Mishka Jenkins's Blog, page 14

Romance Weekly #lovewritechat

It’s Tuesday and you know what that means: Romance Weekly Blog Hop!

If you’re joining me from Meggan Connors then hello and welcome! :)

Now, let’s see what questions we have this week.



1. How often do you write?

5 days a week, usually for around 2-3 hours, though I am hoping to gradually increase the amount of hours I write.

I write Monday-Friday, and take weekends off, so as I can avoid burning out. But, if I am behind schedule then I will write on weekends too.

2. Do you think it’s important to your craft to write as much as you can, and as often as you can?

Yes, otherwise how would writers improve and discover new techniques? :D The way I try to develop my skill is by writing different things: short stories, fan fiction, blog posts, non-fiction and even poetry sometimes.

When I find new advice from another writer, I am always keen to try it out and see if it works for me. I keep a variety of notebooks scattered about that I can grab when an idea strikes, and I just jot down a scene or short story when I can, not just because it helps improve my writing, but also because it’s fun!

Kinda like how artists often do doodles or sketches. I think any little thing you can do helps :)

3. What is your opinion on the saying, ‘If you don’t write every day, you’re not a writer’?

I don’t believe that. Writers have to have a life too :D You’re a writer if you love to write, no matter how much you get to do it.

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Another set of interesting questions this week, how would answer them?

Now let’s go check out what the fabulous Leslie Hachtel has to say in response.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Romance Weekly Giveaway!

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Progress Report:

Status of Fourth Manuscript: With the readers (2/3 returned).

Books read: 1/4

July eBook review: Written and ready.

True love? Pfft!

Whilst my manuscript is off with the readers for two weeks, I am taking a break from it. Mainly so as I can go over it with fresh eyes once I get it back, but also because during this time, I can go on and plan my next book.

I am a major planner, so it takes me quite some time to do all the research and characters, etc. Pretty much 24/7 for the full two weeks :D I do love planning though.

Anyway, whilst planning out my next book something struck me.

My next book is going to be vastly different to anything I’ve written yet. It’s going to be more of a contemporary, light-hearted read, kind of what I’d class as ‘chick-lit’.

I chose it because I have a fun story idea for it, but also because I just want to be able to let loose and have fun with my next book. My others all have heavy plots and characters, where as I plan to make my next one something fun and easy to read over a relaxing weekend.

Whilst planning, I realised how incredibly different the types of romance are in different genres of books.

So far I have written paranormal, fantasy and historical, and for some reason I have had no qualms about the romance and relationship being one of true love. I don’t mean fall in love at first sight (which I am not a fan of writing), but that intense, emotional kind of true love that builds up and doesn’t break. But, when planning out my next book, which is set in our modern, real world, I suddenly bulked at the idea of the romance being true love.

I realised it’s because for many true love doesn’t exist, so writing about it in a book set in the real world felt… fake? You can get away with it fantasy or paranormal, but in something with a sense of reality about it? Not so much.

And it really annoyed me :D That I was stopping myself from writing about a true love romance in a book set in the modern, real world because of this doubt about it in the real world.

I read romance to escape to a place where true love does exist, where characters find each other and fall in love against all odds, no matter what setting or genre that may be.

So why am I so hesitant to write about it? It’s just a story, after all.

Maybe it’s because in reality, relationships are hard, where as true love is meant to be easy? True love gives a sense that people are meant to be together no matter what, where as in life things just don’t work out that way. Writing a book set in the real world comes with the horrible reality that true love might not exist, so readers might be put off by a relationship written in such a way.

But, I am trying to push past my hesitancy.

Why?

Because I like true love, because I want to believe in true love even in today’s world, and there must be others out there who want to lose themselves in a story for the same reasons I do.

Yes, I am tailoring the romance to suit the genre, and I probably won’t even mention the words, ‘true love’ in the book, but still, I think any type of love that builds from an deep emotional connection is a true love no matter which genre it is.

What do you think about the different types of romances in different genres? How do you feel about true love in books? Have you written a true love romance?

Also, my blogger friend, Shannon A. Thompson, asked me to guest post on her blog, why not check it out?- Spreading the Love :)

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Progress Report:

Status of Fourth Manuscript: With the readers. (1/3 returned).

Books read: 1/4

July eBook review: Written and ready.

And I’m feeling good!

I got the first manuscript back from my readers last night, which was pretty awesome as it usually takes quite a bit longer. So, I was already taking that as a good sign that the story flowed and read easily.

When I give my manuscripts out to my readers, I ask that they note any parts they particularly liked, so as I can get a sense of what people enjoy and what are my strengths (also to make me feel a bit better as I slog through their notes for edits :D).

