Novelution

Happy Friday! Can you believe it's still sunny here?

I can't remember exactly how many novels I've written now, but as I finished Draft 2 of Construct A Couple, it struck me how my emotional writing journey usually remains the same -- even with all I've learned along the way.

Planning stage: This will be the one novel where I actually stick to my pre-planned plot. I've definitely got it all spot on this time. It's going to be easy!

Draft 1: This plot sucks. What if I just do this . . . or this . . . or maybe this . . . I'll fix it all later. Hey, this is going well, isn't it? Oh great, another new character! Sure, I haven't mentioned them until 3/4 of the way through, but that's okay... I'm done! Well, that wasn't so bad, was it?

Draft 2: Oh. My. God. What have I done? What have I done? I have written a huge pile of crap. This can never be a novel Never. What am I going to do? Okay, deep breath. Small steps. Here I go.

Draft 3: Phew. It might just work. Maybe. But there's still this to fix, and this, and this... oh yes, and THIS! How on earth did I miss that?

Draft 4: Okay, I think I'm finally getting there. But why is this sentence so long? And why is there a comma there? And why do all my characters roll their eyes? Where are there eyes eyes eyes everywhere?

Draft 5: Holy crap, there's a typo on page 1. I must do another 10 read-throughs.

Draft 6: If I read another word of this, I'm going to be sick.

So there you have it! Novelution!


What is your emotional writing journey?

(I will likely be on a blog break next week as I try to dig into Draft 3 and get as much work done as I can. Best of luck to everyone starting in on the A to Z Challenge!)

The London Undergrub

Continuing on the random city posts (I swear, I'll get back to normal topics once I've pulled my brain out of Draft 2!), I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful thing: a food-map of the London Underground. Every station has been changed into a sort-of similar sounding food... brilliant. (Click to link below to enlarge.)

My station is Nutty Hill Gate. Now I'm starving.

If you could live at any food station of your creation, what would it be? Cow's Hind Quarters? Mornington Croissant? I'd love it if there were a Twizzlers station. 

A Tale of One City

Happy Monday! Thank you all for the birthday wishes! I had what can only be described as an absolutely idyllic weekend tootling around Paris. The weather was perfect, the hotel was perfect, the wine was . . . well, you get the picture. But because perfection can also leave one feeling a bit exhausted, I will leave you with these photos.

Lounging on the grass at the Places des Vosges.

The Promenade Planteée, an elevated walkway on a disused railway line.

Graffiti and blossoms on the Promenade Plantée/

Cutting through the buildings.

Drinks on a boat in the Seine, just across from Notre Dame.

The view from our hotel window, right outside the Places des Vosges.

Scary tunnel as our boat makes its way from Bastille to the Canal St-Martin.

One of the many locks on the Canal St-Martin.

The Basin de Villette.

Budding trees at the Jardins des Luxembourg. 

Phew! And there you have it. Paris in the springtime: done.


How was your weekend?

Word of the Day

I'll keep this short and sweet: it's my birthday tomorrow (yay!); I'm off to Paris for the weekend (yay!); it's sunny outside (double yay!); and I'm done with my work for the day (YAY!).

Let the games begin.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Spring in Your Step

It's a glorious day here in London, and I'm in a springy kind of mood -- thanks in part to your wonderful support and comments on my Monday post. Time and again, I'm reminded what a wonderful community of bloggers I'm a part of, and I'm so grateful.

Anyway! *wipes eyes* Some of you may remember that before I had my fiction published, I wrote guide books: 24 Hours London and 24 Hours Paris. As I'm off Paris next weekend and plan to post about it next week, I thought it only fair to tell you about some of my favourite spring-like places in my adopted home. Most of my novels are set in and around London, and I love writing about the city!

The text below is lifted from my London guide.

The Serpentine Lake, though budding trees at Kensington Gardens.

 First up, it's got to be Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park -- the site of my (almost) daily run.

These interconnected parks offer a wide variety of jogging routes or, if you're up for it, you can take a plunge in the Serpentine Lake. Enter the park from High Street Kensington. You’ll see Kensington Palace straight ahead. Saunter by the former home of Princess Diana and past the black railings where mountains of flowers were heaped when she died in 1997. Run by the man-made Round Pound, taking in the ornate Albert Memorial through the trees to your right, and go down to the Serpentine Lake. So-named for its snake-like shape, the lake is actually a river that was dammed by order of Queen Caroline as part of the redevelopment of Hyde Park. As you jog by the long arm of the lake, take in the oval shaped Diana Memorial to your right, then cool off by braving the water at the roped-off swimming area at the Lido.

Next, it's across the city to Postman's Park. It's beautiful this time of year with all the daffodils. Located between King Edward Street, Little Britain and Angel Street, the park contains a wall with 47 hand-crafted tiles commemorating the bravery of ordinary Londoners who died saving others. Each tile, made by Royal
Doulton, is hand-lettered. The park features in Mike Nichols’ film Closer.

