K.J. Chapman's Blog, page 11
February 13, 2022
Romance Tropes. Do You Enjoy Them?
As it is Valentine’s Day, I thought we should discuss romance tropes and if you enjoy them or wish they’d die out.
Firstly, what is a trope?
‘A trope is a significant or recurring theme.’ For example, one trope in paranormal romance is for a ‘human’ MC to discover they have powers/ are a paranormal being, and to fall in love with a dark, brooding love interest from the new, paranormal world.
Are romance tropes predictable? Yes. Do I enjoy them? Yes, if they’re done right and the story itself is compelling.
Benefits of romance tropes…
1. You will find in paranormal or erotic romance genres that the readers are there for the tropes. They have expectations that they want fulfilling.
2. Tropes can be useful to authors. A popular romance trope if worked well into an intriguing, unique story is a good foot up for a book. You know readers of that genre enjoy those tropes and you can adapt accordingly for potential success.
The downfalls are of course, predictability, boring storylines that are too similar to other books, and a lack of originality within the genre.
So, in my humble opinion, romance tropes can be powerful tools if used well and executed in refreshing, compelling ways to keep the genre current.
What do you think?
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January 27, 2022
Prompt Me Monthly: January
You know me and how I love a good writing prompt. Well, for a little motivation, I wanted to restart my picture prompts series.
Each month, I will chose a picture to inspire me to write a paragraph. Some of my novels have even started this way!
Join in if you wish. Remember to tag me, so I can read your interpretations.
January’s Prompt:
At first, the cold, stinging sensation caused me to flinch and tense way from the fibres connecting with my body.
I remembered what Dahna said, ‘Welcome it in.’
Steeling myself against the pain, I took a tentative step forward, straight into the mass of swirling energy. It was as if it knew I was accepting of it. The fibres surged deeper, and as they did so, the whole of my body reacted. Some part of my brain told me to fight and scream, but the other part was in pure elation.
The pain was non existent. All that was left was my consciousness, but on another, higher level. I was knowledge and power, connected to every other living thing in the universe.
I hope you enjoyed my first writing prompt post. Come back on the 28th of every month for more.
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January 13, 2022
Getting Into My 2022 Writing Routine
I am currently editing one WIP and writing another. I know some writers say it’s a big no no to work on two projects, but I like to be able to flit between the two for a break, especially from editing.
My writing routine was very hit and miss in 2021, but I am definitely planning on a little more structure this year. I am an early morning worker. My youngest child gets me up between 5-6am . I procrastinate too much in the evenings, so when the kids settle down with breakfast and cartoons, that’s when I’ll fit in a writing sprint or some editing.
Do you have a strict or relaxed writing routine? Has it changed for 2022?
I just want to take this time to say that writing routines are unique and if your current chapter of life doesn’t allow you time to have a set routine, that’s okay! Write when you can. As long as words get written, what does it matter?
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December 20, 2021
Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas! What another bizarre year. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for a better 2022!
I’m still here writing away. I do write under various pseudonyms that I try to keep separate from each other due to crossing genres, and if I am working on those books I find it hard to create content for this blog, so I will consciously try to keep you updated.
I plan to post fortnightly in 2022 and post more book reviews! I hope you stick around for the journey.
Happy holiday!
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March 10, 2021
Book Review: Angel Tears by Brianna West
Angel Tears by Brianna West 5/5
Review: ARC review: due for release April 2021
I never say no to a Brianna West ARC. So much so, I even preordered a copy before getting an ARC. West is known for her Promiscus Guardians world, so when I heard that Angel Tears was a different series and it’s own world, I just had to read it.
There’s still the strong theme of angels and demons and light and dark that she does best. West’s strong point is her world building without a doubt. Once again, she has set the foundations for a great group of paranormal characters, and her MC is a strong eighteen year old woman who can kick ass and bag herself a hunk.
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties. All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman. K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.
