Thank You and Goodbye :)

Morning dear friends 🙂

I have to warn you, this is one melodramatic post coming your way 🙂 I am shutting down my blog for now. Recently,  I received back my novel draft for Incarnate. The person who proofed it for me, I’m not going to lie, was pretty harsh. Harsh but funny, how does that even work? 🙂 Anyway, because I am an over emotional obsessive wreck my heart pretty much ended up like the picture I have added above. Oh I can tell you, it was the end of the World last night, nothing would ever be the same again etc. 🙂 I am such a drama queen 🙂

BUT… I could see the value of every single point he said. I don’t know if you’ve ever been in that situation but when someone points out the flaws in something you’ve spent years loving and doing, it’s heart-breaking but it can open your eyes to points that you were just too blind to see. I hold no grudge against the person that proof read my work. He has shown me that I need to stop and take a look at the direction my writing is going 🙂

SO… I have decided I am going back to basics. I am going to put Incarnate aside and concentrate on improving my writing as a whole. I may go back to it at a later date. There is no way I can stop completely as I just love writing too much. However, I need to research, practice, do something to improve myself. I can’t have distractions from this so I am shutting my blog and closing my twitter account so that I can work solely on something new and focus on that completely. They will be shut tonight. In the mean time I will be posting a sci-fi short story I recently submitted to an anthology that got rejected (no shock there then lol) to make sure it is here for when I come back… if I come back 🙂

Thank you for all your love and support and go see J. S. Collyer, she rocks 🙂

Notebook: Hallam *Update*

Afternoon lovely readers 🙂

This is just a quick post to say I have now done some more on the first of my Notebook series of posts, Notebook: Hallam (read it here). I began this series with the intent to show how my own personal writer’s mind worked (scary I know lol). I also intended to write the story ideas down before I forgot them, which no matter the desire can sometimes happen with me (elephant I am not, well memory wise anyway 😉 ). Please enjoy the story for what it is and if you can add anything to the author’s notes I have inserted please feel free to comment 🙂

Thank you.

How Do You When You Haven’t in a While???

Evening lovely readers 🙂

I hope you’re all well. Happy New Year 🙂 As you know it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. Alas, what can only be described as a family packed Christmas and frankly Hellish New Year got in the way. I have however managed to get all the edits done on my novel and gotten it back to my editor. Yay right? 🙂 Well yes but this presents me with a whole new set of circumstances I’ve not been in for a while. I now have the burning, eternally nagging desire to write the second in the series…….

My first novel Incarnate, now happily nestled in the arms of my cracking editor, is for want of a better phrase my baby. No matter how many times it gets sent back to me I’ll work on it and work on it until some lovely publisher can’t live without it. There’s no problem there. But you see, I’ve been working on that story for nine years give or take six and a half years of disastrous time with my ex fiancè and no desire to write what so ever. My beloved characters are now so very firmly set in the events of my first novel that to be honest I’m finding it hard to start the second one. I know where I must begin but what if my ability to re-establish my protagonist suffers due to my inability to get past the first story? What if my scene setting is no longer believable? (Though I do write fantasy lol). These are the thoughts that plague me.

Others were I know how to begin it but I don’t; I know what I want my characters to do but how do I portray that? Do I use tried and true techniques like dreams or go for a bit of realism? Should the magic kick everything off or should we have a nice, meaty battle to begin? These questions are neither here nor there to be honest though, I do love a challenge 🙂 I guess I’m just trying to portray to you my happiness in continuing to write and carrying on with a story as close to my heart as my own little family is. Hence the erratic flow of thought and endless questions 🙂

Anyway I’m off to at least try to continue. I think I’ll do a book review tomorrow. Toodles 🙂

Fantasy or Sci-Fi? Literature That Tears You in Two

Hello lovely readers 🙂

Yep, to answer your unspoken question I am going to harp on about genre again 🙂 As many will know I like to think of myself as a bona fide fantasy nut. Any time I write I will get in something fantastical be it magic, mythical creatures or a bloody great two handed broad sword. With fantasy you’re only limited by your imagination and you can incorporate all you can think of. Although, saying that, isn’t sci fi just the same? Now I know you have set conventions for sci fi but surely they could be tweaked, okay not to add in another genre specifically but to at least draw out more from the narrative?

Now I don’t pretend to be an authority on sci fi, heaven knows I could really do with reading more of it, but I could see the potential of developing sci fi in ingenious ways (although what I’m spouting is probably sacrilage in and of itself lol). Why couldn’t there be magic amid space ships, aliens and intergalactic war? A bit of sword and sorcery amongst LAZORSSS and robotic megalomaniacal narcissistic assassins? No? Must just be my fantastical streak rearing it’s head then 🙂

I will openly admit that my experience of sci fi stems from only Anne McCaffrey’s Rowan series to J.S. Collyer‘s Zero (both exceptional by the way.) Though I will hold my hands up and say I do love Star Trek The Next Generation. What red blooded woman doesn’t have some form of crush on Patrick Stewart? That sexy voiced bald man 🙂 … anyway I digress. Though my knowledge is limited both stories drew me in in their own individual ways. With The Rowan, I was particularly drawn because a certain aspect of the narrative appealed to my fantastical side. Rowan, and others throughout the galaxies, have telepathic and telekinetic skills which allows them to operate within their own spheres. Now I can see this from the scientific side as it being the human mind progressing, developing and evolving until we are capable of such feats however these skills can be predominant in fantasy also and manifest as magic or innate skill or even demonic power.