If you're looking for something to get you in the spring-like spirit, head to an iconic East End market at Columbia Road. Moved to Sunday to accommodate Jewish traders, the market served the area’s former Huguenot immigrants whose interest in cut flowers has remained a legacy amongst East Enders. A variety
of bulbs, shrubs and freshly cut flowers – along with breads, cheeses and garden accessories – is available.

Little Venice.

For a bit of Italy in London (sort of), wander through the weeping willows by the Regent and Grand Union canals in Little Venice, one of the prettiest and most serene spots in the whole city. InPaddington runs free
walks along the Grand Union Canal, while London Walks offers guided tours exploring the whole area. If you really want to see canal living first hand, you can take a narrowboat trip down the canal towards Camden. The boat is indeed as the name suggests – no wider than seven feet in order to navigate the canals of Britain and Wales.

I could go on and on and ON, but I'll stop there. Hope the new season is treating you kindly so far.

What are some of your favourite places to visit in Spring?

I Am Not My Book

Hello, Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend. It's slowly turning into Spring in London Town, and for that I am happy. I love to hear those birds chirping right outside my window as dawn comes at 5:45 a.m., oh yes I do!

Speaking of chirping, I like writing mainly about chirpy things on my blog: wine, coookies, Twizzlers, and such. But sadly, not everything in the world involves sweetness and light -- and that's certainly true when it comes to publishing books.

As any author or aspiring author knows, the opportunities for disappointment are endless. We get rejected. We get bad reviews. Our books don't sell -- or not as much as we'd like them to. Our contracts are not renewed . . . are you depressed yet?

Over the past few weeks, I've been fighting a little disappointment of my own (you can read about it here, if you wish). To many, a disappointing post-promotion result may not seem like a big deal. In the grand scheme of things, it probably isn't. But most authors would agree that after investing so much time, head-space and emotion into a novel, it's hard not to sink into a tailspin when you're faced with a disappointing outcome, no matter what it is. It's easy to believe that you and your happiness are dependent on the success of your book.

That's when I tell myself: I am not my book. It's out there now, independent of me, and my happiness should not depend on how it fares. There's more to me than that one novel; there's more to my life than Amazon (well, sort of). I love writing, I love creating, and that's what I need to focus on. And maybe drink a little wine.

How do you get over disappointment?

Stop the Bull

Happy Friday, all!

Over on Shari Larsen's blog, she's spreading the word about National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, which happens to be today!

Now, I'm not in America, but I'm all for speaking out against bullying and violence. Truth be told, though, I struggled thinking about what to write for this. Honestly, I've been pretty lucky: I can't recall being bullied to an extent where it affected me. Sure, I was called names, pushed & shoved, all the things that mark out a 'normal' childhood. As an adult, my work colleagues and bosses were -- for the most part -- respectful and considerate. So . . . what to write?

Well, how about this.

Now picture a human, ten times sadder, and ten times lonelier.

Would you want to make someone feel that way? Would you want to stand by and let someone else make another person feel that way? All it takes to stop a bully is one person to stand up to them. (Or, in the case of Syria, China and Russia... but that's another story!). From children to politicians, we can put an end to bullying and violence if we work together.

 Maybe the world should just drink wine...

Have a great weekend, everyone. And treat everyone like a precious Persian kitty you don't want to upset!

The following bloggers are also taking part today. Drop by and say hi if you get the chance.

Sheri Larsen - http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/
Dawn Dalton - http://www.dawnmdalton.blogspot.com
Jessica Bell - http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com
Candace Ganger - http://themisadventuresincandyland.blogspot.com/
LM Preston - http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/
Donna Martin - http://www.donasdays.blogspot.com
Jonathon Arntson - http://jonathonarntson.blogspot.com/
Nicole Zoltack - http://www.NicoleZoltack.com
PK Hrezo - http://pk-hrezo.blogspot.com

Staying Upright

There's been a lot of talk lately in the blogosphere about maintaining balance.

As my writing career progresses, I find striking a balance harder. Mornings are spent writing ('coz without that, I'm not actually a writer!), and the afternoons are filled with answering reader emails (yay!), answering questions from fellow writers (yay!), preparing presentations and workshops (yay!), and writing guest posts (yay!). All great stuff that I feel incredibly lucky to do, but also time-consuming.

When wine o'clock rolls around, I often realise I haven't spent any time blogging nor responding to comments I've received, and I'm faced with a difficult question: blogging or wine (I learned the hard way you can't do both at the same time, ha!)? I bet you can guess which one wins out. Plus, sometimes I just want to close the lid on the laptop and enjoy real life.

