Tag Archives: writing

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I am writing-Five

What to write and when? That was today’s thought and reflection. I have a stack of notebooks, have done for a while. However, at times it can be difficult to make time, carve it out and then use it it write. Life and work often get busy, and this does then rather dull the creative spark.

The creative spark then has to be nurtured. Sometimes there has to be soul-colouring to flint the spark back as it has blow out or burned out. That does take effort, the desire to think and flesh out the spark of an idea. I do feel this is different to writer’s block. Stories can arrive from anywhere at any point. Some catch more easily than others, some are laboured and take a lot of focus and cultivating.

There are many proponents of writing everyday, a matter of a hundred words. Yet, I know of days when even one hundred words feel impossible. Writing all of eight the becomes a lead weight and altogether demotivating. Writing is indeed a process, it has its own twists and turns on almost a daily basis. For many writers there are immense difficulties in having minutes and moments to write. There is no easy way or fixed routine. I remember one very famous Psychology Textbook author being said to write his first book on the bus. This sounds perfectly plausible to me.

In writing these blogs, I have been thinking that this is ALSO writing. And I’ve not done this in a while, This has its own rhythm and reason which I guess changes on a daily basis.

I’m thinking about my current WIP, what the plan might look like. Do I have the capacity to squeeze in another Christmas Story? Yes, Christmas in July. If it works for the teleshopping channels…has been on my mind this week.

We shall see.

I am writing

I am writing-four

Good music might move you; inspire, encourage and motivate. Just look at the Chariots of Fire music. Vangelis and Conquest of Paradise is an epic piece of work. Music has meaning and can shape, create so many facets of the human condition.

Most, but not all, of my books have a playlist. Songs that are inspiring, might be a theme tune for a character or evoke something that needs to be titrated into a story. I listen a range of music, and sometimes it hits on something that stirs writing.

Even the Devan Coultrie movie had what felt like an epic soundtrack, Was really useful actually to help the film. Devan has a theme tune, but my favourite is most definitely the sounds in the Gunmaker’s Arms scenes. I only have to hear the theme tune and I am thrown back to memories of filming, of standing next to the real Devan Coultrie. I did have the writing playlist, but in a fit of pique, sadly it was deleted. I tried to recreate it, even had a paper version somewhere.

I think we all feel good music when we watch a show or a film. Just think of the theme tunes that have become iconic over the years. To think that two chords, make us think of a dangerous fish. You know the one! Or the guitar riff for a Spy on Her Majesty’s service.

The image above is an anthology, a work in progress that has been paused for some time. You’ll note that there’s a fair bit of Bollywood on there. There were a lot of movies in my childhood that left deep impressions and have found themselves somehow woven into my stories.

That said, The Beyond Kangana Series has Hallelujah and The Carol of the Bells in it. As does Padmi’s Christmas Carol, I think. One day, perhaps I should pop the songs onto the online song provider outlet thing for readers to enjoy.

I am writing

I am writing-Three

Have had some time to do a little writing in the last couple of days. Not reams and reams, but a couple of thousand words to get things going. Hopefully there is time to over the weekend to add to that tally. I don’t tend to give myself categorically imperative words counts. I find this unrealistic, and there can be a feeling of undue pressure as well. I would rather enjoy writing, retain some motivation and also go with a flow.

My current project is an expansion of corner of my writing paracosm. You may note that I have distinct Universes. I have the Fragments Universe, The Beyond Kangana Universe and then there’s the Devan Coultrie Universe. There is a picture at the top of the post of that collection as it is for the time being.

The current writing project is technically a sequel. Development and a bit more detail of the first book. I don’t want to give too much away just yet; I would rather have more concrete information before I do that. I also feel rather protective of it. To work on it, get it done and dusted before any public exposure. What I can tell you, that it is indeed set in Birmingham, once again.

Whilst I am trying to get back into writing, I am also keeping an eye on film making. There is a script, a plan and ongoing discussions with producer Chris. We are currently looking for actors with this project as detailed below.

Pink sari is a short story from Behind The Scenes and fresh off the back of the rip roaring success that was Devan Coultrie, here we go again!

We are looking for actors to participate in Unpaid/Volunteer Opportunity

Great for portfolio development/gaining experience

Actors based in Birmingham/West Midlands

‘Pink Sari’

Life is full of memories and moments. Anand is trying to remember, before he starts to forget. Trying to hold on to precious memories and moments of love and family. A moment with a pink sari, that became a life time.

Characters required?

Anand-main character (60’s)

Dipti-main character’s wife (60’s)

Contact via website.

I am writing

I am writing-Two

There was some writing yesterday. A well as a bit of organisation of writing projects. There are a number to look at.

It’s not easy to pick up a notebook, pickup where I might have left off and hurtle off at full throttle. Some of these have been sat stacked for nearly a decade, others a few years. I tend to write things down with a full head of steam. The Muse gets titrated and emptied; it all feels very hopeful. Alas, one is human and with that energy depletes.

I also never throw any writing away. I choose to come back to it at another time. This does then lead to an inevitable log jam of books and ideas. However, this does, in my opinion at least, stave off writers block a little. I have had the ideas, these have been decanted. I can go back to them, sometimes with a fresh set of eyes and have another crack.

