Category: Writing In The Modern Age

Writing in the Modern Age 2021 Annual Post - Year in Review

12/31/2021

Writing in the Modern Age Annual Post/Year in Review: Reflections –
A Glimpse of 2021, Our Overall Guests, and the Blog’s Progress from Day One

Hi, readers! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas this year, and you’re still staying healthy and safe.

With 2021 ending and a new one coming around (tomorrow…OMG!), it’s useful to have an overview of the year’s progress. Before we get into a list of all our blog posts from this year, I want to mention the fact that Writing in the Modern Age has stayed active with guests since March of 2013.

Wow, a whole eight and a half years! That’s crazy! Plus, it’s worth noting that we reached 587 posts on the blog this year. So, our 600th blog post should land sometime in 2022, and I plan to do something real special for that one. ?
In September of 2021, I switched domains to this new location on Weebly. So, for part of the year, the blog posts landed on Blogger. I’m working on moving those former posts over here. In any case, closer to the end of this annual review post, you’ll see links coming from the old blog as well. Just know that in 2022, they will all be here on Weebly.

Using a reflection theme for New Year’s, I would also like to take a moment to recognize all the authors and guests we’ve had from the beginning, with a picture/logo or relevant book title, as well as where you can follow their work. Afterwards, I’ll show you the full list of this year’s blog posts. Sound like a plan? Great!

Let’s get started…

Noteworthy Writers/Authors on
WritModAge since 2013 to 2021

In other news, let’s reflect a little on what happened on Writing in the Modern Age in 2021. We made more progress than I imagined we would. I took some time to shift domains, plus there were illnesses in the family to handle, so that affected our number of posts. Even though there were only 21 blog posts this year, with all the featured giveaways, articles, tours, book spotlights and interviews, we managed to amass a total of 29 guest writers or participating authors for our events, along with 67 books featured.

Additionally, from the beginning of this blog’s launch back in 2013, we’ve had a ton of authors and freelance writers featured. In actuality, our total amounts to 513 people with their books or work spotlighted in helpful articles, author or character interviews, a few films covered in director interviews, book and blog tour features, massive giveaways, and even authors had their bookshelves showcased.

Wow, that’s great! ♥ It’s made for a huge turnout over the years, for sure. ?

In any case, below I have listed all the blog posts we had in 2021, divided by respective category. Take a look!

Well, there it is. Not too bad really, considering I had to redesign the entire Writing in the Modern Age blog this year, and then stick it on a new domain.
There were many featured guests and books, as well as additional info that readers and aspiring writers could use throughout the year. ?WritModAge would be nothing without all the hard work from those participating authors. Also, of course, the blog would mean very little without the fans who stop by all the time. Thank you so much for visiting this blog!

Image by Prawny from Pixabay.

I wish you all the best for 2022.

Image by Anja from Pixabay.

Word of advice? Try something new this year. Pursue the dreams you were hesitant about, or afraid to chase in the past. We often regret the actions we didn’t take rather than those that we went for. And life is way too short for regrets.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay.

Happy New Year and happy reading! Most of all, stay safe and take care of yourselves.
Warm Regards,

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age blog post here.

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5 Tips on How to Avoid Author Burnout by Dave Chesson

11/1/2021

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How to Avoid Author Burnout – 5 Tips:
a guest post by Dave Chesson

Most of us have probably been there. Perhaps it started as a few weeks of massive productivity, followed by even more weeks of exhaustion.

Perhaps it simply came as a form of depression, where we wouldn’t even feel like getting up in the morning, or we would sit at a computer and the words just would not come.

Photo by Elisa Ventur on Unsplash.

Whether we have experienced this or not, chances are we will encounter burnout at some point in our author career. In fact, I’d say that’s more than a guarantee.

So, what can we do? Well, there are a few things that we can do to improve our recovery from burnout. But far more effective are the techniques we can use to avoid getting burned out in the first place.

In this article, I will examine five of these.

Tip #1: Work Smarter, Not Harder

If you’re burnt out, work is the last thing you want to talk about.

Photo by Xavi Cabrera on Unsplash.

That said, a lot of us still need to continue working even if we are burnt out.

So, one strategy to get over this problem is to work smarter, not harder.

Imagine if you could get the same amount of work done in half the time. Would that make you feel better? Would you have more time to spend on self-care?

That’s what I’m talking about here, not working more, but getting the same amount of work done in less time so you have more time for yourself.

For authors, there are some proven ways to write faster, which can include:

Dictation
Choosing the right music

Photo by Mark Cruz on Unsplash.

Keeping a consistent writing schedule

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash.

Outlining
Rewarding yourself
Waiting to edit until you are finished

Image by Anne Karakash from Pixabay.

All of these will help you in the long run, but just one or two quick changes can make a huge difference.

Try picking one technique and mastering it to see how much time you can save, and you will be amazed at what you are capable of.

Tip #2: Schedule Time Off

This is probably the first thing that most people think about when we discuss avoiding burnout.

But in reality, it works.

There are several types of time off that you should consider. In addition to your typical vacation once or twice a year, I recommend you have at least one day off on your weekend, one extended weekend per quarter (3-4 days), and at least two half-hour breaks throughout your day.

This will not always be possible, but the more you can make time for yourself, the more likely you are to avoid burnout in the first place.

Photo by Visual Stories Micheile on Unsplash.

I especially recommend taking breaks throughout the day, because the more tired you are every day, the more likely you are to have a tiresome week.

Which brings me to my next point…

Tip #3: Try the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro technique is a method I have been using for a long time. Put simply, it's a technique where you spend 25 minutes of your time in an intensely focused state, followed by a five minute break. This technique helps with focus, but also helps you stay mentally grounded.

What's most important is that you plan your brakes effectively. This is not a time to check social media, or watch five more minutes of your favorite TV show. During that five minute break, you want to get a drink, go to the bathroom, take a few deep breaths, and move around a little bit.

Image by Conger Design from PIxabay.

Doing all this will refresh your mind and give you the energy you need to continue going for the next 25 minutes, and so on, and so forth. I found it to be extremely effective at helping me get a lot of work done without the burnout.

Tip #4: Go Ergonomic

You may not know this, but part of the reason why you’re having trouble with burnout might be physical.

For that reason, you might want to consider investing in some ergonomic hardware.

Photo by Ergonofis on Unsplash.

I personally invested in an ergonomic chair, and found that it helps so much with my level of comfort while I’m working. An ergonomic mouse or keyboard is another great option. Even better, you can try dictation so that you don’t wear out your wrists and hands.

Tip #5: Know When to Say No

Lastly, I think it’s important to remember that sometimes we take on more work than we should. It’s easy to say yes to everything that people ask of us, but we need to understand our limitations.

If we don’t do this, we are likely to end up with far too much on our work plate than we can realistically handle.

So make sure that you know your workload, and that you only say yes to a new request if it is urgent and coming from someone important in your life (such as a boss or a spouse), or if you know for certain that you can get it done in the time allotted.

Remember that you are a writer, and your job is to write. All other tasks are secondary.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of other ways to avoid burnout, these are just a few. But I also don’t want to overwhelm you with too much information. So I recommend you pick one or two of these that speak to you, and really try to give them a solid trial run.

If you do, I can promise that you will experience increased success, a rested mind, and you will hold burnout off for a little while longer.

Photo by Bruce Mars on Unsplash.

Guest Blogger Bio

Photo by Bruce Mars on Unsplash.

Dave Chesson is the creator of Kindlepreneur.com, a website devoted to teaching advanced book Marketing, which even Amazon KDP acknowledged as one of the best by telling users to “Gain insight from Kindlepreneur on how you can optimize marketing for your books.” Having worked with such authors as Orson Scott Card, Ted Dekker and more, his tactics help both Fiction and Nonfiction authors of all levels get their books discovered by the right readers.