I used to be fanatical about blogging every day and get sharp pangs of guilt if I didn't reply to each and every comment promptly. Now, I blog three days a week and although I do try my best to get around to everyone quickly, well . . . I don't always manage it. But that's okay, because I've come to the conclusion that blogging should be fun. I love popping around and visiting the people who've become my friends; seeing what they're up to. I blog because I want to, not because I think it will help me sell a zillion trillion books.

I'm not going to ask why you blog, because I think we've all answered that question a lot! Instead, I'd love to know: have you ever experienced blog fatigue? And if so, how do you get back on track?

Daffodils and Desks

Yay! It's Monday! Can you hear the enthusiasm in my voice?

Actually, for the first time in a bit, I'm happy Monday is here. Why? Because I had a lovely London weekend, starting with a walk through Hyde Park and a concert at Wigmore Hall on Saturday, and ending with a stroll down the South Bank and through the Tate Modern yesterday.

Not only that, but the weather was glorious.

Daffodils outside the Tate Modern.

Crazy dude playing guitar in the Thames under the Millennium Bridge.

And -- since Mr TR is back to work today after a stint working from home -- I have my office to myself again! I must admit, it's much better for concentrational (not a word! I know!) purposes.

So, Monday or not, I'm happy. What's your state of mind this week?


PS - Thank you for the lovely comments on Friday's post. :)

A Girl Can Dream

And sometimes, it might come true!

I'm in second draft hell at the moment and somewhat brain dead, but this little snippet (below) from last Sunday's The Mail on Sunday gave me a lovely little boost. Okay, a lovely BIG boost!

I''ve included the whole page because if you're anything like me (better hope not!), you love looking at top ten charts. Hint: look at Ebook Downloads.

Did someone say wine? :)

Have a great weekend, everyone. 

Complicated Creatures: Alex J Cavanaugh

Yes, I'm here on a Tuesday! And all because of Alex Cavanaugh, who is continuing his blog tour for Cassafire, his new novel. Welcome, Alex!  It's early, I need more coffee, so I'll turn you over to him.

Thank you for letting me invade your spot today, Talli! I’m nowhere near as cute as you, but hopefully I can at least amuse…

Women are complicated creatures. Admit it! You’re complex, multi-faceted, and wrapped in many layers. (Like parfait, not onions - thank you, Shrek!) You’re so observant and you possess this “women’s intuition” thing. (Is it like the Sixth Sense? Do you see dead husbands all the time?) And your emotions range beyond what we can even imagine. Quite frankly, they are a little frightening.

But hey, I’m a guy! From my perspective, writing about women is a daunting challenge. One I entered with reservations. But I had no choice. Fans of CassaStar clamored for a female character.

(Insert moment of panic here.)

So, I held nothing back. Want a strong female character? Fine! I’ll write one so feisty that even Byron may have met his match…

To say Athee is strong-willed would be an understatement. She is driven, determined, and accustomed to getting what she wants. A pilot of exceptional quality, she also possesses mental abilities that rival Byron’s skills. Even worse, Athee is determined to figure out what makes the solitary and reclusive Cassan tick.

Obviously, tension ensues!

Will readers like Athee? I think they’ll admire her strengths and determination to succeed in a profession dominated by men. They’ll be moved by her motivation and efforts to keep those she loves safe. Readers will enjoy the new relationship aspect she brings to the story when her world and Byron’s collide.

Hopefully this exercise has given me some insight into the complex female mind.

Now back to football and hitting things and other manly stuff. (Does hitting one’s Xbox controller count?)

 Visit the author’s site and leave a comment during his book tour for a chance to win CassaFire, CassaStar, and a CassaFire tote bag and mug!

CassaFire
by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

You can visit the author’s site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Book trailer available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa6VINRGtyE.

Barnes andNoble 

Amazon 

Amazon Kindle


Thank you, Alex! I'll be back on Friday. Until then, have a great week. 

Pin It, Baby

It's Monday, and it's sunny and fresh here in London after a dire day yesterday. Hope everyone had a great weekend! Although I know we all need another social media outlet like we need err... um... okay, a hole in the head (my brain isn't processing quickly), I must admit I've become rather enamoured with Pinterest. It's a bit like Tumblr without the words, and I love trawling through all the pretty pictures and putting together my own boards.

Last week, I even created a board for Serenity, the main character in Build A Man, showing her neigbourhood and the places she travels to in the novel. Apart from being fun, it really brought her to life for me.The photo below is of Borough Market (duh!), where she goes with Jeremy -- the man she and half the country are 'building'.

Source: google.com via Talli on Pinterest

Now don't tell me you're not interested in some pinning action! Get yourself over to Pinterest and get busy. (No, I haven't been paid by Pinterest to post this. Yet. Ha!)

In other non-sponsored news, Rachel Morgan's new novel Guardian (Creepy Hollow #1) is out today! It looks fantastic, so run out and get your copy now. Many congrats to Rachel! Amazon US, Amazon UK,  Smashwords .

