My Review: Five Stars

Last month, I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of Darren Dash’s surprise new Christmas release, Molls Like It Hot, and boy did it take me on one hell of a ride. I found myself immersed in the dark underbelly of London, a world where bad things happen to good people and good people are far and few between. Our guide, Eyrie Brown, is a smooth operator; tough as nails, but human where it counts. I have to say, I enjoyed him immensely. Our female lead, Toni Curtis – yes, you heard me right – is equally as engaging, and the two bounce off each other in many interesting ways. Two hard heads clashing; sometimes with spice, but always witty banter galore.


Dash’s voice is dark and gritty, with a confidence that you know can lead you down whichever twisty garden path he chooses to lead you. Straight off the bat he sucks you into conversations with a colourful cast of characters who jump off the page at you, the dialogue peppered with dark humour and old pop culture references, sprinkled throughout with fond reminiscence. The premise is tense and exciting, and early on, I found myself imagining early on all the ways in which things could possibly go wrong. I was not disappointed.


Molls Like It Hot is a tangled maze of bonds and betrayal. A bloody masterpiece of murder and mayhem. The breakneck twist midway through kicked things straight into sixth gear, and as I sit, wondering if this is what it feels like to have whiplash, I realise that Dash is not messing around. Who’s the god guy? Who’s the bad guy? It’s not so black and white. The small tender moments amid a churning storm were an unexpected treat. The final revelation is one that you think you’ve seen coming. But once you’ve followed the breadcrumbs to the end of the trail, you quickly realise that you’re standing right where Dash wanted you to be.


Overall, Molls Like It Hot is the kind of book that I would read again. I say this, knowing that I do not reread books, and that my list of exceptions to this rule is ridiculously small. For this reason, anything less than five stars would be a crime.
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I've never been a morning person. In fact, I'd go as far to say that I downright hate them.

It takes me a good hour or so after waking to actually feel awake. ​Caffeine is nice, but doesn't pack that punch I desire first thing in the morn -- or at least, it doesn't with me. I'll get up for work at 7 and often feel like the walking dead until about 10 o'clock. By which time, most of the morning has already passed. 

Last year, I was officially diagnosed with narcolepsy. This explains a lot.

I won't bore you with the details (a post for another day, maybe). But it's only since accepting this and therefore, removing that mental block that's been holding me back, that I've discovered that mornings don't have to be the enemy. 

Now, I want to share with you some of the things I've learned work for me. And if they can help me, then hopefully, they'll help you too. 

1. Acknowledge that you're awake -- This is a bit of a weird one. Yes, you read that right. Acknowledge that you are awake. If you can get your head around this one, though, then I'm confident that it will change your life. 

There are two words that I can use to sum up this method, and they are MIND FRAME. 

Your alarm goes off. It's screaming at you. You just want to be left alone. What do you do? You hit snooze and grab another 10 minutes or so. When it goes off ten minutes later, you hit it again. 10 more minutes, you think. It won't hurt. I'll skip breakfast. But when you finally do have to rise, you're no better off than if you'd have crawled out of bed on the first alarm. 

I'm not judging you. This is me. I do this dance nearly every morning! It's frustrating and makes you feel yucky. Recently, though I've started using this method to get me going faster: 

• When you're compos mentis (and not sleep pressing), resist the urge to press that snooze button. 
• As your mind and body scream at you in chorus, acknowledge to yourself that you are indeed awake, and really mean it. This is hard (and often painful!).
• Allow yourself to mentally cross that threshold from asleep to awake. This means rejecting all possibility of going back to sleep, even for a minute. Be clear in your mind that you must be awake and remain so. 
• Be in the moment. Really focus on your surroundings. For example, the objects the room with you, the sounds of life happening around you. 
• Acknowledge that today is a brand new day, and that you must now join it. 

Sometimes, I just don't care about anything other than sleep. On these occasions, the snooze button wins ;-) However, when I can make this work for me, I feel energised in way that I didn't I didn't even know was possible.

Put simply --  how can you move forward into the day if you're still looking backward at your bed?

2. Like the room that you wake up in -- This one will go hand in hand with any of the other methods in this post. To be honest, it's less of a stand alone method and more of an enhancer. But why do I have to like the room I sleep in, you might think? I don't sleep with my eyes open.

Well, you would be right on that account. But there's method to my madness. You see, whether you realise it or not, the mood you wake up in will set the tone for the rest of your day. And when you first wake up and look around you, what you see will have an impact on your mood. 

I like my bedroom. It's pretty small and I'm not the tidiest person in the world, but I've filled it with things that make me happy. This makes my often futile attempts to wake up in the morning that bit more effective. I'm drawn towards the hi-fi to get the radio on. The books in my 'to be read' pile are stacked in the corner of the room, just waiting to be picked up and devoured. But if reminders of looming deadlines, old junk and things that just don't call out to you are what you see when you first wake, it's no surprise that your morning motivation is at an all time low.

Leaving your warm bed in the morning can feel like a big ordeal, especially in the winter. You can't remove that feeling completely. What you can do, though, is make your waking world a more appealing place to be in. 

3. Move and stretch -- Some people can jump straight out of bed and start dancing. No, I'm not kidding. They'll know who they are when they read this post. If you're anything like me, though, your energy comes much, much later. 

Don't panic. This method doesn't have to be hard. I'm not talking about exhausting workout routines or morning jogs here (although good for you if you can!). There are kinder ways to get the blood flowing and wake yourself up than putting yourself through that.

I'm talking about a simple move and stretch routine. 

For my birthday this year, my sister got me a yoga mat. Since then, I've discovered the simple pleasures of bending and stretching, of slowly but surely working through all the kinks and waking up each part of the body, one area at a time. I'm certainly no pro. I have an old back injury and I've never been able to touch my toes. But yoga is not only good for your body,  it's also good for your mind. 

I've used yoga as an example here, as this is what works for me. However, if you're looking for more inspiration on finding what words for you, why not start with this gentle 5 minute wake-up workout or these 7 energising moves to jump start your day?

​Pair this with your morning coffee and you'll be feeling like a human being in no time. 

4. Create a waking up ritual -- I've mentioned in a previous post how creating a pre-writing ritual can be an effective way to get more writing done. In the same way, building an effective wake up ritual can work wonders for those of us who struggle to be productive in the morning. 

The theory behind this method is based in routine and familiarity. Whether you've consciously thought about it or not, chances are that you have one in some form or another. I have one too and it's more or less the same as what I've had for the past few years: wake up, reach for my phone and switch WiFi on, make a cup of tea, take it back to bed to check email and social media, eating into my breakfast time, where I'll eventually have to sacrifice my own breakfast in order to make one for the bearded dragons before dashing out to work. 

It's not very well thought out. In fact, it's almost purely made up of old habits. But imagine how much more effective a well thought out wake up ritual could be if created with the purpose of maximising your morning potential? My best mornings almost always start with a cup of tea, a short yoga session, a good cup of coffee and no social media!

Examine your own average morning and look for the repeated actions. Which of these work for you? Which things don't and are holding you back? Think about what makes you happy. Adding something purely for you at the start of the day can make all the difference to your morning. ​

5. Let some light in -- Your body has an internal clock that responds to light and dark. The sun comes up and your brain knows that it is day time. The sun goes down, the sky gets dark and your brain begins to shut down. 

Okay, you might say. I do that now. I switch on the lights in the morning and switch them off again at night! What gives? Of course, I'm not talking about any old 40 watt light bulb. What we need is natural light. 

​When you dress in the dark, you may think that you're saving your eyes from a blinding, but in actual fact, all you're doing is depriving yourself of the natural sunlight your brain needs to adjust in the morning. 

For those that don't see sunlight on a daily basis, or even just want to be proactive and give this method a good go, you can buy something called a 'natural light alarm clock' to make your life easier. This product mimics the natural rising of the sun, starting by switching on at a low light and gradually working up to a full morning glare. The idea of these ingenious little devices is that by the time you are awake, you are far more awake than if you had been screamed at by your alarm clock. Waking up this way is also said to help you get a better night's sleep, so it's win-win. 

I don't think I'll ever be a morning person. I can make them that little bit more bearable, though, with a well thought out routine and a positive attitude. 

What do you think? Have you tried any of these methods? Have something better that you'd care to share? Let me know by leaving a comment below. 

Dialogue.

Dialogue: a conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play or film. 
en.oxforddictionaries.com 

​You'd think that writing dialogue for your fiction book would be easy. After all, you've been talking for such a long time now. It's something that you do on a daily basis and most of the time, you don't even have to think about it. But in actual fact, when it come to fiction, there is a fine line between doing it right and being too realistic. 

