Allison Symes's Blog, page 15
January 21, 2023
Key Story Ingredients
All successful stories, for me, have to contain key ingredients. Doesn't matter if these are flash fiction, short stories, novellas, or novels, I think they all need to have the following ingredients in them.
1. Characters you care about and want to root for. Sometimes it can be rooting for a villain to fail.
2. Twists and turns so you have to keep reading to find out what happens.
3. A feeling of having had a fantastic reading experience when you finish the story. Points 1 and 2 are crucial here.
4. For a novel/novella series, there needs to be continual character development so you can see how they change and grow over the series. You can do likewise on a smaller scale for linked flash/short stories.
5. Understanding of the dilemmas the characters face and enjoying finding out how they deal with these.
What would be key ingredients for you?
1. Characters you care about and want to root for. Sometimes it can be rooting for a villain to fail.
2. Twists and turns so you have to keep reading to find out what happens.
3. A feeling of having had a fantastic reading experience when you finish the story. Points 1 and 2 are crucial here.
4. For a novel/novella series, there needs to be continual character development so you can see how they change and grow over the series. You can do likewise on a smaller scale for linked flash/short stories.
5. Understanding of the dilemmas the characters face and enjoying finding out how they deal with these.
What would be key ingredients for you?
January 14, 2023
Book Recommendations
Where do you get book recommendations from? Yes, I get some from Goodreads, but I would say my main source for these is from fellow authors.
And there is, to my mind, nothing better than going to a book/writing event and having a good look at what is on offer at the book table. I nearly always come back with purchases!
I do look at reviews on Amazon and the like but am not necessarily swayed by them. Having said that, if there are lots of bad reviews, and the reviewers are pretty much saying the same thing, then I will sit up and take notice.
Likewise, if good reviews are saying similar things, I will take note.
(I like to see the reasons why someone likes a book so if there is a comment about the characterisation, I will take immediate notice given characters for me are the driving force behind what makes a story work or fail).
And there is, to my mind, nothing better than going to a book/writing event and having a good look at what is on offer at the book table. I nearly always come back with purchases!
I do look at reviews on Amazon and the like but am not necessarily swayed by them. Having said that, if there are lots of bad reviews, and the reviewers are pretty much saying the same thing, then I will sit up and take notice.
Likewise, if good reviews are saying similar things, I will take note.
(I like to see the reasons why someone likes a book so if there is a comment about the characterisation, I will take immediate notice given characters for me are the driving force behind what makes a story work or fail).
January 7, 2023
Book Blurbs
I must admit it is the book cover which draws me to a book (whether it is online or via a bookshop unless I know of the author. Know I like their work, can’t wait to snap up the next they bring out etc).
But after that it is the book blurb which draws me into buying the book or leaving it on the shelf. I like something crisp and snappy to lure me in but they’re not the easiest things to write. You can be sure what you see on the book is the result of several drafts!
But the end result is usually well worth it. Every writer needs to be able to sum up their book in a line (as it gives you something to tell people without going on for too long - and that is an art still).
Sometimes I’ve come across quizzes and the like where you have to guess the book from the blurb that’s been given to you and that can be fun.
As a flash fiction writer having to stick to a tight word count, I guess I may have an advantage here. Writing tight can help you produce those blurbs or at least be less nervous of coming up with something short and snappy.
But after that it is the book blurb which draws me into buying the book or leaving it on the shelf. I like something crisp and snappy to lure me in but they’re not the easiest things to write. You can be sure what you see on the book is the result of several drafts!
But the end result is usually well worth it. Every writer needs to be able to sum up their book in a line (as it gives you something to tell people without going on for too long - and that is an art still).
Sometimes I’ve come across quizzes and the like where you have to guess the book from the blurb that’s been given to you and that can be fun.
As a flash fiction writer having to stick to a tight word count, I guess I may have an advantage here. Writing tight can help you produce those blurbs or at least be less nervous of coming up with something short and snappy.
December 31, 2022
New Books For A New Year
My New Year reading will begin with the books I received at Christmas. I have got off to a good start already but am glad to say I have plenty of reading to do!
In the next year I hope to discover books and authors new to me, as well as enjoy old favourites. It will be fun!
I will continue my reading policy of novels, novellas, ebooks, short story and flash fiction collections, and magazines. Also to enjoy audio books and stories via films.
This is the nearest I get to a New Year's resolution, folks!
Happy New Year!
In the next year I hope to discover books and authors new to me, as well as enjoy old favourites. It will be fun!
I will continue my reading policy of novels, novellas, ebooks, short story and flash fiction collections, and magazines. Also to enjoy audio books and stories via films.
This is the nearest I get to a New Year's resolution, folks!
Happy New Year!
December 24, 2022
Christmas and Books
I hope you end up with plenty of new books as Christmas presents this year.
It is especially comforting to read when in the depths of winter. All you need to go with that new book is a lovely mug of hot chocolate. Perfect reading conditions!
Christmas is the perfect time to give and receive new books. (And it always pays to keep the hot chocolate in!).