Are you on Pinterest? Do you need a hole in the head? 
: 

Novels 'n' Newspapers

Happy Friday! I'm pleased to welcome Stephen Tremp to my blog today, talking about strategies he used to get coverage for his novels in newspapers -- great information!

Take it away, Stephen.

Thanks Talli for hosting me again! You hosted me on my Breakthroug Blog Tour and here we are again. 


Okay, here we go ... Since Borders Books is no longer with us, I had to make some serious changes as I sold a lot of books through them. I took a serious kick in the ol’ knickers with that one. To quote Tom Cruise from Collateral: “Okay, look, here's the deal …. Still breathing? Now we gotta make the best of it, improvise, adapt to the environment, Darwin, #%^$&**# happens, I Ching, whatever man, we gotta roll with it.” 


 So I revisted some of the promo strategies I used in the past and the word “newspapers” jumped out at me. Newspapers? Are they still relevant? Do people still read them? I did a little homework and looked at circulations of newspapers (print and online) in the two areas I’ve lived; Lansing, Michigan and southern California. Turns out, there is still a lot of opportunity in this department. They’re not just for lining my birdcage anymore.

I contacted the good people at the Lansing State Journal and sent them a Press Release. The Hook: Local boy does good. They printed it! Glory hallelujah! So I contacted the Detroit News, a much larger circulation. The decision is still pending. But at least they’re considering it. Stay tuned! 


Next up: The Orange Coast Register and the Los Angeles Times. These are two papers with very large circulations. The OC Register reaches 1.5 million adults every week. Problem: I don’t have any contacts. Steve who??? I can’t just send them a Press Release and expect them to print it. Or can I. 


Fortunately, I’ve been lining up book signings with local Indie bookstores. And they have contacts at these papers. Will the OC Register print a Press Release for me? Maybe. Maybe not. But they will announce the book signing because the Indie bookstores, who have a great working relationship with the paper, have a name for me to contact!

 So I’ll at least get my name in the Events Section. Perhaps an image of my smiling face or book cover. Then I’ll have a second book signing announcement. And a third. Now I’m building a relationship. Then perhaps a Press Release will follow. I’m working it. It’s all about building relationships and that’s what I’m doing. Stay Tuned! 


Finally: don't forget the smaller, local papers. They can be easier to work with and reach a lot of people. And thanks to the Indie bookstores, I now have contact names for local papers that will advertise the book siging events! You can check out the press release from the Lansing State Journal here: SELECT LINK. I hope this helps and perhaps stokes the fires of promotion and marketing for you. 



Stephen Tremp: author of the BREAKTHROUGH series, has a B.A. in information systems and an MBA degree in global management. Stephen has a background in information systems, management, and finance and draws from this varied and complex experiential knowledge to write one-of-a-kind thrillers. His novels are enhanced by current events at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and other scientific research facilities around the world. These potential advances have the ability to change the way we perceive our universe and our place in it! You can visit Stephen Tremp at Breakthrough Blogs. BREAKTHROUGH and OPENING can be downloaded: Download Breakthrough: Amazon Kindle $1.99 Download Opening: Amazon Kindle for $1.99

Have a great weekend, everyone! Oh, before I forget: Fabulosity Reads is doing a giveaway for Build A Man! Head over for your chance to win. 

Good Eats

Like many authors I know, thoughts of food consume almost as much of my head-space as writing (and wine). Many of us are familiar with Goodreads, the reading website that allows us to add new books and to track what we've read.

Well, my friends, I've discovered a market gap:  Goodeats! Bakers could upload photos and blurbs about their fabulous creations, and we could add them to our 'to-eat' pile. I'm salivating thinking about it now.

Imagine this:

For Blueberry Betsy, life was everything she'd dreamed: a warm, gooey topping and a crunchy base. But when Clotted Cream came too close, everything changed. Suddenly, Betsy had to be devoured -- and quickly.


'A tantalisingly sweet creation that I couldn't stop eating. If you like Apple Crumble, then you'll adore this.'

Picture a whole site chock full of wonderful foodie descriptions! Just had a yummy pretzel? Give it a rating and put it on your 'eaten' list. Fancy chicken tonight? Browse the best dishes out there and read the reviews. It would also be a handy-dandy way to keep track of everything you've eaten and to remember all your favourites.

What do you think? Brilliant, eh? Next up: Goodwines.

What would be on your to-eat list?

Monday Mania!

Oh hello, Monday. Good to see you! It's another week, and there's plenty o' fun in blog land! Before I get to that, a massive thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to last Friday's post. Some really interesting thoughts and opinions there.

Let's get started!

Alex J. Cavanaugh's Catch Fire! Blog Party.

His new book CassaFire is coming out tomorrow, and I'm helping spread the word! Alex needs no introduction for many of us, but he's a real stalwart of the blogosphere and incredibly generous. I read and enjoyed CassaStar, and  I can't wait to get my mitts on this one.