However, I must also say Zero is written very well. J.S has pulled forth an amazing tale of adventure, intrigue, abject grief and camaraderie using so many of the intense sci fi conventions that to me it’s very reminiscent of Joss Whedon’s Firefly (see? My knowledge is limited.) It also serves to show how different writer’s minds work. J.S writes of life and adventure aboard a deceptively battered spaceship having to deal with deception, betrayal and self realisation. As she is writing she clearly paints the scene before you and expertly provides you with the scientific know how to enjoy the narrative. I personally feel overwhelmed with most sci fi but not with Zero as the balance between scientific description and the story is very well upheld. It is obvious that with the aspects of sci fi that J.S has chosen to write about it is clear that she at least has moulded them to her desire to create a thoroughly entertaining, exceptional masterpiece. I know J.S and I are into two different genre’s so shouldn’t be compared but man I wish I could write more like her 🙂

In hindsight, each person is entitled to their own love of literature and I think maybe I should just stick to my fantasy, though don’t get me wrong I’m not adverse to a little challenge and would love to at least try to write other genres 🙂 I love having my mind work to create new World’s. But don’t let my likes for fantasy persuade you, both genre’s have their own merits and are both very good 🙂

Thank you 🙂

Do You See Me?

Hello lovely readers 🙂

As some may know I suffer with psoriatic and osteo arthritis. It’s a complicated thing. I know some will ask what’s the difference and here’s the best way I can explain; psoriatic arthritis inflames the tendons around the joints while osteo arthritis eats away at the soft bit in them.

Can you understand the plight? I am thirty years old but feel more often than not that I’m about ninety. Now I’m not one to complain as I’d rather soldier on through with a smile on my face and the love I have shining; most sufferers are pretty much as I am. We can’t change what fate and crappy health gave us so why waste energy complaining lol 🙂 However, I felt the need to write something that will give others a better insight into the daily struggles 🙂

Remember, you can’t change what you have but you can be that happy person that always helps others. Just keep yourself in mind too 🙂

Do you see me?

Do you see me?
I’m the one that smiles in the morning,
The one that makes your breakfast,
The one that never complains.
I’m the one that will strive to clean,
To make you happy beyond compare,
To put you above all others.
Need help? Come to me I’ll never say no.

Do you see me?
My smile dims but I will still ask about your day,
Make your tea,
Wash up, dry up, washing, cooking….dying….drying….
I shouldn’t complain really.
You’ve had a busy day of course you should complain that I’ve missed something.
Heaven knows my days are empty enough…

Do you see me?
Not once do you ask about my day.
You sit in your own World and miss I now walk with a limp,
I struggle up the stairs,
My hands have no strength left,
The cracks of my joints my only company.
I didn’t ask for my little friend,
The one eating away at that which helps me bend.
I am an old lady disguised as young… Yes of course I’ll get right on with cleaning,
Sorry for taking a quick break.

Do you see me?
No…. no…. you really don’t…

Wow, Thank You So Much <3 <3 <3

Evening lovely readers 🙂

The post today is just to say thank you so much to everyone who has been kind enough to follow my blog. I have now hit and gone over the one hundred mark. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this means to me. I don’t consider myself a writer, I merely do what I’m passionate about and vent about it along the way 🙂 I am so grateful I have found so many people that put up with my creative attempts and childish complaining 🙂 If I could meet you all I would buy you cake but since I can’t this one will have to do…

On Friday there will be a special #FlashFriday and an attempt at a poem (run now lol) to show how grateful I am. I hope to do justice to your interest in the future and never let you down 🙂 Oh, and my post about active voice use is coming I promise but I was a bit naughty and had a date night with my fiancé yesterday (hence no post postage) and I just had to thank everyone today so it will now come tomorrow I promise 🙂

Thank you 🙂

Do You Write To Let Off Steam? AND A Story For My Daughter

Hello lovely readers 🙂

I find myself plagued with curiosity today. Do you ever find yourself writing to let off steam if you’re a writer? It hit me today that I need to let off some of my creative bubbliness in an opposite direction to my novel. Don’t get me wrong, I’m loving working on my novel in preparation for sending it to my editor at the end of May but I just feel that to concentrate properly on it I need to stop my mind wandering to other possible story lines. I find it true what Albert Einstein said:

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on” – Albert Einstein

I love my novel (and hopefully others will too) but my mind wanders to other story ideas, other Worlds, other characters and other reality’s. I so wish I were more like my friend J S Collyer who is an exceptional writer. Her passion for writing can go from intense sci fi to dark, terrifying and addictive horror. I at times feel like a one track pony, if you’ll forgive the phrase, but I do so love fantasy. Anything can happen in a fantasy novel and believe me when I say anything can happen in my brain lol 🙂 And J S does always say write what you know, write what you love and surround yourself in it so I will 🙂 Today’s story is written for one of the three greatest loves in my life, my daughter Alyssia (the other two being my boyfriend Duane and of course my writing.) She has been such a joy in the five months she’s been here that I want to do something, if only small, to celebrate her and the exceptional, selfless person I know she’ll be. So please enjoy my little slice of creativity below. Please check back occasionally, I will add to this story as ideas come to me 🙂

To Dance a Dance of the Soul

The night was a dark one for this time of year. None of the shining stars were seen, their bright diamond brilliance missed by all. Even the crescent moon seemed dim. Those that were highly religious stayed in doors on a night like this, believing it a dark portent of some untold doom. The marble paved streets were empty of all. Well, all except one lone figure masked in a seemingly unending dark mist. The figure ran towards the nearest wall and manage to scale it in one long leap. The figure then ran across the roof towards the jewellers, the only clear signs it was human were the crystal blue eyes appearing from the mist and the long braided ponytail streaking from its back.

The figure approached with caution, noting the palace guard stationed around the roof top. It sighed in frustration. Patrols had become much more frequent in recent years making its job ten times harder but it had to smile. It did so love the thrill of it. It waited for two particularly large guards to pass the jewellers and then it somersaulted over the alleyway. Oh it had magic to do all this for it but doing it yourself made it far more interesting. The figure gently removed one of the crystal panels from the roof of the shop and floated down towards the centre. There were the average security spells in place but the figure wasn’t worried, it could unravel these in no time. Eventually, all was clear and the figure had to grin. It turned towards the Anteran diamond surrounded by lesser Underrian emeralds. The figure knew that the diamond was the main prize but it couldn’t hurt taking all of them. The figure grinned a devilish grin…

*                                                                 *                                                          *

Alyssia sighed. Why couldn’t her father understand? The plight of their people went unheard while her family enjoyed the trappings of society. To her it was just a guilded cage. She took hold of her long braid in agitation. It was a habit left over from childhood, one that was drilled out of her but still showed when she was truly frustrated.

Tonight she was stuck at one of her fathers banquets. She stretched on the soft purple dais wanting the people to see the lazy over indulged crown princess she pretended to be. No one needed to know her secret, it made it easier for her to move around.

The golden horns at the entrance of the banquet hall sounded, no doubt signalling more of her fathers pompous lords trying to stake a claim to her. She was tired of women in their kingdom having no rights. That was the first thing to change when she was Queen.

The doors opened steadily and Alyssia had to admit she hadn’t expected such a sight. A tall and handsome man entered wearing an air of confidence around him like a cloak. His skin was golden bronze, his soft black hair tied at the knape, a longer braid underneath and his clothes spoke of royalty. Alyssia actually found herself gaping. She’d never seen such a handsome man. He turned and fixed his crystal blue eyes on her, trying to charm her with his develish grin. Half of her wanted to sniff in indignation, the other half wanted to adjust her purple silk gown to hide her sudden surge of nerves.

‘Announcing Lord Prince Damon of the Illium.’

Oh wonderful, she thought. Him being a prince gave him a better chance with her father. She really didn’t need this now; she had plans that couldn’t be interrupted now. She was vaguely aware of her father moving to talk to him but she tuned them out. She wasn’t stupid, she knew how beautiful she was, a great prize to any bold enough to try and claim her but let them try; even if she were married off to some fool the wedding night would be lethal for one of them.

She felt her personal dais indent with a significant weight and sighed knowing instinctively who it was.

“Your father really wants to marry you off,” a deep, rather unsettling voice said to her with a chuckle. “Are you that much of a pain princess?”

Alyssia tried to ignore him but his scent was intriguing, she felt herself leaning more toward him. Becoming irate with herself she merely sighed as if bored, threw up her right hand and a small wall of burning ice seperated them. She heard that same deep chuckle and a murmured “Guess so.” She felt him move off the dais and walk away. She was a little saddened by his absence. Really? she though to herself. Am I that weak? She shook with some unknown emotion and sought to see where the Lord Prince had gone after her rejection. He seemed in distraught discussion with his servant, gesturing wildly while he spoke. What was he up to?

*
* *

… and moved to take up the gems while removing the dark headscarf. His white teeth couldn’t be hidden and he carried on grinning. This had been too easy. The Royals had been busy on the party and no one saw him sneak out. Who would anyway? They all assumed he was off nursing his hurt over his rejection.

He went to pick up the diamond and found it was stuck. No not stuck, someone had hold of it from the other side of the cushion. He narrowed his eyes trying to see something, anything, but he could see nothing but blackness. He called upon his elemental magic and looked again through enhanced vision. Now he could just make out a smaller figure dressed as he was with a similar braid and the most expressive eyes he had ever seen. He felt something stir within him until he realised he had seen those eyes before.

“Princess?”

“By all the Gods…” he heard uttered in her beautiful voice. Well, this was interesting…