In everyday life, people talk over each other. They fumble over their words, umming and ahhing, switching from miserable weather, to what they ate for tea last night, to the latest hot topic., to... well, you get my drift. Real conversation is messy, all over the place and often completely trivial.

​Fictional dialogue doesn't have time to be trivial. Everything you put into your book must matter, must push the story forward. A simple conversation between two characters can enlighten the reader, giving away a key piece of plot information. A difference of opinion can increase tension and add to the conflict already in play, not to mention reveal elements of your characters motivations that weren't previously clear. 

Another effective use of fictional dialogue is to focus on ​how​ your characters speak to each other. The way one character interacts with another can tell the reader a lot about both characters. For example, if your outgoing protagonist becomes tongue-tied around one particular character, it would indicate that their feelings for this individual run a little deeper than they're willing to let on.

As characters naturally develop throughout a story, the way they speak to one another should change along with them. When used correctly, dialogue is one of the many powerful tools writers have at their disposal when writing fiction. 

Got any tips on writing dialogue scenes? How do you approach them? Share below in the comments. 

Missed last week's post? Check out C is for... Characters here. Look out for the next post in the series, E is for... Emotion. 
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Characters. 

​Character: 1. A person in a novel, play, or film. 2. The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. 
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com 

Without your characters, you don't have a story. It is as simple as that. 

Let's think about that for a second. A story is the ups and downs of an individual, or a group of connected individuals' lives. Without those characters, your story will simply be a string of events happening one after another. There will be no reactions and no emotional stakes.

Let's face it -- it's the characters in a story that have us coming back for more, time and time again. They have a big job to do, and that's to make you care. In this aspect, it goes without saying that protagonists have the biggest job to do of all. But, open any fiction book and more than likely, you'll discover that it holds a colourful cast of varied characters that all play different roles in the story. 

Some examples of character roles are: 

​The Protagonist -- the point of view character and person responsible for fixing the main problem of the novel. 

​The Antagonist -- the bad guy. This character blocks the protagonists path at every turn, making it difficult for them to succeed. 

The Sidekick -- ​the protagonist's unflinchingly loyal friend. They support the main character and their actions are often a key part of the hero's success. 

​The Mentor -- this character's role is to provide the lesson that, upon learning it, will unlock new potential in the protagonist. 

Can you think of any other fictional character roles? Let me know in the comments below. 

Missed last week's post? Check out B is for... Beginnings here. Look out for the next post in the series, D is for... Dialogue. 

Beginnings. 

Novel Beginnings: The beginning of a novel should set the tone for the rest of the book and capture the reader's attention, while not rushing into the story or giving too much away too fast. 
http://www.wikihow.com/ 

The beginning of a novel can make or break a book. The opening pages must grab the reader by the throat and never let them go, or risk losing them completely. 
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The first chapter of any book will typically contain a hook. The hook can be something that resides within the first few pages, the first few paragraphs or even the opening line. Its single function is to 'hook' the attention of the reader in a way that encourages them to keep on reading. 

The beginning is also where the writer needs to set up the rest of the story. Where are we? Why are we here? Who should we care about? Why should we care? What's at stake? These are all questions to provide answers to within the book's opening pages, even in their most basic form. Sometimes, though, these answers are often more effectively teased at, as opposed to handing the answers over to your readers on a plate.

Giving too much information away too early on can make your story predictable, and therefore, bland. Finding the balance between an overwhelming information dump and pure guesswork is the key to writing a solid novel beginning. 

Got any tips? Share your wisdom in the comments below. 
Missed last week's post?  Check out A is for... Antihero  here. Look out for the next post in the series, C is for... Characters​.

Antihero. 

​Antihero: a main character in a story who lacks conventional heroic qualities such as idealism, courage, and morality. Although antiheroes may sometimes do the "right thing", it is often for the "wrong reasons" and because it serves their self-interest rather than being driven by moral convictions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antihero

The charming antihero is possibly one of my all time favourite story characters. Done well, they will disgust and delight you, before stealing your heart and selling it back to you in pieces. 

​They will often work alongside the hero or heroine in fiction. Their reason for doing so will be very different. In fact, it can be all too easy to mistake the antihero for the villain, especially when their worst moments paint them in a dark light. What separates them from the antagonist, though, is their ability to 'walk the line' between good and evil. 

​Yes, the antihero is fickle character. Whichever side best serves their current interest usually wins their loyalty. Despite this, though, the antihero tends to make the right decision when it counts most. Because of this, the reader can feel compelled to cheer them on throughout the story, despite the occasional villainous deed. They are redeemable. 

​Antiheroes get away with murder. Sometimes literally. Befriend one at your own risk. 

​Some examples of fictional antiheroes are: 
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• Macbeth
• Dexter Morgan
• Rincewind
• Severus Snape

The antihero of my current book is Drayvex from Crimson Touch. If he managed to get his hands on your heart, he'd probably eat it whole. 

​Can you think of any awesome antiheroes that deserve a special mention? Sound off in the comments below. 

​Next is B is for... Beginnings. 

5) Spotify --some people write better with a little music in the background. If you're one of those people, then Spotify is definitely something that you need to check out. This programme gives you free access to virtually any song you can think of. The app allows you to play music on the go and the only limits are the occasional adverts, which you can remove by becoming a premium member. Personally, I like to mix it up a bit. As the mood calls I switch from silent, concentrated writing, to a little relaxed typing with background music when my muse is feeling bored or tired. I have personal playlists ready to go. ​

Well, those are mine. But what about you? Have I missed anything important? Sound off in the comments below!

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."- Oscar Wilde

My love of writing can be traced back to my earliest memories. English was by far my favourite subject at school, as it was the only lesson that writing stories actually classed as school work. Most groaned at the thought. I celebrated. 

A decade later, I'm still writing. The difference is, though, as a child I wasn't concerned with structure or plot. I didn't think about how well my characters were developing, or if the story made sense to anyone but me. It was the pure enjoyment that I took from bringing my stories to life that had me hooked. It was simple.
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As grown ups, we tend to live pretty busy lives. We rush about from week to week, balancing jobs and finances, families and friends and somehow, still keep those ridiculous appointments that were squashed into the tiny gaps between. We are always pushing ourselves for more, yet rarely stop to smell the roses. 

Is this you? Are you nodding your head? Well, then I have one question I'd like you to answer.

Have you discovered the simple joys of flash fiction?


"Flash Fiction- a style of fictional literature or fiction of extreme brevity."
www.artipot.com


Yes, that's it -- flash fiction summed up in a nutshell. But flash fiction can also be a stray thought, given life when the questions what if? and how? are asked. It can be the remnant of a vivid dream or a vague memory, moulded to reflect your deepest desires. It can be a quick scribbling on a scrap of paper. A lunchtime daydream that demands to be recorded, or a bite sized break from an otherwise mundane day. 

If you 're new to the wonders of flash fiction, then I suggest that you give it a try. In fact, I'm so confident that you'll see something you like that I wrote a small book to give you a taster, and I'm giving it away for free. 

So don't forget to live every once in a while. Because life is passing is by every second and it's not slowing down. 

Click here to check out the book.

IT'S ONLY natural to want to stop when things gets tough. Because, let's face it -- putting yourself out there isn't easy. When you put your hard work and honest opinions online, people can judge you based on that work. They can tell you that you're wrong. Or that what you've got to say isn't valuable in any way. Or make you feel small.  

The thing is, we crave attention for our work, but when people start noticing you it can make you feel vulnerable. But being vulnerable isn't always a bad thing. In my personal experience, when you're beginning to feel uncomfortable, when you catch yourself thinking that maybe this wasn't for you after all, that is normally when you're on the verge of something awesome. 

However, there's a difference between having healthy misgivings about something, and being so far out of your comfort zone that you want turn and hide in a deep comfy hole for the next decade. One works on the basis of logic, the other feeds off of your insecurities and weaknesses.  We all have them.

You see, it's difficult to picture those big changes when you haven't actually experienced them. That's what makes hindsight so valuable. You can look back and think, yes, I was on the path to greatness. Silly me. But until then, it's sheer blind faith that keeps you chipping away on that project every day, despite that crippling doubt. 

Alright, that was a little cynical. It's not only blind faith. But faith does play a huge part in getting us through those uncertain times. Faith and hope. 

When setting a target, it's important not to aim too high. However, it's just as important not to aim too low, either. The idea of a target is that you work towards a goal that is slightly out of your reach. By making things too easy for yourself, you're not allowing yourself much space to grow and improve. Set it too high, and you're more likely to become discouraged and give up. You're only human, after all. 

I've come to the conclusion that change is supposed to be uncomfortable. When you throw yourself into the deep end, there are two possible ways in which you will react. You will either: 

1. Panic, flail and then sink
2. Panic, flail and then learn to swim

In order to lean how to swim, though, we must put ourselves outside out comfort zone. Give ourselves the chance to learn and adapt. Because the magic of change is that if you stick at it, even through that crippling doubt, that one day we will discover that we have grown to fill that large, scary space.