So I have inventoried and made a vague plan of what to do over time. Each book tends to be written over a year. Typically, I start on the 6th of January, Epiphany. A good a day as any to have a bright idea. To aim for a finish on New Years Eve. Not all projects might take a year. This does depend on how long I would initially like them to be. Padmi’s Christmas Carol took a week to write. Devan Coultrie can take up six weeks. I once wrote a script for a short movie in one morning. I hasten to add, these are only ever the first drafts. I do not profess to be perfect. Not by any length of chalk. All depends on a work/life/creativity balance.

Previously, I mentioned that I would be attending book events later this year. I did post those, for information.

Book events are a really interesting part of being an indie, self published author. I get to meet new readers, readers who have decided to invest in my books; I also get to adventure across the country. Mama F or a soul sister usually accompany me and act as my glamourous assistant. I’ve been very lucky to have gone to events in Montana, USA and then across all corners of the United Kingdom. Should we get to Cardiff, then yes, I will have covered the whole of the sceptred isle.

It’s not easy reaching readers, promoting work and hoping that there will be positive reviews. In fact, I have had my fair share of one and two star reviews. These can be soul-destroying and horribly demotivating. This has been on my mind quite a bit over the last year, it’s very difficult to shake off the feeling of being diminutised. Alas, I’m trying to reconcile myself to the fact that I won’t be everyone’s cuppa tea. My books will find people, and there are readers who invest and take things from the Figments of my Imagination; reading that, is always lovely.

This year, there is a full ticket of events. Only a couple pencilled in for 2027. Nothing yet, for 2028. The future is yet to be determined.

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I am writing-One

Woke up today with the thought that I must write a blog post. It has been a while, too long perhaps. The last I updated anything was in February having written and released Padmi’s Christmas Carol.

That book was a delight to write. I’ve been trying to chase that joyful, natural high ever since. That’s not a hyperbolic or flippant set of statements to make. I really did enjoy the ebb, the flow; the hours spent writing it during the twelve days of Christmas. I was inspired whilst making stuffing balls. I know, how very curious.

There are many books to write, with life also getting busy. There has been work and adventuring which has meant a really busy diary. Again, in a good way; one is not complaining. I’m lucky to like the work I do, and from time to time, rest and recuperation are warranted.

The many books to write. That means a stack of notebooks.

Well, at the last count there were half a dozen at various stages. Some have ten thousand ones, one has nearly thirty. A couple are simply plans. I have sat down, grouped them all together to see if I can develop a plan and process. Can I get a sequence as to what I want to write and stick to it. Follow it through, get one done after the other. All whilst feeling passionate and creative.

See the other creative outlet is knitting socks. I have a lot of socks, no problem. I have also recently discovered watercolour painting, having done a few sip and paint events with acrylics.

Creativity isn’t a problem. It simply takes different forms at different points,

Yet, Padmi’s Christmas Carol was different. There a vibe that I’d not experienced for a very long time; it was delightful. I did feel a bit sad when the book was complete; there was a hole remaining. Again, not a bad thing. I just need to figure out the writing process to get that vibe again.

I have filled up my ink pens. Most of my books are after all, handwritten. Some are filled with ink, others work better with cartridges. Even that discovery was an Eureka moment. It’s not a case of a bad workperson blaming their tools. I love my pens. They deserve to be used well.

Now, I don’t do word count updates or progress reports. I aim to write a certain number; I’m aware of my maximum and minimum. I also like to experience the phenemonological process. I’m also choosing to keep the storylines to myself, in not wanting to build up hopes and then dash them. It’s not nice to mislead people.

I shall let you know what is out, if at all, when.

Whilst I am trying to write, I am also attending a few book events this year. More on those later.

Right, I shall bid you adieu.

In the meantime, there are lots of books for you to read,

Books, writing

ten years…this year

Ten years ago, I decided to write a book. A book based upon this blog. I even took all the pictures on my phone. My first book, the yellow one, was an interesting entry into the world of self publishing. The Yellow One and the Green one, remain two of the most popular books. (all right, the reviews for the green one, say otherwise.)

That was how my writing journey started. I was new, naive to the whole world of writing and especially that of being a self-published Indie Author. A lot has changed since then. There are certainly more books, there have been lots of book-related adventures too. Writing books set in Montana, has led to adventures there. There lots of book adventures scheduled for this year. I am going to reflect as these will continue in the future, and what other avenues I might need to consider about making sure my stories are out there for readers to find.

I’ve learned a lot of the self-publishing indie universe, about books and the challenges that come with writing and marketing. The market is huge, diverse and there stories for everyone about anything. There’s a lot to reflect upon in approaching ten years this summer.

I don’t profess to be perfect, or a rock star, for that matter. I am eternally grateful whenever a reader chooses to pick up a book and invest in it. I’ve lots of notebooks, lots of stories; all waiting for me to attend to them.

Let’s see if these actually happen.

Books, writing

19th January Devan Coultrie Day

It feels like a life time since I released Retreating to Peace. The book was released on the 19th January 2018, which means we’re celebrating 7 years of Devan Raaj Coultrie.

