I am happy to announce I have moved my website to a new platform! I hope you will check it out, and subscribe. Have a great day, and happy writing everyone! www.thewackywriter.com/
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Personally, I accomplished a lot in 2019, but am glad for it to be over. I fought illness the last half of the year that left me throwing myself a pity party for 1. Also, I didn't finish my WIP, which was my one goal this year. It happens. Don't beat yourself up, like I have been doing. Here are some ways I am making sure I stay productive in 2020.
Set monthly goals, instead of yearly. For me, this seems the most realistic and ensures I don't have a complete meltdown at the end of 2020. My poor husband doesn't deserve that kind of madness :-) In all seriousness, I think this is more realistic for some of us writers that have demanding full time jobs, children and families. I am a planner, so each month I have set goals ,and put them in my calendar. I printed a calendar from the website below, and WROTE out my goals for the month. Sometimes writing and seeing your goals on paper sticks with me better. I used to use that tactic in college, when taking notes. While everyone else was using their laptop, I would have my large notebook out. I find it more in my face, and "real", if I write it down with a old school pen and paper! print-a-calendar.com/ Write. Even when there is no inspiration. I am bad for this! If one thing I do this year is write more words than in 2019, I am considering it a success! I find I wait for inspiration to kick in before I pull out my laptop. I am bound and determined to not do that in 2020. Even if it is just posting more fun content on here, or writing an excerpt, I wrote something! Anything will do! I think it keeps our brains active throughout the year, which can spark that inspiration you're looking for. Read everything. Okay, not everything. But because I write romance, I receive a lot of book review requests for romance novels. This year, I have a wide list of different genre books to read for my reviews, and I am pumped! Thinking outside of the box, and sometimes reading in a different genre than you write. can be beneficial. When we read the same genre as we write, our voices may mesh with other authors of that same genre. Reading outside your "norm" can help strengthen your voice, and maybe even introduce you to a new writing genre. Try a new point of view. This one goes with the one above a bit. When I wrote my first novella, I wrote it in first person-past tense. As I expanded my mind and reading list, I found that I prefer to write in third person. Not saying I will never write another story in first, but I feel more comfortable writing in third, and I think it reads better. In my WIP, I expanded on that further, and am writing from 2-character views in third person. I have never written from a male point of view, and it has been challenging, but rewarding. I have learned so much just experimenting with it all. If you are scared to make the switch and unsure how it sounds, have one of your trusty beta readers read the first few paragraphs. Hopefully, they will be honest and give you constructive feedback. If not, find a new one :-) Publish. I don't love this word because I STILL identify it with the dreaded "big publishing houses" ,and querying for an agent. The good news, as most of us know, that is not the only way to publish anymore. Self-publishing is great. But if you are not ready to take on that task, publish a different way. Start a blog/website or post on wattpad or other writing websites. You are still publishing your work. Let me say that again.... YOU ARE STILL PUBLISHING YOUR WORK! I hope everyone has a prosperous 2020! I am so thankful for the success I have had this year, and all the connections I have made. You all are truly amazing. And as always, if I can be any assistance on your writing journey, please email me. Happy Writing!!!! You won’t want to miss the unraveling of Hunter, as he entangles himself with the wrong people and places. When he is given a "Second Chance" at life and love, will he choose a different path?
