I had to dig out these pictures as they were taken in 2010 when my short contemporary romance was printed in the Scribblers Anthology. The proceeds of the sale went to charity, I think it was the East Anglian Childrens Hospice.
My first article was published when I just a kid by Leyton Orient in their fanzine. Over the years I’ve written a number of blog articles on a wide range of topics (writing, gaming, sex, fashion, conservation, etc).
My dream is to be a published author. I’ve lost count of the number of years I’ve worked towards this dream. One day, I will see my novel in a bookshop, I just feel like it is what I am meant to do. How about you?
Spring is when the calendar starts to get busier. As we get closer to the summer there are more festivals. Now is a good time to enter competitions.
In April #WriteMentor will open for potential mentees to apply for mentors. In May, there is The Bath Festival. If you prefer online events, be ready for #PitMad on 6 June.
I’m going to take this opportunity to remind you about the calendar I have been updating with literary dates and made accessible to all.
Google calendar
I created a public Google calendar so you can see everything I have added. If you want to copy an event then you too will need a google calendar (it is free with a free Google email account).
I’m in such a rush in the mornings that my makeup routine has to be quick. The best way to speed things up is to reduce the number of products that I use. Currently, these are the makeup products I use everyday.
Nui Cosmetics
I use their liquid foundation in the shade Intense Kanapa (RRP £42). What I like about this product is you can build it up. It also dries to give a natural matt look.
Vapour Organic Beauty
I love all vapour products but have to budget buying them. This concealer in 010 (RRP £24) is my favourite as it gives full cover but is soft and creamy so doesn’t look dry and caked on. I think the moisture helps imperfections heal faster too.
Tarte Cosmestics
I have two palletes and this one has more subtle colours which is perfect for day time as I don’t want to look too done up for a school run. This pallette is Rainforest of the Sea volume III (RRP £30).
Pacifica
This mascara in shade Abyss is black and waterproof (RRP £15.49). With all the changing hormones post pregnancy, this has been a blessing.
Axicology
I love these lipsticks and my current shade is Noble (RRP £25). It’s a brick red (slight orange tone to it). Not only do I use this on my life but I add a little to my cheeks as a sheer blush and I’m good to go.
Here is me in my everyday make up. My hair is a mess as I’ve been running around with the kids and Aria likes to pull hair and put banana in it. A mums life is oh so glamorous -lol.
For this image, I used Unsplash to find an image of someone that looks like Kya. Mariah doesn’t really look up to anyone but she gets envious. Kya is someone she compares heself to and wishes she was more like.
My favourites
I really love how these challenges encourage me to share my writing with my instagram followers and on day 18 I got to post my favourite scene. Initially, I was going to share the underwater kiss as it is the scene that sparked the whole story. As I was looking for it, I decided to go with the moment before when Mariah’s life is changed forever.
Day 18 #FavouriteScene
March Challenge #WomenWritingFiction #WWFChallenge2019
This month I have decided to go with another Instagramers prompts. @Courtnimax has created the following Women Writing Fiction Daily Challenge for March 2019.
I hope you find these examples of the images I posted for February’s prompts interesting and inspiring. If you are a writer on Instagram please connect with me as I would love to see how you share your writing on the platform too.
I recently enjoyed a blog post on the pros and cons of writing by hand. It got me thinking about how I like to write.
Many people find it beneficial to write by hand. They feel the connection between the pen and paper and their words flow more clearly.
As a teen, I always wrote my stories in a notebook. I liked to write my ideas in the back and then fill it from the front, chapter by chapter. I liked to write in bed and my sheets were covered in ink stains
It wasn’t until I decided to take writing seriously that I began creating at a PC. I have never quite found a digital way to develop ideas that works like the back of a notebook but I do prefer writing on a computer. It’s easier to read than my handwriting, and editing is neater. Once finished I can easily prepare it for submissions.
Since switching to write electronic I haven’t used my notebooks for writing until recently.
