K.J. Chapman's Blog, page 8
January 13, 2023
How Long Do You Keep a Story in Your Head?
How Long Do You Keep a Story in Your Head?I have been thinking a lot about this question lately. More so since I realised I have had some unwritten stories in my head for years. I let them rumble about up there, taking on a life of their own. Why haven’t I written them? I don’t know.
Perhaps I am scared??? Will they translate on paper, will I do them justice, or maybe it’s just that like all writers, I have so many stories to write and so little time.
I had my EVO Nation series in my head for a long time before I wrote it. Whilst other books, such as Zombie Playlist, came to me like a thunderbolt and I just had to write it down and see where that initial thought would take me.
There are pros and cons to both, but I do feel that I like to hold onto my narrative and characters in my head to nurture and develop them without the finality of putting pen to paper so to speak.
What are your thoughts? How long do you let a story develop in your head before finally taking the plunge?
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January 3, 2023
EVO Nation is FREE!
I promised free books and I shall deliver on that promise. To kick off my monthly free promos, I have to start with my first book baby… EVO Nation
Get you free copies of EVO Nation from Amazon Kindle. This offer lasts until January 7th.
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December 28, 2022
2023 Plans & My 2022 Recap
I think it is time for an honest recap of 2022 and to set some 2023 goals.
The plan for Writerly Bookish Stuff in 2022 was to post fortnightly. I needed to hold myself accountable for keeping the blog active after letting it slide in 2021. I did post fortnightly with my musings etc on the 14th of every month and a picture prompt on the 28th. I think I can strive for a little more in 2023.
However, I had planned to post more book reviews and that fell flat. I did read, and I reviewed books on Goodreads, but not many reviews ended up on the blog. That will change in 2023.
And the main topic of conversation… what about my writing projects. *Dramatic sigh*. I still haven’t quite finished my seasonal writing prompt series despite hoping to get it completed by the end of December. I am also working on a fiction story, but I will share more on that throughout the year. It is slow and steady wins the race on my end, but I hope to have 4 books released by 2024.
So, hear are my plans for 2023:
Monthly book reviewMonthly writing updateMonthly writing post- whatever topic takes my fancy.I will be regularly posting to InstagramI will promo one of my books for free each month.Finish and publish my writing prompt seriesFinish and publish my fiction WIPThanks for sticking around for 2022. Let’s see what 2023 brings!
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December 27, 2022
Prompt Me Monthly: December
Welcome back for the final picture prompt!!
Each month, I have chosen a picture to inspire me to write a paragraph. Some of my novels have even started this way!
Thank you for following along with this series all year!
December’s Prompt:‘Abigail, stop! You are aware that I cannot discuss my personal life with you. I’m your handler, not your friend. I’m not saying this is right, just that it is what it is. I need this job. I have a wife and kids…’
I hold up my hand to stop him. ‘You’re right, I’m sorry, Carter. I just get lonely sometimes.’
His face softens a little. ‘Like I said, it’s not right. You’re just a kid. What they’re doing to you here is inhumane.’
‘It’s because I’m… different.’ I look to my hands in shame.
Carter heads to the door, but stops at the memo board briefly before leaving. I look up expecting to see an amendment to my training rota, but instead, in small writing, he has written, ‘I know what you are. You are not the only one.’
I can’t believe that is the final prompt completed! Stay tuned for what I have planned for next year!
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December 24, 2022
Wishing You All a Merry Christmas
I would like to wish all my followers who celebrate, ‘Merry Christmas!’
Enjoy your day tomorrow, folks!
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December 13, 2022
December Book Reviews
Christmas Sisters by Various Authors 5/5
Review: A read that tugs on your heart strings but ends on a feel good vibe. Just what I want at Christmas time.
I love how each character has a POV written by a different author, and this lends well to the differing voices and styles.
Pat’s Pantry by Rhoda Baxter 4/5
Review:This short story could have easily been stretched into a novella. A tale of middle aged people who get a rare chance to revisit an old relationship.
I loved the small town vibe where everyone knows everyone. A nice, comforting read.