The change becomes the new comfort zone. 

What do you think? 

I've been there a lot this past year.

You're on a roll and it's all going so well. Until, you stop to consider how well you're doing. And wonder how you can keep it up for the rest of the week. And how much more you have left to do. 

Suddenly, it's there, large and looming -- that bully writer's block. And it's laughing in your face. "Get nice and cosy," it grins. "We're going to be spending a lot of time together."

Okay, so your writer's block may not be quite so rude. But none of us like being there. No one does.

Wouldn't it be great, though, if you had a ready made list of ways to eliminate that pesky problem in a jiffy?  

Well, my friends, keep reading, because that's exactly what I'm going to give you. My top 6 ways to kick writer's block to the curb. 

1/ Do more research

For me personally, writer's block occurs most often when I'm lacking information (although this is only obvious in hindsight!) If you’re writing a story, this could be a key piece of the plot, or information about a specific character, or something that sheds light on a part of plot you didn’t even realise was missing. If you’re writing an article or other non-fiction piece, it could be that you haven’t done enough background research for your project. Whatever you are working on, not having a full picture will hold you back, whether you're aware of the problem, or not.

When writing a fiction first draft I tend to just wing it. I don’t know where I’m going, but I trust the muse to figure it out, piece by piece as I go along. The problem with being a pantser, though, (see the age old pantsers vs plotters debate) is that at some point, you will inevitably hit a solid brick wall. Now, you could call it writer’s block and wait for the problem to go away by itself. Or, you could do some digging. Ask yourself questions. Do some brainstorming and make odd connections. What happens next? What if the last thing I expect to happen next, happens? I’ve learned through experience that on many occasions, what I would once call writer’s block can be easily solved this way.

Sometimes, though, you just don’t know the answer yet. And if you’re really truly stuck, then the worst thing you can do is stew on a problem. In this case, the best thing you can do is move on. Try not to stress too much over one particular element of a project. You can always go back to it at a later date.
​

2/ Switch to handwritten

There's something magical about good ol' pen and paper. It's underrated and now commonly seen to be the outdated method of writing, what with so many other, simpler options available to us. But the truth is, there's much more to it than that. You may not believe me. That's quite okay. I urge you to try it yourself and find out. After all, it's natural to think, 'aren't I just making more work for myself, having to type everything up again at the end of the day?' Maybe. But would it be worth it if the words flowed like water in a tap? 

Handwriting is a sensory experience. There's the feel of the paper brushing against your hand, the smell of the paper. The weight of a good pen resting between your fingers. Maybe even the smell of the ink on the page, depending on what kind of pen you use. When you write a word down on paper, you are far more likely to commit it to memory than if you had simply typed it on a keyboard. And then there's the fact that it forces the brain to slow down and really think about the content you're coming up with. ​

​4/ Do something equally creative

Being ambitious is not a bad thing. But it’s all too easy to forget that we're human beings with both physical and emotional limits. Occasionally, we expect too much of ourselves. When we pump our creative wells dry (see 31 Ways to Reinspire the Muse, Parts 1, 2 and 3) it often has the opposite effect and, very quickly, we can become creatively blocked.
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As a direct result, our writing suffers. In other words, our efforts fail to match the expectations we have set for ourselves. Now, you could take a step back, accept that writer’s block has sunk its overgrown talons in and will only let go when it’s good and ready. Or, you could work on something equally creative while you wait. Do a finger painting, make a collage, write a diary entry. Do something that you won’t take too seriously and can have a little fun with. A creative splurge, so to speak. And it doesn’t even have to have anything to do with writing. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at the difference a change in attitude can make to that brick wall.

'
​6/ Push on regardless and refuse to give in

Sometimes, you just have to push through writers block. Sometimes, there are no short cuts or quick fixes. If all else has failed you, then it may be time to simply knuckle down, despite any discomfort you feel and write anyway. Write anything. It doesn't matter if what you write is bad. It doesn't have to be something you keep. It doesn't even have to be seen by anyone but you, as its purpose is purely to  keep the words flowing. You may find that just the mere act of writing, even when the words don't come so easily, will help to shift that mental blockage. 

​Enjoyed this post? Please share it with a friend who will benefit too!

 YOU SEE  it all the time. If you want to be a writer, then you must sit down and write.

​It seems to be the number one piece of advice that all experts provide. Write every day, whether you feel like it, or not. But if you’re not an expert and writing isn’t your main source of income, this advice can seem quite daunting.

​Every day? I once thought this to be an impossible ask. What about my day job? My family and friends? What about when I’m feeling tired or unmotivated? I can’t do it.

Well, I'm here to tell you that it certainly can be done. Present day, I try to write at least six out of seven days a week and today, I’m going to share with you my top ten tips for getting into a daily writing routine.

[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF CHECKLIST!]


1) Set small goals. If you try to accomplish too much too soon then every time you fall short, it will put you off. Even if you only write for five minutes a day, consistently, you’re doing it!

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​Image Credit: Rawich via FreeDigitalPhotos.net

4) Create a reward system to encourage daily writing activity. This is a great way to inspire a daily writing routine, especially when you don’t feel like writing. For example, your reward for Monday could be a glass of wine at the end of the day. Your reward for Tuesday could be a nice slab of chocolate. Rewarding yourself when you succeed is a fun way to motivate yourself into following through with your daily writing.
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Image Credit: Stuart Miles via FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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​10) Get people involved in what you’re doing. If you don’t want to post online every day, find a writing buddy, friend or family member to hold you accountable instead. This way, on your worst days where you would rather do the dreaded housework than write, you have someone to remind you that actually, you do need to grab that five minutes and yes, it is important after all.

Image Credit: ddpavumba via FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Okay, still with me?

That's great. I knew you would be. That was a lot of information to take in in one go, so allow me to  summarise  the ten main points for building a daily writing routine: 

1. SET SMALL GOALS
2. DO SOMETHING EVERY DAY FOR 30 DAYS TO FORM A HABIT
3. GO FOR QUANTITY AND CONSISTENCY OVER QUALITY AND CONTENT
4. CREATE A REWARD SYSTEM TO ENCOURAGE DAILY WRITING ACTIVITY
5. DO THE WORK, THEN SET IT ASIDE
6. DON'T GET BOGGED DOWN WITH HAVING TO WRITE
7. MAKE SURE YOU ARE WRITING FOR YOU
8. GO WITH YOUR WHIMS AND PASSING FANCIES
9. HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE
10. GET OTHER PEOPLE INVOLVED IN WHAT YOU'RE DOING

Enjoyed this post? Well, my friend, I've created a spiffy bonus, just for you. If you haven't done so already, click below to grab your free bonus checklist to help keep you right on track. 

[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF CHECKLIST!]

When the opportunity to review Darren Dash’s latest novel presented itself to me, I snatched at it with eager grabbing hands. Having enjoyed his previous book, Sunburn, Dash had already proved to me that he’s not afraid to go in hard and fast, taking his writing to places that the average writer fears to tread. This book is no different.

I won’t be recommending this book to my mother, as An Other Place is far from a crowd pleaser. I was advised by the author before I began that this may not be my cup of tea. And that would be okay. But by golly, this book really did blow my mind. It stretched my imagination in weird new ways, made me think, sent me soaring and then crashing back down to earth (ha! Inside joke) with one hell of a bang.

An Other Place treats you to deep point of view, giving the reader an intimate seat inside the mind of troubleshooter Newman Riplan. When Riplan is transported to a strange fantastical world, both him and reader are kept in the dark as he explores. Being limited to experiencing only what our protagonist goes through makes this journey all the more effective in its delivery.

In the beginning, we get a definite sense of a situation that’s spiralling upwards, but no real idea of what’s going on or what is coming. Much of the novel is disorienting in this way. I frequently found myself feeling as lost as the main character, feeling my way through the dark with a tiny light, not quite knowing what to expect. Each page turn was both chilling and thrilling in equal measure.

The main character is generally likeable, but far from perfect. In his worst moments I found myself 
utterly repelled, and yet, he always managed to be compelling -- sometimes in all the wrong ways. My reactions to him as a character were varied, which I found refreshing.

What's more, An Other Place really appealed to my dark sense of humour and love of the bizarre. To sum this book up in three words, I’d have to go with ‘weird and wonderful’. Like a mystery slowly unravelling and tangling, it constantly kept me guessing.

Darren Dash masterfully manipulates the reader in his chosen direction, changing the mood and pace of the book at will with little to no warning. This made it difficult to put down. I found myself constantly wondering what could possibly happen next.

