L.J. Higgins's Blog, page 4

10 Simple Steps to Hosting a Writing Weekend

Over the weekend I hosted a writing weekend for eight local writers. We all write across an array of different genres, have different goals for our writing, and are at different stages in our writing ‘career’ but we all share a love of writing. We used the weekend to not only get down as many words as possible, but to network, learn, inspire each other, and let our hair down with people who understand why we do what we do.

Here’s some photo’s from our weekend away…

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Although it’s a big weekend I always come home inspired and ready to finish the story I’m working on. The best part? Organising a writing weekend is so easy! It’s so easy I thought I would share how we organise our weekends away so you could do the same with your own group of writers in 10 simple steps.

Pick a location: Many people work, have children, and lead busy lives so we chose a location not too far from home. A small beach town an hour and a half away. Also keep in mind you might want somewhere with a nice view to help relax and inspire everyone who attends.
Decide how long to stay: Most places require a minimum of three nights stay, so we chose the minimum as not everyone can take a week off to write as much as we’d love to.
Decide where you’ll stay: A house is not only usually the most affordable option, it also means you can invite more people along to help keep costs down. Make sure there’s enough bed’s for everyone or that the house has the option to BYO bed if necessary. Also, make sure there are plenty of power points and places for people to sit and write.
Invite people: Once you’ve picked accommodation and checked it’s availability it’s time to invite people to join you. Keep in mind the amount of beds available!
[image error]Schedule your weekend: The best way to ensure you all get the most out of your writing weekend is to create a writing schedule. Keep in mind as well as writing you’ll need time to eat, refresh your minds, and time for discussion. Check out the schedule we used and adapt it to what suits your group.
Set Goals: It helps if everyone goes into the weekend with a goal on mind. A word count they want to reach, a story they want to plot. Whatever their goal, write them all out on a piece of paper and hang them up so you can all encourage each other to achieve them.
Share the Schedule: Make sure everyone knows what the schedule will be for the weekend. Not everyone will want to follow it exactly as it’s written, but it will give everyone an idea of what to expect over the weekend and help them plan out how they will attack their current WIP while away.
Pack your bags:  Obviously you know how to pack your essentials, but make sure along with your laptop, pens, and writing pads you take some spare power boards and extension leads. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of an action packed scene and your laptop turns off mid sentence.
Enjoy the writing weekend: Make the most of your time away focusing on writing and enjoy being surrounded by people who love creating stories just as much as you do. Make sure you spend time getting to know each other too. Who knows what you can learn from them?
Reflection: When the fun is over look back over the weekend and reflect not only on if you reached your goals, but also what worked and what didn’t. That way you can decide if you need to make changes for your next writing weekend to make it even more successful.

Writing weekends are a great way to network, learn, and be inspired as well as smash out a heap of words on your current WIP. My goal is to host two per year and I can’t wait for the next one. Have you been on or hosted a writing weekend? I’d love to hear your tips and idea’s in the comments.

Thursday Throwback

It’s crazy how far I’ve come since I published my first book, Dawn of the Dreamer in 2015. I could never have imagined that three years later I’d have published nine full length novels and a book of short stories with many more on their way. To celebrate how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown I thought I’d post a throwback to a video I posted in 2015 after Dawn of the Dreamer‘s launch where I answered readers questions.

Here is the video:

And it had me thinking… maybe it’s time to do a follow up video? If you have a question you’d like me to answer on my next Q&A video let me know in the comments below! And if you want to see where it all began you can grab a copy of Dawn of the Dreamer HERE!

Character Interview: Fletcher Saxby

[image error] Fletcher is Aurora’s best friend and the one person she has always been able to rely on. He supports Aurora in everything she does and leaves his life of luxury to help her uncover the truth of the floating cities. So let’s find out more about Aurora’s right hand man…

LJ: What was it like having to leave your life behind to help Aurora discover the truth?

Fletcher: I won’t lie, it wasn’t easy. I love my mum and dad very much and I had a really good life on Utopia. But I also knew I had to help Aurora and keep her safe no matter what. She’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember and Utopia wouldn’t have been the same without her.

