Weaving A Web

My in-laws are moving to Florida, so we spent part of the weekend going through their house and helping them get rid of stuff. They’re downsizing, so a lot of the things they’ve collected over the years has to go. I’m not a collector, but my husband is. If I weren’t married to him, it would have taken me five minutes to weed through everything—of course, if I weren’t married to him, I wouldn’t have been there at all. JBut not only was he looking at items, but I was looking with both him and my kids in mind. Would he find use for that chair? Would the girls want that set of dishes? So we decided on a piece of furniture or two, some useful, garage-type items (his purview) and some knickknacks and photos. My daughters were there, too, which added to the length of time we spent considering. College Girl is a collector like her dad and just likes to accumulate. Banana Girl was hungry, so her heart wasn’t in it, but I didn’t want to leave her out.

Honestly, though, both girls are at the stage in their life where they are looking forward, not backward. Maybe it’s because they arelooking forward to the lives they’re going to be making on their own that I paused a lot more often than usual and was reluctant to give up. They might not recognize a need or a desire for something right now, but someday...especially photos. Knickknacks and photos of ancestors provide a connection to the past. Photos tell stories in facial expressions, hair and fashion, and life events. Knickknacks hold value to the owner, even if others don’t understand why. And someday, we’re going to want that connection. We might even turn that value into our own, morphing it into something we care about for our own reasons.

So we came home with a carload of stuff that now needs to find a place in our house. In the past, I was able to convince my husband to clean out the storage room in our basement because the choice was to either clean it out or buy a bigger house. Neither of us wanted to move, so that was a great incentive. Now, we need to hang things, store things, and find places for things. We also have to go back and get a few more items that we left behind. Somehow, I’ll find a place for everything and it’s nice to have the connections.

The characters in my books value their connections to others as well. Most have a parent or grandparent with whom they’ve made memories. Some have children with whom they share those memories. A few even pass on their own memories to people unrelated to them, weaving the web even tighter. 

As I look forward to the days where my kids move out of my house and into their own lives, I draw that web tighter around me, and them. And I accept that the need for that web means more clutter. The good kind! 

Welcome Olivia Arnold

Join me as I get to know fellow Rose, Olivia Arnold, writing as Liv Arnold. 

1.   What is your writing style or schedule?

I give myself incentives to write – an ice-cream or junk food reward whenever I finish a page, or I treat myself with reading a chapter of a book. Anything to keep me motivated. Sometimes I use my phone as a timer where I nonstop write for twenty minutes. Amazing how much you can get done when you’re racing against the clock.

2.  Where do you actually write?

On the dining table. My husband plays computer games a lot, so he hogs the study room 24/7. 

3.   Do you write linearly or not?

I write all over the place. But I usually know the ending for my stories. I wish I was more organised with plotting. Sometimes I spend so much time in front of a blank computer screen willing the words to come. My characters grow as I write – I don’t even come up with personality traits beforehand.

4.     What sort of other activities keep you from actually writing? 

Having a full-time job! I’m exhausted all the time. Also marketing myself does take up a lot of my time. 

5.  Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?

A lot from my family. My brothers have been giving ideas on my YA fantasy novel I’ve been working on.

My mum encouraged me to do a creative writing course at RMIT. It’s a short course that runs for 8-10 weeks for three hours a week after work. I loved every moment of the class and ended up doing three short courses. The teachers were so inspiring, and it was great to speak to likeminded people. I workshopped my stories in class and continued with them after the course finished. 

I also get a lot of support from Romance Writers of Australia and the Facebook group, Debut Authors of 2019. They’re all inspiring.

6.  How long does it normally take you to write a novel?

About a year. It’s hard to juggle everything. I mainly write on weeknights and weekends. 

7.  Who or what are your inspirations?

JK Rowling. I love all her books and am a big Harry Potter nut. I have the merchandise around my home. 

8.  If there’s a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?

My least favourite would be my lack of time. With a full time job as well, I’m exhausted permanently. 

9.  Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?

Since I was a child, I admired the library from Beauty and the Beast. Used to love that scene. 

10.     Tell me about your latest book.

It’s an enemies-to-lovers story with a lot of heat. 

11.     Where did you get your inspiration for your book?

I’ve watched the TV show Neighbours since I was a child. I used to come home from school, get changed, have a snack then sit down and watch. I love the community behind the storylines and the more light-hearted moments. So, I thought it would be a fun idea to have the heroine and hero as neighbours, but spice things up a little.

12.     Do you have a favorite character and if so, who and why?

My secondary character Dr. Mendes. He’s antisocial and hates making conversation. We can all relate to this. 

13.  What are you working on now?

I have a novel contracted with The Wild Rose Press called Etched in Stone. It’s a contemporary romance with a financial crime storyline. It should be out roughly late this year. 