Recently, I had an Instagram challenge to write somewhere different. It was a challenge to also boost creativity and it worked.
In fact, I enjoyed writing in my notebook so much I have since used it again. It makes developing my story and exploring ideas so much easier. Moving forward, I think I will continue to use it this way. Perhaps, treat myself to some new stationery…
Someone said that they can see my novel Jewel Of The Sea as a series on Netflix. That really would be a dream come true. I have so many ideas for the world I have created, I am sure I could come up with more stories.
On that note, I thought I would share with you my favourite TV Series that are about mermaids.
Mako Mermaids (2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhSHwuEKDwU
This is the story of three mermaids that are banished due to an incident with a human boy. They have to adapt to life on land whilst tracking the dangerous merman before he discovers the trident.
The Australian shows off the beauitful country with a funny and entertaining show that you can watch with a little one around.
H20: Just Add Water (2006)
https://youtu.be/wqHED34TcwU
Three girls are transformed into mermaids when they visit the mysterious Mako Island. I like that they each have powers as well as the ability to shift.
When I was pregant I got emotional seeing Phoebe Tonkin and Claire Holt as young actresses in a series together because I am a fan of the Originals and they are in there together. It was sweet to think they have been friends from childhood to the present day.
Siren (2018)
https://youtu.be/sExa3DGy7N4
If you want somethings a lot more edgier, check out Siren. The story is about the fishermen over fishing and causing the Sirens to have to venture further to get food. It results in one getting caught. Her sister then comes to land to find her but although she may appear human, she is anything but.
Tidelands (2018)
https://youtu.be/MhsjoQLKaiY
The main character is shrouded in mystery. She returns to her hometown where her family (especially her mum) don’t really welcome her back. She then gets involved with a group that are half-sire, half-human and starts to uncover the secrets around her life.
Bubble Guppies (2011)
https://youtu.be/UVFA1k7K5rY
This is a sweet cartoon about the guppies which are mermaids and mermen going to school under the sea. It is for young children so you can enjoy it with the kids.
Any more…
I really do love mermaids. If you know of any more shows that I might love please let me know and I would love to hear your thoughts on the above shows if you have watched them too.
Here are the books I have bought for my little girl and why I think they are great for babies.
Best books for babies
Tactile Book
I ordered this one from Amazon. She loves the crinkle sound and looking at herself in the mirror. I went with this one as the Black & White high contrast pictures have been specially designed to be stimulating for babies. It also has a strap to make it easier to attach to a buggy.
Bath book
I ordered mine from The Works. Babies dribble a lot, are sick and want to put everything in their mouths. These books are wipe clean. I choose this one as I liked the three detachable characters that can be used for matching games.
When she is older I will let her take it in the bath.
Wooden Book
I picked this up from Lidl during a baby event. Being wooden makes it really robust. She has thrown it and chewed it and it still looks perfect.
Not suitable for babies
I did buy these for my son and was sad when they got ruined. However, these do help encourage speaking so as long as you don’t leave your baby alone exploring the books, you should be okay.
Picture books
At this age you should take care with picture books as although they may love it they have a tendency to grab things and love scrunching up and tearing paper.
If you go down this route, look out for nursery rhyme collections like those by Miles Kelly as babies love hearing the repetitive sounds and it can encourage talking.
Board books
Board books might look sturdy but they are made of cardboard. If you leave a baby unattended with one, they’ll chew the corners into a pulp and the picture will peel off.
If you go down this route, look out for stories that rhyme like those by Julia Donaldson.
Touch and feel books
Another good choice is tactile books like the “That’s Not My” line. These books are also useful for developing a child’s vocabulary of descriptive words.
Other touch and feel books will enable them to feel different textures and learn about a topic. The picture below is one about farm animals.
Would you recommend these?
I hope you found my suggestions useful. I would love to hear what books you have loved sharing with a baby too.
Classifying your genre will be one of the first things you do. However, this may not be as simple as it sounds. Many novels, scripts and other works of art will combine elements of more than one genre within the story that is told. However, there will still be one main genre that flows steadily throughout your story (or series).