Don’t miss out on "Second Chances" by Larry Yoke, set to be released in January 2020. Pre-order your copy today and stay tuned for my upcoming book review! www.amazon.com/Second-Chances-Larry-Yoke-ebook/dp/B082PBDC3W Isn't this an AMAZING cover! I am beyond excited to announce you can NOW pre order "The Catch" by Lauren Mae. I am lucky enough to have been given an ARC of this novel and can't wait to start reading. Stay tuned for my book review next month. Check out the book blurb below! The last time Catia Roday fell in love, it cost her everything. She’s learned a lot since then, though—specifically, men always disappoint. When she meets handsome, sweet, seemingly-perfect Josh Rideout on a far-off beach vacation, only to find out they hail from neighboring towns, she has one question: what’s the catch? Her friends have practically staged an intervention to tell her she's making a huge mistake, so on the way home, she makes them a bet. She’ll keep seeing Josh after the vacation ends and when he proves he isn’t as perfect as he seems, she wins! And she avoids another heartbreak. What ensues is a series of tests and games with Josh one step ahead of her the whole time, until Cat realizes she may have just bet against the greatest love of her life. Worse yet, it turns out Josh isn't the gambling type. COMING JANUARY 2020. PRE ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! www.amazon.com/Catch-Summer-Nights-Book-ebook/dp/B08279582V/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+catch+by+lauren+mae&qid=1575594093&sr=8-1 One Night on Ice by Mandy Baggot was a fun and festive read. Shy and nervous Samantha works as a box office assistant at Civic Hall. When the box office features a ice skating show she meets the ever so charming and star of the show, Jimmy. Jimmy skating into Samantha's life turns it upside down. Jimmy challengers her and she slowly turns from the timid girl she once was to a confident woman. This was the first story I read from Mandy Baggot. The first thing that drew me in was the cover. I think it is beautiful and festive. I love a great Christmas story and this one was no different. I will confess I did find the story to move at a slower pace than I would have liked, but it starts to pick up in the middle, and I was hooked. When I first starting reading, I didn't love Samantha. I thought it was a bit dramatic how she reacted to first meeting Jimmy. Maybe it is just me, but it didn't seem necessary. By the middle of the story, I was rooting for her. I loved how Jimmy challenged her and helped build her confidence. As for Jimmy, I thought his character was delightful. The author did a great job at writing his character and his personality shined through. Let me just say we could have done without Samantha's sister Cloe. She is mean and I disliked her character. Overall, I would give this novel 4 stars. It is a nice, festive read for the holiday season. The story was well written, and I will be checking out other stories by this author. Check out the link below to purchase. * I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* www.amazon.com/One-Night-Ice-Mandy-Baggot-ebook/dp/B07XLKQ2JL
HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to the talented Rebecca Amiss. I had the pleasure of reading this beautiful short story and interviewing the talented author. See our fun Q & A below. Also,don't forget to pick up your copy of this perfect holiday read ASAP!
www.amazon.com/First-Snowfall-Christmas-Eve-ebook/dp/B08186XLFG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+first+snowfall+of+christmas+eve&qid=1574704208&sr=8-1 Q & A WITH REBECCA AMISS Q: What age were you when you started writing and completed for your first piece? A: I used to write little stories as a young child, but wrote my first complete short story at 16. Q: How many published works do you have? A:My short story "Down by the Bay" is published in the September issue of The Write Launch in the Long Short Story category Q: Do you work with a outline or just let the creative mind go with it? A: I like to do a rough outline but also go with the flow a bit. I guess I'm a bit of a "plotser" haha! Q: What is your one writing quirk? A: My one writing quirk is I like to listen to the A Star is Born soundtrack when I'm writing emotional stories because I feel the music puts me in the right frame of mind. Q: Do you feel like its more interesting to have A. a epic setting B. mind blowing plot C. strong characters? A: That's a hard one! I think having strong characters because they can enhance the setting and drive the plot along. Q:.Do you feel like if you wore sparkly socks/hat you would write better? A: Haha, definitely!! I think sparkly socks and hats make everything better! Q:What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers? A: Advice I have for a young, aspiring writer is write what you love and are passionate about. Don't feel like you have to write what everyone else wants you to. Only you know what story you want to tell. You can do anything! A Blind Date for Christmas by Jo-Ann Carson is a short but sweet romance read. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a story with love and magic.