Here’s a little something about it: 

Vanessa Lang is thrilled when she lands her dream job at investment company, Stone Corp. But when her kleptomaniac mother is caught shoplifting and faces a criminal record, Vanessa accepts a deal to find evidence of insider trading at Stone Corp.

On her first day, in walks the handsome Sebastian Stone, CEO and the man of her dreams. Determined to save her mom, however, she spies and gathers information about the company. But there’s one small problem—she starts to fall in love with Sebastian. 

How far you would go to protect the people you love? Who will Vanessa choose, her family or her soulmate?

Blurb

Lawyer Juliet Jackson has come head to head with Sergeant Jesse Burns on numerous occasions in court. He is provoking. Pigheaded. Punch-worthy. They don't get along. Not one little bit. The unfortunate fact he's also her next-door neighbor brings her loathing off the charts. But when Juliet's caught locked outside her home in nothing but a skimpy towel, she must swallow her pride and turn to Jesse for help. She doesn't expect the explosive chemistry between them and can't help but wonder if Jesse's as demanding in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. 

Excerpt

His handsome face smirked before he averted his eyes and turned his head, but she could still see the profile of his face. His police uniform stretched across his chest. Wonder if that chest is chiseled underneath all those clothes.

Her ears burned hotter than chili sauce, spreading to her neck and chest. No point in putting on a mask this time, because there was no escaping this. Her fingers found the ends of the towel to cover her naked body, but her legs froze on the spot. “I got locked out of my house.”

“You got locked out of your house…naked?” A grin spread across his face, revealing the dimple on the bottom lip. She wanted to bite it but didn’t know if it was to hurt him or because of the temperature between her legs.

Scowling at his sarcasm, her fingers gripped the bricks of her house and she pulled herself up. “Yes. Why are you even here? Didn’t you have enough of me this morning?

“Never enough.”

Bio

Liv Arnold has worked as a copywriter for several global companies and now runs her own freelance business. She grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and lives with her husband and their spoiled dog, who only eats freshly cooked meals. When she’s not writing, Liv’s avoiding the gym, devouring a cheese platter, or marathoning way too much TV. And of course, she’s a massive book addict and often reads until all hours of the night.

Contact me

I would love to hear from you! Contact me on:

www.livarnold.com

www.facebook.com/livarnoldauthor

https://twitter.com/liv_au

https://www.instagram.com/liv_au 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18845019.Liv_Arnold 

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/liv-arnold

Buy Links:

Buy Law & Disorder for 99 (US) cents:

•               Amazon Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Law-Disorder-Liv-Arnold-ebook/dp/B07NCK1QGF

•               Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Law-Disorder-Liv-Arnold-ebook/dp/B07NCK1QGF

•               Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Law-Disorder-Liv-Arnold-ebook/dp/B07NCK1QGF

•               Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Law-Disorder-Liv-Arnold-ebook/dp/B07NCK1QGF

•               https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130486349?ean=2940161416266

•               https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/law-disorder/id1453327500?mt=11

•               https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/law-disorder-7

The Wizard of Oz

This week’s blogging challenge is books I love that became a movie or TV show. For this one, I’m going back to an old classic—The Wizard of Oz. 

When I was a little girl, my great-uncle used to send me books for my birthday. He’s the one who introduced me to Narnia and to The Wizard of Oz. But not just that story, the complete series. Every night before I went to bed, my dad would pull one of the books and read me a few chapters. I loved the story and the writing and the world L. Frank Baum created. And of course, I loved spending the time with my dad.

The movie, however, terrified me. To this day, I still have nightmares of an evil witch showing up at my door, the world outside alight in fire. And the witch is always the Wicked Witch of the West. But that never stopped me from watching Judy Garland in the movie, and peeking between my fingers when the witch showed up. I loved the progression from black and white to color and back again. I was fascinated to see the characters from Dorothy’s farm transform into the scarecrow and cowardly lion. And being able to carry on their stories throughout the series, to find out what happened later, was even better. 

Perhaps it’s one of the reasons why I like reading series, and why I enjoy writing them. When a character I connect with reaches the end of their story, I don’t want to part with them. I want to know that their happily ever after continues. I want to see where their life takes them and I enjoy making them pop back into other people’s stories to impart some wisdom they’ve learned or to share in a laugh or two. 

Tell me, what books did you love?

Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge

Today I’m participating in the Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge, sponsored by The Long and Short Reviews. Their topic is “favorite TV show and why.” Since my husband and I spend many evenings watching TV, and I often get my writing inspiration from minor characters who flit through the story, this is perfect for me.

