K.J. Chapman's Blog, page 3
December 1, 2023
November Update 2023
The months are moving too quickly for my liking! The time is running away from me, and it’s looking like, yet again, I will not have published a fiction book this year.
Good things come to those who wait,
right?
Anyway, back to November. I’ve been writing a little more sporadically this month. Usually, I write in the evenings, once my youngest is asleep, but I’m so tired at this point in the day that my brain is soup. I need to sort a new writing schedule. I don’t think daylight savings helped, especially with a 5 year old child.
WritingWord counts were not tracked this month. I did write, but I also had to re-read chapters etc to refresh my mind. Some days we have writing days, and some days we have to think about plot and plot holes etc. It’s all progress.
Teaser of the month:
This month’s blog post was all about music and how if affects our writing.
Did you catch this post? Muse-ic
I also advertised EVO Ghost on a free promo from 3rd -7th. Thank you to all who downloaded the third and final instalment in the EVO Nation trilogy.
ReadingI read another Rebecca Raisin book this month:
The Little Antique Shop Under the Eiffel Tower
I also finished 2 Christmas romance short stories:
2x Christmas Romance Short Stories
What’s Next?December is a little up in the air for obvious reasons, but I have scheduled a post for book lover gift ideas!
Thrown to The Blue will be free for a limited time from December 3rd!
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November 13, 2023
Is Muse-ic Your Thing When Writing?
Can you listen to music when you write? Do you have to have something playing in the background, or do you need utter silence?
I’m a bit of both. Let me explain…
I use music to inspire me. Sometimes, I can listen to one song on repeat all day if it evokes the right emotion for the chapter I am writing. Yes, it drives everyone in my house crazy, but it works for me.
Can I always write with music on… no. To concentrate I need quiet. Have you ever been driving and you had to turn the music down to see better? Yep, I’m that girl.
What type of writer are you? Music or quiet?
Why is music important to my writing…1. Music is emotive- stirring up feelings, imagery, and fantasy is important for writer.
2. Music is known to be useful for increasing energy levels and motivation- this works in reverse too. For example, surgeons sometimes listen to music to either calm them or keep them working to a certain speed.
3. Music can make you more productive because it can increase dopamine levels and this helps the task you are completing seem more enjoyable.
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November 10, 2023
Christmas Romance Short Stories: Double Book Review
This is a double book review of 2 Christmas romance short stories I read in November.
Moonlight & Mistletoe by J. Hansen
Review: A very quick read with a healthy dose of the ‘seeing the ex again with his new beau’, and also of the ‘not seeing the right person for you has been right under your nose all along’ tropes.
This short story is so quick because the author is purely trying to get you to read their books based on the love interests, so there isn’t much room for character development etc
Sweet Christmas by Reina M. Williams
Review:Maya and Dean were childhood crushes, but over the years they both moved on with their lives. Dean is an artist who has moved back home. Maya never left their home town and dreams of setting up a bakery.
When circumstances see Maya unable to go home on Christmas Eve, Dean seizes the opportunity to finally spend time with her.
A cosy, cute Christmas read to get you in the spirit.
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
November 3, 2023
Book Review: The Little Antique Shop Under the Eiffel Tower by Rebecca Raisin
The Little Antique Shop Under the Eiffel Tower by Rebecca Raisin
Review: Paris is really brought to life in this story. There’s a bit of something for everyone- mystery, romance, kooky MC, antiques, and a con man ex.
I did find the start a little slow going, but that’s down to world building. I can’t fault how the author makes you feel fully immersed in Paris life.
I’m looking forward to cracking on with the other books in this 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
November 2, 2023
EVO Ghost is FREE!
The final freebie for the EVO Nation series in 2023, EVO Ghost. If you downloaded book 1 and 2, don’t miss out on the final instalment.
Get you free copy of EVO Ghost from Amazon Kindle. This offer lasts until the 7th.
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November 1, 2023
October Update 2023
The month of October has been productive on the writing front. At least 20k words written on my WIP. That’s despite having a child home sick from school for a week, and then the half term holiday. I’m happy with my progress.
As mentioned, I’ve written at least 20k. When I read it back I doubt it’ll make much sense, but it’s written.