Perfect Christmas by Elizabeth Grey 3/5
Review:Another feel good Christmas read. I thoroughly enjoyed getting POVs from both characters, and thought the writing was very well done.
Characters were distinguishable and well thought out, and that can be quite a feat for short stories.
However, I did long for another ending. The whole idea of setting up their own agency felt right to me.
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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November 27, 2022
Prompt Me Monthly: November
Welcome back for the penultimate picture prompt post!!
Each month, I have chosen 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.
November’s Prompt:They appeared in the sky one night. They didn’t want our planet, they didn’t want our resources, they wanted our children.
They thought we were weak. They thought it would be easy. Not only did they underestimate the power of humanity, they underestimated the power of love.
I hope you enjoyed my writing prompt post. Come back on the 28th of December for the last picture prompt in the series.
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November 13, 2022
Grab Some Free Christmas Reads
I’ve been scouring Amazon for some free Christmas reads and wanted to share with you some I have found and downloaded!
Perfect Christmas by Elizabeth Grey
Link: Perfect Christmas
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Maureen Reil
Link: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Jingle All the Slay by Dakota Cassidy
Link: Jingle All the Slay
A Christmas Wish by Regina Puckett
Link: A Christmas Wish
Christmas at Saltwater Cove by Amelia Addler
Link: Christmas at Saltwater Cove
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October 27, 2022
Prompt Me Monthly: October
Welcome back for October’s picture prompt!!
Each month, I will choose 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.
October’s Prompt:The villagers gather to get a closer look at the dirty, magic-less girl sitting in the back of a wagon, but the guards shoo them away. There are definitely some whispers and nasty words that I pretend not to hear. Outsiders are not welcome. I get that loud and clear. I just wish the Elders would finish their meeting already.
I rather not look at the guards, so I take in the buildings, the barns, the greenery. Then, I see something that literally steals the air from my lungs- an orange flower. Mother’s favourite.
A woman with dark hair in a braid leans on the side of the wagon. ‘Why are you crying?’
‘Just reminded of my mother,’ I say, wiping my eyes on my sleeve. ‘She was just my mother, you know? Not some long lost princess.’
The woman studies me with indifference. ‘Unfortunately for all of us, your mother was the heir to our kingdom, and now, she has passed that burden onto you. She did you a disservice by not explaining the truth to you long ago.’
‘Is it true that magic-less heirs always die during the claiming,’ I ask, sobs wracking through me.
The woman turns on her heels and marches away. ‘I’ve not seen one live, yet.’
I hope you enjoyed my writing prompt post. Come back on the 28th of every month for more.
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October 14, 2022
My Favourite Halloween Reads
With Halloween fast approaching, I thought I’d share just a few of my favourite horror reads. These are ones that instantly pop into my head when I’m asked for recommendations. I’m always curious about what other people class as ‘good’ horror, so feel free to comment with yours.
The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
I loved this read. It’s a hefty book, but I finished it in a few days. As an avid zombie fiction lover and writer, there was something refreshing and new about this book.
Children zombies, and more importantly, zombies that are still very human in appearance and thoughts made this a firm favourite of mine.
Cell by Stephen King
I haven’t read this book in the longest time, and the film adaptation wasn’t great in my opinion, but I remember reading this book for the first time and it freaked me out. I couldn’t read it before I went to sleep, so I take that as testament to a good horror story.
Yes, once again, I am recommending a zombie book, but hey, this girl is a zombie fan!
Dreamcatcher by Stephen King
Of course, I have to feature more than one book by the horror King of Kings. Dreamcatcher was one of my first King reads, and I remember being both disgusted and in awe of the storytelling.
The shitweasels were something else!!!!! I think he captured everyone’s worst fear about something living inside you!
And seeing as we are talking about horror reads. I have to mention my own books. I do add a splash of comedy into my zombie books, so check them out!
Need more persuading? They are currently FREE!
Zombie Playlist
Download here: Zombie Playlist
Zombies and Budgie Smugglers
Download here: Zombies and Budgie Smugglers
If you do fancy reading my books, don’t forget us authors always appreciate reviews or ratings on Amazon and Goodreads!
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