Fortunately, I have never been in an abusive relationship but wanting to understanding them leaves me fascinated. There is a grip to watching shows or films about it, like a thriller. You know the person is in danger and you on the edge of your seat, wanting them to get out but knowing its not straight forward.
Shows I have enjoyed for this reason are:
Big Little Lies (2017)
I watched this because of the big names in it. The character played by Nicole Kidman is done incredibly well. I believe it was based on a book.
Dirty John (2018)
This series is based on a true story of one of John Meehan’s victims. There is also a documentary about the many victims of John Meehan.
You (2018)
I partly loved this series because it has a writer in it but that’s not what makes it compelling to watch. That would be the tension of the show told from the viewpoint of the stalker, come murdering boyfriend.
Envy by J D Groom
If you loved the above shows, then you are bound to love Envy by J D Groom. It is a a short story available on Amazon for Kindle.
Here is the blurb:
Kate had it all; a job she excelled at, friends, family and an apartment to call her own. Then she fell for her boss.
Finding herself stuck in his web, will she continue to live under his rule and be lost forever? Sometimes help can come from the most unexpected of places.
Blurb from Envy by J D Groom
What is it about?
If you haven’t figured it out yet, the story is about a main character trapped in a toxic relationship. Jodie doesn’t glamorise the situation by making it romantic or dramatise it with extreme scenes. She slowly builds the danger with all the control from the spouse, his sudden mood swings and unpredictability, the repressed freedom where the MC’s every move is tracked.
You get sucked into the dark tension and when the MC, Kate, has an opportunity to escape you feel her fear, her hesitation and you’re right there encouraging her to go but know the odds are stacked against her. Will her plan work, can she reach safety? Well… you’ll have to read to find out.
Would I recommend it?
100% Yes! This is a short story that packs a punch. If you want a quick read, then this short pacey page turner is for you.
Here is a collection of other useful hashtags that are popular with writers.
General Writing Challenge hashtags
You could take part in challenges for writers like Nano and post progress updates on IG or do a photo prompt challenge and add any of these tags that are relevant.
If you are a writer that also blogs here are some general tags for you although you will also want to add some that are specific to the content you’ve created.
I know many writers are stationery addicts and can’t resist a planner. If you are sharing your planner, here are some general tags although you may also wish to add tags relating to the type of planner you are using too.
I only discovered recently how important reviews are especially for indie books. If you can find the time, write a review, share it on IG and everywhere else to help it get discovered.
When tagging you may also want to tag the picture with the books genre, where you bought it and what media it is. See part 2 for bibliophile tags or part 3 for genre tags.
You may have caught my previous post where I reflected on my progress so far this year towards my annual goal. As we enter into Autumn, I am evaluating where I am at and setting myself some new goals for the next quarter.
Social Media
Blog (Word Press): I have enough post ideas to post twice a week but my new plan is to plan posts a month ahead and if I only have enough for one post a week, I’ll be happy.
Instagram: Continue engaging with my new connections. October, I am taking part in a photo prompt challenge and will be aiming to post once a day. However in August, I trialled three posts a week and this was easy to maintain. I think this is something I will be moving towards.
Twitter: I still share content to Twitter and get involved in Twitter events but it isn’t my main social platform. I’ll continue in this manner.
Facebook page: Currently, this is not my main focus. I share content here. I think when I publish, I will use this platform for giveaways and live chats, etc.
YouTube: It’s not only plucking up the courage to go infront of the camera but also to find the time and correct conditions (not exhausted or surrounded by kids). Until my life calms down, this is being shelved.
Tumblr: Share Instagram and Word Press content to this platform.
Writing
Jewel of the Sea: Use feedback from Beta’s to improve novel. Complete Willow Editing’s course and use what I learn to improve Jewel of the Sea. Whilst saving for an editor, find out more about self publishing. Query agents that show an interest.
Diamond in the Sky: Re-plot novel, edit existing version and write ending. There’s a lot to write so I will be working on this for NaNoWriMo.
Tinsel Tiger: Research Literary Agents/Publishers of picture books and consider querying.
Personal
Read six or more books: I’ve hit my goal of six books but I will continue to read more.
Self care: Sadly, I’ve neglected myself. I think I would love to have a spa day, get my nails done, get my eye lashes done, maybe use a face mask. Surely this can be achieve within the next three months.
Development
Willow Editing: I am so lucky that Willow Editing has given me access to her editing course. I really struggle with editing as I’m not confident in my use of English Language and the more I think ‘is that right?’ the more I second guess myself.