Links
http://kindlepreneur.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KindlePreneur/
https://twitter.com/davechesson

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age book spotlight here.

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Blog Tour Feature and Release Blitz: TAKEDOWN by Evelyn Sola

10/29/2021

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Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Evelyn Sola, a talented author!

Evelyn, an author I met on my journey, has a release blitz running right now.

Let's check out the details, shall we?

Title: Takedown
Author: Evelyn Sola
Release Date: October 29, 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Steamy, Humor, Romantic Comedy, Accidental Marriage Theme, Multicultural Romance

Mellie lives her life risk-free and would do anything to keep her heart safe. But when Adam shows up in Vegas, all her careful plans go right out the window. Mellie and Adam quickly discover that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas. Readers who enjoy diverse contemporary romances will devour Takeover by Evelyn Sola, a diverse accidental marriage romance.

BLURB:

Mellie
I was not a gambler. No way. I’ve built an existence free of risk and adventure. From my career to a small life with my closest family. I was not going to do anything to jeopardize my heart. But when my neighbor and number one menace to my safe plans showed up in Vegas, I did what every adventurous (not!) woman would do. I got drunk and married the man.
Adam
What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas. Then, I went and married Mellie Dupree. That woman I’ve been chasing for two years is now my wife. She claims she doesn’t remember our wedding, but I was there, and I know she’s not telling the truth. Then again, neither am I.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58930569-takedown

Purchase links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zCbkrU
Universal Reader Link:  https://books2read.com/u/braRjk

Intriguing! How about a look inside?

EXCERPT

      I don’t think I breathe until the wheels of the plane leave the ground and we’re soaring through the air, away from the biggest fuck up of my life. But as I look out of my window, I know I’m only delaying the inevitable.
            He’ll come. He’ll find me. There’s no way he’ll keep this a secret. But I shake my head and tell myself that I don’t care. It’s not just up to him. He’ll realize he’s made a mistake too. We’ll talk to Tina, she’s the sister of my brother’s wife, a former lawyer turned restaurant owner. She’ll walk us through the annulment process. It will happen quickly, and things will return to normal.
            Yes, that’s exactly what will happen, but when I close my eyes all I can see are blue eyes looking down at me while a man dressed as Elvis tells us to repeat after him. I have no desire to remember my vows, but I remember his. I can practically hear him now. His voice deep and sincere as he promised to love, honor and cherish until death do us part.

Your book sounds so compelling!

Readers, you'll have to check out this read! Or, add it to your Goodreads bookshelf or save it to your BookBub wishlist!

While we're at it, how about some more teasers? ;)

Awesome! Thanks so much, Evelyn!

Let's also give kudos to Evelyn's sponsor:

Grab a copy of this one!

Thank you, Evelyn, for letting us know all about your steamy, humorous, accidental marriage, multicultural romance novel. It sounds like quite a sexy, romantic tale!

A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.

Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.

She currently lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and two daughters.

Follow:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Reader Group | Goodreads | BookBub | Newsletter | Amazon

Thanks for stopping by to let us know about your new release, Evelyn! ♥

https://books2read.com/u/braRjk

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age guest article here.

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Blog Tour Feature: THE TRIALS OF ADELINE TURNER by Angela Terry

10/25/2021

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Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Angela Terry, a talented author!

Angela, an author I met on my journey, has a blog tour running right now.

Let's check out the details, shall we?

From Charming Falls Apart author Angela Terry comes a story about finding the courage to face your past, be true to your heart, and live your best life.

"From the very first page, I was hooked on this tale of heartbreak, self-discovery, and one woman's charming determination to turn lemons into lemonade. Fans of Emily Giffin and Lauren Weisberger will love this engaging and entertaining debut!"―Meg Donohue, USA Today best-selling author of You, Me, and the Sea

"The Trials of Adeline Turner is a fast-paced tale of dating in your 30s and learning to trust your inner voice. Brimming with wit, banter, romance and heart, it has all the ingredients of the perfect beach read. I was charmed!" ―Lindsay Cameron, award-winning author of BIGLAW and Just One Look

A career-driven early thirty-something, Adeline is climbing the law firm ladder and navigating the roulette of “tall, dark and toxic” bachelors in the Chicago dating scene when opportunities new and old fall in her lap on a business trip to sunny California. Book clubs and fans of women’s fiction will enjoy cheering for Adeline Turner as she navigates the twists and turns of her newly complicated life in this fun, heartwarming novel.

The Trials of Adeline Turner: A Novel
By Angela Terry

A FUN AND CHARMING STORY OF REINVENTION, THIS CHARACTER-DRIVEN NOVEL IS THE PERFECT BEACH READ

Anyone who’s ever reminisced about their unrequited first love or longed for a shakeup just when they thought they were settled will love the charming and fun story of Adeline Turner. A career-driven early thirty-something, Adeline is climbing the law firm ladder and navigating the roulette of “tall, dark and toxic” bachelors in the Chicago dating scene when opportunities new and old fall in her lap on a business trip to sunny California. Book clubs and fans of women’s fiction will devour The Trials of Adeline Turner by Angela Terry.

Risk-averse Adeline uncharacteristically takes the leap into a new life in San Francisco. But a suddenly messy romantic life and suspicions of an office sabotage threaten to derail her high-flying future before it’s off the ground. Without the safety net of her old life in Chicago, Addie must become her own advocate and learn that people aren’t always what they seem. Does the key to having the future she desires lie in uncovering the truth of the past?

“Like my character, I moved from Chicago to San Francisco as an adult and had to go through the process creating a new life and friendships,” Terry says. “I want my stories to illuminate the importance of being true to yourself and finding what makes you happy – which often involves getting out of your comfort zone, letting go of any old stories that hold you back, and listening to your heart.”

Fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lauren Weisberger and Emily Giffin’s iconic Something Borrowed and Something Blue novels will adore The Trials of Adeline Turner.

Title: The Trials of Adeline Turner
Author: Angela Terry
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Publisher: Girl Friday Books
Genre: Women's Fiction
Pages: 277

BLURB:

From Charming Falls Apart author Angela Terry comes a story about finding the courage to face your past, be true to your heart, and live your best life. Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Giffin will enjoy cheering for Adeline Turner as she navigates the twists and turns of her newly complicated life in this fun, heartwarming novel.

Thirty-three-year-old corporate attorney Adeline Turner has built her adult life around stability. Her professional life is thriving, but her personal life . . . not so much. Deep down she wants more, but finds it’s easier to brush aside her dreams and hide behind her billable hours. That is, until a new client and a chance encounter with her high school crush have her taking leaps she never planned. Suddenly, unadventurous, nose-to-the-grindstone Adeline finds herself moving across the country from her predictable life in Chicago to San Francisco, falling into messy romantic situations, and trying to unravel an office-sabotage plot before it ruins her career.

Without the safety net of her old life in Chicago, Adeline must become her own advocate and learn that people aren’t always who they seem. Which makes her wonder if the key to having the future she desires lies in uncovering the truth of the past.

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57934079-the-trials-of-adeline-turner
BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-trials-of-adeline-turner-by-angela-terry

Purchase links:
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Trials-Adeline-Turner-Angela-Terry-ebook/dp/B08XKJW6V9/
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/mlEgBq

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:

Intriguing! Let's chat with the author for a bit...

Angela, nice to have you here on Writing in the Modern Age! Glad you could stop by!

Angela: Hi, thanks for inviting me!

Marie Lavender (host): Sure! So, Who do you think is the ideal reader for The Trials of Adeline Turner?