In Mystic Keep we meet the magical and very handsome barista, Oscar. He is a kind and generous soul but lives with a curse sentenced down on him by an evil sorceress. Annabelle starts working at the magical brew house and is instantly charmed by Oscar. When she can’t get him to take a second look at her or ask her on a date, she is determined to find out why he isn't falling at her feet like all the other men in town. Belle is fixed on finding out what Oscar is hiding so she sets him up on three blind dates. Her being the final date. She has no doubt that by that time she will have the answers she is looking for and that her and Oscar will fall in love. Sounds easy enough right? I enjoyed this story by Jo-Ann Carson, but it would have been better fit for October. There were a few references to Christmas, but it could have been deleted all together and still been a good story. I kept waiting for more Christmas and it never came. I was a bit disappointed. Not to say the story wasn't well written. I enjoyed the overall plot and the characters were likable. The authors description of the characters and places were well written, especially Oscar. I just know in my mind he is HOT! The enchanted coffee house was adorable. I loved the subject of the magically spiked coffee. Very cute and imaginative idea from the author! I would give this story 4 out of 5 stars. I was pleased with the overall story and enjoyed the romance between the characters. Again, I would have rather read it during the Halloween/Fall season. For me, it is more a story about magical beings in a quaint little town, which more fits my reading mood in October. Check out the link below to purchase this story! www.amazon.com/Blind-Date-Christmas-Mystic-Universe-ebook/dp/B07ZG33SP3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24SQ6QZIBZGGT&keywords=a+blind+date+for+christmas+jo-ann+carson&qid=1574357908&sprefix=a+blind+date+for%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1 * I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* Wishes Under A Starlit Sky by Lucy Knott is a wonderful, heartwarming read. Perfect for the holiday season!
Harper Hayes looks like she has it all. But when life throws a wrench in her seemingly perfect life she must rebuild and start anew. This was my first read by Lucy Knott, but I can wholeheartedly say it won’t be my last. Harper is a relatable character and I loved the realism with this novel. Marriages do fail and you must pick yourself up and move on. I appreciated Lucy's take on the subject. I enjoyed following this time in Harper's life and watching her gain back her self-confidence. A very inspiring story overall! There is no better time to feel love, inspiration and true friendships than at Christmastime. This story has it all! I would give this novel 5 out of 5 stars. It was a lovely read and I can’t wait to read other novels by Lucy Knott. Check out the link to purchase below. www.amazon.com/Wishes-Under-Starlit-Sky-uplifting-ebook/dp/B07QSD1QXF * I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* One Week 'Til Christmas by Belinda Missen, is a story that meets every requirement on my reading wish list! Sweet, Sexy, Romantic, Funny, Christmas and well written.
While away on holiday in London, Isobel falls (literally) into Tom and let the beautiful romance begin. There is only seven days left until Christmas and with Isobels impending departure home they waste no time in getting to know each other. They spend the entire week indulging in all things Christmas. And sometimes indulging in each other. With both of their jobs taking them in different directions they must decide before Christmas Day, if their newfound love could survive being millions of miles away from each other. And is it worth the risk? All I can say is WOW! I have read many books.....I mean thousands. I have never been wrapped up in a story like I was in this one. I read great books all the time but if I had to choose a novel that quite literally sums up my reading wish list, this is it. Belinda does a wonderful job writing the characters BUT the descriptions of the places around the city at Christmastime have me wanting to get on a plane to London. Like yesterday! If you enjoy characters that banter back and forth and do so it in the sweetest way possible, this book is for you. I need some tips on that asap from Belinda because it is adorable and hilarious! And here comes the dreaded negative. But have no fear, it is only one minor detail. I am in the US so reading a story with different words and spellings can be difficult. There was a lot of references to places and things that I wasn't sure what they were. The good news is we have the web for that and if anything, it’s good to learn about other places and cultures. If possible, I would give this novel more than 5 stars. Seriously! Belinda Missen has a reader for life, and I can’t wait to check out her other novels! Check out the link to buy the book below. www.amazon.com/One-Week-Til-Christmas-perfect-ebook/dp/B07VXLVLJW * I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* Christmas Once Again by D.K Deters, is about a young woman who, after some unfortunate events and a mystical painting, travels back in time and finds the hero she has been looking for. This story is a quick read but the author does a fantastic job at pulling you after the first paragraph. I don't read much time- travel romance stories, but D.K did a wonderful job at switching the story from past to present and not leaving the reader confused. I found the characters were charming, especially Gran. The mystery behind the painting left me wanting more and I believe if the author wanted, they could expand on the short story and turn it into a novella. I just want to know more. But maybe that was the authors intentions. I would give this story 4 stars. The plot of the story was enjoyable. I really think if it had been longer, with more information about the magical power of this painting, I would have given 5 stars. Check out the authors website and a link to purchase. www.amazon.com/Christmas-Once-Again-D-Deters-ebook/dp/B07HDG1GRC/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=christmas+once+again&qid=1573241587&sr=8-2 www.dkdeters.com/ * I received a complementary copy for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* |