I really liked how truly demented this book is. The story gets weirder and weirder as you go along. I'd become used to being in one place and then the story would twist, leaving me disoriented once more. Each time you think that things can’t possibly get any worse, they do and you’re presented with a new level of worse.

Despite not agreeing with every decision our main character makes, he displays an admirable amount of grit and determination throughout which, in turn, allows us to maintain some sort of an emotional connection throughout the book. This, I feel, is very important. 

An Other Place gets darker and more grisly as the story progresses, giving a haunting, eerie sense of isolation that seeps into your bones. I spent the majority of the story feeling like something is ‘off’, but was unable to put a finger on exactly what. As a reader, there is never a moment where you are truly relaxed and comfortable. The more I discovered, the more it made my head reel.

Overall, this has to be one of the strangest book I’ve ever read. Through its ups and downs, there always seemed to be an unsettling undercurrent buzzing away in the back of my mind. Towards the end of the book, the reader is rewarded with the answers to some secrets and certain mysteries are made clear. However, these revelations only seem to offer yet more questions which, once again, send the cogs of my mind spinning at high speed.

The conclusion to this strange tail left me with goosebumps, chilling in impact and meaning. I felt oddly pensive as I read the last sentence, unsure of exactly how to feel. Dash leaves the reader with lots to think about. I now want to start again from the beginning, reading with the hindsight and prior knowledge I have. 

My overall score? 5/5! 

You can grab yourself a copy of An Other Place from the links below in ebook or paperback format. Let me know what you think!

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Last year, I had the pleasure of receiving an advance copy of Darren Dash's latest novel, Sunburn. With only the author's vague description, 'Bigfoot in Bulgaria' to prepare me, I eagerly jumped in with both feet, completely unaware of the sheer chaos waiting in the wings.

I discovered early on that this book has a serious case of one-more-chapter-itis. Sunburn is the kind of story that makes you want to read on into the night, despite having to get up early for work the next day. Reading away my precious sleeping hours, I had no idea how tense I had become until my phone pinged and I jumped out of my skin.

The elements of classic horror are very much present here, and at the core of every horror theme is the simple struggle for life. Darren Dash isn't afraid to go in hard with this or tread where other are afraid to go, with moments of dark humour providing light, albeit brief relief which I often caught myself smiling to. There is an underlying edge of something sinister building throughout the book. The tension increases like a slowly boiling kettle -- you know early in that at some point, it's going to reach boiling point. But not before its time.

My love of horror stems back to my childhood. Barely a teenager, I would sit alone in the dark, watching films that thrilled and tortured me in equal measure. There was something about that raw mix of adrenaline and fear that always kept me coming back for more. Sunburn gave me that same thrill, with Mr Dash taking no prisoners in this dark and compelling tale.

I immediately felt attached to the main characters, each interesting in their own way but very different from the other. The story also flows nicely, each transition feeling smooth and unhurried, yet pulling me ever onward. I often find when reading a good book, my attention splits at some point or other. Half my attention will be focused on the chapter I'm reading, the other half hovering somewhere near the end, mithering over how current events will effect the final outcome. But Sunburn held me firmly in the moment, demanding my full attention right to the very last page. Then, just when you begin to think you're safe, unholy bloody mayhem ensues.

Every now and again we gain insight into a primal mind, the mind of a somewhat sentient beast. What I found fascinating are the ethical questions that sprung to mind while reading from this unique point of view. Can a beast be seen as evil for carrying out basic instincts? Is is close enough to the human being to be compared to our murderers, killing for pleasure? Personally, I found myself fluctuating between the two throughout the book. However, by the time I reached the final quarter, there was no doubt in my mind about the beasts true colours.

The ending comes full circle in a satisfying, bitter sweet way that feels complete and not left dangling for the sake of it. Overall, I really enjoyed Sunburn and look forward to reading many more Darren Dash books to come. Just don't expect a gentle ride!

You can buy the book in physical or ebook format from your Amazon of choice. Enjoy!

WRITING HAS always been my go to place when life gets tough. I struggled a lot with my sweet sixteen and, looking back now, writing was actually one of the few things that helped to diffuse the self-destructive cloud that frequently converged around me.

But this post is not about me. This post is about you.

I felt overwhelmed the other week so, naturally, I began to write. This blog post is that result.


Why you feel rubbish...

Overwhelmed -- life has been a bit hectic lately. Even though you're not Superwoman (much to your surprise), your life often requires you to be many things to many people. As well as this, you're juggling a hundred and one different responsibilities that all need your precious time and attention. But that's okay, you're going to be awarded your red cape any day now. You can feel it. Or, at least, next week has to be easier. You hope.

Things build up over time -- those little things that you swept under the rug didn't go away. They're still there, hidden beneath a good, safe layer of 'out of sight, out of mind.' But now, there isn't much room left under the rug. And people are soon going to start seeing those lumps...

Stress and misfortune -- you're having a bad run. Illness, loss, debt. Maybe it's the stress of a good relationship turning sour. Or maybe you're haemorrhaging money and can't keep up with the bills. Despite being a rational person, it feels like the world is out to get you. Yes, Lady Luck owes you, big time.

Having no one to talk to -- we all need someone to talk to every now and again. Whether that be to discuss a festering issue, or simply to air out our frustrations from the day. But the people you'd normally talk to are busy with their own problems, or no longer around. Or maybe you find it difficult to open up to anyone at all. Either way, you're bottling and at some point, you're going to overflow.

Overachiever -- busy, busy, busy. You're always running late and there's never enough time to get everything you want done in the day. After all, life is too short to sit down and do nothing, right? But not providing yourself with adequate down time leaves you scraping the bottom of the barrel far too often. And we both know the quality of those last few dregs, don't we?

Stuck in a rut -- you've spent more time moping this week than actually sitting down to figure out what's wrong. You assumed it would be something you just snapped out of when you're ready, but in fact, it's become a bit of a habit. An unproductive one.

Feeling vulnerable, fragile -- your partner has a moan and you take it personally. Your boss pulls you up over something small and you have to fight not to fall apart. Things that you would normally take in your stride are hitting you much harder. This is because your life worn exterior has been temporarily replaced with a softer, more fragile skin. The cause, though, is less obvious.
​
Beyond your control -- powerless. That sensation of negative things happening all around you, despite your best efforts. You feel small, almost as though you're a small fish trying to navigate its way through a raging current -- in the wrong direction. Whether you want them to or not, bad things happen to good people. And it sucks.

Putting others first all the time -- helping people is what you do. In fact, people seem to be drawn to you, laden with all kinds of problems and woes. Of course, you always do everything in your power to help them out. Even if it means skipping your coffee break every now and then, or dragging yourself out after a long, hard day. That warm bath and glass of wine will still be there tomorrow. That is, if someone else doesn't need it more.

​
What writing can do for you

Declutter your mind -- as you go through life, your mind will inevitably collect its fair share of junk. And like a messy desk, it's almost impossible to find the one particular thing you need amongst all that clutter. So, how do you stop this from happening? That's right, by keeping a diary. Even if only for a week or two, dumping the small, trivial things down onto paper will do wonders for the cluttered mind. The important things will stick with you. Do this on a regular basis and you will find that not only do you have a much clearer head, but that all that useless junk is right there in writing, just waiting for you to pick through at a later date.

Make the invisible visible-- remember all that clutter you dragged from your mind and put down onto a blank page? Well, guess what -- it may not all be junk. The average passing thought is there one second, then gone the next. Lost to the depths of your mind, where sometimes, it festers in a dark corner. Small and unnoticed, but most definitely still there. Make time to read back through your previous entries. Your subconscious may be trying to tell you something. Maybe that you're unhappy with your current situation, or that you're pushing yourself too hard. Or maybe it's time to swallow your pride and make peace with that old, stubborn friend.

Take a proactive approach -- being able to see your problems isn't the only benefit to writing them down. Take everything that's bothering you, no matter how small each thing may seem, and write them all down in one list. Then work your way down the list, taking each problem one at a time. Find a simple solution for each and write it next to the problem in question. Now, not only have you made a great start on banishing those things that are dragging you down, but you also have a point of reference if you decide to come back to them at a later date.

Acknowledging a problem -- how are you supposed to fix a problem if deep down, you're still denying its existence? The short answer is, you won't. Now, it may be hard to accept the need for help, or that you have an issue that needs attending to, but try to think of your problem simply as a bump in the road; you can go around it, but only if you notice it in time to do so. When you don't, it will take you by surprise. It may even damage you in the process, but the only way to fix a problem is to first acknowledge it. You'll be surprised at the relief you feel from this alone. Your subconscious was never fooled. Write down your problem in as much detail as you can muster. Don't hold back or cringe at your own thoughts, just allow yourself to say what it needs to.