Look at this! Isn't it gorgeous? It's the cover for Sangu Mandanna's coming novel, The Lost Girl. Pop over and say hi to Sangu if you get the chance!

And I could be wrong, but I have down on my calendar that Heather McCorkle's Channeler's Choice is out today. Happy happy!

Finally, I've received a wonderful award from Kathy McKendry at Imagine Today: the Dream Launcher Award. I'm supposed to give it to someone who helped set me on the path of my dream. And I'd like to give it to everyone I've met in the wonderful blogosphere, since you've all been so wonderfully supportive. That's not a cop out - I really mean it!

Thank you!

Who's your dream launcher?

Is Self-Publishing the New Slushpile?

Happy weekend, everyone! Okay, almost weekend. I know I could do with one right about now.

Today, I'm pleased to welcome superwoman Kate Allan to my blog (and if you knew everything she does, you'd think she's superwoman, too!). She's got a very important question on which she'd like your feedback, and I'm curious about your take on it.

But before I turn it over to her. . . today and tomorrow, my novel (self-published! not slushy! I hope!) Build A Man is free on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. And even more exciting, I'm over at Piedmont Writer's blog, talking about self-publishing and what I've learned! Drop by to say hi if you get the chance.

Take it away, Kate!

From Snow to Slush...

Actually the weather here in the South East of England has been mightily strange over the last few weeks. Two weeks ago we had minus temperatures and snow, and yesterday we were basking in 18C sunshine. I launched my enovella,  just before the snow hit secretly hoping to be on topic with the weather. This was my first venture into self-publishing, a short romantic story called Snowbound on the Island, and the gamble worked when the snow came 48 hours later.

But I've actually not come here to talk about snow, but rather slush; that thing called the slushpile, which is what people in the book trade call the mountains of unpublished material that writers submit to be considered for publication. I've a commission to blog about it for a publishing trade magazine and part of the brief is to tackle the question, “is self-publishing the new slushpile?”

So I thought I should do a little research, and what better place than Talli Roland's wonderful blog. I'll tell you what I think and then I'd love to know what you think.

My initial reaction is no, but then on further reflection I found myself thinking, “what does that question actually mean?” Does it means that ordinary readers will now be the judges of the slushpile? Thus readers, and therefore sales figures will elevate those worthy stories to publishers' notice? Will publishers only publish stories that have a proven market?

I don't think any publisher is wishing for a future when self-publishing decides the slushpile. And the reason for this is that editors want to be the ones to discover, and bring to market – for the first time – super writers and great stories. When a publisher “discovers” a self-published author I think it's the author they are discovering first, rather than the book. They will want new books from that author. Yes, self-publishing will continue to grow. It provides a useful niche for some types of material where authors are ahead of publishers on knowing what readers actually want to read. And it also provides a useful way to keep backlist (authors older works) available at little cost. Professional authors will correctly treat self-publishing as a business and make sure their material is edited and correctly marketed. At the other end of the scale, there will be writers who will – just because it's so easy  – throw up unfinished and substandard work on Amazon Kindle. Will readers ignore good stories that are marketed poorly and conversely, be frustrated with poor stories, marketed well?

So what do you think? Is self-publishing the new slushpile? Have you read many self-published books, and how do they compare to books from publishers? What is the future for self-publishing?

Kate Allan's new novella Snowbound on the Island is available from Amazon Kindle for 84p.

What a great question; I can't wait to read the answers. Have at it, and have a great weekend, everyone!

UPDATE: Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to leave such thoughtful and interesting comments below!

What's Your Theme Tune?

While I can't write to music, I do like to have a little theme tune running through my day. What that tune is usually depends on what's happening in my writing world.

First Draft: Rollin' rollin' rollin', keep them doggies rollin' (otherwise known as Rawhide).Yeah baby! Just keep writing, don't stop, move forward. . . oh wait, I'm hungry.

Revisions: What's in your head, in your head, zombie, zombie, ZOMBIE. Do I need to explain this? Perfect head-banging music when I just want to figure out what THE HELL I'VE WRITTEN.

Finished Product: Shake, shake, shake it!  I feel just like the penguins, minus the gyrations. Usually my arse is so sore from sitting for ages that I really do need to shake it! And it jiggles. TMI? Sorry.

Pre-Publication: 19th Nervous Breakdown. Because I have a nervous breakdown just about every day before my book launches!


What's your theme tune today?  Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Kitties With Thumbs

You know how experts say to keep your blog focused and relevant?

Yeah, well, fair warning: this blog post has nothing to do with writing or reading or... anything other than cats with thumbs. I suppose it is slightly connected to my novels, though, since one of them does have a cat. It doesn't have opposable thumbs, though.

Enjoy.

