Sara Bennett's Blog, page 2
September 28, 2018
Reckless
Sara Bennett
As my 3rd Mockingbird Square novella Surrender is about to be released, I am hard at work on the 4th (and final) story, Reckless.
Mockingbird Square started as a fun experiment. After so long away from writing as Sara Bennett I wanted to see if I still had a following out there and how passionate you were about my books. I've proved you still want my books and I am happy to keep writing them. Next year will be even bigger, I have three full size novels planned, but more of that later!
Writing is always a struggle for me. I have other commitments, both professional and personal, but I have proved to myself that I can manage both and keep doing what I love.
If you haven't signed up to my Newsletter you can find the link on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SARA-BENNETT... or my website http://www.sara-bennett.com/. I try not to send out too many Newsletters but I like to keep my fans up to date. You also get a free story if you sign up.
I love to hear from my readers too.
Sara
As my 3rd Mockingbird Square novella Surrender is about to be released, I am hard at work on the 4th (and final) story, Reckless.
Mockingbird Square started as a fun experiment. After so long away from writing as Sara Bennett I wanted to see if I still had a following out there and how passionate you were about my books. I've proved you still want my books and I am happy to keep writing them. Next year will be even bigger, I have three full size novels planned, but more of that later!
Writing is always a struggle for me. I have other commitments, both professional and personal, but I have proved to myself that I can manage both and keep doing what I love.
If you haven't signed up to my Newsletter you can find the link on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SARA-BENNETT... or my website http://www.sara-bennett.com/. I try not to send out too many Newsletters but I like to keep my fans up to date. You also get a free story if you sign up.
I love to hear from my readers too.
Sara
August 19, 2018
To angst or not to angst
Lately I've been reading lots of angsty books. Love them but really exhausting. Sometimes I just can't let go of the story and have to sit up into the early hours and . . . well, then I'm exhausted.
My favorites are stories where the couple have a messy break up and then get back together. Tears and grovelling does it for me!
I was wondering what others think. Do you like a lot of angst in your books or do you prefer something gentler? I must admit I can't read more than one angsty book at a time. I need a break in between.
My current series, Mockingbird Square, is about Second Chances, and has some angst. I am working on my next series, hopefully for next year, and I'm not sure yet in which direction I'm going to go.
To angst or not to angst, that is the question.
Let me know what you think!
Sara
My favorites are stories where the couple have a messy break up and then get back together. Tears and grovelling does it for me!
I was wondering what others think. Do you like a lot of angst in your books or do you prefer something gentler? I must admit I can't read more than one angsty book at a time. I need a break in between.
My current series, Mockingbird Square, is about Second Chances, and has some angst. I am working on my next series, hopefully for next year, and I'm not sure yet in which direction I'm going to go.
To angst or not to angst, that is the question.
Let me know what you think!
Sara
April 25, 2018
Story ideas
Non writers ask: Where do you get your ideas from? I think as writers we know we get them from all over the place. A walk to the shops can result in an idea, overhearing a conversation at a cafe, reading a newspaper. There are ideas everywhere.
Usually when I have an idea I will play around with it, not write it down, but think about it. I find if I write it down then it just stops, as if my job is done. If I mull over it, it grows, begins to take some shape.
Not all ideas work out, sadly. I have plenty of half finished stories languishing on my computer. Sometimes something that seemed brilliant in my head doesn't translate to paper, or else it's already been thought of, and done better.
I'm enjoying writing my Mockingbird Square series because each story is different and yet they are connected by a central theme. Characters reappear or develop further. I have lots of ideas! I'm sure not all of them will work out, but I'm sure some will.
Usually when I have an idea I will play around with it, not write it down, but think about it. I find if I write it down then it just stops, as if my job is done. If I mull over it, it grows, begins to take some shape.
Not all ideas work out, sadly. I have plenty of half finished stories languishing on my computer. Sometimes something that seemed brilliant in my head doesn't translate to paper, or else it's already been thought of, and done better.
I'm enjoying writing my Mockingbird Square series because each story is different and yet they are connected by a central theme. Characters reappear or develop further. I have lots of ideas! I'm sure not all of them will work out, but I'm sure some will.
March 29, 2018
Plotter or Pantser
Well I have finished my 2nd novella, Enraptured, which will be for sale in May, and I am now working on my 3rd. I've enjoyed writing the Mockingbird Square series, perhaps because I really only have to please myself (and my readers of course) and no one else. I'm not sure yet how many novellas will be in the series before I finish it with a full size book.