LJ: You and Aurora are very close, but she also seems to get along well with Braven. Do you ever get jealous of their relationship?

Fletcher: When I first met Braven I wasn’t sure, but now I know him I know his relationship with Aurora is more like a big brother, little sister one. He will do anything to keep her safe and I can’t be jealous of a guy who is going to do everything in his power to make sure she finishes what she set out to do.

LJ: How would you describe your relationship with Braven?[image error]

Fletcher: My whole life I’ve been pretty sheltered and I’ve never really had a good guy friend. We pay each other out and can be competitive, but I know he has my back. Especially when we’re surrounded by so many females, us guys have to stick together.

LJ: Has it been nice to be able to spend time with your sister Maya?

Fletcher: I used to sneak away and visit her when I could on Utopia, but it’s nice to have a chance to really get to know her. She’s such a strong and independent girl, I’m lucky to have her.

LJ: When you’re not evading the Elite guard or trying to get to your next destination what do you like to do in your spare time?

Fletcher: I use to play video games and hang out with Aurora on Utopia.

LJ: Do you ever miss your life on Utopia?

Fletcher: Sometimes. But I have no regrets. Leaving Utopia opened my eyes to what the world was really like. I’d been blind to so much for so long.

LJ: How do you find the strength, determination and resilience to push on when so many would just give up?

Fletcher: It’s hard to give up when you’re surrounded by so many determined and stubborn people. Even if I wanted to, the other’s wouldn’t let me and I’m happy they wouldn’t. I’ve learnt so much about what I’m capable of and who I am. Things I would never have learned if I’d stayed on Utopia.

Want to learn more about Fletcher and the dystopian world of Secrets of Aurora? Buy book one of the series, Utopia HERE!

My Tribe

I was having a conversation this week and was asked what it’s like to work alone as a writer, and as we spoke I realised I don’t do this alone at all. I knew there were plenty of people who helped me, and I’ve always tried to thank everyone as often as I could for helping me grow and allowing me to do what I love every day, but it made me realise people don’t always understand that to write and publish a book, although you could do it on your own, it’s much easier and more fun if you have a tribe to encourage and support you. So, I thought I’d share a bit about My Tribe this week and how they help me write and publish.

My Local Writers Group: The Gladstone Region Writers are my local writer’s group and I love that I can catch up once a month with people who love books and writing as much as I do. We talk about our latest projects, our win’s and losses for the month, and we all help and encourage each other where we can. We also go away on a writing weekend at least once a year which is a great opportunity to get plenty of words down on my current WIP (Work In Progress).

Facebook Groups: These can be a double-edged sword. They are great for inspiration, learning, and networking, but I do have to be careful searching through them doesn’t cut into my writing time. Most of the authors in these groups are happy to share their knowledge, give feedback, and offer free advice, and it’s the perfect place to meet other authors.

Author Friends: Through the groups above I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some amazing authors who have helped me, kept me sane, and inspired me since I published my first book Dawn of the Dreamer in 2015. I talk to each of them a few times a week despite some of them living on the other side of the world and wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for their support. They’ve taught me so much about writing and the world of publishing, and despite having not ever met some of them face to face, I feel lucky to call them friends.

BETA Readers: BETA Readers are so important. They are the people I trust to read my finished manuscript to give me honest feedback so I can make sure it’s the best it can be. Without BETA readers I wouldn’t know if my story was reading the way I wanted it to, or if the way I worded something was coming across the right way. They are an important part of the process and I’m so lucky to have an amazing group who I trust to give me great constructive criticism which is how I grow as a writer.

Editor: If you spoke to my editor the first thing he’d tell you is I suck at comma placement. It’s something I’m working on, but without him, you’d struggle to make sense of some of my sentences and the flow just wouldn’t be there. He smooths and polishes my finished manuscript so everyone can read and enjoy my story.

Cover Designer: Despite the saying people definitely judge a book by its cover, so after all of the hours I’ve put into a story it’s important to have the perfect cover to draw in the right reader. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a couple of great designers and I think they’ve done an amazing job on each and every one of my book covers.