And if you are looking for something a bit more reading related, might I suggest Naina Gupta's fun novel, The Bollywood Break-Up Agency? Very entertaining, and on for a great price on both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

See, I did manage to get something reading-writing-related in there. Happy Monday!

The Great Word Vom

You know when you read all those posts by wonderful writers saying how they get so involved in their writing, they forget to eat? Or that the afternoon flashed by before they knew it?

That will never be me. I will never get so involved in writing I forget to eat. In fact, sometimes I get up from my laptop to eat even when I'm not hungry . . . just to get away from writing. I clock-watch and word count obsessively, and chances are as soon as I've hit my 3,000 words for the day, I'm away from that computer faster than I pop the cork from my wine.

It's not that I don't enjoy writing novels -- I do. I love shaping characters, plot-lines, and seeing the finished product. But dare I admit that writing the first draft is a bit of a slog? For me, I have to get it all out before I can dive in, kind of like a daily word vomit (sorry!). And once my stomach is empty, I'm hardly going to sit around in the mess of my own making. I exit the scene of the crime.

What about you? Do you word vom, too? Or are you one of the lucky few who can get lost in writing -- or anything else, for that matter?

Have a great vomit free weekend, everyone!

PS - My next novel, Construct A Couple, is now on Goodreads. Yay!
PPS - I'm doing so much word vomming this week, I'm having a few wrist issues, so forgive me if I don't get around to as many blogs as usual. 

Wednesday is the New Friday

What? You didn't get that memo? Well, Happy Friday . . . er, Wednesday.

Working from home, I've realised I rarely know what day of the week it is. It doesn't help that for the past couple months, Mr TR has been working from home, too, on Thursdays and Fridays. Previously, I knew it was a work day when he wasn't here. Now, it's all so confusing. Is it a Thursday or a Saturday? A Friday or a Sunday? I just don't know!

The only clues lie in the view from my office window. On weekday mornings, the busy street is filled at 8 a.m. with scooter-riding school-kids in cute uniforms; red double-decker buses lumbering by; and commuters scurrying toward the Tube.

On the weekends, the street is deserted, except for the occasional loner drifting down the sidewalk. I love sitting at my desk on mornings like this, watching the city wake up.


What's your favourite time of the day, for writing or otherwise? Or favourite day of the week?

Books *Not* to Give Your Valentine

Happy Monday, all! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. Mine was full of sleeping, reading, sleeping, reading . . . and attempting to recover from too much wine, champagne and beetroot carpaccio (word to the wise: don't).

The Huffington Post recently had a rather cute article on books not to give your Valentine, and that got me thinking: what books would I not want to receive for the day of romance that's nearly upon us?

The Lady's Book of Manners: How to Become a Perfect Lady. Just... no. Anyway, aren't I already perfect? *bats eyes*

Controlling Your Drinking. I already know the answer to that and it's one word: Egypt. Ha!

Confessions of a Slut Wife. Hardly romantic, eh? Besides, how interesting can it be?

Getting Started in Fly Fishing. I like fly fishing as much as the next girl, but I'm not sure I'd like to learn about it on Valentines's Day.

191 Horror Movies You Must See Before You Die. As someone who can't even watch Sixth Sense, I reckon this would definitely make for a sleepless night spent peering into dark corners to ensure nothing's crouching there in the dark.

Your turn! What book, real or otherwise, would you not want to receive on Valentine's Day?

When I Grow Up

Okay, I know what you're thinking.

Isn't Talli almost X (insert your figure) years old? Shouldn't she be grown up by now? But the older that I get, the more I realize I may never be grown up.

Last Wednesday, I gave a writing workshop to a lovely group of students at King's College London. After the workshop was over, one of the students asked if I'd always known I wanted to be a writer.

 Thoughts swirled though my mind as it hit me that I never knew I wanted to be a writer. I knew I liked to make up stuff, sure, but a writer? Was that even a job? How did someone get to be a writer, anyway?

As I grew older, I went through phases of wanting to be an Olympic gymnast (thank you, Nadia Comaneci and the Montréal Olympics), Little Orphan Annie (I could hang off a bridge with the best of them), the fastest runner in the world (Ben Johnson's to blame) . . . finally settling on a career in journalism. Then public relations. Then teaching. Then recruitment.

And then, when I'd done the 'adult' thing and accumulated lots of shoes, handbags, hair extensions (don't ask) and a closet full of clothes, it hit me that none of this was making me happy. So, I did the impractical, irrational thing, turning my back on it all. The child inside me -- that girl who loved to make up stuff -- has never been happier.

I still have bills to pay (boo to student loans); pay cheques to earn; boring responsibilities to fulfil. But as soon as I disappear back into my writing, I'm a kid once again.

What does the child in you want to be?

Announcements!

• Are you interesting in short-story writing workshops? The wonderful Helen Hunt has more information here.
• My novella, Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts,  is free today and tomorrow on Amazon. Check it out if you have a sec. Amazon UK; Amazon.com.