I hope the New Year will see plenty of interesting new books to investigate. I’ve submitted my own third flash fiction collection for consideration so am keeping fingers crossed for that one. Would love to see that out in 2023.
Whatever your choice of reading material, I hope you have a lovely Christmas and get plenty of reading done.
Let’s hear it for the hardbacks, the paperbacks, the e-books, the novellas, the novels, the short story and flash fiction collections, and the non-fiction selections.
Let’s read!
Happy Christmas!
It is especially comforting to read when in the depths of winter. All you need to go with that new book is a lovely mug of hot chocolate. Perfect reading conditions!
Christmas is the perfect time to give and receive new books. (And it always pays to keep the hot chocolate in!).
I hope the New Year will see plenty of interesting new books to investigate. I’ve submitted my own third flash fiction collection for consideration so am keeping fingers crossed for that one. Would love to see that out in 2023.
Whatever your choice of reading material, I hope you have a lovely Christmas and get plenty of reading done.
Let’s hear it for the hardbacks, the paperbacks, the e-books, the novellas, the novels, the short story and flash fiction collections, and the non-fiction selections.
Let’s read!
Happy Christmas!
December 17, 2022
Santa's Reading List
Now we all know many of the presents on Santa’s sleigh are books. (The rest I suspect would be chocolate, toys, socks, and stuff for pets!).
But what would Santa himself want to read after all of those deliveries have been done or would like to read if the books existed?
We all deserve to put our feet up with a good book after all. (He would have already read A Christmas Carol and The Nativity stories of course and would re-read them each year).
Lounging in the Sun - would make a change from his usual environment, yes?
How to Bake the Perfect Mince Pie - suspect he might leave this book as a present when what he is offered as refreshments is below par. Bound to come across the odd shoddy few.
Reindeer Management - What You Need to Know - wonder if he’ll find a cure for Rudolph’s red nose here.
Postman Pat - Any of these classic children’s stories would go down well with the great man. Would make a change to read stories from someone else with deliveries to sort out.
Getting Away From It All - You’d want to after dealing with the workload for another year.
The Haynes Guide to Sleigh Maintenance - The Haynes manuals are very well known especially in the UK. They even have one for the Star Trek Enterprise and the Millennium Falcon so why not do one for Santa’s sleigh?
Hope you have plenty of book shaped presents under your Christmas tree this year!
But what would Santa himself want to read after all of those deliveries have been done or would like to read if the books existed?
We all deserve to put our feet up with a good book after all. (He would have already read A Christmas Carol and The Nativity stories of course and would re-read them each year).
Lounging in the Sun - would make a change from his usual environment, yes?
How to Bake the Perfect Mince Pie - suspect he might leave this book as a present when what he is offered as refreshments is below par. Bound to come across the odd shoddy few.
Reindeer Management - What You Need to Know - wonder if he’ll find a cure for Rudolph’s red nose here.
Postman Pat - Any of these classic children’s stories would go down well with the great man. Would make a change to read stories from someone else with deliveries to sort out.
Getting Away From It All - You’d want to after dealing with the workload for another year.
The Haynes Guide to Sleigh Maintenance - The Haynes manuals are very well known especially in the UK. They even have one for the Star Trek Enterprise and the Millennium Falcon so why not do one for Santa’s sleigh?
Hope you have plenty of book shaped presents under your Christmas tree this year!
December 10, 2022
Anthologies
I’ve been fortunate to be published in many anthologies including the most recent from Bridge House Publishing (Evergreen - an Anthology). It is great fun to write for these and it’s a privilege and pleasure when your story is selected.
I read anthologies too, regardless of whether my work is included or not, because I’m a firm believer in supporting the market I want to be in!
Also, I want to mix up the kind of things I read. I read novels, novellas, flash, short stories, collections of the latter two categories, as well as magazines and the like. I want a good and varied reading “diet”.
Anthologies are a great way to find authors new to you and many either support charities or are produced by independent publishers who give more authors a voice. For many it is their way into being published at all. It was for me.
I also like varied moods in my stories (whether I read or write them) and in anthologies, you get this in one book so that’s another reason to love them.
You can also work out the kind of writing style and mood you prefer by reading these. I tend to like a lighter touch. I’ve described my own collections as “mixed assortments” and this can apply to most anthologies too.
Even when on a single theme, you can be amazed at what the contributing authors have come up with for it. I’ve done this myself.
For the Waterloo Arts Festival Writing Competition a while back, I had to write to a set word count on a set theme. Fifteen winners (including me) wrote to those stipulations but the way all of the authors took the topic was amazing.
I often use anthologies to read in between reading novels to make sure I do mix up my reading and to help me make up my mind which genre of novel I will read next.
I read anthologies too, regardless of whether my work is included or not, because I’m a firm believer in supporting the market I want to be in!
Also, I want to mix up the kind of things I read. I read novels, novellas, flash, short stories, collections of the latter two categories, as well as magazines and the like. I want a good and varied reading “diet”.
Anthologies are a great way to find authors new to you and many either support charities or are produced by independent publishers who give more authors a voice. For many it is their way into being published at all. It was for me.
I also like varied moods in my stories (whether I read or write them) and in anthologies, you get this in one book so that’s another reason to love them.