I watched Reign on Netflix. This series is classified as a Costume Drama. The main character is Mary Queen of Scots so some might say it is a Period Drama or Historical fiction, but to make compelling viewing the gripping storylines are fictional and I’ve seen it described as Fan Fiction. In addition, there is a lot of Political Drama and Religious Conflict. Many of the storylines are romantic making it Romance fiction.
https://youtu.be/8v8jS5_w8wA
Understanding Definitions
Sometimes the genre can be tricky to pinpoint as the definitions can be confusing and sound similar to each other.
I’ve had this issue trying to understand what is Magical Realism’? Or, what’s the difference between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance? Then, some genres are based on the target audience of the reader i.e. by age (MG, Tween, YA, etc) or gender (Chick Lit) or personal identification (LGBTQ, Multicultural).
To tackle this, I suggest looking up the definitions online from more than one source. Also, check how novels similar to yours have been classified. Read novels of the genres you are considering and see which feels most similar to yours.
It is important to get this correct to enable the right readers to find your novel.
What if it is many genres?
Say you’ve written a YA, Historical Horror with a cross-dressing African bi-sexual and all the genres remain strong throughout the novel?
Then you have to ask yourself how similar novels have been classified or which market you feel your novel will thrive most strongly (i.e. if there is a current demand for Horror fiction, perhaps place it there).
Target audience:
Write for Kids has an article that goes into more detail on this subject – click here.
MG (Middle grade): For age 8 to 12. Length = 100 to 150 pages. The main character should be of a similar age. These books often form large series as children of this age will bond with the character and form an attachment.
Tween: For age 10 to 14. Length = around 150 pages. The main character should be of a similar age. These books are for children who have outgrown MG but are not ready for YA:
Young Adult: For age 12+. Length = 150 to 225 pages. The main character should be of a similar age, although due to the more mature theme the protagonist is often cast in their final year of high school:
Coming Of Age: This fiction will deal with the struggles of the protagonist going from being a child to becoming an adult.
Chick Lit: Literature for young women. The story will relate to the struggles young women face in a humorous way (i.e. dating, health, careers, finance, etc).
LGBTQ: The story will revolve around a character that is either lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender or questioning their sexuality.
Multicultural: Books about people of colour and first/native nations.
Common Genres:
These are the main genres most people think of when classifying fiction:
Adventure: Often involves the characters being in danger and going through a series of events on a journey to reach their goal.
Romance: The novel usually follows a couple falling in love, often with lots of misunderstanding or barriers to give the story a journey.
Erotica: The novel will have steamy scenes as this is what the reader is investing in. Usually, there is a romantic plot to carry the story along but not necessarily important.
Horror: The novel should be scary and make you want to sleep with the light on. The idea is to strike fear into the reader and the characters.
Crime/Detective: Usually involves a murder but could be any crime. The protagonist could be trying to catch the culprit or could be the criminal.
Mystery: Involves following clues to solve a crime or to find out information.
Fan Fiction: The stories are based on characters from other artists works (i.e. Film, TV Show, Book, Play, etc) or famous people (i.e. a boy band, a royal, or an actress).
Suspense/Thriller: This story should have you sitting on the edge of your seat as you join the characters in evading whatever is lurking in the shadows after them.
Comedy/Humour: Written in an entertaining way with the goal of making the reader laugh.
World Setting Genres:
Historical: The story is set in a historical period of time – it is important to do your research to ensure you get your facts correct.
Western: Set in the American wild west between the eighteenth and nineteenth century.
Ghost/Supernatural: Story will challenge the fabric of our world. It often includes elements of other genres but the main focus is usually ghosts, spirits, demons, possessions and witchcraft.
Fantasy: Characters are set in an otherworldly setting. The story would not work in our world.
High Fantasy: The races and the world is made up. The main character is often a hero on a quest, usually good vs evil. Often includes battles involving combat or magic. This is your traditional classification.