Author Angela Terry: Generally, this book is for anyone who enjoys voice-driven, contemporary escapist women’s fiction. Specifically, this book is for someone who may be like Adeline, where they might have a successful career, but want more in their personal life. And, of course, this book is for anyone who still thinks about their first crush and wonders, “What if?” (although, sometimes the dream is better than the reality!).

Marie: You’re a big fan of “chick lit”. What are your feelings about that name for the niche of fun and flirty women’s voices?

Angela: The first “chick-lit” book I read was Bridget Jones’s Diary, and it introduced me (and a generation) to books about women who were going through similar issues as I was in my twenties and thirties. I was navigating and balancing my career, dating, family and friends, and asking the question of, “What do I want my life to look like?”. These books were usually told in a light, entertaining, first-person voice, and the characters felt real to me. So, while I know the term has fallen out of favor over the years, it still has a soft spot in my heart.

My books have been called rom-com, chick lit, and women’s fiction. I personally consider my books to be women’s fiction, since they focus more on the emotional growth of my heroine towards a more fulfilled self. But I also love a good happily-ever-after. So, if my novel is hanging out on the rom-com table, I’m happy with that because I just want readers to be able to discover my books.

Marie: What books and authors have inspired you?

Angela: The first chick-lit book I read was Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding, and from there I was hooked on these lighter tone, voice-driven, confessional type of stories. From there, I read Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series, and I absolutely loved, and still love, Jane Green’s novels, which have evolved from early chick lit to women’s fiction.

Emily Giffin’s books, though, finally gave me that push to start writing my own books. When returning home from a vacation, I had picked up Something Blue at the airport and devoured it in one sitting. I love how honest and complicated her characters are, and how effortless her writing style seems. When I turned the book over to read her biography, which read, “After practicing litigation at a Manhattan firm for several years, she moved to London to write full time…”, it struck me that hers was the first “attorney bio” I read where I thought, “I want to do that!” That was the moment I decided to commit to my writing.

Marie: Where is your favorite place to read?

Angela: My favorite place to read would be my sofa with my cats. But where I get the most reading done would be at airports and on airplanes. I’m terrified of flying, and so I will save up books to read for my flight to have something to look forward to. Now I can’t wait to get to the airport and will be at my gate two hours early to catch up on my reading.

Marie: How has the pandemic affected your reading (and writing) habits?

Angela: In the beginning of the pandemic, I found it hard to concentrate on reading and writing. But thanks to my book club and being introduced to the Bookstagram community, I managed to get back my reading mojo. Though I will say, I found myself reaching for lighter, uplifting reads during this time.

The pandemic also affected my writing. Normally, whenever I get stuck on a scene, I like to go for a walk or head to a coffee shop. Seeing people on the street and eavesdropping on conversations always gives me new inspiration. With shelter-in-place, I found myself watching television a lot more to study people’s expressions, as well as voice inflections and cadence for dialogue purposes.

Marie: I know what you mean. My reading and writing habits were affected too.

In any case, it was such a pleasure to have you here today. ♥

Emilia: For myself as well. Thanks for allowing me to visit!

Marie: Of course! Hope to see you back here sometime...

(Waves goodbye to her guest.)

Readers, how about a look inside Angela's new release?

Let's check out an excerpt!

Since I’ll be gone for almost a week and had to bring a full lineup of suits, business casual, and sportswear, I have to go through the whole ordeal of checking luggage. After handing my suitcase to the airline clerk and receiving my luggage tag, I smile, say thank you, and turn around while readjusting my tote bag on my shoulder. As I do, I run smack into a blue shirt.
“Ow, sorry,” I say apologetically. “I should really look where I’m going.”
“No problem.” A deep male voice laughs as he places his hands on my elbows, obviously trying to stop me from running him over. “Are you okay?”
As I’m standing there rubbing the tip of my nose, something about his voice strikes a chord inside me and I look up.
Whoa! This man is beautiful, and his smile is even more so, and I stumble a little as I take a small step back.
“Yeah, thanks. Sorry again for my clumsiness!” I answer laughingly, embarrassed.
“No problem.”
He releases my elbows, and I move aside as he goes up to the check-in counter.
Away from the line, I recombobulate myself, pulling my tote back onto my shoulder. I’m a little shaky, though, and feel a flush spreading across my chest. I sneak a look at the back of the man I just bumped into. Very tall and fit-looking with a gorgeous head of hair. The most perfect shade of chestnut, it’s thick and a little wavy and flops in all the right directions. He’s running his hand through it as he waits for the airline clerk. He’s looking around now. Mmm . . . what nice, strong-looking shoulders. Oh wait, he’s looking at me! Probably because I’m staring at him. Oops! I give a half smile, and just as I turn around to head to security, the clerk says, “Thank you, Mr. Summers,” and I freeze.
I know this man!
My flush escapes my crewneck to my cheeks, and I’m freaking out—not so much that I know him, but at my reaction. Am I sweating? One half of me wants to get the hell out of here, but the other half, the deer in the headlights, is rooted to the spot. Even if I wanted to run, my legs are like Jell-O and I’m too shaken to even try to take a step.
The blue shirt appears in front of me again. “Hi,” Brad says.
Brad Summers, my unrequited high school crush, is standing in front of me eighteen years later.

***
When we reach the Starbucks, we order our coffee, and Brad kindly says, “Here, let me get this. It’s nice to see an old friend.” The fifteen-year-old girl inside me swoons. If he considers his plain former neighbor an old friend, who am I to argue?
We sit down at a table and begin firing off more questions. Would you believe that my beloved Brad is, of all things, a real estate attorney? Who would have guessed? Especially since, let’s be honest, most attorneys are pretty bland personality-wise. But Brad is nothing like that. He’s funny and charming, and his eyes sparkle when he laughs. I’m dying to ask him, And why aren’t you married? but we stay on nonromantic conversation points, such as where we went to school, why we decided to become attorneys, and what our chosen career would be if we could do anything and not worry about finances. (He’d renovate houses full-time, and I’d be a writer, and yes, we both would travel.) Throughout the conversation, I simply bask in the warmth of his smile and the full focus of his attention. At some point, though, I glance at my watch and realize I need to get to my gate now.
“Shoot. I better go if I want to catch my flight,” I say with definite disappointment in my voice.
He in turn looks at his watch. “Oh, yeah, you better get a move on.”
We both stand up at the same time. “Yes, well, it was really great running into you. Have a good flight,” I say.
“Yeah. You too.”
I’m about to reach out to shake his hand, but then I figure, what the hell? He did say earlier I was an old friend, right? So I lean in and give him a hug. A hug that lingers a little too long. But as I feel the warmth of his skin rising and catch a delicious scent of cologne/aftershave, I don’t want to let go, ever.

So...what are other readers saying about The Trials of Adeline Turner?

Image by Tomislav Kaučić from Pixabay.