It’s fun finding out which bits they pull out as liking and find interesting.

But, I have to say I felt pretty darn tootin’ good when I got the manuscript back this time and found comments like this:

‘Nice, nice, nice, nice.’

‘Fab! !- Highlighted! Love it!’

‘You can just ‘take it as read’ from here on in that I love all the Sindrin bits!’

‘Love it!’

It really made me smile! :D

I am proud of all the stories I have produced so far, but I was particularly glad to see comments like this on this manuscript, because I worked really hard on bringing everything I’ve learned and making this one of my best books. Really, really hard!

Normally I try not to write these kind of bragging posts, but I am so proud of this story I could burst! :D I can’t wait to get it out into the world and see what others think. I promise on Monday it will be back to regular posting :)

Now it’s just waiting for the last 2 manuscripts, and seeing what they think!

How is your writing coming along? If your in CampNaNo, are you doing well with your word goals?

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Progress Report:

Status of fourth manuscript: Waiting for copies from the readers (1/3 returned).

Books read: 1/4



July eBook Review: Written and ready.

Reblog Thursday!

WordPress won’t let me re-blog at the moment, not sure why, brings up little box but won’t let me write or press the button!

So, I will link to the post instead- http://africolonialstories.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/writing-is-a-job/

Brilliant post, resonated with me alot :)

What a dynamic group!

Photo by Grzegorz Łobiński on Flickr

My fourth manuscript is finally with the readers! Now all I have to do is sit and try not to chew my nails too badly whilst I wait for what they say, and wonder how much editing I will have to do :D

It will be good to take a break from it myself so as in a couple of weeks, when I get it back, I can start with fresh eyes again.

But, thinking over my current work, I was trying to work out what I enjoyed most about writing it.

What I decided upon was the group dynamic between my characters.

I have written a larger cast of characters before in Heart of the Arena, but this book and its characters are different in that they’ve known each other for quite some time.

I find it fascinating to look at groups of people and friends and see how they interact- You notice the people who are closer to others in the group, the underlying tension in others and even those who are attracted to the other.

It’s a really interesting thing to me, and it was great fun to write a group of characters all with their distinct personalities, but that all have their own opinions and history (remember when I said two of these character had spent the night together?) which shape their way of interacting with these friends who they’ve known for years.

The roles these characters play also made a difference to their interactions and the way they behaved. For example, upon meeting up with an old friend, the group dynamic shifts and that friend once again takes place as leader amongst the group, even though that person had not been with them for a long time. It was a natural shift amongst them, because that is what happens when people who know each other well get together.

Then I chucked in a newcomer, and the fun got even better :D Especially because the newcomer is half their age, so they all react to him differently.

Another thing I really enjoyed in writing this book was developing the relationships, not just the romantic relationship, but the friendships and rivalries.

It was something I was keen to try in this book and hopefully have succeeded at writing well!

Do you enjoy writing about the relationships between groups of characters? Do you like discovering the dynamics that grow within a group? Do you enjoy reading about the relationships between different types of characters?



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Progress Report:

Status of Fourth Manuscript: Sent to readers.

Books read: 1/4

July eBook Review: Written and ready.

Romance Weekly #lovewritechat

Time for the hop this week, let’s see what questions we have.

If you joined me from the lovely Vicki Mixon then welcome!

1. How did you go about choosing the names for your characters?

This time around, I really struggled with character names. It took me ages to find ones that I liked. In past books, I generally saw a name and BAM! That was it, it was perfect.

I wanted names that sounded like they fit into my fantasy world, but I knew I didn’t want difficult names. Names that were easy to remember and easy to read but with a unique sound was my ultimate goal. Which was a lot harder than I bargained for! :D

For this book, I scoured the internet baby name sites, ones where they explain the meaning behind a name (I love giving characters names which fit some part of their personality). I spent ages going back and forth between names until I just kept going back to the same ones.

2. Where did the inspiration for your current book come from?

I was sat watching a TV show, I can’t remember what it was, and I realised that everyone who becomes a chosen one, or is part of a prophecy, or has a certain destiny seems to never want to do it. They fight against it.

I thought, wouldn’t it be fun to write a story about someone who is part of a prophecy and really, really wants to be part of it. Someone who loves the idea of becoming a hero of destiny! And then it spiralled out from there :D

3. What methods do you use to ensure you have no plot holes (journal, storyboard, outline, editor, etc.)?

I am a MAJOR plotter, I plan everything, every detail! Nothing tends to slip by. Though occasionally my brain will come up with something random and even better as I write, and I have to go back to make the rest of my plan and story consistent with this new plot point.