Resource book: During the last quarter, my goal was to buy another resource and I failed. So, this time I will set: Buy two resource books on writing!
What are your goals?
I shall review these again at the end of December. I often feel like I haven’t achieved much until I acknowledge what I have managed to do. Will you be setting any goals?
Also, check out #storysnippetssaturday where each week @jjotisauthor @bridieblake @amandalyncreek @rynthewriter and @sondaewrites host a weekly prompt to encourage everyone to share a snippet from their work in progress.
When publishing you have to pin point your novel to a specific genre so bookshops know where to put it on the shelf but when you are tagging you can put every genre that applies to your novel.
Think about your target audience too – what age is the intended audience. Think about the length of your story too. Think about the setting and time period.
In that regard, this list is endless but here are a few examples get to get you started.
Here is an update on how I have progressed towards the goals I set in March 2019 (towards achieving my annual goals set in January).
Social Media
Blog (Word Press): To continue to post at least twice a week keeping to my content schedule as much as possible.
This has been happening even though it has been challenging to find time since returning to work. With my hashtag series, I’ve got quite a few posts already scheduled so I should be able to post twice a week for a little while still.
Instagram: To maintain the new connections I have made and continue to engage with them and share content about my writing.
This has definitely happened and I there are some writers that stand out to me as we have been chatting off Instagram (I even met three of them in person).
On Instagram, I took part in the #WIWJulyChallenge by @worldindiewarriors. I have continued to post for the #StorySnippetsSaturday challenge and I took part in their week long #WritingJourneyChallenge in August by the same hosts. For September, I have been doing the #aestheticWIPup photo challenge (I’ll share my highlights soon).
I got to create the October Instagram photo challenge #WIWOctober for @worldindiewarriors , so I need to post daily for that – eek.
Twitter: Continue to share links to my content on Twitter and connect with writers on the platform.
Twitter is a platform I’ve neglected as Instagram has taken precedent and I tend to only use it for events. On Twitter, I took part in #SFFpit September, #PitMad September. I am also taking part in #PitchWars.
Facebook page: To brainstorm how I can use this to connect with more writers.
I haven’t really done this.
YouTube: To be brave and get in front of the camera and start sharing video content.
I just don’t have the opportunity to create videos. With an ambitious, mischievous, one year old that rarely naps, I think I will have to put this goal on hold until she moves out.
Tumblr: Share Instagram and Word Press content to this platform.
This happens all the time.
Other?
I managed to send out my first ever newsletter (sign up here).
Edit: Enter into the Wattys. Put novel out to Beta Readers. Take part in September’s #PitMad. Work on my query letter.
I’ve attended a few pitch events and got some requests. As a result, I had to work on my query letter (which I am rubbish at) and send to the interested parties.
I didn’t put my novel on Beta Readers but I did email it to some writer friends to read for me. I’m saving up for an editor and I think once I finish the next edit, I’ll try out the Beta Readers site.
I entered Wattys 2019 and as I write this post I don’t yet know the results. They are released today! Wish me luck.
Finish & edit: Diamond in the Sky has been on hold but work on this is possible to start in July or August but I plan to give myself a little break.
I went back to the drawing board. I’ve got a new notebook and I’m exploring all the characters – even the side ones – to make them more real. I’ve also been use Save the Cat to work out the plot and beats as I’m struggling with how to put the pieces together towards Act 3 and 4. I know what I want to happen and can see certain scenes in my head but I need to put it together. The aestheticWIPup challenge this month has really helped me discover where the gaps are.
Tinsel Tiger (picture book)
EXTRA: I needed a picture book to enter a competition. I decided to edit a poem I had written into a picture book format and submitted it. I also pitched it during #PitMad.
I have pitched my picture book a few times but not had any interest. Is it the pitch or the story? I don’t know.
I have thought about researching agents and querying them. I love the story but I’ve not written a picture book before so perhaps I’m doing it wrong.
I’ve also thought about another poem I wrote that I think could be edited into a fun picture book.
Writing Course/Writing Festivals
Third Quarter: Attend writing festivals
I’ve attended a few Literary Festivals over the summer and they’ve been a wealth of information. Granted these weren’t free to attend but I made the most of what I got for my money:
Felixstowe Book Festival – Felixstowe
YALC Book Festival – London
MKLit Festival (blog post coming soon) – Milton Keynes
Wow-Con (blog post coming soon) – online
Personal
Working Together Course: Finish this course.