I think I'll know when the time comes.
As I think you can guess I am not a plotter. I've tried to be. Several times before writing a book I have written pages and pages of summary, worked out sub plots, threads, themes, black moments, everything I could think of. And then ... I was bored, and started a new book. So I know by now I just have to go with my process, which is to write and rewrite and eventually find my way forward.
That's not to say I don't plot at all. Usually when I'm someway into the book, I realise I need to change something because I finally have an idea of where the story is heading, so I go back and do that. And then I spend quite a bit of time thinking, usually in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping. It's incredible how problems in the story can work themselves out in the middle of the night.
I wish I could plot more. I think it would be a far more satisfactory way to write a book, and probably far less stressful. But I have a process and like an old married couple we are comfortable with each other.
Look out for Enraptured on the 22nd of May.
I think I'll know when the time comes.
As I think you can guess I am not a plotter. I've tried to be. Several times before writing a book I have written pages and pages of summary, worked out sub plots, threads, themes, black moments, everything I could think of. And then ... I was bored, and started a new book. So I know by now I just have to go with my process, which is to write and rewrite and eventually find my way forward.
That's not to say I don't plot at all. Usually when I'm someway into the book, I realise I need to change something because I finally have an idea of where the story is heading, so I go back and do that. And then I spend quite a bit of time thinking, usually in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping. It's incredible how problems in the story can work themselves out in the middle of the night.
I wish I could plot more. I think it would be a far more satisfactory way to write a book, and probably far less stressful. But I have a process and like an old married couple we are comfortable with each other.
Look out for Enraptured on the 22nd of May.
March 8, 2018
A Reading Binge
I don't know about you but sometimes I find a new author I like, or even an old author I've read before, and I go on a reading binge.
At the moment I'm binging on Anne O'Brien, an historical author who writes about Medieval times. I've just finished Forbidden Queen which I loved and now I'm on to the Scandalous Duchess. Recently I was on a Rachel Gibson binge, rereading her series about Canadian hockey players. See Jane Score would have to be a favorite of mine.
At the moment I need escapism in a big way, and when I find the right book I can read it twice and still love every word. Romance is a must, and although I prefer a happy ending, I can manage with a hopeful ending, or even a slightly sad ending, as long as the characters strike a chord and the writing is good.
And if the ending isn't quite as I would want it, then I can always rewrite it in my head to my own satisfaction. Or even extend the lives of the characters further into the future.
Have you ever done that? I'll bet you have!
Kaye
At the moment I'm binging on Anne O'Brien, an historical author who writes about Medieval times. I've just finished Forbidden Queen which I loved and now I'm on to the Scandalous Duchess. Recently I was on a Rachel Gibson binge, rereading her series about Canadian hockey players. See Jane Score would have to be a favorite of mine.
At the moment I need escapism in a big way, and when I find the right book I can read it twice and still love every word. Romance is a must, and although I prefer a happy ending, I can manage with a hopeful ending, or even a slightly sad ending, as long as the characters strike a chord and the writing is good.
And if the ending isn't quite as I would want it, then I can always rewrite it in my head to my own satisfaction. Or even extend the lives of the characters further into the future.
Have you ever done that? I'll bet you have!
Kaye
February 25, 2018
Life gets in the way
I want to write, I have a deadline, but life is getting in the way. I'm sure everyone has that problem! I'm not alone. I just wish I could lock myself away for a few days...weeks? Instead I seem to be pulled in a dozen different directions and there isn't really much I can do about it.
My mother is elderly and I am her main go-to-person, and I have children who although grown up and flown still have their moments, and I have a grandson who I need to see as often as possible. So he doesn't forget who I am. Or ask: Who is that strange old lady who never leaves the computer? That would be sad.
I suppose, like everyone else, I just do the best I can. I fit in my writing among all the other things and hope it adds up to a book.
Having said that, I am halfway into my new novella for the Mockingbird Square series. I know soon I will have to stop and start work on my other projects, but I'm hoping to finish this first. This is the story of Rory and Olivia Maclean who live at Number 7 and married in haste and seem to be repeating in haste too. When Rory leaves for his falling down castle in Scotland his wife decides to go too.
I'm not sure what happens after that but I'm looking forward to finding out!