Publisher: My publisher does many of the things I had to do myself when I self-published. They organise the editing, the cover design, the formatting of the book, and also the marketing so it’s put in front of the right people. Having a publisher to do all of these things takes a big weight off my shoulder and means I can focus on what I love most… writing!

Readers: So, the books all ready to go, but without readers what was the point of everything else? With every great review, every comment, and every interaction on social media, each person who reads my work fuels me to continue writing. Knowing people are taking the time out of their busy lives to read my books and that they enjoyed them is the greatest reward. It’s why I write. So people can escape their everyday lives and disappear into a world I created.

Family & Friends: This could possibly be the most important group in my tribe. Without the support of my friends and family, I wouldn’t have released my first book, and I’m not sure I would’ve gone on to write what I have since. They keep me sane, help celebrate my wins, and pick me up when I’m finding things tough. They give me the space to write and understand when I can’t form a sentence because I’ve been editing a manuscript all day. I’d be lost without them.

As you can see it takes more than one person to release a book. Without my tribe, I’m not sure if I would’ve come so far and achieved so much in such a short amount of time. I’m so thankful for every one of them and hope that you have a tribe that supports you and your passions in life.

Do you have a tribe of people who help you achieve your dreams and supports and encourages you? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

 

Elysium is here!

Wow, what a whirlwind! It’s been a crazy 24 hours but I’m so excited to be releasing Elysium: Secrets of Aurora, Book 4 TODAY!

You can grab your copy from Amazon HERE, but before you rush off and grab your copy, here is a hint of what’s to come…

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And here it is, the amazing cover for ELYSIUM…

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I can’t wait to hear what you all think about the final instalment of the Secrets of Aurora series, Elysium! Make sure you grab your copy from Amazon HERE!

Let me know what you think of the cover in the comments! What characters are you looking forward to meeting again in Elysium?

 

Character Interview: Braven Smith

[image error]Braven is the muscular, cheeky member of the rebels from the Secrets of Aurora series. He’s made us laugh with his quick wit and brought a light-heartedness to the group when things got difficult. So here he is, Braven Smith…

LJ: Let’s kick it off with a simple question. Marry, kill, kiss: Aurora, Vega, Maya?

Braven: Can I pick Vega for all three? Although, I think she’s the one who want’s till kill me sometimes. But she’s the one I’d marry one day. She just doesn’t know it yet. I’d probably kiss Aurora just to see the look on Fletcher’s face.

LJ: What do you most dislike about your appearance?

Braven: With gun’s like these what’s to dislike? No, seriously. Don’t tell anyone but I think my right bicep is a little bigger than my left.

LJ: Do you think you could have gotten through everything you’ve endured if you didn’t have your sense of humour?

Braven: I know it annoys people sometimes, but it’s what gets me through the hard times. I can’t stand seeing other people hurting or worried, and if I can just put the smallest smirk on their face it makes me feel better.

LJ: If you had one wish what would you wish for?[image error]

Braven: I’d wish Vega and I could settle down, get married, and have a family. I just want a normal quiet life with all of my friends nearby. She’d kill me if she heard me say that.

LJ: If you could be reading a book right now what would it be?

Braven: I’m not much of a reader. At school I was better at maths, and I prefer to take a hands on approach to learning.

LJ: When you’re not evading the Elite guard or trying to get to your next destination what do you like to do in your spare time?

Braven: I enjoyed training when I was on Utopia. Now my favourite past time is stirring up my friends. Maybe I need a hobby?

LJ: Do you ever miss your life on Utopia?

Braven: It was easier. I had a job, a roof over my head, and food in my belly. But I didn’t have a purpose like I do now. I don’t regret anything that’s happened, things happen for a reason.

LJ: How do you find the strength, determination and resilience to push on when so many would just give up?

Braven: Through my fellow rebels. I might be their leader and help make the big decisions, but if it wasn’t for them I think I would’ve given up by now. I admire Aurora’s determination, and all of us want to see her finish what she set out to do.

Want to learn more about Braven and the dystopian world of Secrets of Aurora? Buy book one of the series, Utopia HERE!