Are You Smushy... Or Not?

With Valentine's approaching, I'm wondering if you're a die-hard romantic, or if you prefer eschewing commercially-enforced love days? Bet you can guess what I am, based on how I phrased that!

As a romance writer (of a sort), I'm expected to be romantic... I guess. The truth is, I cringe writing super-smushy scenes -- that's why there aren't a whole heck of a lot in my writing. To me, the real romance lies in day-to-day gestures and actions, and not just in one day of the year when you're supposed to act all ga-ga in love. That's not to say I don't appreciate a good romantic gesture as much as the next girl (flowers! chocolate! hint, hint!), but I reckon it's empty if it's just an annual occasion.

This has got me thinking what I do find romantic: two people who choose to be together, not because they need to be, but because they want to be. And, more specifically, it's that moment when I press my freezing cold toes under Mr TR's legs at night, and he shivers but pulls me closer. Or, when he offers me the last bite of his favourite dessert.

Now that's romance!

What's real romance for you? 


(Continuing on the romance theme, I'm over on Myne Whitman's blog, talking about marriage 'n' stuff. Pop over if you get the chance!)

What's Going On

Phew! I'm home, everyone. Back safe and sound in frozen, snow-strewn London -- quite a change from the sun and dust of Cairo. But oh, it's so good to be home. After almost a month of travel and vacation, I finally feel like my new work-year is beginning.

So what am I up to these days? Well, I'm a third of the way through writing Construct A Couple, the sequel to Build A Man, which I hope to have out in May if everything goes according to plan! Also, Build A Man has a new-look cover now...

...and my novella, Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts, has a new cover, too!

Even better,  it will be free on Amazon this Friday and Saturday. Make sure to grab it if you're looking for something to read on the weekend!

Apart from covers, I've been preparing for workshops. I'll be giving one on character-building this Wednesday at King's College London, then another on marketing and promotion for the London chapter of the Romantic Novelists' Association in March. And I'm beyond thrilled that I've been asked to give a workshop on all things related to self-publishing at the York Festival in September. Busy times are ahead, and I love it!

And that's what's going on for me. What about you? Catch me up!

There's No Place Like Home

Hello, all! Well, I missed posting yesterday in a flurry of eating falafel, more falafel, lamb, more falafel. . . then a concert by Egypt's newest fusion group in Zamalek, a part of Cairo by the Nile.

I've posted a lot about all the wonderful things happening in the country at the moment; the hope and optimism in people's eyes that finally, their country might become something good again. In the words of one taxi driver: 'I just want to be able to live a dignified life'.

In the midst of any big change, there is always an element of struggle. I see it every day here in the mile-long queues for gas canisters; having to drive to ten different bank machines before finding one with any money; the escalation of violence amidst the lack of police presence on the streets. Last night's events -- where over seventy were killed at a football match in the north of the country -- have only served to heighten the unease people already feel.

Living in a constant state of anxiety, with the TV news always blaring the latest list of violence, would be enough to make even the staunchest revolutionary long for stability. After almost two weeks here, I'm longing to return to the relative calm of London. But for Egypt's citizens, this is their home. And they're absolutely determined to make it the best it can be.

I'll see you next Monday, when I'm back in the UK. Have a great weekend!

Rooftops, Pyramids and Boats, Oh My!

Happy Friday, everyone! Are you sick of Egypt yet? No? Good, because I have some more photos to show you! I'll give you a break on Monday (I'll be busy gallivanting around Alexandria) but I'll be with you in spirit.

Since recovering from my revolutionary activities in Tahrir Square (it must be said, I'd never make a true revolutionary -- I fainted after one hour there; I'm such a softie), we've indulged in a few other Cairene delights. Today was the best, though: we had our own tour guide through Old Cairo, climbed up rickety ladders to rooftops, and peeked into beautiful buildings normally off limits.

The rooftop of a building in Old Cairo, where merchants used to unload their wares, then stay in the accommodation. All those 'cubes' are the open-air terraces of the individual lodgings. 

A street in Old Cairo.

Me in front of a traditional window -- the women could see out, but no one could see in. 

Twin minarets. 

Feluca on the Nile!

No caption needed! 

This is my third time to the Pyramids, and I've never seen them so deserted. A handful of locals and tourists were there. but nothing like last year.

Have a great weekend, everyone! I'll see you on Wednesday. 

Talking About a Revolution

I've just returned from Tahrir Square! And WOW, what an amazing experience. Despite being a writer, words fail me. So I'll show you in photos instead.

Egyptian flags clog the air in Tahrir Square.

Me! The slogan on the wall behind me says: 'You can kill me but you can't kill my voice.'

An effigy in the square.

Mr TR waves a flag.

A young revolutionary.

Students sing and dance on a wall built by the military.