"This novel has a delightful rom com tone which is fun and easy to read, but doesn’t let itself be boxed into common tropes. Adeline Turner has no life-balance and a less than perfect romantic life, but other than that she has it all together—the sought after legal job on a track to partnership, a father who’s proud of her, a client who’s impressed, and soon a job offer to move to San Francisco.
So she’s well-grounded, that is until she runs into her unrequited high school crush, who reappears in real life. She’s way too old (in her thirties) and is too much of a professional to be blushing and flushing over a fellow lawyer, but yes, she is. And she’s embarrassed about it and trying hard to keep her professional and personal lives separate.
Add in a subplot of corporate intrigue and backstabbing, and leaving her best friend and confidante behind in Chicago and Adeline has plenty to deal with.
I enjoyed the balanced tone of this book. It covers real questions around regrets and whether we take chances on love, but in a lighthearted way that’s enjoyable to read.
A truly satisfying read." -- L Cameron, Amazon

"A Charming Slice-of-Life Read. Give me a delightful heroine, an engaging journey of self-discovery, and a healthy dose of romance and I’ll give you my undivided attention. That’s exactly what happened when I picked up Angela Terry’s new novel, The Trials of Adeline Turner.
I’m always craving those delicious slice-of-life tales of women finding their way through new friendships, work drama, and the complex world of dating, and The Trials of Adeline Turner perfectly satisfied that sweet spot. Angela Terry’s writing is fresh, funny, and sharp, and in Adeline, she has created a character that I not only rooted and felt for, but that I wanted to hang out with. Like Adeline, I never knew what was going to happen, and through all of the ups and downs, I just loved being along for the ride.
If you’re looking for a book about finding your way, coming to terms with the past, and braving the way towards a new future, don’t miss out on The Trials of Adeline Turner." -- Stephanie Burns, Amazon

"I took to Adeline immediately. She’s a Chicago lawyer, merely existing, but asking too much from life. Suddenly, she has a career opportunity and also a potential crush turns real. While a good attorney, Adeline has a lot to learn in the People department. Adeline finally comes to realizations in her life and takes action. She doesn’t just settle, although that would be the easy way out. I liked that she was a Midwesterner and it was home for her. It’s a great read." -- J.K., Amazon

Wow, this book sounds so compelling!

Readers, you'll have to check out this read! Or, add it to your Goodreads bookshelf or save it to your BookBub wishlist!

Looks awesome to me! :)

Thanks so much, Angela!

Let's also give kudos to Angela's sponsor:

Grab a copy of this one, everyone.

Thank you for letting us know all about your women's fiction novel. It sounds like quite a read!

Angela Terry is an attorney who formerly practiced intellectual property law at large firms in Chicago and San Francisco. She is also a Chicago Marathon legacy runner and races to raise money for PAWS Chicago—the Midwest’s largest no-kill shelter. She resides in San Francisco with her husband and two cats and enjoys throwing novel-themed dinner parties for her women’s fiction book club. Her debut novel, Charming Falls Apart, is a 2021 Independent Press Awards Winner, 2021 IPBA Benjamin Franklin Awards Finalist, and 2020 Best Book Awards Finalist.

Author links:
http://www.angelaterry.com/
http://www.facebook.com/angelaterryauthor
http://www.instagram.com/angelaterryauthor
http://www.twitter.com/angelaterrylit
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20487515.Angela_Terry
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angela-terry

Thanks for stopping by to let us know about your new release, Angela! ♥

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age guest article here.

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Blog Tour Feature: LOVE AND OTHER SINS by Emilia Ares

10/22/2021

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Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Emilia Ares, a talented author!

Emilia, an author I met on my journey, has a blog tour running right now.

Let's check out the details, shall we?

THE NEXT BIG COMING-OF-AGE DRAMA SWEEPS READERS UP IN AN EMOTIONAL TALE OF LOVE, FAMILY, AND VIOLENCE IN CONTEMPORARY L.A.

Mina’s life is going according to plan, she’s acing AP Calc and is perfectly content with her non-existent social life.

Oliver is ready to burn down his old life and start from scratch – complete with a new name and emancipation papers – in L.A.

When the two are thrown together through circumstance and develop an unexpected connection, they discover how hard it is to keep the past in the past in Love and Other Sins by Emilia Ares.

Title: Love and Other Sins
Author: Emilia Ares
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Publisher: SERA Press
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 326

BLURB:

Mina's life is going according to plan; she's acing AP Calc and is perfectly content with her nonexistent social life. Though only a high school junior, Mina knows time is an investment, and she's putting all her capital into academics. Oliver, a child abuse survivor who grew up in the foster care system, is ready to burn down his old life and start from scratch-complete with a new name and emancipation papers-in L.A. When the two are thrown together through circumstance and develop an unexpected connection, they discover how hard it is to keep the past in the past.

Love and Other Sins is an emotional coming-of-age YA drama about family, love, violence, and the residue of abuse set against the backdrop of contemporary Los Angeles. When Mina meets Oliver, you'll remember your own first love and just how fast it swept you under.

What were the bonds that bound us?

Was it purely physical attraction?

Circumstance?

Or perhaps it was a mutual gravitation toward inevitable pain.

Love and Other Sins is a moving story about what it means to be young and vulnerable in today's society. This young adult romance will make you laugh and cry and give you hope for tomorrow because there are people like Mina and Oliver who refuse to let themselves be defined by their pasts or circumstances. If you love reading books like Looking for Alaska or Thirteen Reasons Why, then this is definitely for you.

Content warning: sexual assault, recollections of child abuse, discussions of suicidal thoughts, and mention of miscarriage.

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59049008-love-and-other-sins
BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/books/love-and-other-sins-by-emilia-ares

Purchase links:
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Other-Sins-Emilia-Ares-ebook/dp/B09F1HD3GJ/
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/m0BnQ7

More about the book...

Oliver and Mina develop a strong bond as the threads of their old lives begin to unravel and they are forced to reckon with family history that violently refuses to remain in the past.

“I wanted to tell the story of a first-generation Russian immigrant girl and a street-wise foster care system boy who find love,” says Ares, known as an actress for roles in American Horror Story and Bosch.“ Love and Other Sins discusses the nuanced experience of growing up in America with immigrant parents as well as the critical flaws of the foster care system.”

Intriguing!

Let's chat with the author for a bit...

Emilia, nice to have you here on Writing in the Modern Age! Glad you could stop by!

Marie Lavender (host): You've been a working actress for many years. How has writing fit into your life, or how did you transition to writing?

Emilia Ares: Funnily enough, I began writing while on one of my sets. I was doing a film and sometimes we have to wait for hours in between takes. In those situations, it’s best to do something to take your mind off the scene in order to keep the acting fresh and the reactions surprising. Reading is a great go-to, but there had been this story and these characters – Oliver and Mina – who were living in my head and nagging at my brain. I just had to get them on paper, so to speak. I wrote a chapter of their story into my notes on my iPhone and I also jotted down what else would probably happen later on in the story. When I got back to town, I wanted to show it to my younger sister, Sofia, who was reading a lot of YA at the time and ended up becoming an English major. She’s the one who encouraged me to keep writing and turn it into a book. She said she loved it and couldn’t wait for more. I don’t think Love and Other Sins would have existed without her encouragement.

Marie: What have you learned **about storytelling from TV projects you've acted in like American Horror Story and Bosch?**

Emilia: I’ve learned a ton about storytelling from the TV and film projects I’ve acted in, especially the importance of a strong emotional connection with my characters. Creating a backstory for my characters on and off the screen was vital. More times than not, my character’s backstory was not provided to me either because the project was high profile and the full script was kept under wraps or because I was playing a guest star whose history was not explicitly discussed or mentioned in the script itself. So, I’d have to invent the backstory.

That process is very similar to writing characters in a book. I used my knowledge of how the character was described in the breakdown that was provided during the casting process including any traits, qualities, strengths, weaknesses, quirks. I would then make an educated guess about what this person ultimately wants/needs from life, taking into consideration the character arc in the scene/overall story to create a reasonable history for them. In the case of American Horror Story, I would ask myself where does Princess Anastasia Romanova come from? What makes her tick? What life events shaped her? Empowered her? Scarred her? What are her secrets? And how do those things effect how she walks, talks, speaks, et cetera? The backstory is usually never discussed, but always exists in the thoughts of these characters, which ultimately informs their actions. The more specific the backstory, the richer, what actor’s call 'the life' of the character is.

This was great practice for when it came time to create Oliver and Mina’s backstories. I would just pretend they were characters I was going to play. I entered their minds the way I would when I played my characters on set. This might be a different approach than most traditional writers and it’s most likely why I wrote in first person. I was documenting the moments as if they were happening to me in real time. Later, I rewrote the novel into past tense to give the storytelling and pacing more flexibility.