Book Reviews

I’ve been busy reading and thought I would share some of the books I’ve read with you all. Have a book you think I NEED to read? Let me know in the comments!

Soraya by Patrick Hodges – 5 STARS [image error]

When I heard Patrick Hodges had written a Prequel to the Wielders of Arantha series I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and it didn’t disappoint.

Soraya tells the story of how the all-female Ixtrayu tribe began. Captured by a group of slavers along with other girls, Sahria endures trials and tribulations as she builds relationships with the other women and tries to formulate a way to escape. As they journey across the land they endure terrible conditions and treatment, but the strength of the women is what propels the book forward and I couldn’t help but invest in the characters and their fates.

This story sucked me in from the first paragraph and I enjoyed every moment of the ride. Full of love, sadness, strength and magic, Soraya is a must-read for fans of the Wielders of Arantha series.

Find out more about Soraya HERE!

 

 

[image error] We, The Lucky Few by P.S. Lurie – 4 STARS

Trapped between a fence and an ever-rising sea, the families of the Middlelands still hold on to the hope that one day those in power will allow them through the fence so they won’t disappear with the rest of the world. When finally presented with the opportunity to save themselves, the consequences might be too great for some.

The original and sometimes shocking storyline had me intrigued from the beginning and held me till the end. Forced to make a choice between sacrificing or saving themselves, the characters in this story show all sides of humanity, from the brutal and heartbreaking, to the brave and selfless.

There were parts of the story that seemed to slow down at times, repeating parts of the story and giving too much internal thought. But the intrigue of the storyline kept me hooked throughout.

We, the lucky few is an intriguing Dystopian Thriller that will have you questioning what you would do if faced with the decision to either save yourself or sacrifice your life for the sake of another.

Find out more about We, The Lucky Few HERE!

 

[image error] After Life by Jacquie Underdown – 5 STARS

Zoe hopes a new start at a new school might be just what she needs to feel normal, but the spirits she see’s have different ideas. She soon finds herself becoming the schools resident freak once again and realises she may not be able to trust her new friends. Just when she feels like all is lost, a truth is revealed that teachers her the truth of her abilities and gives her glimpses into the after life and her roll in it. Now she needs to decide, remain in the human world she knows or venture into the unknown of the after life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and all of its twists and turns. Just when you think you know what’s coming the story takes another turn and you find yourself in the midst of another exciting chapter.

After Life takes us on a journey through mythology, the creepy side of the after life and the pressures of being ‘normal’.

Find out more about After Life HERE! 

 

 

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Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor – 5 STARS (I’d give it 10 if I could)

Lazlo Strange is an orphan, junior librarian and dreamer. Since he was a young boy he’s been obsessed with the lost city of Weep but despite is interest in the mythical city he knows he may never know the truth he seeks. When a group of warriors arrive he is presented with the chance to finally discover what happened to Weep and it’s people, and he must decide if he’s ready to journey across the world to find out.

I loved everything about this book. The characters, the storyline and the way Laini Taylor weaved her words to create a beautiful, heart-warming story I couldn’t put down. If you only read one book this year pick up, Strange the Dreamer. You won’t be dissappoitned.

Find out more about Strange the Dreamer HERE!

 

 

 

[image error] The Convergence by Tenille Berezay – 3.5 STARS

Desiree is hiding a secret, one she’s desperate to hide from everyone she loves, but when new boy Blake arrives at school and shows interest in her, she soon learns her secrets can’t stay hidden forever. Although Blake could hold all of the answers to her questions, Desiree discovers there’s more at play than she could’ve imagined.

The Convergence was a fresh take on the young female discovering she has special powers story. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed watching their relationships change and evolve throughout the story as I discovered who Desiree and Blake really were. Although it was a slow start, the last half to third of the book was fast paced and I couldn’t put it down.

The first half to three-quarters of the book was a slow build. While the author took time to build relationships it did slow down the story in the beginning. The relationship between Desiree and Blake was a little cliché and predictable, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying their story.

The Convergence started out slow but when it kicked up a notch in the second half it was impossible to put down.