Hard Fantasy: This involves heavy world building. The story will have a thoroughly developed world with geography, law, languages and reasons for why things are or are not (think Tolkien)
Techno Fantasy: Has the heart of fantasy but has a strong technology vibe. This could be through using technology to create something or someone. It could be where technology has come to life, for example, a car with a mind of its own.
Urban Fantasy: The story is set in the real world (usually present but can be set in the past or future). The story usually involves fantasy characters i.e. another race, species or paranormal or supernatural beings.
Paranormal Romance: Usually involves a romantic relationship between a human and supernatural (i.e. a vampire, witch, shapeshifter, ghost, time travel or someone with psychic abilities). Themes will mix with fantasy, science fiction and sometimes horror.
Magic Realism: Story involves magic or supernatural but presented within a realistic environment. The magic events are ordinary occurrences and not explained. There is something deeper connected to enlightening your mind of conventional constraints.
Science Fiction: Often set in the future or on another planet. The story is based on scientific ideas or imagined ideas.
Hard Science Fiction: The story will be supported by scientific facts and theories making the story more realistic and possible.
Length Classifications:
More information on this can be found on Fiction Factor:
Micro Fiction: Up to 100 words.
Flash Fiction: 100 to 1,000 words.
Short Story: 1,000 to 7,500 words.
Novelette: 7,5000 to 20,000
Novella: 20,000 to 50,000
Novel: 50,000 to 110,000
Epics/Sequels: 110,000+
Jewel of the sea
My novel Jewel of the sea (formerly Drift) is:
YA fiction: This is because my protagonist is a fifteen-year-old girl. She does turn sixteen within the novel and there is scope for a series.
Coming of Age: She starts her period, learns to wear makeup, has her first kiss, etc. Then there are all the firsts with her changing body… like becoming a mermaid.
Romance: The plot is driven by her crush on her best friend who is dating Kya. Kya’s brother (hot swim team captain and Mariah’s nemesis) offers to help break the couple up if she’ll kiss him – let’s just say it gets complicated.
Paranormal romance: She doesn’t know she is a mermaid and able to shift between her human and mermaid form. And she has weather manipulation powers. Plus the complicated romance (see above).
Urban Fantasy: The fantastical elements are set in a real world environment – it is loosely based around my hometown.
Novel: Currently it is 80k but I am constantly revising it.
I have classified it as a YA Urban Fantasy Novel.
What genre do you write?
Does your novel have multiple genres?
Please let me know if these descriptions helped you classify your novel’s genres.
This article was previously posted on my old blog and has been updated.
The past week or so I’ve been pretty low. Someone has been putting me down and that someone is… Me.
I don’t know if you experience it too but when I get down I can be very critical of myself. I am my own worst enemy.
I try super hard to not go there by looking for the positives in situations but after a few days where no matter how hard I tried little things went wrong, it got harder to find those silver linings. Those little things added up and before I knew it, I began to feel like an absolute failure.
Nothing major happened but the amalgamation of it got me down. In retrospect some of those things weren’t even worth getting worked up about.
I failed to get my blog post for yesterday ready in time, and I’ve been late with some of my Instagram pictures for this months photo challenge. I also changed my editing goal from three months to one month which caused the task to be too much and resulted in nothing getting edited.
Once I opened up to friends and family I realised I’m not alone. A friend invited me over for a cup of tea. My son’s teacher offered support and advice to help with some naughty behaviour. My husband has been acknowledging my achievements to get me to recognise what I have achieved. And, family has helped give me a break from my gorgeous little girl who is non-stop.
Here is the little lady, just turned 6 months and already coasting around the furniture!
Just because I’ve had a busy week, I don’t stop being a writer. I attended an online course and worked on improving my pitch. I did write two blog posts (plus this one) and today I edited a poem and seven chapters! And, I’ve caught up on Instagram.
What changed? I took some time to take care of myself and my wellbeing. As a result, I came back energised. I was able to tackle my problems and get motivated to write.