For me this a big deal, a lot has happened since that release. Two more books followed, adventures to the US as well. Not to mention the writing, directing and release of a short indie film.

Writing Devan was a risk, and he brings with them adventure, courage and ambition. I think he’s contributed to my growth personally as a human, as a writer. I still have to make sure I count director as well. I worked with an amazing crew in writing him, then making the film. Lots of lessons were learned, there was a lot of development that might not have happened.

The 19th of January will always be special. I mean, Devan does have a birthday; some time in march. But this was the day his Universe was unleashed.

Keep an eye out next week. The Devan Coultrie Saga will be on offer on kindle.

#vivelehoochbaron

Blooms, writing

Chandni Rises: A review

It’s not easy being an Indie Author. The market is huge, there’s a lot of variety. A bit like Arabian Nights, there are 1001 stories that you can sample at any one point. Being an Indie Author, means not having the massive machine of a publisher behind.

As such, when a review comes through, I’m inclined to do a happy dance. A happy dance with a heart gladdened by someone taking a chance, a risk, on my work.

Reviews are very important as an Indie Author. These help to measure success, spread the word and acts as a bench mark to help readers choose their next read. They are however, very elusive to gain.

They have an immense power. To encourage and to crush. I think I have a full set of one to five stars. Not the best of accomplishments to celebrate, but I hope that even traditional, big-hitting authors have their share of these.

We live in a world where social media is huge and growing. I keep seeing the strap lines-tik tok made me buy this, the newest tik tok sensation. That’s a huge movement of bookworms, and book worms are important. The power of books, of writers and their stories shouldn’t be underestimated.

It’s a daft person who underestimates the power of social media. After all, I’m sat here writing this blog. I can be connected with via insta, twitter, FB as well, These are all forums and arenas for communication.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not spouting sour grapes at not being a tik tok sensation. That comes with its own baggage; social media can have both positive and negative impacts.

Being a tik tok sensation is in the same league as:

1.Being a cup winning therapist-I can but dream of the FA cup, and make my way up to Euro and world.

2.Winning an oscar or a bafta; I did write a movie, but these are proper pie in the sky ambitions.

3.Being No 1 author on any given list, never mind USA today. All the way from Brummie land.

Yeah, the chances are slim, aren’t they? But, I celebrate the review. Each and every one. That means someone read my book, thought about it and shared it.

Adventures, Books, writing

Writing and the music

No idea who the Kronos Quartet are, but they sound amazing.

Thing is, they’ve always been a part of my upbring. Especially when it comes to the old-school Bollywood Movies that my family enjoyed as I was growing up.

Whilst adventuring and writing, some of these songs were ear worms. Figured I could listen to them, sate The Muse and see what I ended up writing. Dum Maro Dum, is an iconic song. To me, it is more rock and roll, than it is Bollywood. To be fair, I’ve also been listening to Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours as well. The two do overlap a great deal and the Kronos Quartet certainly feel very rock and roll.

Not sure if I’ve shared before. But many of the books are written with their own play lists. I had a Devan one, but in a pique, having written Peace Betrayed, I pressed delete. I know, daft idea, but I’d thought I’d finished with him at that point. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

Anyway, yes, most books have their own playlist. Gorbind, Koby have one. There’s a Hades one, I think, as well as one for Chandni. I don’t always write with music on. I do like to work in silence. Yet there are instances where it’s okay to have a gentle soundtrack playing to help capture the mood, tone or ambience of the writing.

Writing the most recent Koby book, I had Mozart, with Lacrimosa as well as Zadok The Priest. Big, bold pieces of music that helped it all coalesce. With Chandni Rises and Chandni Chirag, there were four different versions of Carol of the bells.

As to whether anyone can hear these when they read, well, who knows?

Adventures, writing

Adventuring for inspiration

That was a very steep hill. I made it up there, very slowly so as to stretch my legs. After a three hour drive across 177 miles, stretching one’s legs was a bit useful.

I decided to go on a writing adventure to follow in the footsteps of one Agatha Christie. I thought it might help inspire, help kick start the writing process and bolster my confidence. Confidence in driving all that way; I’m still growing when it comes to long journeys and motorways. But also after a year where I’ve felt bruises in my work not getting very far, I could write with some joie de vivre.

Apparently, Agatha Christie spent two weeks at the Moorland and wrote her draft there. I can say that this did make the air a bit more romantic. If such a great Briton can go there, feel compelled to write, that why not test the hypothesis?

The walk up to Haytor Rocks was bracing, the breeze was a bit nippy and the moors were an ambient character in themselves. I can understand how Marple or Poirot might suddenly appear. I strongly recommend The Moorland Hotel. The staff were brilliant, and couldn’t do enough for me. As a solo traveler, I often feel anxious about such things. (Every now and again, I do get asked where my husband is. Well, if you’re looking for him, what hope do I have?) Was a lovely place, with lovely people. Rather enjoyed it.

I did write, and I did enjoy it. I’m committed to writing, to stretching my imagination. I travelled with about four different notebooks, to finally settle on what I wanted to write. I think I have a vague plan now as to what I might do this year.