Marie: Why was it important for you to write young people who are independent and self-reliant, not dependent on parental support to go after their goals?

Emilia: I honestly didn’t set out with the goal to write independent and self-reliant characters. I just wanted them to be interesting and, as it turns out, self-reliant people interest me. But I’m glad Oliver and Mina developed into the people they became because there are plenty of teenagers out there who are on their own and could use someone like Oliver to identify with.

Mina is actually very reliant on her mother for moral support when we first meet her. However, this novel begins during the part of her life when she starts to break free from that support and she ventures off to discover who she is and what she wants. She will have many hardships ahead. We get to follow her down that tumultuous road and witness her slay the dragons or succumb. Oliver, on the other hand, built himself up from the most terrible circumstances and found his own silver lining. He doesn’t have any family. He’s alone, therefore he’s independent out of necessity, not choice. I hope his story is inspirational to the youth who feel hopeless.

Marie: How did your own young adulthood prepare you to write this book?

Emilia: My time as a teenager was as dramatic and angsty as anyone else’s. Everyday there was drama, rumors, gossip, bullying. No matter how hard I tried to keep my head down, it felt as though it was inescapable. When I talked to my adult friends about their high school experiences, I came to understand that we all felt that way. You know, it’s funny ... as trivial as everything seems now, in the grand scheme of things some of those moments really did matter and did shape me into who I am today. The most painful moments became my biggest life lessons. I knew what I had to do to never feel that way again. I learned who I had to stay away from and who I had to gravitate toward. It wasn’t all bad, though; I had some great friends to get me through the tough parts. Those were the parts that were most similar to my life. Nyah was written based on a combination of a few of my friends and my sister. Lily was inspired by my mom.

Marie: What books and authors inspired you in your writing?

**Emilia: The Stranger by Albert Camus because it challenged everything I ever knew or thought I knew about the hero of a story and made me feel so uncomfortable reading it.**

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, not only for the revelation this novel brought to literature but also for the story behind writing it. Dostoevsky didn't write it because he wanted to, he wrote it out of necessity. He wrote what he knew, the conditions and ramifications of a sick, drunk, impoverished Russia.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins because by the time 2008 rolled around, so much had already been written and said about a potential post-apocalyptic nation but somehow, Collins was able to put forth a fresh take on dystopia. I admire that very much. There is always more room for your voice, your perspective, your story.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe because, again, it was very critically controversial. People didn't know how to feel about it. On the one hand, Achebe ended up writing it in English, the language of colonialism which caused disagreement amongst many African critics in regards to the ultimate message of the novel. On the other hand, this was a novel that went against most of what was written about African culture at the time. It showed European colonialism from a different perspective portraying Igbo life from the point of view of an African man, a rich and sophisticated culture with a deep history, language, and beliefs.

But some of the first books and authors who inspired my love for storytelling were The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.

Marie: Great! It was such a pleasure to have you here today.

Emilia: For myself as well. Thank you for inviting me!

Marie: Of course!

Hope to see you back here sometime...

(Waves goodbye to her guest.)

Readers, how about a look inside Emilia's new release with a couple short teasers?

Excerpt 1
There was something about her - her eyes. Well, not so much her eyes, physically, but more like what they said about her: she had this look - a kind of restless intensity.

Excerpt 2
It was intimate . . . a strange and beautiful feeling. We were breathing life into each other.

Your book sounds so compelling!

Readers, you'll have to check out this read! Or, add it to your Goodreads bookshelf or save it to your BookBub wishlist!

Looks awesome to me! :)

Thanks so much, Emilia!

Let's also give kudos to Emilia's sponsor:

Grab a copy of this one!

Thank you for letting us know all about your YA fiction novel. It sounds like quite a read!

Emilia Ares is an American film and television actress. Love and Other Sins is her debut novel. She graduated UCLA with a BA in Economics, and a minor in Russian. Literature and storytelling have always been her true passion.

Author links:
http://www.EmiliaAres.com/
https://twitter.com/emiliaares
https://www.facebook.com/emiliaareszoryan/
https://www.instagram.com/EmiliaAres/
https://www.tiktok.com/@emiliaares?
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21617409.Emilia_Ares
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emilia-ares
Other links: https://linktr.ee/Emiliaares

Thanks for stopping by to let us know about your new release, Emilia! ♥

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age guest article here.

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Explore the A to Z's of Writing by Marie Lavender

10/11/2021

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Explore the A to Z's of Writing: an admin article by Marie Lavender

This week, I thought I'd take a moment to go back to basics. I would like to explore some terms we use in the writing industry. For newbies, you'll hear these from fellow writers or editors at your publisher at some point. Or, you might see them on how-to articles. And if you've taken a writing workshop at all, you've probably heard most of them. Even if you're a seasoned writer, it can't hurt to reacquaint yourself with these words or phrases, as well as to keep the following advice in mind. So, without further ado, let's explore the alphabet of writing...

Photo by Pawel Janiak on Unsplash.

1. A for Antagonist - The villain in a story, or at least a concept/obstacle which stands in the way of the main character (protagonist) reaching his/her goals or happiness.

Writer Tip: Always include an antagonist, or at least a barrier preventing the protagonist from getting what he wants, in any work of fiction. This automatically creates conflict, which heightens tension and moves the plot along.

2. B for Book - a published volume which includes a single manuscript, or a collection or anthology of several works. Such work housed within the book can be fictional in nature, fact-based, or even include poetry. There are full-length books in the industry, as well as shorter ones. A published 'book' may be in digital (ebook) or physical format (such as a trade paperback or hardcover). A 'chapbook' is often a shorter book written by one author, with numerous poems or short stories included.

Writer Tip: Whether you decide to get published traditionally or on your own, do your homework on your intended genre and make sure your manuscript is properly edited and formatted in advance.

3. C for Creativity - A type of self-expression for a writer or artist which may result in the form of writing, painting, sketching, or designing a work of art. Creativity is the act of turning new ideas into reality. Some businesses might ask an employee to implement creative problem-solving just to come up with a unique solution to an issue.

Writer Tip: Stretch your creative muscles by trying different mediums. Start writing in a separate fiction genre, go for an essay, or construct a poem instead. Another option would be to paint or draw a scene or element from your story. Some fantasy writers like to expand on the idea of world-building by making a map of that fictional world, a fun detail to include inside the book when it gets published. Create a shadowbox for a room in your house (use a specific theme), or even paint the wall in a new color.

Photo by RhondaK Native Florida Folk Artist on Unsplash.

Any of these creative endeavors can open your mind to new writing ideas.

4. D for Development and Dialogue

Development - You'll usually see this in reference to 'character development' or 'characterization'. A character is a person represented in a fictional tale. The story can be told from this individual's perspective.

Writer Tip: Know your characters well, especially the main ones. Even if you don't include every detail in the story, it can't hurt to know how a character would react to a certain situation. Be sure to add 'consistent inconsistencies' (for example, a thrill-seeker who is somehow afraid of heights). More than than anything, though, you must learn to listen to your main character.

Dialogue - The speech patterns and discussions between characters. This is separate from the internal thoughts (monologue) of a main character. Dialogue in a book should be as natural as possible.

Writer Tip: To exhibit realistic dialogue in a story, take some time to recognize the flow of conversations in real life. How do people talk? What gestures or sounds do they make during specific parts of the discussion? How do they emote or express themselves?

Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash.

5. E for Empathy - A sense of fellow feeling for another person, or putting yourself in their place. This is a key component for any writer who intends to create a believable character. It's also necessary to add enough emotion which translates on the page so that readers will start to care about what happens to your character. The way you do, right? ;) If you have begun to wonder where you're going wrong, then try to connect better with your character. Learn more and imagine how they'd respond to situations.