Find out more about The Convergence HERE!

 

Writing Tip Wednesday – 5 tips you need to know!

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Since I published my first book, Dawn of the Dreamer in January 2015, I’ve learned so much not only about writing but everything that comes with it. Book publishing is the kind of industry where things are always changing. This can be frustrating at times, but it also means there is always room for growth, to try new things, and to work on your craft. If you’re new to the writing world or have come down with the dreaded writers’ block this list is for you. I’ve put together 5 tips I’ve learned over the past few years and hope that at least one can help you find the inspiration you need. Keep in mind all writers have different methods and ways to piece their stories together and these are what work for me and perhaps might work for you too.

1 – Write first. Edit later. When inspiration strikes WRITE! Even when it doesn’t you should make yourself write at least a little every day. Don’t worry about misspelled words or punctuation, just get your ideas and story down and you can take the time to edit when you’re done. I personally write what I call the ‘bones’ of my story first, making sure my story and character arcs are all there. Then when I’m happy with my story I go back and flesh it out, filling in the scenes and characters and bringing it all to life.

2- Just keep writing. Stuck? Can’t seem to find the words to write the scene you’re working on? Move on. Skip the scene and go to one that helps you find your creativity once again and you’ll find when you go back you might just have those words you couldn’t piece together. When I can’t find the push to write a certain scene or paragraph I insert a sentence stating what I want to go in the space in bold capital letters, “EPIC BATTLE SCENE.” Then I go back when I know I’m ready to finish the scene.

3- Write every day. This one has been said a million times and although it can be hard at times it works. If you make the commitment to sit down and write every day it becomes easier, and procrastination and lack of motivation slowly disappear.

4- Character trait spreadsheet. Create a spreadsheet of all of your characters and their traits. Their hair and eye colour, their personality, how they’re related to another character etc. That way, when you come to writing a scene and you can’t remember if your character had blue or green eyes, you can flick over to your spreadsheet and don’t have to spend time searching back through your manuscript. I use excel to keep all of my characters traits and even highlight them with red when they don’t make it through the end of a scene. I add in other details too, such as how old they were when their father died and what age they met a certain friend. These are details you can forget along the way, especially when writing a series, and it makes finding the information you need much easier.

5 – Take a break. Yes, I did say write every day, but make sure you stand up every hour or so, put on your favourite song, dance around the house, and grab a cup of tea and bite to eat. Your brain needs to have a rest so when you sit back down it’s ready to get creative all over again. I find stopping and taking a break actually helps my word counts and I end up writing for longer than I would if I didn’t take a break.

So, there you have it. 5 tips I use to write my books. If you enjoyed my tips keep an eye out on my blog for even more next month. Have writing hacks of your own? Leave them in the comments below!

Character Interview: Aurora Adams

[image error]Aurora is the feisty red-head from the Secrets of Aurora series, and today she’s going to answer some of the questions you have for her. She’s walked kilometres, faced death and loss, and has hit her head more times than anyone can count. So here she is, Aurora Adams…

LJ: Let’s kick it off with a simple question. Marry, kill, kiss: Fletcher, Braven, and Lark?

Aurora: I guess I’ll say marry Fletch, but don’t tell him I said that he’d never let it go. I’d kiss Lark on the cheek because he’s like a second father to me. And that leaves Braven to be killed. Of course I don’t want him to be dead, but there are times he I’d like to strangle him. I think the other’s would agree.

LJ: If you were a cereal, what would you be and why?

Aurora: Where did you come up with these questions? I would probably be something like cocoa pops. I’m pretty quiet and chilled out in the box (on Utopia) but add milk to me (hurt my family or friends) and I go crazy (do everything possible to make you pay).

LJ: How do you get such pretty hair in a dystopian future?

Aurora: Pretty? Most of the time my hair looks like a hot mess. If I could go back and pack anything before I left Utopia it would’ve been shampoo and a hair brush. I would look and smell much better. I was just fortunate the rest of my friends smelt and looked as bad as I did and that I had a hair tie to tie it back.