I don’t enjoy setting deadlines, but I’m hoping to be finished with this draft by January.
Teaser of the month:
We focussed on naming characters this month, and my top tips for getting them just right.
Did you catch this post? Naming Characters
I had a total brain fart and didn’t set my free promo for the 3rd. It was a little later than planned, but at least I got there in the end, right? Sorry, if you missed that post.
I also did an impromptu free promo for my zombie novellas in October to be in time for Halloween. The socials on that were only posted to Instagram and Facebook, so make sure to follow me there. (Links at the end of this post).
ReadingI read another Rebecca Raisin book this month. Did you see my review?…
I also finished 2 short stories that have been sitting on my Kindle:
What’s Next?Keep your eyes peeled for my mid month post on muse-ic, and more book reviews. I will start reading my Christmas books from mid November.
EVO Ghost will be free for a limited time from November 3rd! I’ve already set the promo, so no forgetting this month.
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October 22, 2023
Short Stories: Double Book Review
This is a double book review of 2 short stories I read in October
A Storm to Remember by Cyan Skye
Review: A cute, cosy romance read that is perfect for a stormy night. Although fast paced, the story didn’t feel unbelievable. A meeting of two like minded people all thanks to a wandering cat.
If you like short stories with clean, chivalrous romance, then this is the read for you.
It’s In His Kiss by Bria Quinlan
Review:I enjoyed the whole wallflower doesn’t realise she is the love interest storyline. Not too keen on Ben’s constant use of the word ‘sunshine’ when he addresses Jenna, but I can get over that.
Jenna has you rooting for her because she is unassuming and humble, and you want to punch that narcissistic friend of hers right in the nose. The ending was what I hoped for, so alls well that ends well.
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
October 18, 2023
Naming Characters
I have posted about naming characters in the past, so I wanted to touch back on it for this month’s writerly musings.
So, how do we find the right name for our characters? It has to fit because it is like a part of their personality. Just like naming a real life human, character’s names have to work for them and for the reader.
Here are some of my tips I have touched on in the past for naming characters…
Gut instinct:
Sometimes, we name a character on nothing more than gut instinct- it just feels right. If you love the name for them and your gut is telling you it’s a perfect fit, roll with it.
Weird spellings:
I personally steer clear from names that the readers may not be able to pronounce, but you do have the option of including a page on name prenounciation in your book.
Google it:
It doesn’t take a few minutes to Google a name to make sure it hasn’t been used, or if it is the name of a popular figure etc. I also like to check the connotations of a name I might not have heard of before.
Preconceptions:
This links into the above point. Some names may be linked to a stereotype. For example, the name Jezebel is most commonly thought of as a harlet.
Age appropriate:
Be aware of your story era/ time period and what names were used. You’d probably not find a Jayden in the 1800s.
No to samey samey:
Samey samey means that the names are so similar the reader may get confused. If you have a character called James, it may be best not to call another character a variant of that name such as Jaime.
Listen and look:
Listening to conversations, reading names in the newspaper, or even reading names on gravestones is my tried and tested way of finding the perfect name.
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October 8, 2023
Later Than Planned Free Promo: EVO Shift
Whoops! Guess who forgot to schedule the free promo of EVO Shift? Yep, this girl. Just five days later than planned, but better late than never, right?
Grab your free copy here:
I’d appreciate any shares on social media etc!!!!
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October 6, 2023
Book Review: Rosie’s Travelling Teashop by Rebecca Raisin
Rosie’s Travelling Teashop by Rebecca Raisin 
Review: Another heartwarming tale of true love after heartbreak, and taking charge of your life because you’ve only got the one.
By now, you’ll probably have realised that I am a fan of Raisin’s books. I love the comfort in knowing there will be happy endings.
This book had a bit of everything- betrayal, new friendships, adventure, and a gorgeous Max! It was fun to follow along with Rosie’s, story as she undertook a massive life change in search of her happy ever after. Rosie had lived an incredibly structured life, so joining the nomadic lifestyle of travellers with Poppy, her campervan, was a huge risk, but she pulled it off.
If you are a fan of feel good romance, you can’t beat Raisin’s books.
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