Simply unload -- sometimes, taking the opportunity to get things off your chest can make you feel lighter. Write a letter or draft a blog rant, for your eyes only. You can always decide to publish at a later date if you feel it will help others in your shoes. Also, recording your thoughts on a regular basis will help you to pick up on any unhealthy patterns, if there are any. Reading your entries back with hindsight can often provide some much needed clarity.

Speed up the healing process -- your brain is amazing. There has been so much uncovered about it and yet, science has barely scratched the surface of what the human mind is truly capable of. Take your subconscious, for example. After acknowledging an issue through the method of writing, your mind will immediately start to figure out what to do next. You may have dismissed it from conscious thought, but working away in the background while you get on with your life, is your subconscious mind.

Extra benefits -- The simple action of writing is therapeutic in itself. This fact is not well known, but it has been proven again and again through many different types of research. I'll say it again -- writing is therapy. Writing down your thoughts and feelings on a regular basis can boost your mood and lower stress levels. It can encourage you reflect on your life, both the good and the bad, and help you to move on from a particularly traumatic event. Fiction writing can also have the same positive effects, which I can personally vouch for.

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​What are your personal experiences with writing?

IF YOU'RE anything like me, then you'll know what it is to struggle with time.

There are so many things that I want to accomplish. My first novel is mid-revision. I'm working on a collection of short stories, while maintaining a blog. There's also a tantalizing idea for a novella, just begging to be written, buzzing around in my mind. Not to mention those half-finished stories just sitting on my hard drive and the five dozen books on my to read pile. Phew!

Having a full-time job, though, takes up a lot of my time (after all, a girl's gotta eat).

So what do you do?

First of all, check out this blog post. Today's post is an extension of that. Or, if you can't be bothered to click away, check out these five MORE ways to make time for what you love -- writing. :-)

1. Make up lists -- I tend to be more productive when I'm working through a checklist. Not only does it give you a sense of accomplishment, but you'd be amazed at how much difference a little scrap of paper can make on a busy day. It can be hard keeping track of what needs to be done and when. Your poor multitasking brain can't possibly be expected to retain all the information it's fed. At the end of each day, take some extra time to list all the things you'd like to accomplish tomorrow. When you wake up the next day, you can then work your way down your list, leaving your mind free to focus solely (almost) on the task at hand.

Wunderlist is a great task managing app that you can use with pretty much any device. Using one account, it will sync to all your devices so that you never need be without your daily lists. I can also recommend Trello, which is what I've been using for the past couple of weeks. Of course, good ol' pen and paper will also do the trick!

2. Set realistic goals -- When you have unrealistic expectations, your productivity is only going to plummet. You know where you want to be, but there's so much to do before you get there. You can't seem to make yourself focus. You put it off, promising yourself that tomorrow will be a better day. But that day never comes.

Stop, and envision where you want to be. Take a step back and start mapping how to get there. Planning is the key here. You're not being productive because you're overwhelmed by the sheer size of your target. Break it down into manageable chunks and take it step by step. Remember- slow and steady wins the race.

3. Time Management -- It's your lack of time that is holding you back. Surely, you just need to wait until you have more time, right? Wrong. You will always feel like you need more time. The fact is, you will never get it. Stop waiting for the right moment and make the present moment work for you. Manage your time to fit more into your day. What inessential things can you cut from your day, or your week, to maximise your time?

4. Pre- activity rituals -- You finally have an hour to yourself. But getting into the right frame of mind when you're not already there can be hard. It doesn't have to be an uphill battle though. By having your own pre-activity rituals or routines, you can retrain your brain to work for you. Doing the same few things before you begin each session will help you get into the right frame of mind to write. It doesn't have to be much. It can be something as simple as making yourself a cup of coffee, or setting your work space in a certain way. Make a playlist of songs that get you motivated and listen to it for 30 minutes. What ever works for you. You may subconsciously already have one. Embrace it!

5. Take time off -- Finally, take time to refuel every now and again. It's okay to push yourself. Hell, sometimes the only way to get anything done is keep going after you hit your limits. But you can't do this indefinitely, certainly not without sacrificing quality. It's important to take a step back every once in a while. Take some you time. Read a good book, have a hot soak, treat yourself to a lie in instead of setting the alarm to work on that project. When you reach burnout, it can take twice as long to refuel than if you'd just stopped a little sooner.

Here's some food for thought -- you accomplish more when you enjoy what you do. Find your passion and stoke the fire at every opportunity. Do what you love; smile, laugh, always aim for more.

Never settle for anything less.

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Give me your thoughts in the comments below!

This past couple of weeks, I've been listing the different ways you can re-inspire your muse. Today, I'm completing that list with the final eleven points. 


1. Practice meditation -- meditation is a treat for the stressed out mind. Not only will it help to de-clutter that mental dumping ground in your poor tired head, it also promotes creativity and clarity. And that's barely scratching the surface! You may feel a little silly, to begin with, and you probably won't feel the effects straight away. But with a stronger, clearer mind, you're in a much better place to work on your projects.
2. Join a forum of like-minded people -- when you have long-term projects, a time will inevitably come when you've been looking at them for far too long. Reaching this point may feel a lot like a shortage of inspiration. However, getting a second opinion can make a world of difference and save hours, even days of frustration. Join a forum of like-minded people to bounce your ideas off, or even have a rant. It's likely that many will be in the same boat as you.
3. Create something -- what better way to refill your creative well than to do exactly that -- create? When you remove such crippling things as expectation, perfectionism and inadequacy, you may find that creating simply for the sake of creating is a pretty liberating experience. Why not try your hand at something new? No one is going to judge your finished piece. The point of this not to achieve a finished product, but to have fun. Who knows? You may even find something you're really good at.
4. Watch TED videos -- TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. It's a great website packed with short video talks on every topic under the sun. Leading experts and big thinkers from all over the world are invited to present their revolutionary ideas and theories in a short presentation and inspire their audience. Each talk is no longer than twenty minutes; the perfect length for a coffee break. Also, the queueing system inside their app allows you save interesting videos for another day.
5. Read interesting blogs -- you can find all sorts of interesting reading material when looking at other people's blogs. What kind of lives do they lead? What are they good at? Browsing at what's already out there will give your muse plenty of ideas of its own. Everything your mind absorbs gets poured into the great big oven of your mind. As you add more content to the simmering mix, its flavours start to strengthen and grow. When it's ready, the end result is a juicy pie of an idea.
6. Learn a new skill -- learning a brand new skill has many benefits. One great reason to do so is that it encourages you to step outside of your comfort zone. This can seem scary at first, and you may feel like you're doing more flailing than treading water (I know. I love analogies). But the more you practice, the more confident you get and with your brand new skill, set you'll be experiencing things you otherwise wouldn't done. 
7. Cook something delicious -- to some, cooking is simply a necessity. We eat to survive, we cook to eat. But food can also be an art form. Take a traditional dish and add your own personal twist. Add some spice to an otherwise average meal. Cooking for the experience itself is something entirely different. And the process of creating something delicious from scratch can be both inspiring and rewarding. 
8. Create a mood -- before I sit down to write, I generally go through the same few actions every time: put the table up, get my laptop out, make some coffee, check a few emails. By which time, my mind knows where I'm heading and is ready to get down to business. By experimenting with your own rituals, you can create a mood that encourages your muse to work at its optimum level. You could light a few candles, play some music or even put on your favourite comfy hat.
9. Travel -- seeing new things is a great way to soak up inspiration for those creative projects. But a more effective way to re-inspire your muse is to go out and actually experience the world first hand. Stimulate your senses by  giving them new things to smell, touch and taste. Discover new places and really dig deep beneath the surface of each place you visit. You may not be able to go far, but even heading out beyond your local area will help to recharge your creative mind. 
10. Join a group or club -- depending on where you live, meet up groups can be common, or far and few between. If you are able to find a group in your local area, it can have some great benefits. For one, discussing ideas within a group can be a great way to motivate your wavering commitment midway through a project. As well as that, any friendly assignments set within group meetings will be time sensitive, requiring completion before your next meetup. 
11. Go for a drive -- aside from the obvious fact that safe driving requires vigilance and concentration, going for a drive is the perfect way to get those cogs in your mind turning. Like taking a long hot shower or bath, a repetitive task, along with any decent length of time is a magic combination. Repetitive tasks only require a small amount of brainpower, freeing up the rest of your mind to work  on other things; such as your current project. 

Missed a post? Catch up with part one here and part two here. 
Give me your thoughts in the comments below!

THERE'S NOTHING worse than wanting to get things done, but feeling creatively dry. You're ready to write, but the words won't come. You sit down to paint, but your vision just doesn't flow. It happens to us all at some point or another.

That doesn't mean we have to accept it.