Kaye
My mother is elderly and I am her main go-to-person, and I have children who although grown up and flown still have their moments, and I have a grandson who I need to see as often as possible. So he doesn't forget who I am. Or ask: Who is that strange old lady who never leaves the computer? That would be sad.
I suppose, like everyone else, I just do the best I can. I fit in my writing among all the other things and hope it adds up to a book.
Having said that, I am halfway into my new novella for the Mockingbird Square series. I know soon I will have to stop and start work on my other projects, but I'm hoping to finish this first. This is the story of Rory and Olivia Maclean who live at Number 7 and married in haste and seem to be repeating in haste too. When Rory leaves for his falling down castle in Scotland his wife decides to go too.
I'm not sure what happens after that but I'm looking forward to finding out!
Kaye
February 18, 2018
Writing a new book after a big break
Dear Readers,
I didn't realize how long it is since I've blogged! I suppose it is about the same amount of time since I wrote my last Sara Bennett book!
It's not like I've been slacking. I've been writing, but after I finished with Avon I went on to other things. I think I was pretty much done. Wiped out. Drained. I'm being honest here. I was sucked dry.
But now the time has come. I am feeling a definite stirring for more Sara Bennett romance. Not just dipping my toe in the water but jumping right in! I'm starting with a series of novellas, because really that's all I can manage right now. I'm going to build up. The novellas are set around a fictitious square in London, called Mockingbird Square. The novellas will tell the stories of the residents in the Square, and their search for love.
Mockingbird Square is owned by the Earls of Monkstead, and the latest earl loves interfering in his neighbors lives. Unhappy in love himself, he enjoys giving others a happy ever after. When I finish the series of novellas I will write Monkstead's story in a full size book.
That's the plan anyway.
I hope you'll stay along for the ride, and I'll do my best to make it an interesting one, and make you laugh and smile, and sigh. Maybe shed a tear or two. A happy tear.
I'll also try to blog every week or two. I'll do my best anyway!
Sara Unforgettable
I didn't realize how long it is since I've blogged! I suppose it is about the same amount of time since I wrote my last Sara Bennett book!
It's not like I've been slacking. I've been writing, but after I finished with Avon I went on to other things. I think I was pretty much done. Wiped out. Drained. I'm being honest here. I was sucked dry.
But now the time has come. I am feeling a definite stirring for more Sara Bennett romance. Not just dipping my toe in the water but jumping right in! I'm starting with a series of novellas, because really that's all I can manage right now. I'm going to build up. The novellas are set around a fictitious square in London, called Mockingbird Square. The novellas will tell the stories of the residents in the Square, and their search for love.
Mockingbird Square is owned by the Earls of Monkstead, and the latest earl loves interfering in his neighbors lives. Unhappy in love himself, he enjoys giving others a happy ever after. When I finish the series of novellas I will write Monkstead's story in a full size book.
That's the plan anyway.
I hope you'll stay along for the ride, and I'll do my best to make it an interesting one, and make you laugh and smile, and sigh. Maybe shed a tear or two. A happy tear.
I'll also try to blog every week or two. I'll do my best anyway!
Sara Unforgettable
April 20, 2012
Reading Romance while you are Writing Romance
I find it difficult to read romance books while I'm writing romance. Once the book I'm writing is done then it's fine, I go on a romance reading binge, but until then... well, I usually stick to reading factual books or crime or whatever, anything but romance.
I don't know why this is, but maybe I am worrying I may inadvertently rewrite someone elses story--although there are only so many plots in the universe, I believe. I know my fragile ego often finds it hard when comparing itself to other romance writers' books, so that's another reason to avoid them. Or maybe there's only room for one romance at a time in my head.
Funnily romance movies aren't a problem. In fact I watch lots of romantic movies while I'm writing, and I find it helps put me in the zone.
I know plenty of other romance writers who don't have this problem, so perhaps it's just me. But I certainly get through a lot of crime novels and biographies while I'm writing my romance books!
I don't know why this is, but maybe I am worrying I may inadvertently rewrite someone elses story--although there are only so many plots in the universe, I believe. I know my fragile ego often finds it hard when comparing itself to other romance writers' books, so that's another reason to avoid them. Or maybe there's only room for one romance at a time in my head.
Funnily romance movies aren't a problem. In fact I watch lots of romantic movies while I'm writing, and I find it helps put me in the zone.
I know plenty of other romance writers who don't have this problem, so perhaps it's just me. But I certainly get through a lot of crime novels and biographies while I'm writing my romance books!