I know I've done my job when I'm feeling the emotions that the character is going through. If he or she is sad, tears are probably streaming down my face, too. No, I'm not really crazy. This is just the writer's journey as the story progresses. It's no different than getting choked up while watching a dramatic film. When we write, the story plays out in our heads like a movie. So, why wouldn't we respond to that in kind?

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash.

Writer Tip: Know the plot and main character well enough to express those facets within the story. Remember, empathy is deeper than sympathy. Readers will come back for more if you evoke the same emotions in them. Make the story and characters relatable.

6. F for Fiction - Often told in story or novel form, fiction is a creative work, concerning people, places, or events. It is not based in fact, though certain objects, historical figures, and actions which are mentioned can appear real. The key elements of fiction include character, theme, plot, point of view, setting, conflict, and tone. Fiction can be divided into different areas or 'genres'.

Writer Tip: Unfortunately, some parts of reality must off-set an imaginary world. The more of a relatable quality you can add to any story, the more likely a reader will connect with the characters and the events happening therein.

7. G for Genre - This describes the category that a specific book falls under. Some examples are romance, mystery, science fiction, and horror. You've likely been on Amazon and noticed all the sub-genres listed there as well. So, that leaves a lot of room for writers to put their stories.

Writer Tip: Try your hand at writing different genres. Use the following prompt:

Rain came down in sheets, a hard battle against each window, while lightning struck nearby. The raging storm outside, though, hardly compared to the one within.

Continue the story on your own from where the last sentence started. At the same time, think about the separate tones you can add to the tale to make it more romantic, mysterious, supernatural or spacey, and even creepier. Write four different versions, one for each genre - romance, mystery, science fiction (feel free to substitute asteroids for rain, as I know it doesn't rain in space), or horror. They don't need to be long stories or even finished, just enough to establish tone. Then, decide which one you like best.

8. H for Hook - A 'hook' is a sentence in the first paragraph of a scene or chapter which compels the audience to keep reading. If this is done well, the pop, so to speak, usually falls in the first sentence. Similarly, a 'closing' positioned at the end of a scene or chapter, should make the reader want to find out more. That means they're in it for the long haul, prepared to continue diving into the reading experience.

Writer Tip: Do your best to avoid losing the audience in the first chapter, but especially in the first paragraph. Draw someone in with a leading sentence that makes them wonder what happens next. If you effectively use the same technique for opening and closing each scene and chapter, you'll have nailed a big part of the author job description. The most challenging portion of landing a good hook, however is doing it for the whole project, in the first sentence of a story or book.

9. I for In the Middle of Things - This is a direct translation for the Latin phrase 'en medias res', a term we use in the industry for stating the best place to start a story - in the midst of some action. Sometimes, as writers, we don't realize the beginning until we've written other leading sections. For example, if your project entails a woman getting fired and how she handles it, breaking out on her own and finding a new career, you wouldn't want to start the story at breakfast time, right? No, you'd begin when she's hauling her butt - perhaps complete with a speeding ticket - to get into the office without being late, just to find out she's been let go. Or, you might start it right at those fatal words.

"Sorry, Julia. We've decided you're no longer a good fit for this company."
Um...what?

Photo by Pradeep Ranjan on Unsplash.

Exactly. Do you see how those punches to the gut can hook a reader into wondering how the character will react? Oh, no, she's been fired. What now?

Writer Tip: Take some time to decide where your story starts. Better to do that now than to be forced to cut out a whole section - one you thought was the beginning of the tale - later on.

10. J for Justice - My own term for the moment when a story's 'climax' and 'resolution' have produced a fitting end. For me, it usually comes when I'm reading a mystery, thriller, or romance novel. Book lovers both dread and relish this moment. They get peace, at long last, for everything in the story finally has reached a positive outcome. However, the story is over and the reader must move on, which is a regrettable conclusion.

Writer Tip: Make sure your own story has a sense of 'justice' by wrapping up all the loose ends in a satisfying way.

11. K for Knowledge (Research) - Your grasp of information which you've gleaned through an educational experience. With writing, the term we use is 'research'. It's a sometimes dreadful yet rewarding challenge. Some newer writers feel that research is a waste of time. Believe me, it isn't. There will undoubtedly be facts you need to learn just to fill in a character's personality or background. For example, we can't all know what it's like to be a firefighter, or how to describe a cottage in Somerset, England. That's what research is for. I promise you this is not a time-waster. Let's face it, your audience is intelligent. They 'know stuff', for lack of a better phrase. For example, historical fiction writers rely heavily on their understanding of past events, and how they can use them as a main backdrop for a story. The characters might be fictional, but the way the people interact with what really happened then offers the audience a sense of how some individuals must've responded to it at the time. Research is key here. Greater authenticity in a book attracts more readers. It's supply and demand, that's all.

Writer Tip: Break your large research tasks down into smaller ones. Look up one fact per day, or spend an hour per week filling in all the details you procrastinated about. Then, stop and continue next week. It might not look like it at first, but these little jaunts of research add up over time. Plus, once you have everything organized, you can just do a quick search for what you wanted to know. So, pull on your big kid pants and get to researching.

12. L for Literary Fiction - This sub-genre still includes all the rules of fiction, while invoking a deeper character study. The focus then moves toward conveying a message about the human condition, and sometimes an overall political or environmental statement. In literary fiction, the character must evolve in some way, perhaps even have an epiphany by the end of the story. A small population of readers tend to get snobby about this genre, calling it 'true literature'. Though some elements of each story may reflect other fiction categories, the intense depth of character portrayed in these books make them 'literary fiction'. Some examples of literary fiction are The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, amid countless others. Many of this genre's popular titles have been adapted into film.

Writer Tip: If you're more of a character-driven story writer, literary fiction may well appeal to you. You might find you're more comfortable writing here. Try it out...what can it hurt?

Photo by x ) on Unsplash.

13. M for Motivation - This is what drives a character to keep going. It's about the thing they want the most in life, and the actions taken to reach their goals. Motivation is a key element to recognize when learning about your main character. It will help that person attempt to circumvent the antagonist, or big obstacle, which is standing in their way. And sometimes, at least internally, the problem could be their own misconceptions about the world or themselves. Motivation can also be subconscious - a deeper dream - something that person has always wanted, even though they might not have thought it was possible. Perhaps they came from a foster care situation and always wanted a real family.

Writer Tip: Identify what motivates your character. What does he or she fully desire? What is the most important thing to them? What are they willing to do to get it? Also, what exactly is the problem in the story? What prevents them from reaching their aspirations? Eventually, it will all be buttoned up by the end of the story. But for now, what is driving your character forward?

14. N for Non-fiction - A written work which is distinguished by the very fact that it is, well, not fictional in any way. Usually, you'll find biographies or even autobiographies, covering real people in the world, whether he or she lives currently, or was instead a historical figure. Either way, that person has existed at some point, and they're the sole topic. Memoirs fall under this category. Creative non-fiction, or 'narrative non-fiction' as the more popular term, is when a writer constructs a story about a real person yet adjusts small details - names, personal traits or appearance, perhaps even smudges some dates - to protect those identities. The events that happen are real, and so are the emotions which stem from them. Yet, creative license allows the writer to embellish on certain facets of the tale, while still diving deep into characterization and finding out how someone ticks. The artist at the helm of a non-fiction work becomes the conduit for a real-life story to be told.