1. Make a one year plan -- Sometimes, it helps to have an idea of where you're heading. When you're making a long journey you take a map (or a Sat Nav). The same can be said for your life. Do you have any idea of where you're heading? Do you have a destination in mind, or are you simply cruising through life, stopping as you fancy? If you're feeling stuck or uninspired, it may be time to sit down and take a look at that map -- or make one! Setting physical goals not only provides you with a clear destination, it also helps you break down your journey into manageable pit stops, or smaller goals along the way.
2. Go out and socialise -- If you're an introvert, you've probably already skipped this one. But being around other people can be inspiring in itself. As a writer, I often find myself using my past experiences and interactions in my stories. Not in their initial raw form, but recycled snippets of interesting conversations, quirky mannerisms, contrasting personalities; all subconsciously stored for future use.
3. Enter a competition -- when you run out of ideas (heaven forbid!), having something to aim for can be exactly what you need to get those ideas flowing again. Competitions are great for this. You can find competitions tailored to specific crafts in specialist magazines, such as Writing Magazine. Searching online will also get you good results, allowing you to narrow down your requirements even further, for example, to flash fiction or short stories.
4. Be active -- it's easy to come home and veg out at the end of a busy day. But what about when you're not busy? There really is no excuse. But sometimes despite our best intentions we allow ourselves to fall into a rut and, because of this, bad habits. Being active encourages good habits to form and as a direct result, can also increase productivity. Try working your way down a daily check list, or forming an active morning routine.
5. Take a long hot shower/ bath -- not only does the hot water soothe and comfort, but there is something magical about the simple, repetitive action of washing that gives the muse a much needed jolt. Let your mind wander. Don't try to guide your thoughts, just be a spectator. Often, bursts of inspiration land on us when we stop trying to find them.
6. Allow yourself to daydream -- have you ever woken up from a dream mid-way through and refused to let it fade without an ending? During that transition from sleep fog to the land of the living, your brain is all fired up. Take an extra five minutes to enjoy a daydream before you get up and feed the cat. How would that dream have ended? If your mind wants to wander during that long, boring meeting, let it. You'll focus better after that quick mental reprieve anyway. 
7. Place your favourite quotes around the house -- having inspiring quotes scattered about your house will provide you with a little lift when you need it most. Different quotes will have different effects on your state of mind. For example, by propping a motivational quote on you bedroom mirror, it will be one of the first things you see at the start of the day and will give you that extra bounce in your step. 
8. Discover new places to create -- new places can often inspire new ideas and fresh ways of thinking.  When you're seeing the same four walls every time you sit down to work on a project, it's no surprise your muse feels uninspired. Shake things up a bit by switching locations.  Ever created in the garden before? How about your local park or library? 
9. Visit a coffee shop -- coffee shops are magical places that serve caffeine by the jugful and, more often than not, have a plug or two spare nearby. That's right, both you and your laptop have an unlimited supply of juice. Okay, so there may be a one small limit -- your wallet. But don't let that put you off taking a stroll down to your local coffee shop, picking a quiet corner and knuckling down on that awesome project you've been meaning to work on. The atmosphere is ideal for concentration and will inspire your muse.
10. Be spontaneous - it's normal to lean towards your normal daily routines. They're comfortable and familiar, which in turn gives you that little bit of extra confidence. Your muse, however, hates routine. It longs for the freedom to make crazy, last minute decisions. It's at its best when not boxed into the same tired old way of thinking and, like a young child, it just wants to have fun. 

Like this post? Catch up with part one here and look out for the final part next week.
Give me your thoughts in the comments below!

Sometimes, we push ourselves too much. If you insist on doing this frequently, at some point you will reach burnout. This is bad news for your muse.

But fret not. If you're stuck, this list should help your creative self get back on the right track.

1. Listen to music -- have it blasting out, or as a background murmur. Discover something new, or create a playlist of old favourite songs. Depending on what you're trying to achieve, different types of music can have varying effects on the average person. For example, classical music is said to improve concentration, whereas upbeat tunes will more likely energise and boost your mood. And new music can inspire you in wonderful new ways.
2. Go for a walk -- physical activity will get your blood pumping and send oxygenated blood straight to your brain. This will make you feel more awake, as well as help get the creative juices flowing once more. Really take a look at your surroundings. Are they peaceful and serene? Or busy and full of life? Either way, allow them to invigorate and inspire you.
3. Read something -- when you've squeezed every last drop of creativity from your being, you can always rely on words to help you put it all back. Reading a good book will often inspire the muse. Fantasy, horror, romance; mix things up by reading outside of your preferred genre. This will open your mind to new experiences, which may even inspire future projects. While the same can be said for non-fiction too, it's not just books that have this effect. Magazine articles, newspapers and blog posts are just as good for filling up that creative well.
4. Take lots of pictures -- you can do this on a camera or a phone. Whether you have a good eye for photos or not, taking pictures can be a lot of fun. From rolling landscapes to odd looking objects, the right picture can be worth a thousand words. Some of them may even have their own stories. Which leads me to my next point...
5. Make a Pinterest board -- Pinterest is a great place to be inspired. If you can think of it, you can guarantee that there will be board after board of pinned images dedicated to your relevant search, just waiting to be discovered. As a writer, I use this fantastic website to inspire my stories when I need that extra creative nudge. That alien landscape I have in mind for my fantasy book? By typing in a few relevant keywords, I have pages and pages of beautiful, inspiring pictures to search through.
6. Take a yoga class -- yoga is an ancient form of exercise that, through breath control, meditation and body posture, stills the mind and boosts mental and physical wellbeing. While being a beneficial activity all by itself, yoga can also provide  extra insight and help you tap into areas of your subconscious you otherwise wouldn't have access to.
7. Eat some exotic foods -- it's good to experience new things every once in a while, especially when it comes to food. This means occasionally breaking away from what you've come to see as safe, everyday meal choices. There's a whole world of flavours out there. Why not be adventurous and choose something new?
8. See an epic movie -- epic films can inspire in the same way as a good book. But whereas a book requires the reader to use their imagination, a film has already done all the work for you. Visually pleasing, epic movies are exciting and a treat for the exhausted mind. As someone who works with story plot, I like to break down a good film's plot and analyse it. Why does it work? Is there anything that doesn't work? What would I change if given the chance?
9. Start a blog/ post a motivational blog post -- if you don't already keep a blog, then maybe it's time to start one! Blogging challenges you to regularly pump your thoughts and opinions into one coherent piece of writing for others to read. This may sound a lot like hard work and, to be honest, it often is. But when you put your heart and soul into a blog post, not only will it feel great to have your words out there but you may even end up inspiring other people to do the same.
10. Empty your thoughts into a journal/diary -- if you're not keen on the idea of publicising your private thoughts and musings on an online blog, then this may be more your cup of tea. Not only is it healthy to empty your mind every once and a while, but it's also a good way of recording important thoughts that take up too much space. You can then go back and review them any time you want. ​

Like this post? Look out for the second part next week.
Give me your thoughts in the comments below!

It's important to take a step back every once in a while and take a look at the big picture. Why are you doing what you're doing? Is it because you enjoy it? If so, are you still enjoying it? If you can't answer that question, then it may be time to reassess your life goals.

In my case, I'd written myself into a rut. I was doing the same things every week, writing in the same two places all the time and I wasn't really enjoying it. Don't get me wrong, I DO enjoy writing. I'm passionate about the words I write. Writing is a big part of who I am today. But I stopped experiencing new things and became almost mechanical, closing myself off to the world when I write. As a direct result, I wasn't allowing myself to be inspired. 

Standing in Roath Park, it's hard to believe that you're in the city. Cardiff has lush greenery to rival any countryside view, but step outside of these bubbles of tranquillity and you'll find the concrete jungle you'd expect from any city. It seems to have the best of both worlds. 

I stumbled upon this old blog post and felt that it perfectly summed up my my reason for being a writer in a way that I can't currently top. It also gives a little insight into the process of writing a book, starting with no previous experience and the simple need to write. 

IT'S HARD TO imagine how you'll feel after finishing a long-term project, especially one that really means something. Will you feel relieved or sad? Elated, or put off the whole experience for life? Well, while plugging away at my first novel, picking it up and playing with it like a cat with a half dead mouse, only to drop it again (rinse and repeat), I never thought that I'd get to the end.

Looking back, it's easy to explain my wavering commitment.

1. I was in the wrong frame of mind.
2. I was lazy and wanted the words to flow effortlessly onto the page.
3. I was holding back.

The Wrong Frame of Mind
Crimson Touch began its life many years ago, not as book of any kind, but as a form of therapy. At the time, writing was the only thing that could give me the release I needed. I could take all the negativity in my head and pour it into the page, turning it into something positive in the process. The result of this was an amalgamation of everything I had been through -- converted into the form of a fictional character. 