I’ve got a certificate and everything. *happy dance*
Crafts: Make time at least once a week:
Planner: continue to use Carpe Diem planner
Pocket letter: write another pocket letter
Scrapbook: Do at least one page
Crochet: Finish Aria’s blanket for her birthday
Over the summer crafts has taken a nose dive. I did take Noah to a local craft cafe to do some activities but the challenge is Aria.
This week she removed a painting from the wall, took the leg off a table and climbed up a chest of drawer to throw pens at us. If you restrain her (car seat, cot or a high chair), she just screams. Until Aria is more easy going, she needs someone to play with her so I can help Noah do crafts or even his homework.
In the evenings, I’ve been focused on reading/writing and it’s left no time for anything else. The local craft cafe also do evening activities for grown ups so once Aria is better at night, I’m going to a scrapbook evening.
Read at least four and a half books by the end of September(annual goal 6 books):
I’ve smashed this. I’ve finished my annual reading goal. This summer I have read Envy, The Deepest Blue (book reviews of the last two are coming).
I bought lots of books at YALC. I’ve also been sent some books by authors for me to review and I’ve borrowed books from the library. I’ve got ebooks on my Kindle. I’ve even got sample books and guide books from Ingram Spark. I’ve got more books than time!
I’ve almost finished You Stole My Heart, Do I have To Take Your Name and I’m reading The Lost Prince on loan from the library and got The Cruel Prince waiting on my Kindle.
That’s enough about my goals, did you achieve yours? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoyed this post, you will like:
Development
Writer courses: Continue to take advantage of any free courses that come my way if I have the time to do these.
These have mainly been the workshops at the book festivals, etc. However, a friend on Instagram recently sent me access to her self editing course for me to review which I am eager to take a look at as editing is one of my major struggles.
Resource book: Buy another writing help book. I am considering the Emotion Thesaurus.
I downloaded a sample on my Kindle but haven’t looked at it yet. The other day someone posted on Instagram a picture of a book they are using for plotting and it looked awesome and now I want that one too. And, I’ve been toying with buying the Writers and Artists Yearbook but can’t decide if I need the children’s one or adults…
What’s next
I’m going to evaluate how I am doing and set some new goals for the next quarter.
Let me know how you are progressing towards your goals and whether you check in on yourself too?
If you’ve been following my blog you may have noticed that this year I’ve been really enjoying Instagram. I recently achieve 3,000 followers and I created next months #WIWOctober photo prompt for @worldindiewarriors.
My idea for this post was to share my personal collection of hashtags but as I started writing it I realised it was getting too long! So, I have broken it down into a series of posts.
I am going to start off with tags associated with writing communities I have connected with via Instagram.
Tags for writing communities
There are lots of people looking to connect on Instagram. Here are some of my favourites and tags associates with them:
World Indie Warriors
This is a great group for any creative or indie looking to collaborate and make meaningful connections. This supportive group share tips, resources and support each other’s growth.
Follow @worldindiewarriors and join their group on Facebook. Use hashtags: #wiw #worldindiewarriors
Founder @michelleraabwrites also encourages the use of the hashtags #readersheart #everyonehasastory
Hustling Writers Community
This group is aimed at anyone that aspires to be an author but has to juggle writing alongside other commitments making your dream the side hustle. There are people working full time, studying, parents, carers etc but they are all dedicated to squeezing writing in wherever they can.
Follow @midnightstarlightwrites and become part of her group on Facebook. Use the hashtag #hustlingwriterscommunity
Fellow Creative Minds
This is a networking group to connect creatives together. There is a good mix of artists, writers, musicians, etc. If you would like to meet fellow creatives follow @lizthewritingwiz and join her Fellow Creative Minds group on discord. Use the hashtag #fellowcreativeminds
Authors Challenge 2019
Follow @debratorreswrites and pm her to take part in her monthly challenge. She will add you to an IG chat group so you can get to know other authors taking part in the challenge.
Use the hashtag #authorschallenge2019 and post pictures for the daily picture prompt.
Tags for Wattpad
One of the most popular online platforms for sharing writing is Wattpad so it is no surprise that people are posting to IG about it. You don’t have to follow @wattpad but it is a great way to stay up-to-date regarding the platform.
If you are a Wattpader (reader/writer) here are some tags you may find useful.
I’m a natural redhead. It’s the first thing people notice about me. I married my first love in Mauritius, we have a son, a daughter and two cats. I’ve just returned to work from maternity leave but I still find time to write and drink copious amounts of tea.
I have wanted to be an author since before I can remember and been chasing the dream ever since. My favourite genre is YA Contemporary Fantasy/Paranormal Romance. I love making my characters everyday problems a little more complicated with a touch of magic and fantasy. I’ve also written a picture book and my short romance story was published in an anthology.