Other types of non-fiction include reference materials on various subjects - informational resources for those who might require them. Such resources can also include travel guides, books on philosophy, self-help or instructional guides of any kind (books on dieting, cookbooks, business success titles, and how-to manuals, among others). Journalism and humorous non-fiction are a part of this overall category as well, at least as long as the commentary relates to current events. Just for fun, I'll list several names of authors featured here on Writing in the Modern Age over the years who published works of non-fiction (some write in multiple genres). Some of those writers are Wayne Neely, Kathryn Elizabeth Jones, S.A. Soule, Cindy Fazzi, Dougie Brimson, Lance and James Morcan, Stefan Vucak, Mark Iles, Jim Anders, Rhonda Cratty, J.L. Smith, Lisa A. Snidernman, and so many more.

Writer Tip: Try your hand at non-fiction. Write an essay or an article for a blog. Keep track of your sources and make sure they're legit. Or, if you're truly passionate about a topic, maybe you'd like to write a non-fiction manuscript and submit it to a publisher.

15. O for Outline - A writer's outline is a little like a book synopsis, which is often submitted in a query to a publisher or literary agent. This is a detailed account of what happens in a story. Sometimes, brainstorming is used to create an outline. The outline helps to fill in some of the blank spaces for writers who are struggling to finish a book. At least, having an idea of the events that occur next gives them a sense of what to focus on during the project. Let's say that you, as the writer, have a general notion of what the book is about. But, how do you get there? Writing is rarely a linear journey. However, making an outline can benefit you, sometimes exponentially. Perhaps you know what the character wants in life, and have a basic idea of what he should do to get there. Yet, it isn't your life. This is the character's. His background, environment, and any assumptions he's made about the process will come into play. You must take all of these details into account. Look at the path like a roller coaster ride. There will be ups, downs, then twists and turns to reach the end. So, now knowing all that, what can we glean from it to make an outline?

Writer Tip: Start at the beginning, and think of possible scenarios which could happen. What might get in the way of your character's goal or goals? Obviously, you shouldn't overload the path with tragedy or anything. But, throwing in a few obstacles can't hurt. It heightens tension, and may eventually make your character more determined to get there. Try a brainstorming session to get some ideas flowing.

Photo by Biljana Jovanovic on Pixabay.

Once the true course seems evident to you, write a detailed outline.

Actually, for a book project, the outline might even be longer than a polished synopsis which you'd send to a publisher. Just remember that your outline will provide a clearer route for the character's end game, and this will also make it easier to write the story. Some writers are pantsters and not knowing what happens next actually works for them - they see it as inspiring. Personally, I find it more reassuring to have an outline. That way, I can organize my approach. Cutting through the chaos makes me more productive. The choice, however, is yours.

16. P for Premise, POV, and Plot

Premise - The premise of a story is your personal pitch. It's basically the main idea for the book, often told in a few sentences. This is so foundational, as you can't move forward without it. Even pantsters need this general sense of the story to write.

Writer Tip: Let's say you have a thread of an idea, but you're not sure about it. Try this. Write five different yet basic story ideas, a sentence or two long for each one. Remember, you won't know all the details just yet. Pick the idea that calls to you most, the option that causes you to feel excited to dive in. Congratulations! You're ready to get to work.

Photo by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay.

Point-of-View (POV) - Think of this term as a camera spanning the room. The angle portrays the character's perspective. I see third person POV (he/she) a lot in romance novels, though now and then, an author will surprise me. Romantic comedies are usually told in first person (I). Urban fantasy writers pick that approach quite often as well, perhaps to immerse the reader in a deeper perspective, which is sometimes more conducive to action-heavy tales. The point-of-view you select for a story is a personal choice, though.

Use one type of POV per story. For example, third person narrative versus first person POV. You can use both, but I wouldn't advise it. It gets too confusing, mainly for the writer. I tried it once with a mystery which I wrote (the victim in one scene, and then from the killer's perspective). It's better to choose one per book. If you're not sure which to go with, try writing a scene from both perspectives and pick the one that feels more comfortable. If you become familiar with it, the reader will sense that as well and feel connected with the story.

Writer Tip: Please avoid head-hopping. Stick with one POV per scene. If it's necessary to switch to another character's perspective, do a scene break and then change over.

Photo by Borna Bevanda on Unsplash.

Do not jump from one character to another, and then to the next one, over and over again in the same space. You will make your reader dizzy, certainly confused, and they'll be tempted to throw the book across the room. Believe me, I've proofread nightmare stories from fellow writers. And they weren't intended for the horror genre. So, just to be safe, use the perspective of one character per scene instead of hopping around. Other characters may interact with that person, but we won't know what they're thinking.

Plot - This is the sequence of events which comprises a story. Plot includes the beginning, middle, and end. Whereas the premise is the book concept, the plot is the storyline which comes alive on the page - it's everything that happens to the characters. Plot can be told, written, sung, or come out through film. There is no good novel without a great plot, and 'action' is what drives it forward.

Writer Tip: Take the idea you just came up with and start thinking about a main character, as well as some events that could happen. Remember motivation and how certain obstacles can stand in the way of a character's goals. See what kind of plot you can create.

17. Q for Query - An inquiry from a writer, usually in the form of a letter, which is sent to a prospective literary agent or publisher. This person is addressing the agent/publisher about possibly submitting their manuscript. Included in a query is often a brief synopsis and an overview of the writer's professional experience. Guidelines for each company vary; some want to read a few paragraphs or pages from the first chapter in advance. If the agent or editor-in-chief at the publisher is interested in learning more, they may ask for a larger sample of the book to read, or even request the full manuscript. At some point, they will get back to the writer with their response. Most will say six weeks is a good waiting period, but it can last much longer.

Writer Tip: Always check the guidelines for each agency or publisher you're querying. They all have different rules. And don't be discouraged if you don't hear back from them right away. People get busy. Just turn to other tasks to get your mind off the anxiety of waiting, or you can keep querying with other agencies. Remember, rejections are par for the course. A form letter is typical. If you receive any detailed feedback, consider the suggestions. The decision to change anything is up to you, though. Don't let someone else's words deter you from your goals. Keep trying and keep writing.

Photo by Arif Riyanto on Unsplash.

18. R for Reader - A reader is someone who peruses and absorbs books, and he or she is often a bibliophile (book lover or collector). This is your eventual audience. A good critique partner will look at your story from the perspective of a writer, editor, and reader.

Writer Tip: Choose your trusted circle of crit partners and beta readers wisely. The best feedback should challenge your assumptions about the story and help improve your writing. This will get you well on the path so that a real reader can see your book once it gets published.

19. S for Setting and Sensory Details

Setting - This is the character's environment. It's where the story is set, whether that is a city we know, or one we've never heard about. Finer details - by using description - help to paint a clearer picture. It can be the main character's house, their workplace, or some other area where they visit.

Writer Tip: Try to describe a place you know or a location where you'd like to travel. Use your memory to fill in the details. Or, do some research online. Implement the tools we have at hand, such as the street view on Google Maps or through studying pictures you find online (or at a historical society), to make the setting come alive.

Sensory Detail - A more specific way of describing a person, place, or a thing. What color? What type of fabric? What brand name? It's not just a tree; tell us what kind. Writing experts will advise you to use the six senses. Try the main five first (sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing). We don't need to go as far as to say that the final sense is supernatural or anything. Let's just state that the sixth sense is intuition. As humans, we all get certain vibes about a person or a place. That's what we try to tap into as authors when writing a story. Short of coming off as an omniscient narrator, you can work in somehow that the character 'senses' something is wrong, or even life-changing. You can be less vague than that, but you get what I mean.

Photo by Emma Valerio on Unsplash.

Writer Tip: The more direct of a description you can include about the character's environment or the objects they interact with, the easier it is for the reader to visualize what you're talking about. What is the color? What is the object made out of? How does it feel to the touch? Is there a certain smell in the room the person just entered? By digesting these finer details, a reader will be able to better picture themselves in that fictional world with the character, therefore feeling more connected to the story.