Years later, that same character still buzzed around in my mind. He haunted my daydreams and plagued my thoughts, never too far away. I frequently found myself wondering what his story was. When I finally did commit to taking the character further, it was to get him out of my head.

I had no idea what I was in for.

In it for the Long Haul
I don't know about you, but before I started writing I was a different person. Aimless and bored, I found it hard to be passionate about anything. I was average at most things I put my hand to and had picked up the nasty habit of getting by on minimal effort. This made me lazy.

I wrote half a draft, then gave it up as a bad job.
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It's difficult to pinpoint the exact moment I decided to give a damn. But that was the moment when everything changed. Starting from scratch, this time I was in it for the long haul.

Holding back
From that point on, I became someone I wanted to be. Focused, driven, passionate; I had purpose. I told anyone who would listen that I was writing a book. I got the same reaction from most people -- doubt and, god forbid, sympathy. They didn't believe I could do it. But the more people I told, the harder I was making it for myself to turn back. I read book after book on writing advice, articles on plotting and magazines that talked about style and voice. I read novels through the eyes of a writer, as well as a hungry reader. 

Slowly but surely, the words were filling the screen. What I didn't realise, though, that I was still holding back. Emotionally.

'There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed'- Ernest Hemingway

It's natural to want to shield yourself from emotional discomfort. But going to that dark place in your heart and actually living it, feeling it, is necessary if you want it to be real for others. After all, how can you convince anyone that your characters are worth the emotional investment if you're not willing to go there yourself? 

Writing the first draft of Crimson Touch has been a journey of self-discovery. I've learned what kind of person I am, as well as how to write a book (and how not to!) and actually finish what I start. Of course, writing a book is only the first step. The next few will be just as hard -- and just as rewarding. 

Revision.

IF YOU want your characters to jump off the page as your readers progress through your story, they must be believable. In fact, there are many key ingredients to creating vivid, life-like characters. I've covered  the subject of character development in a previous blog post, (you can check that out here,) but today I'm talking about fatal flaws. 

First, let's make sure we're on the same page. What exactly is a fatal flaw?

Fatal Flaws -- a Brief Introduction

Fatal Flaw -- a literary device that can be defined as a trait in a character leading to his downfall. The character is often the hero of the literary piece. This trait could be the lack of self-knowledge, lack of judgement and often it is hubris (pride). 
http://literarydevices.net/

No two characters in your world are alike. They have likes and dislikes, obsessions and fears. Their point of view of the world is unique. Their minds work in different ways. Their past experiences dictate the individual way they respond in any given situation, and it's this that makes a fatal flaw so deeply rooted within your characters. 

So, why is this important and how does it fit into my story? 
I'm so glad you asked. 

​The Varying Types of Flawed

Despite its misleading name, fatal flaws don't always have to be fatal -- they can range from minor inconveniences to major impediments. However, whatever degree of flaws your character possesses, they will always interfere with his or her journey. 

Your character's fatal flaw (or flaws) will be a part of them, a negative trait or quality that comes as naturally to them as breathing. They may or may not be aware of them. They can like or dislike them, but they can't run away from them. Examples of such flaws are a quick temper, jealousy, pride or cowardice. And they don't always have to be a directly negative trait, either. Sometimes you can take a positive quality and amplify it, until its crippling effects become indirectly negative. For example, selflessness, ambition, perfectionism, and self-preservation.

Despite its origin, though, there will come a time within your story when these fatal flaws become obstacles in your hero or heroine's path, preventing them from succeeding. Your characters will have to overcome their own personal flaws in order to achieve their main goal. 

​Choosing the Right Flaws

In order to choose the right flaws for your characters and their story, you need to know them intimately. For the most part, writing the first draft of a story is an act of discovery. Whether you outline first then write, or make up the outline as you go, (the age old pantsers vs plotters conundrum, my friends, which is another blog post!), you may not immediately have a good idea of what flaw matches up with who -- especially if you're working with multiple points of view.

But sticking any old flaw on whichever character happens to take your fancy is not the way to go about assigning a tragic flaw. Think about your character's personality, their strengths and weaknesses. The right flaw not only enhances your perfectly imperfect hero, but the story, providing internal and external conflict as a result. Play with different combinations, see how they pan out. You may find that assigning the right flaw to your character unlocks a piece of the plot you didn't even know was missing. 

Having imperfect characters with a clear weakness and blind spot also helps your readers identify with them. Think about it -- no one is perfect. Creating the a beautiful, brave hero to fearlessly jump in and save the day in every scenario may look and feel great your head, but why would we cheer him on when we know he can't fail? How can we relate to a character that seems to be perfect in every way? We as human beings don't know how to relate to perfection because we're not perfect. But failure is something that we can all relate to.  

In Summary

Flaws are vital part of any vivid character. They bring us closer to them and allow us to relate, or even sympathise, with that character. Fatal flaws are essential to plot, as well as character. They provide obstacles for our characters to overcome, or not, in order to reach their main goal. They also provide many internal and external conflict opportunities that enhance the overall reading experience. 

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 SOME PEOPLE suffer from a lack of ideas. Their well of creativity has run dry and so, they must take the time to replenish it before they try to squeeze out any more water. 

This blog post is not for them. This post is for those who suffer from the opposite problem -- too many ideas. 

But wait, you might say. How is it possible to suffer from too many ideas? Surely, that's a good thing. 

Well, picture this. Your ideas are coming thick and fast. You're excited, inspired even. They are all you can think about. At work, going to bed... Buzzing around inside you. Finally, you sit down to work on your many enticing ideas. Where should you start? Which one is most deserving of your attention? As you work on your novel, that short story idea pesters you constantly. A poem sits at the back of your mind. Oh, and don't forget about that self-help book you've been meaning to write for a while now.
You'll need a doppelganger or three to get to get everything you want to do done. 

Yes, having too many ideas can be just as crippling as having none. Indecision, that feeling of being overwhelmed by your hefty to-do list, procrastination -- some of the many negative side effects of having too many projects on the go. (Even if you haven't started them yet!) 
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Are you listening now? Good, because I have some tips for you. 

• Take a visual approach -- Sometimes, seeing things in a different way can help to shed light on a confusing situation . Take all those ideas buzzing around in your head and write them down on paper. Make a list with a word processor or a jotter pad. Try prioritising from the most important  to the very last idea. Don't overthink this, just go with your first instinct. Which did you put first?  Now, put that list where you can't see it and do it again. Is that list any different? Have the top two ideas changed, or are they the same? There  all sorts of ways you can experiment visually. For example, colour coding, brainstorming, white boards, image association. Make a Pinterest board for your top two projects.  Prop idea cards where you see them every day. Whatever works for you, taking a visual approach can be liberating. 

• Go down the weirdest path -- When you're tossing about several enticing project ideas, it always starts well. But after a certain period of examining the same ideas over and over, you can start to lose objectivity. What did I see in this idea, again? you may ask yourself. Is this my smartest move? Okay, stop. That won't help. When you're truly stuck, what may help, believe it or not, is pursuing that strange idea you've put on the back burner. Often, the strangest ideas contain the most potential. Of course, it's hidden potential right now. But following that path will take you on a weird and wonderful journey. Who knows where it will lead you? And, if it turns out that it doesn't float, then at least you'll have crossed an idea off that long, long list. 

• Take a long walk -- When you feel like you're drowning in a sea of ideas, getting out and taking a good long walk can help in more ways than one. The fresh air and light physical activity will clear your head, allowing you to step away for a moment and gain some perspective. Also, a brief reprieve like this often encourages the best ideas to begin to germinate in your mind, while the weaker ideas stay as seeds of potential. Take a recording device, such as your phone with you on your trip. A jotter pad and pen works just as well. Record any ideas that feel big, or excite you. Other than that, don't think too hard about what comes next. Your subconscious will be on the case, working on the puzzle, even as you treat it to that long, peaceful walk. 

• Set a deadline -- There's something about a ticking clock that gives us that extra oomph. Indecision* is never in a hurry. It drags its feet, looking back, stepping forward, then backtracking to review the same options. Indecision is ruled by fear. Setting a friendly deadline will add just the right amount of pressure, encouraging indecision to pick up the pace and start making progress, without sacrificing quality ideas. With a looming deadline, there will be no time for fear. And it doesn't have to be a serious deadline, either. It can be fun and personal, with a vague end time. But what is important about this method is that you stick to it. Being lenient and extending or ignoring the deadline you set will not give you the outcome you need. 

*NB -- Indecision is not a real person. As much as I like to picture a little blue creature with a notepad running from idea to idea in our minds. 