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February 14, 2021
How My Writing Process Has Changed Over the Years
I’m currently writing my first draft of a new WIP, and couldn’t help but think back to my early drafting days when I was labouring over EVO Nation. My process is different today, but that is mainly because as a new writer I thought I had to work a certain way, but over the years, I have found my OWN way.
Here are some of the ways in which my writing process has changed:
I used to write every little detail about my narrative that popped in my head into a notebook. My EVO Nation series notebooks are bulging. As the years have progressed I only jot down things I really need to remember. I don’t keep a notebook of names I like anymore or music playlists. My Zombies and Budgie Smugglers notes filled just an A4 piece of paper.I don’t class myself solely as a pantser anymore. I used to think I had to stick to one way of writing like a religion. ‘I mean, how can I be taken seriously when my writing process changes like the wind?’ Now, I still regard myself as a pantser, but if I need to plot some chapters, I will. I used to think I had to know everything about my character before starting the draft. Now, I let them tell me who they are when I’m drafting. It is also perfectly fine to not describe your character in great detail. I used to want the reader to see my characters exactly how I do. It’s fine to give them some hints and let them use their imagination for the rest. Avoiding tropes like the plague used to be a huge deal for me. It was actually during writing EVO Nation that I finally told myself that genre tropes are fine, as long as you make them your own. I read certain genres for certain tropes, so why steer clear of them when I’m writing just because some people say ‘tropes are bad or lazy’.I used to guilt myself into writing daily. It’s not always possible for me to do that now, and word counts have become the devil’s work to me. I write when I get the chance and that’s perfectly fine. I write to relax and deadlines and word counts made it stressful.Whether you agree with my process or not is a matter of style, but I hope this post goes to show that our processes will change as we grow as writers, and the best advice any writer can have is to write for yourself, how you want, when you want, and for whatever reason you want!
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Book Review: Art and Soul by Claire Huston
Art and Soul by Claire Huston 5/5
Review:Art and Soul is the perfect read for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy a cosy, heartwarming tale with realistic characters and expectations.
The story is perfectly paced and the character’s lives interweave effortlessly. Becky is a single mum and life coach, and Charlie is a floundering artist who needs all the help he can get to pull himself out of the hole he fell in during the 6 years since his wife left. The way the two back and forth, become entwined in each other’s lives, yet still can’t see what’s right in front of them, is what I read romance books for!
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties. All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman. K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.
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February 12, 2021
Book Review: Of Beast and Beauty by Chanda Hahn
Of Beast and Beauty by Chanda Hahn 4/5
Review:A retelling that truly twists the original. I thoroughly enjoyed reading a new take on an old fairytale. I’m not a fan of retellings that stay so close to the original narrative that they become predictable, but this was a page turner.
Every single character is flawed, and that makes the storytelling more believable. The tale of Rosalie and Xander is dark with plot twists and a bigger plan that brought them together.
I would recommend this tale for anyone who enjoys retellings and dark narratives with darker characters.
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties. All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman. K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.
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January 27, 2021
Free Book Promo: 50 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids
To kick off my promise of creating a free book promo for one of my books each month, I decided to start with my children’s writing prompt book:
A lot of people are currently homeschooling due to the pandemic, so I thought this book may be a useful, fun way to get kids creative writing and using their imaginations.
Get your copy free from Amazon (28th- 30th Jan): 50 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids
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January 20, 2021
Book Review: Awakening by Leigh Walker
Awakening by Leigh Walker 4/5
Review:This book has everything you want from a paranormal romance: brooding, rich hunk of the paranormal variety, magic, supernatural beings, and a lovely romance.
Yes, there is heavy reliance on the usual paranormal romance tropes, but I do love a good trope when done well. The only reason I marked this. 4* is because it went too close to Twilight on occasions.
All that being said, I will be reading the next in the series.
The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties. All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman. K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.
Content belongs to KJ Chapman