However, deciding on one favorite show is tougher. I love the British TV dramas that we watch in BBC America. Sherlock is fantastic. As is, of course, Dr. Who. Netflix and Amazon have great series, such as Man in the High Castle and the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Then there’s Game of Thrones and Outlander. And of course, lots of network shows. They all have one thing in common, though. High emotion and strong characters.

Those characters take control of their lives, even when it seems as if they have none. Seeing them rise above their challenges—whether it’s as a newly divorced Jewish woman in the 1950s, a young girl forced to make her way on her own in Westeros, or people facing the worst type of society in High Castle, somehow, each one of them finds their place and figures out a way not only to survive, but to thrive.

With all that is happening today, I find that inspiring. And therefore, when I’m creating my own characters, I make sure to infuse them with that “never-give-up” spirit, even when I and they want to give up. My writing is an escape from reality. It’s my chance to make my characters’ lives turn out the way I want them to. It’s my chance to give just the right comeback. I get to play God. It’s a heady experience and one that gives me an outlet when this crazy world we actually live in gets even crazier. 

So tell me, what’s your favorite TV show and why?

It's That Time of Year

It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. Honestly, I haven’t had anything to say. I try to be entertaining when I blog, but I don’t feel that way and haven’t for a while. It’s a lot of pressure to keep up and I’m just not feeling it these days. But the seasons are changing and if the rain ever stops, I’ll be able to go out and appreciate the new leaves on the trees, the blooming flowers and someday, the sun! 

In the meantime, I’m trying to write and edit and promote. I’m getting ready for College Girl to come home and then pack her up for Israel. I’m adjusting to the idea that Banana Girl is in the home stretch for high school and is going to college—after she spends the summer working at camp. 

Things are changing and it’s going to be weird. But in a good way. I think. Tell me, what are you looking forward to?

OWSCyCon Romance Blog Tour - Day 3

OWSCyCon is an international, online book convention that is free to attend and features over 100 authors!  Join the fun to meet new authors, snag up some great book deals, and participate in multiple online book events.  

Event Website: http://owscycon.ourwriteside.com

RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/574802543016528/

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Enjoy this sneak peek of some of the featured romance authors who will be at the OWS Cyber Book Convention from May 17 - 19!  

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Stephen B. Pearl

❤️❤️❤️

Stephen B. Pearl is an ex-lifeguard, mystic, science enthusiast, home handyman, backyard mechanic, and

Writer among other things.

Married for over 34 years, to a very tolerant woman, his view of romantic love leans to stability and realism. Which doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. A strong core relationship empowers a character to do amazing things.

Stephen writes in many genera, but his romance titles consist of, Paranormal Romance: Worlds Apart and The Hollow Curse and Science Fiction Romance: Cats, Slaves of Love and War of the Worlds 2030. He will warn you War of the Worlds 2030 while quite romantic is also extremely dark.

His fiction in other genera normally incorporates a romantic subplot or two. His characters tend towards a balanced power dynamic where mutual respect and support is possible. Starry-eyed teens don’t get much of a look in.

For more about Stephen and his works visit: www.stephenpearl.com.

R.L. Jackson

❤️❤️❤️

R.L Jackson writes fiction and enjoys reading Romance, Fantasy, Dystopian, YA, and everything in between. She is also a seasoned screenwriter, an avid movie lover, ruthless supporter of all things creative and a hopeless romantic. She aims to tell new kinds of love stories, coupled with fresh concepts to give the reader a realistic jolt to brain. Her hope is to shake up the status quo. Residing in the Sunny state of Florida, she plans on bringing many more novels to life and hopes you will follow her on this new and exciting journey.

Visit http://www.cybillcain.com/ tomorrow for Day 4 of the OWSCyCon 2019 Romance Blog Tour!

An Interview With Stephen King

No, not THAT Stephen King. Sorry. But THIS Stephen King is a great guy and fellow Wild Rose Press author. His latest book is out and I thought it would be fun to get to know him better:

What is your writing style or schedule?

Well, the easy answer here is: every chance I get, but sadly that isn’t anywhere near as much as I’d like. So, I make time every morning because I work sixty hours a week, but then, there’s also family stuff too and writing is quite a selfish act. But these days, the thing that takes me away from writing new stuff most, is promoting the current releases. A necessary evil, and I love doing it, but I just wish there was twenty-eight hours in a day

Where do you actually write?

Mostly sitting at the dining table, which is in our family area. That way, in the evenings, while my wife, Jacqui is watching the TV I’m at least with her in the same room and can have conversations – even though sometimes I wish she would shush – don’t tell her that though.

Do you write linearly or not?