• Follow your heart ​-- When all else fails and logic has you going round in circles, you can always rely on your heart to get the job done. Ask yourself these questions -- Which idea grabs you most? What are you passionate about?  If you're especially excited about a project or have an idea that means something to you in a personal way, that passion is likely going to carry you through the duration of the entire project. Good ideas come and go, but if your work really means something to you then the chances of you getting bored and abandoning it further down the line are pretty damn slim. Also, being passionate about what you're working on will really help to sell that project further down the line. Why should your followers get excited about this product? Why should they care? Well, where on earth do you begin? How long do they have? You really could go on all day. 

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Have a burning question for a future blog post? Post it in the comments below. I'll do my best to answer it. 

​UPDATE: My journal Get Organised! An Idea Tracker For Writers is now available to buy online. If you've struggled with the above issue, then this may help. 

"Get Organised! An Idea Tracker For Writers is the perfect way to keep track of those moments of inspiration, strange dreams, daydreams, creative ‘aha!’ moments and project ideas that you don’t have time for now, but don’t want to forget.
Each idea section contains prompts to guide your thoughts, space to doodle or brainstorm, a simple idea rating system and plenty of lines to expand on those valuable ideas. 
With this book, you need never lose an idea again!"

WHETHER YOU write fiction or nonfiction, novels or how-to guides, you are a writer. You put words on a page, one after the other, and you do so on a regular basis.

But why do you write? Is it an enjoyable hobby? A steady source of income? Do you have a message that people need to hear?

Do you write for you, or for them?

Writing for You​

• The Passion Project -- this is one of the most satisfying reasons to write. You don't need a particular reason to pick up the pen every day, other than simply because you want to. The passion project is something that means a lot to you, but won't necessarily mean anything to anyone else. It may never be read by anyone but you. But who cares? It gives you a sense of satisfaction and makes you happy. It's a pleasure to sit down and work on every day and, no matter how hard it gets to push forward, the passion you have for your project drives you onward to the finish line. Sharing your creation with the world is a bonus, not the end goal.

​

• Enjoyment -- writing purely for enjoyment is good for you in many ways. Not only does it alleviate stress levels after a long day (or week) at the office, it also gives you the chance to practice your craft. The best way to improve at something is to do it over and over again. When writing purely for enjoyment, any progress you make with your project is twice as satisfying. Written a good story? Start again. Write another one. Who knows; maybe one day you'll decide to publish them.

• Artistic freedom -- when you write simply for you, you have all the creative freedom you could ask for. There are no rules and no expectations, other than the ones you place there yourself. Maybe you want to write a novella, but are torn between gore and romance. And... you have a soft spot for the Wild West. Great! Why not combine all three? If it makes you happy, then that's all that matters. Experiment to your heart's content.

​

• Therapeutic -- how often do you hear the advice 'keep a diary' given out to those that are troubled? There's a reason that it's so readily suggested by others -- it's because it works. The same can be said for any piece of writing you put your heart and soul into. Writing is a form of escape. Whether your words form a world of magic and light, or a place of darkness and despair, getting those words on the page will have a positive effect. When you accept and embrace the way you feel, you project your troubles onto the page; turning the negative into something positive.

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Writing for Them

• Specific Audience/Genre Guidelines -- when you aim to publish, whether traditionally or via other means, there are specific guidelines that you're expected to adhere to. I'm talking about genre. Let me explain. A reader who buys a crime fiction book has expectations for their new purchase -- that the story will revolve around a specific crime and that it will contain the key elements, suspense and mystery. These are the basic requirements of a crime novel. But not all readers like to read the same ​kind of crime novel, and here is where subgenres play their part. Subgenres are smaller branches within a large genre, such as crime fiction, that group books together using specific characteristics and elements. So, if you decide that your book is a cosy mystery, readers will expect a likeable amature sleuth and a villain that gets his comeuppance. Whereas if your book is a thriller they will expect fast paced action and emotionally complex characters.

• Expectations -- when you publish a book, your number one goal is for other people to read it. (Obviously...) But by building a following for your books, you allow your readers to get to know you -- or, that part of yourself you share with the world, anyway -- and, after two or three books, your unique writer's voice will start to become familiar. Your style, your weird sense of humour, the rate at which you release books... When you write fiction, those expectations soar, especially when writing a series. Will Sam get the girl? Will Cara turn her back on the gang? When will we find out what happens next? You can manage reader expectations by planting subtle hints throughout the story. This is called foreshadowing. This way, when they get to the climax and it isn't what they expected, they will be able to back and track its inevitable happening. You can also use reader expectations to deliver a jaw dropping finale that you know no one saw coming!

• Solving Problems -- you can pretty much guarantee that for every common problem out there, there is a book that solves it. Go on, have a check. I'll wait. ... ... ... Okay, done? Good. Why is this? Well, it's a tried and tested system that works very well and sharing your expertise has many benefits. The obvious one is that it allows you to make a positive contribution to lives of others. Someone has a problem, you provide the answer. But, it also lends you a certain amount of authority on the subject matter and, the more problems you solve in a specific area, the bigger that reach extends.

Can You Do Both?

• Finding the Balance -- yes, I believe you can. In fact, I think it's important that a balance is found somewhere between the two. If you're not writing for you as well as them, then you must question why you are writing in the first place. Where is the enjoyment? Likewise, if you are a passionate writer that keeps the work you do to yourself, ask yourself -- why? Is it fear of rejection, or failure? Practice will only get you as far as the reach of your own limited knowledge. To truly improve, you must share your work. Allow it to take a step into the big wide world. Take on board the feedback you get from others and learn from it.

What do you think?

  MORE OFTEN than not, it only takes one great character to tell a good story. The reader sees the world through the eyes of the chosen narrator, experiencing what they see, hear, think and do from them and them only. Sure, there's often a large cast list of characters who wander in and out as the plot requires. But there is only one steady point of view. 

  Fascinating, but I came here to read about multiple points of view. Get on with it. 
  Of course. (Mutter, mutter...)

  Sometimes, though, a story can only be told well with more than one viewpoint. For example, we could write a thriller story that starts from the point of view of the victim. Then, at some point we could switch to the point of view of the offending character and continue from here. 
  There are several reasons a writer may consider doing this, one reason being to keep readers on their toes. It would be difficult to stay comfortable for too long, as just as one version of events is established, the writer can then turn the story on its head and provide a fresh, if somewhat conflicting point of view. This will leave all kinds of questions hanging in the mind of the reader, making the conclusion all the more satisfying once reached. 

I've put together a basic list of do's and don'ts, which you can follow as a rough guide. Don't let others opinions on this subject put you off attempting to write this way yourself. Practice makes better!

  DO/ Add value with each point of view -- One way to ensure this happens is to create two very different characters to give a voice to. What can they add to the story that no other character can? What do they alone know that no other character does? Their contribution must add to the story's overall value. 

  DON'T/ Give every member of your colourful cast a starring role -- You may be able to think of a few exceptions to the rule here, (ahem, G. R. R. Martin, I'm looking at you...) but I strongly advise you not to compare yourself to the pro's. Think about it. Not only will your plot be stretched thin trying to cover so many large roles, (thin enough to poke holes in?) but it will be ten times harder to create the sense of intimacy with your readers that you can achieve with one, two or even three protagonists. 

  DO/ Give each viewpoint character a unique voice and personality -- Ideally, a reader should be able to tell who's point of view they are seeing the world from within the first paragraph (or so...). The sooner the better. This avoids unnecessary confusion, especially when writing in first person style. Give each point of view their own quirks that shine through in your writing. Personality, language quirks, mannerisms, outlook on life... There is so much you can  play with here. Have your characters own their page time. 

  DON'T/ Recap an old scene from a new perspective -- Okay, I just want to clarify something before we go any further. This can work when written  in the right way and not over-used. But generally, this is not the idea of writing with multiple points of view. The idea is to use each different perspective to advance the plot in new and exciting ways. And if you really must use the same scene twice, make sure it reveals something new. 

DO/ Show one point of view character through the eyes of another -- Not only does this provide further insight on the inner workings of our protagonist's mind, it also adds depth to their character. For example, Character A may be shy and insecure. We know this, as we've been inside their head. But Character B does not know this. They see an aggressive, unfriendly person who isn't interested in being friends of any kind. Is this true? No, of course not. But Character A's insecurities are often misunderstood and their crippling shyness, in this case, is taken as standoffish. Using multiple points of view in this way adds a delicious complexity to the overall plot. 

DON'T/ Neglect  one point of view in favour of others -- There's no hard and fast rule that states how much page time each of your characters should get, but it's important not to forget about anyone.  You included each point of view for a reason and your readers will expect some level of consistency. If too much time passes without hearing from one character, then it will be difficult  to form an emotional connection to them. In other words, they will be harder to care for. Your point of view rotation doesn't have to be equal, just smart. 

I could go on and on about this huge topic, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. What are your experiences with multiple point of view?