes strangely therapeutic. Even the old pieces of foam you had used three years ago from your art project lurk at the bottom waiting to be discovered.<br />
The desk is far to tempting for me. That's why I prefer the comfort of my sofa, or my bed. Either is good. The bed has a duvet... pillows... a warm electric blanket underneath... a small corner shelf, perfect to hold cups of hot chocolate and such. It's pretty much my heaven when I'm not 100% goal orientated on a novel.<br />
By that, I mean, when I have nothing else to <i>really</i> do. I'm a fully time student. My psychology degree and nail technician course keep me occupied and stressed over referencing the right person in the correct way so marks won't be deducted.<br />
When I was waiting to start university, I had months of empty time, given that I only work part time on the weekend. I filled my time with my novel simply because I could. I lived for it. Those six months flew by far too quickly, even if my novel only took four of those weeks to actually complete.<br />
So what did I do with the rest of it?<br />
I didn't plan my novel. That's something that didn't occur to me being a first time novel writer. I had no clue of the ending ahead of me, and that, when it started to approach, frightened me a little. I didn't want to disappoint myself. Luckily, every idea spilled into another and then another until a whole chain of thoughts just made sense, and, fortunately, I wasn't disappointed.<br />
No. What I did was <i>think</i> about writing. I had the characters, but no background on them. I wanted to know who they were. Writing them might've been a very good way of doing so, but, given my studies, I wanted to look behind them. I had to get to know Maddie and Nicky, to become their closest friend. It worked. They now pester me at the most irrelevant of times.<br />
Another thing I did was Research, while my research lacked on the simple things such as location, since my novel is set in America (and I'm British), most of it consisted of research on the topic of Maddie's situation. I understood the basics, and anyone with a wild imagination can create a demonic bully, but I wanted to know the effects of it - and thus where my access to psychology journals took place.<br />
So six months past, and I lived inside my head. No notebooks became full, and no words were typed until the last four weeks, maybe three if you count only three days into the fourth week. Every thought I had was processed, revised during countless situations until I found the best for my novel, and stayed locked inside my thoughts. I'm amazed how my memory holds out. The "Madeline" box in my memory must be due for a spring clean come the new year, so I can refill it all over again - this time without it taking so much time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15768683175246248407noreply@blogger.com0