Hmmm, did I mention I left school at fifteen? LOL, if that question means what I think it means, yes. For me, when I have an idea, the only way I can explore it is to start writing. Sometimes it’s the most bizarre, random thought that pops into my head, and tries to escape. So, from that point I start writing and just let it flow. I never plan – especially an ending, I write my way towards it, and I find that then I want to find out what’s going to happen next. Then when I get to the end, then I self-edit like a madman, and that can mean major re-writes, changing the order of chapters etc etc. I have a saying which I will tell anyone who wants advice on writing: write from your heart, but edit with your head.

What sort of other activities keep you from actually writing?

We renovate houses, and at the moment, we are helping my son and daughter in law get their place finished and on the market. I also play poker twice a month, have done for years with the same group of guys and love it. Once a year I go game fishing for a week, and the rest of the time its family stuff. I’m blessed with grown up children who actually want to spend time with us – we must have got something right.

Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?

I don’t have a writing group. I know it works for some people, but for me I begrudge the time. My eldest daughter from my first marriage has been a constant source of support, and the first person to read what I write. My wife doesn’t read anything I put out, but she is a great listener and patiently lets me bounce ideas off her. One memorable occasion I woke her at 4am to discuss an idea and she didn’t yell or throw something at me.

How long does it normally take you to write a novel?

Well it used to take much less time when I didn’t do any promotional work. That’s not a whine, I’m living my dream of being a published author, and with it comes the responsibility to my publisher for assisting in getting the word out there. It’s a crowded market place out there for authors. For me, probably four to six months to finish a first draft, then three months to do my minimum of five re-writes. The it’s into editing, another three months. It doesn’t happen overnight. I dream of when I can retire and so this full time.

Who or what are your inspirations?

Different for different books. Sometimes it’s a random thought, sometimes it’s a definitive idea, once it was a very vivid dream, and for Glimpse, The Beautiful Deaths it was a lady I met who offered me an idea for a killer at a time I was looking for one (not literally, of course). She asked me the question: “when is a serial killer not a serial killer?” And so, this book was born.

If there’s a single aspect to writing that really frustrates you, what is it?

Jennifer, I’m living proof that no matter how old you are you can achieve your dreams. There isn’t a single aspect of being a writer I don’t LOVE. I know it’s a cliché, but seriously I wonder if one day I won’t wake and realize it was all a dream.

Given unlimited resources, what would be your ideal writing environment?

A bigger laptop, a desk facing a window that overlooks the ocean, a beach with palm trees, hand maidens peeling my grapes and keeping my coffee mug or wine glass – depending on the time of day- filled.

Tell me about your latest book. 

Glimpse, The Beautiful Deaths is book 2 of a trilogy that explores desires between two people who both have their own marital problems. They are thrust together to investigate three serial killers, and they are instantly attracted to each other. Do they, don’t they, should they? If they were single it would be a match made in heaven, but they aren’t.

The book itself brings our protagonists together for the second time to find a man who is addicted to beauty, because his life is far from that. He is a collector of beautiful things, but when he tries to capture a stunningly beautiful young woman, she ceases to be what she was when he abducted her, and she dies. So, after he grieves, he tries again, and again and is determined to keep going until he gets it right.

Do you have a favorite character and if so, who and why?

Patricia Holmes in this book is my all-time favorite character, and because it’s a trilogy I have around 300,000 words to explore her, and the man she is working with, Rick. She is beautiful, intelligent with two university master’s degrees, who shares his drive for using her intellect to catch serial murderers. She is at times funny, sexy, flirtatious, but other time gracious and deadly serious. She is the ideal character to create, and in many ways, I am so sad the trilogy is finished.

What are you working on now?

Haha, well its NOTHING like Glimpse. I wanted a break from deranged killers. It’s called Winter at the Light, and is a romantic thriller set on a lighthouse in 1952 when a 21-year-old woman looks after the light when her father is injured to save him from losing his job. 

After she falls for a man who is washed up on the shore in a lifeboat, two armed men come looking for him, and she discovers there is nowhere to hide on a lighthouse.

Glimpse, The Beautiful Deaths available on April 10^that Amazon:

Rick McCoy of the Major Crime Squad is trying to repair his marriage when he is sent to the South of Western Australia. A young girl's body has been found in a cave, with flowers on her chest. A search finds five more bodies. 

Beautiful criminal psychologist, Patricia Holmes, has recovered from her stab wounds inflicted by the serial killer PPP, and is brought in. Pat believes they are hunting a man who is addicted to beauty. When another school girl goes missing, they have only days before she too will die. 

As their desire for each other grows and the pressure on their marriages increase, they close in on the man responsible for the beautiful deaths. Meanwhile, in the high-security wing of the mental health hospital, PPP plans his revenge on Rick. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P51GVCL/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i7                                                                          

Stephen B King
Australian Author
www.stephen-b-king.com
email: stephenk8@me.com
Twitter: @StephenBKing1
Facebook: @stephenbkingauthor