Excuse me while I go take my post-revolutionary shower! Happy Wednesday, everyone. 

New Beginnings

Hello from Cairo! The title for this post seems very apt, since not only is today publication day for Rebecca Emin's New Beginnings (more on that below), but it's also the opening of Egypt's first elected parliament since the 1950s.

What a change there's been in Egypt since my last visit here in December 2011. In just one year, people who were depressed and pessimistic about the future of the country have transformed into upbeat and optimistic. Gathering around the television this morning over a takeaway breakfast of tamaya (falafel) and fool (er... not sure any description can do this dish justice), there was palpable sense of pride as we watched the first session open.

From chats last night with a man in his sixties who led a group in Tahrir Square -- and was so close to the police he even grabbed a tear-gas canister after it was lobbed his way -- to mannequins in shop windows holding up revolutionary signs, the city has come alive again. The revolution has brought with it a whole host of problems and challenges, but as the one-year anniversary approaches, Egypt's citizens are finally looking forward to their future.

Now all they need is wine. Ha!

Now on to another New Beginning! Today is publication day for Rebecca Emin's wonderful YA novel.  Hop over to Rebecca’s blog Ramblings of a Rusty Writer to find all of the details of how she is planning to celebrate today, or you can read some reviews of the book itself on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com. You may like to visit some of the other blogs helping Rebecca to celebrate today too.

About New Beginnings

Sam Hendry is not looking forward to starting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of truth arrives and all of her fears come true... and then some.

When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as a friend, she begins to feel more positive.

With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face the bully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?

Here's to new beginnings of all sorts!

Pulling Teeth with Pliers... Or, Writing a Great Synopsis

It's Friday! *does Friday dance involving flailing of arms and awkward hip swings* Want to know something even better than Friday (no, not wine)? Tomorrow, I'm off to the sunny climes of Cairo for two weeks! Not to worry, though, I'll still be blogging as much as I can, as per usual. While my in-laws go off for hours in Arabic I haven't a hope in hell of understanding, I'll be tucked in the corner, tapping away at my lovely little laptop. We are still planning our regular outings to the Pyramids, the market, Memphis and Alexandria, so I will have plenty of photos to share.

Now. Onto more serious things: the dreaded synopsis. If you're not a writer, consider yourself very lucky that this is something you've escaped. For me, it's like pulling out my own teeth with rusty pliers while someone hammers nails into my eyeballs. Oh yes, it's just that much fun. Luckily, today I've got Crabbity Bat (her words, not mine) and absolute writing genius Nicola Morgan here to talk about her new book, Write a Great Synopsis.

Take it away, Nicola!

Hello Talli and Talli’s lovely readers!

Thank you so much for letting me visit again. I’m very honoured and in recognition of that I’ve brought some champagne. *pops cork* Cheers!

Since most or many of your readers aren’t writers, I thought I’d say something that might interest both groups.

Writers get horribly vexed about synopses.  Many of us (not me, tbh) would rather eat witchety grubs than write one, and yet quite happily sit down to write a 100,000 word novel. Thing is, making a few words work well is hard. Blaise Pascal famously apologised (in French) for writing such a long letter, saying he didn’t have time to write a short one. And there’s a real truth in that. And what writers have to do is turn a 100,000 word thing into something very short – maybe 600 words – and that’s very hard.

On the other hand, Tolstoy said, “No book should be too complex to explain to a barmaid.” (Very rude to barmaids, imo.) Indeed, Anna Karenina may be long but it’s far from complex – omit the farming, and there’s very little left to go in the synopsis.

Actually, I also think it might be easier for a reader to produce a good synopsis of a book than its writer. In fact, one of the things I recommend to writers in Write a Great Synopsis (WAGS!) is to forget your book, or forget the details. If you forget the details and sequences, what you’re left with is the core – what and who it’s about and how the story ends, bringing the memorable driving forces together.

Writers, please stop worrying! WAGS covers everything about synopsis-writing, clearly and reassuringly. At the end of it I believe you truly will say to yourself, “Don’t panic – it’s only a synopsis!

And readers, next time you pick up a new book, spare a thought for the poor writer who almost certainly had to write a sparkly synopsis before getting the deal! 

Thanks for listening, everyone. I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts. 

Would you rather write a book or a synopsis?

NB: all commenters below (by Feb 15^th) will be entered into the Big WAGS Competition, with chances to win a critique of your synopsis by the Crabbit Old Bat herself! One comment per person on each blog – though you can add to your chances by commenting on the other posts on the tour. Details of all stops on the tour will appear on my blog (Help! I Need a Publisher!) as they go out.

Details about the book, including buying options, here. The link direct to Amazon UK is here; Amazon.com is here. And it’s stupid cheap till the end of January!

Thanks, Nicola! 

Well, I'd much rather write a book than a synopsis. A zillion times more! How about you? Have a great weekend, everyone!