This year I have discovered the #writingcommunity on Instagram and loving it! I blog about my writing journey and share tips along the way to help my fellow writers. I also post book reviews.
My novel is Jewel of the Sea
#YA #PR #ContemporaryFantasy
TEEN WOLF but mermaids in the UK.
Love struck, misfit, redhead discovers she’s a mermaid. With her emotions connected to her dormant weather manipulation powers, falling in love is deadly dangerous!
Jewel of the Sea was inspired by Rachel Vincent’s werecat shifters series. I found myself creating my own world of shifters but aimed at a younger audience and put my own spin on things.
It would appeal to fans of The Immortal Instruments, Vampire Academy and Wolves of Mercy Falls.
A mermaid reading Jewel of Sea and loving it!
Jewel of the Sea is based in my hometown, Felixstowe, which has enabled me to recreate the coastal town in a vivid and realistic light. My husband was my first love and best friend, so a lot of the romance in this story was inspired by my personal life. Jewel of the Sea addresses many issues teenagers experience at school but the fantasy elements enable them to escape into a magical world.
The following list is a sample of what to look forward to in Jewel of the Sea:
I’ve lost count of the amount of edits and years spent working on Jewel of the Sea. I’m constantly seeking feedback from others but what I need is a professional pair of eyes. If I had the money, I would hire an editor! I truly believe they are worth their weigh of gold and imagine you can learn a lot from them about your writing. Please tell me how I can make my novel better?
Stefan talking about my manuscript.
This year, I realised I’ve been neglecting my query/pitch. I feel so stupid for not twigging sooner how important it is. I have been working hard on fixing it but have no idea what else I need to do. Please help me make my first impression irresistible?
Make them go, ‘Gimme, Gimme Gimme!”
I am sure there is so much more I need to know that I haven’t thought of because I don’t even have an inkling. What am I missing?
I typed in ‘Lost Kitten’ and got another Salvatore #feelinglucky
And, I hope this doesn’t sound sappy but after all our hard work together I would love to become lifelong friends.
My son is coming to an age where he can start building his own Roald Dahl collection and these are high on Father Christmas’ list for 2019. It seemed like a good time to share my own childhood memories of these books.
NB: This is a post from 2018 that has been edited.
My earliest reading memories are built on Roald Dahl’s books. His books brought joy and fear to my childhood and today I shall share those memories and my fondness for his characters.
Roald Dahl’s birthday is 13 September. Each year during September activities are planned close to his birthday to celebrate his books. Find out how to celebrate on his website.
My memories
As a child he was one of my favourite authors and his books will always hold a special place in my heart.
The first novel I stayed up to read
As a little girl, my dad read me a chapter of a book each night at bedtime. One night, we started the BFG (Big Friendly Giant).
He finished the first chapter, tucked me in and turned off the light. But, I couldn’t sleep as I wondered, what happened next to the kidnapped little girl in giant land?
Their was a dim glow coming from my nightlight and I sat up and took a sneaky peek at the next chapter… – Next thing I knew, it is morning. The book was finished and I hadn’t slept a wink. I think I had to take the day off school to recover from my reading marathon.
I wasn’t a fan of the film. The little girl wasn’t how I pictured her but it may be that it was a long-time since I read the book.
The scariest book I never finished
After that, my dad thought I was able to read before bed on my own. He reminded me of the importance of sleep and tucked me in.
One night, Roald Dahl engrossed me in a world where terrible child-loathing withes existed. It was so real and terrifying, I never finished the book.
I have since watched the film and loved it but the book is still too much.
My all time favourite
It has to be Matilda. She’s a likable character that is strong and determined and doesn’t let her misfortune hold her back. She has telekinetic powers and uses them to make things right. I wanted to be her.
The film is great fun for kids. All the characters look exactly as I imagined, especially, the villain, Ms Trunchball.
I wonder if this book gave birth to my love of contemporary fantasy.
https://youtu.be/XuyElRs_48Q
Final thoughts…
I hope my son loves Roald Dahl as much as me so I can relive my favourite books with him. I think he will enjoy the Twits as the disgusting humour is just his cup of tea.
Noah has just finished the Reading Challenge over the summer holidays and he is getting more confident in his ability to read himself. He is currently reading Dirty Bertie (Mascot) by David Roberts as his first chapter book, although we still take it in turns to read pages.
Space Chase, Reading Challenge Winner
What is your favourite Roald Dahl Book? Have you ever stayed up all night to finish a book or found a book more scary than the film?