LJ: If you had one wish what would you wish for?[image error]

Aurora: I’d wish I could reveal the truth without anyone else being hurt. I’m not sure if I can handle watching anyone else I care about be injured or die.

LJ: If you could be reading a book right now what would it be?

Aurora: I’d re-read the book Domino gave me when I was staying in her home, Teenage Mage. It was the first time I’d ever held a physical book in my hand after reading so many on my tablet and it meant so much that she offered for me to read it.

LJ: When you’re not evading the Elite guard or trying to get to your next destination what do you like to do in your spare time?

Aurora: What’s spare time? I feel like my new hobby is walking. But on Utopia I always enjoyed running, and reading books on my tablet. I liked to keep to myself most of the time unless Fletcher wanted to hang out.

LJ: Do you ever miss your life on Utopia?

Aurora: No. I wish I could say I did, and there are times I wish I had a roof over my head and a full belly. But I’ve learnt more about myself and made life long friends since I left and I wouldn’t give any of it up even if it’s hard sometimes.

LJ: How do you find the strength, determination and resilience to push on when so many would just give up?

Aurora: I don’t feel like there’s any other choice. The people of the floating cities will never know the truth about why the world went crazy like it did, they’ll never know the control the Elite guard has over them unless we reveal the truth. Discovering my life was full of so many secrets hasn’t been easy but I believe every truth I’ve discovered has helped me grow into the person I am today. The truth helped me see who I really am.

Want to learn more about Aurora and the dystopian world of Secrets of Aurora? Buy book one of the series, Utopia HERE!

 

Author Spotlight: Tom Reppert

This month I got to interview author Tom Reppert who writes a mash-up of Science fiction, historical and thriller stories, most of his books containing all three.

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LJ: What are your favourite genres are to read and why?

TR: I like many genres. Science fiction, historical, thriller—thus Assassin 13 and The Far Journey which combine all three. I just like a good book.

LJ: What is one book you think everyone should read?

TR: That seems like a simple, easy question to answer but it’s not. There are so many good books around and even quite a few great ones. How do you separate the love for Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, and Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven?

LJ: Describe yourself in five words

TR: I am persistent. That’s three.

LJ: When you’re not writing what could we find you doing?

TR: Hiking the forests and mountains around my lake. Somebody’s got to do it.

LJ: What is your favourite quote?

TR: He was born with the gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad. (Who can tell me where that is from?)

LJ: Tell us about your latest book.

TR: As mentioned, it is an attempt to combine my three favourite genres. Here’s the gist of it: In the dystopian 22nd century, Lauren Ramirez is an Assassin 13, the best at her profession. Betrayed by her employer, the President of the United States, on an off-planet op, she escapes when her spacecraft hurtles through time and crash lands in 1927 prohibition Hollywood with its silent film stars and bootlegging gangsters.

She finds herself an alien in an alien land.

LJ: What is a piece of advice you’d give to someone who is thinking about writing a book?

TR: Make sure you’re well-read in the genre you will be writing in and tell yourself no matter how daunting the process gets at times, you will keep going with it.

LJ: Show us where you do most of your writing.

TR: [image error]

LJ: Where do you find your inspiration for your writing?

TR: My inspiration comes from great storytelling, novels like the books I mentioned above, and countless many more. A great writer can transport you into realms to meet people historical and imagined who are both compelling and a joy to be with.

LJ: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

TR: I’ve been most places I’ve wanted to go except two, Antarctica and the Amazon. I doubt if I will make the effort to go to either.

LJ: If you could time travel what year would you like to visit?

TR: That is such an interesting question. I’ve always been most interested in living in the Old West, but, of course, the Old West was nothing like what we think of it in the popular imagination, Jesse James, Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp walking down the dusty street. Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Cochise and Quanah Parker riding with the wind. No, reality was a lot more mundane. The other great time period for me was the time of the Trojan War. Helen of Troy, Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus. All periods have their romance. What they don’t have is antibiotics. That’s pretty much a downer.

Thank you to Tom Reppert for taking the time to have a chat with me. Check out Tom Reppert‘s books below!

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You can find out more about Tom Reppert and his books on the sites below:

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