But I always keep a plan and tons of character sheets, locations sheets, scene sheets near me and jot stuff down as I go. I never like to miss or forget a thing.

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Some really interesting questions this week, it’s always fun to delve a bit further into the planning stages of a book!

Now go check out what the very talented Fiona Riplee has to say about her writing :)

How would you answer these questions? Do you like finding out about how authors go about planning out books?

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Progress Report

Status of Fourth Manuscript: Sent to readers for editing!

Books read: 1/4

July eBook review: Written and ready.

Oh, how cliche… I love it!

Photo by Tom Newby on Flickr

I know when I read about two characters kissing in the rain I should go, ‘Oh, that is sooo cliché!’

But, deep down, I squeal a little bit and melt at the idea :D

Clichés, I think, resonate with people, hence their overuse. They tend to be something that pulls the most emotion from someone, or gains the best reaction.

I have to admit, I tend to stay away from clichés in my books, and I think that is just because of all the years of having it drummed into me that they are bad and you should never use them.

Which I can understand, I mean, you don’t want to be using the same story telling points as everyone else.

But, having said that, I don’t see the problem in dropping one in occasionally, especially if you can take a unique approach on it and give it a bit of spice with some originality.

For example, I am desperate to one day write the ballroom cliché scene. That scene where the girl turns up at a ball and is in a fabulous gown and the guy turns up to see her at the top of the stairs and is wowed by her.

Those scenes melt me into a puddle and I love them every time :D Possibly a left over from my childhood dreaming of being Cinderella!

But I want to add something exciting to the scene, make it feel fresh. Something that leaves readers excited by it, not bored by the fact it’s another one of those scenes.

My take on using clichés is it’s all good as long as you can make people forget it’s a cliché by adding something fresh to it. It’s always nice when writers take hold of something so well-used and give it new life!

But I understand and am wary of clichés being boring and readers being turned off by that. So, I will have to make sure if I ever do get to write that scene, it leaves them as wowed as though they were that guy at the bottom of the staircase!

How do you feel about clichés? Are there any clichés that you love and/or would like to try and write? Are there any clichés that drive you nuts because of their overuse?

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Progress Report

Status of fourth manuscript: Third draft edits (I know, I’m behind!)

Books read: 1/4

July eBook Review: Written and ready.

The Writers of Romance Weekly

I have been doing the Romance Weekly blog hop for some time now, and have been very privileged to join this group of incredible writers!

**The group is doing a Giveaway, which end July 9th, so you might want to pop on over and enter if you haven’t already. There are some really great prizes, including a Kindle Fire!**

The more I’ve gotten to know these writers, the more I’ve come to realise their passion for writing and also discover the incredible book why’ve written. As such, I thought it was about time they got a little introduction on my blog, along with opening up some bloggers to their works :)

Supporting other authors is an important part of my writing journey, so I hope you find some new books to read from these amazing writers!

So, I am pleased to introduce some of the writers of Romance Weekly:

J.R.Richardson

Bio: Writer of paranormal, murder mysteries, humor, romance . . . and anything else I can think up.

Cursed Be The Wicked- Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Goodreads

Cooper Shaw is a seasoned travel writer. When he’s sent home to Salem, Massachusetts, to cover their famous Festival of the Dead, he’s determined to avoid the ghosts from his past. Finnley Pierce is the quirky yet curiously insightful woman he meets upon his return. And she’s going to help him face those ghosts of his, whether he likes it or not.

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J.J.Devine

Bio: J.J. Devine grew up loving the written word. She spent her days daydreaming and imagining what life would be like if she lived between the pages of the books she read. Today, she still spends her days dreaming. Only now she pens them into the romance novels she enjoys writing to share with her readers.

Into the Darkness- Out July 9th!

Witches and vampires can only be found in make believe worlds, right? This is exactly what Raven thought before that fateful night when her mortal world came crashing down around her, bringing to her fingertips the fate of two very different worlds, vampires and witches.

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S.C.Mitchell

Bio: S.C.Mitchell grew up an avid reader of comic books, science fiction and fantasy literature. He’s been writing stories for over thirty years. In 2010 he left his job as a computer desktop support specialist to pursue his passion for writing full time.

Son of Thunder- Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Goodreads

The son of Thor, has a lot to live up to…and no time for love.

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Colette Cameron

Bio: Collette Cameron love’s dachshunds, the beach trivia and Cadbury Milk Chocolate. She writes historical romance with a dash of suspense and a pinch of naughty humor.

The Earl’s Enticement- Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Goodreads

Adaira Ferguson, a fiery, unconventional Scotswoman meets her match when she tangles with Roark, the oh, so proper English Earl of Clarendon. She trusts no man with the secret she protects, while having been betrayed once, he’s leery of all women.