You can also work out the kind of writing style and mood you prefer by reading these. I tend to like a lighter touch. I’ve described my own collections as “mixed assortments” and this can apply to most anthologies too.
Even when on a single theme, you can be amazed at what the contributing authors have come up with for it. I’ve done this myself.
For the Waterloo Arts Festival Writing Competition a while back, I had to write to a set word count on a set theme. Fifteen winners (including me) wrote to those stipulations but the way all of the authors took the topic was amazing.
I often use anthologies to read in between reading novels to make sure I do mix up my reading and to help me make up my mind which genre of novel I will read next.
December 3, 2022
Book Events
Book events are great fun and if you can get to go to any, please do.
As well as showing support for the authors (which is always appreciated), you may well get to hear readings. Also there will be the chance to get signed copies. These make for fab Christmas presents!
A lot of work goes on behind the scenes setting these up but book events are wonderful for bringing writers and readers together.
Any reader interacts with the author simply by reading their works of course but at events, you may be able to ask questions as you get your books signed.
That can give the writer useful feedback. I've had readers say something about my stories revealing hidden depths I hadn't considered when writing the tale.
Was I pleased? Oh yes! Why? Because the readers had engaged with my stories and showed me they had.
We all love books for various reasons but engaging with stories like that is so special. And it is really nice for an author to find that out a book event.
As well as showing support for the authors (which is always appreciated), you may well get to hear readings. Also there will be the chance to get signed copies. These make for fab Christmas presents!
A lot of work goes on behind the scenes setting these up but book events are wonderful for bringing writers and readers together.
Any reader interacts with the author simply by reading their works of course but at events, you may be able to ask questions as you get your books signed.
That can give the writer useful feedback. I've had readers say something about my stories revealing hidden depths I hadn't considered when writing the tale.
Was I pleased? Oh yes! Why? Because the readers had engaged with my stories and showed me they had.
We all love books for various reasons but engaging with stories like that is so special. And it is really nice for an author to find that out a book event.
November 26, 2022
'Tis The Season To Buy Books!
Tomorrow, 27th November 2022, is Advent Sunday, the day the Church begins the countdown to Christmas. Certainly it is at about this time of year I get present lists up together and books are very much included here!
It is a joy to select books for others as well as giving my family a wish list for books I’d like to have. Okay, you can always tell a book-shaped present for what it is under the Christmas tree but there is joy in spotting those there too!
I like a mixture of books as presents to me. This year I’ve opted for a couple of crime novels and a humorous book which is part of a series I love.
Kindle books I tend to get as and when I want them and I often try out authors new to me by downloading their ebooks first. If I really like their work, I will often to go for the next book in paperback.
One thing the pandemic has changed for me is that I haven’t been in to the big shopping centres (and therefore the big bookshops) for a while.
I don’t know yet if that will change for this year but I do, whenever possible, support a variety of online retailers, including those who support the independent bookshops. Do look out for those.
I also support smaller bookshops when I can. They all have a lovely ambience to them and that’s reason enough to go in and support those!
I hope you have a lovely season buying books and then the great joy of having several to unwrap on Christmas Day!
It is a joy to select books for others as well as giving my family a wish list for books I’d like to have. Okay, you can always tell a book-shaped present for what it is under the Christmas tree but there is joy in spotting those there too!
I like a mixture of books as presents to me. This year I’ve opted for a couple of crime novels and a humorous book which is part of a series I love.
Kindle books I tend to get as and when I want them and I often try out authors new to me by downloading their ebooks first. If I really like their work, I will often to go for the next book in paperback.
One thing the pandemic has changed for me is that I haven’t been in to the big shopping centres (and therefore the big bookshops) for a while.
I don’t know yet if that will change for this year but I do, whenever possible, support a variety of online retailers, including those who support the independent bookshops. Do look out for those.
I also support smaller bookshops when I can. They all have a lovely ambience to them and that’s reason enough to go in and support those!
I hope you have a lovely season buying books and then the great joy of having several to unwrap on Christmas Day!
November 19, 2022
Reading Acrostic
R= Reading is wonderful and inspires further stories to be written.
E = Educational and entertaining - what is there not to like?
A = Animals, aliens, all sorts of characters end up being the heroes and villains in the stories.
D = Dialogue in books and stories is like overhearing an intriguing conversation where you have to find out what happens.
I = Imagination - reading fires this up considerably even if you don’t write yourself.
N = Novels, novellas, short stories, flash fiction, non-fiction, articles, books, magazines - there is something to suit you somewhere!
G = Great reading can cross centuries - there is no time limit on how long a book or story can be good for.
E = Educational and entertaining - what is there not to like?
A = Animals, aliens, all sorts of characters end up being the heroes and villains in the stories.
D = Dialogue in books and stories is like overhearing an intriguing conversation where you have to find out what happens.
I = Imagination - reading fires this up considerably even if you don’t write yourself.
N = Novels, novellas, short stories, flash fiction, non-fiction, articles, books, magazines - there is something to suit you somewhere!
G = Great reading can cross centuries - there is no time limit on how long a book or story can be good for.