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Sarah Hegger

Bio: Sarah Hegger is a professional butterfly, having lived in 7 different countries, 12 different homes and had countless different careers. She writes medieval and contemporary romance and is always looking for the next thing to catch her eye. And … she’s off again!

The Bride Gift- Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Goodreads

It’s England, 1153, and Empress Maude and King Stephen are not the only two locked in a battle of the sexes.

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Dani Jace

Bio: I enjoy writing headstrong, flip-flop casual heroines and everyday heroes who work with their hands―and other body parts. Claiming the Outer Banks of North Carolina as my second home, I include the scenic and legendary chain of barrier islands as a setting for many of my tales.

White Doe- Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Goodreads

Shane is shape-shifting hawk living a secret life until his first love, Cheyenne, returns to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Their erotic reunion deepens to love when he discovers her unique animal nature, but can he save her from those who seek to slay the legendary white doe?

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Raine Balkera

Bio: Writer of Romance, partial to Contemporaries but am currently working on a four-part Fantasy series.

I grew up in Michigan, need music to write, and am an amateur photographer who loves to travel.

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Susan Peterson Wisnewski

Bio: Susan Peterson Wisnewski is a mystery, thriller, and romance writer. Two books published and several in the process.

Chasing the Rainbow- Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Goodreads

Chasing the Rainbow ties romance into a twister of a plot that leaves you wondering will there ever be rainbows for Kate? The story ties romance, family, and mental illness together creating a whirlwind of action and suspense with a sprinkling of romance.

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Progress Report:

Status of Fourth Manuscript: Editing second draft.

Books read: 0/4

July eBook review: Written and ready.

Taking a risk – writing

Harliqueen:

A great post that really resonated with me. If you want to be a writer, then be one :) Follow those dreams!

Originally posted on The Writing Chimp:

In order to fulfil my life purpose I must risk being a fool or a  failure

I wrote a little while ago about living my life purpose – it’s time to stop procrastinating. In it I talk about my dream to become a writer. I started a journal, enlisted an editor, and began taking those necessary steps to start turning my dream into a reality.

My book – The Wall – is currently in the capable hands of a wonderful editor that I have found. I am extremely hopeful about what I will learn by having an expert cast their eyes over my work. I realise that I have a long way to go, to get both myself and my book to the finished product, but I am determined to enjoy the journey, and to keep learning on the way.

In all aspects of my working life, I am not…

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June 2014 Round-Up and July 2014 Plan

Hello all! :D

This is the first post I’ve had to properly say hi to everyone after my break, which was lovely, and thank you for all the nice comments you replied with :)

So, now onto the round-up of June. Wow, I don’t think I can even keep up with how fast this year is going! How is it July already? :D

June:

- Kept on schedule! Finished the first draft of my book by the end of June.

- Posted every scheduled day including re-blogging.

- I got my first reviews for my books (5* for Stolen, 4* for Heart of the Arena!!- Rather excited if you couldn’t tell).

- Connected regularly with other bloggers.

- Started to more actively support fellow authors with tweets and facebook as well as doing a support post with links to other indie books (worth checking out the comments too, some great suggestions for books for your summer reading).

- Read 4 books- The Vessel by Callum McLaughlin, The Stolen Throne by David Gaider, Olivia’s Choice by Taylor Grace, Immortal Dreams Anthology by Chrissy Peebles and C.M.Owens

- Linked to other’s posts, but not enough!

So I think I actually met most of my goals for June, which is a nice surprise as it felt like another rather manic month!

Onto July:

Plan:

1st-5th- Editing first draft/Work on art for the book

6th- 20th- Off to the readers for editing/Plan next book/Start working on the cover of current book.

21st-29th- Finish editing/Formatting/Cover

30th July- July EBook Review

31st July- Release Day!

Goals:

- Read 4 books

- Link to other’s post more often.

- Keep actively supporting other authors.

- Look for new ways to market my books (using illustration, etc)

An exciting month ahead again!

I was also interviewed by Melissa Barker-Simpson, which was great fun!

I am planning to do a complete overhaul of my blog social media pages etc, changing the theme and taking some suggestions that people commented in my marketing post (books in the side bar, etc). So if my blog looks messy and weird over next few days, it’s probably because I am fiddling with it, apologies in advance! :D

It’s also CampNano this month, which I’m not participating in, but to all those brave writers who are… GOOD LUCK! :D

Progress Report:

Status of Fourth Manuscript: Editing first draft.

Books read: 0/4

July eBook review: Book read. Review written and ready (Yay for being super-organised!)