20. T for Tension - An element in writing which is used to introduce a sort of low-level anxiety in a reader, along with the wish to find out what happens next. However, tension can be increased, depending on suspenseful or dramatic moments in the story. Tension is there to evoke emotion in the audience. You've probably noticed it with movies. In romance writing, a tense moment denoting an unspoken chemistry is often utilized. Even if the characters don't act on it, there are internal and external cues that make it obvious. Tension is used in mystery stories as well, sometimes to create a sense of dread. As aforementioned, we continue to experience tension when a character who has a goal gets thwarted by obstacles here or there. It is a simple way to add tension over time. Obviously, you can add more tension, if there is danger or by creating an immediacy to each scenario.

Here's a real-life situation we can all identify with: You need to buy groceries, but your weekly check got delayed. Do you ask a relative for a loan to tide you over, or try something else? Then...oh, great. The washer broke, so you are forced to go to the laundromat to get your laundry done.

Photo by Jeremy Sallee on Unsplash.

Well, that just made a bad day even worse. So, what actions can you take to resolve these issues?

That was rhetorical, but I think you understand the immediacy of the problem.

Writer Tip: Create ways to heighten tension for your character, or add a sense of dread for the audience. Perhaps the character is spying on someone because he needs to know the truth, but is afraid he will get caught. Write about the physical sensations he might experience. Also, what is he thinking?

Photo by Nourdine Diouane on Unsplash.

All of this will add tension for readers and they'll feel more invested in your character. Infuse a sense of urgency, so that the reader is squirming to learn what happens next.

21. U for Unreliable Narrator (or Reliable Narrator, diversely) - Reliability, or the lack thereof, is a way of measuring and declaring the quality of a story or its characters. Common sense can't hurt, either, at least with regards to a writer using it to make connections about how an individual will react to a specific situation.

Writer Tip: Write about a character who is believable, more like a real person, with flaws, strengths, and internal conflicts, rather than a typical archetype you might often see in a certain genre or in a movie.

Photo by Ria Sopala on Pixabay.

Just make sure you cover yourself legally if you decide to base a character on someone you actually know or anyone in the public eye. Change the name and a few other details (their appearance and background). You still want to keep your friends, after all. Besides, you certainly wouldn't want to get sued over a defamatory statement.

For myself, I never base my characters on anyone in particular. I just offer the necessary information and let the reader's imagination fill in the rest. They probably all see the characters in different ways, at least until they get a look at the book cover, right? ;)

22. V for Voice - This is a fancy term for discussing a writer's individual approach to storytelling. It's basically their style. Every writer has a voice, and it eventually shows up in a manuscript. Most editors are smart enough to avoid messing with voice. There's also 'passive voice' versus 'active voice' when it comes to grammar. It's a separate thing entirely, and that has more to do with word choice and rephrasing.

Writer Tip: If you're worried that you haven't quite found your unique writing voice yet, don't be. You'll come into it naturally over time, especially with increased writing practice.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.

23. W for Writer - Someone who naturally gravitates to the art of writing novels, stories, poems, essays, or is even a blogger at heart. Other people prefer journaling. No matter the medium, a writer is a unique blend of crazy, creative, ambitious, and numerous other qualities that it takes to pursue his or her goals.

Writer Tip: Never lose the joy of writing. Always remember where you started and why it feels so perfect to let the muse take over, how much freedom you feel when you're in the writing zone.

24. X for X-ray - An extra pair of eyes couldn't hurt, at least to help out with proofreading your manuscript. ;)

Writer Tip: If you're looking for a proofreader or editor, don't ask a family member to read your book. Unless your cousin is a whiz kid at grammar, that's different. But this is a very tender stage for a writer, and you can either expect people to tell you what you want to hear, or the worst criticism you've ever encountered. You don't want that from your nearest and dearest. It's best to select an impartial party, someone who doesn't know you completely, and can separate their feelings from the bigger picture.

Photo by Anne Karakash on Pixabay.

You need REAL feedback - constructive criticism, someone who is willing to tell you what works and what doesn't. Hire an editor. Find a proofreader. Look for critique partners you can trust. Use beta readers. All of these people serve a different purpose, and can help to shape your manuscript into something you'd be proud to show the public.

25. Y for YOU - There is only one 'you', and you're the one directing your story.

Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash.

Writer Tip: Without you, the tale goes nowhere. Your vision will keep the plot going, and the characters will eventually find a home with your readers. You know your story best. The creative train doesn't shift without you, as the writer, who puts in all the work to keep this engine moving.

26. Z for Zest - A little pizazz or unique flair.

Writer Tip: Throw in some zest. Use your own blend of spices. Write on a topic or create a story that moves you. Go for what you feel passionate about.

There are so many more terms and phrases which we use in the industry. This was just a sampling, my take on what is significant at the moment, as well as some related writing tips. I hope it all helped! ;)

Photo by Gerd Altmann on Pixabay.

Blogger Bio

Multi-genre author of Victorian maritime romance/family saga, Heiresses in Love, and 18 other books. Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and two cats. She has been writing for a little over twenty-five years, with more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 21 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantic comedy, dramatic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. An avid blogger on the side, she writes adult fiction, as well as occasional stories for children, and has recently started some young adult fiction. She also contributed to several anthologies. Though Marie has standalone titles on the market, her current published series are The Eternal Hearts Series, The Magick Series, The Code of Endhivar Series, The Misfits Series, The Blood at First Sight Series, and The Heiresses in Love Series. but she has many others planned. Her Victorian maritime romance sequels are returning, and the second editions of the trilogy will be released soon under her new publisher, Foundations Books. Discover more about her and her work at the following links.
List of Links:
https://linktr.ee/marielavender1

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age book spotlight here.

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We're on FollowIT!

10/3/2021

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***In case you missed it...

Yes, we've moved to this domain on Weebly from Blogger/Blogspot, and you can sign up to receive notifications of our latest blog posts through Follow.it.

The old Feedburner system on the previous host is dying out, and it's giving bloggers no choice but to get creative. Additional features are now available, which Feedburner didn't have. For example, you can define filters and more delivery channels to receive your news via Telegram, news page, et cetera. Numerous other options are to follow soon. Here is our updated sign-up page, with the new service. https://follow.it/marie-lavender-s-writing-in-the-modern-age-blog-blog-posts?action=followPub&filter

So, to make a long story short, Follow.it is a good Feedburner replacement.

Please go ahead and subscribe to our new mailing list, to get emails about new blog posts. Thanks! ♥

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age book spotlight here.

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age guest article here.

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New Release Feature: Francis H. Powell’s anthology TOGETHER BEHIND FOUR WALLS

9/20/2021

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Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a new release by Francis H. Powell, a talented author!

Congratulations on your latest book!

Let's check out the details, shall we?

Together Behind Four Walls

With the sudden arrival of Covid 19 and the introduction of a lockdown, many people might have wondered how they would spend their time.

Writers, poets and artists decided to express their feelings in words and pictures during this turbulent period. From humour to deep thoughts Together Behind Four Walls captures the many facets of the human spirit during the pandemic.

Proceeds from the book will go to Marie Curie nurses who continued their great work during this crisis. The book, indeed will give all funds raised to palliative care charity Marie Curie.

The book was the idea of writer and teacher Francis H. Powell.

As the world first went into lockdown in March 2020, father-of-one Mr. Powell turned to poetry, writing short stories and doing drawings to help “process what was happening”.

This, he says, sparked the idea for creating an anthology of Covid-inspired writing which would explore the collective concept of confinement and the “many facets of the human spirit during the pandemic”.

The book includes some well-known contributors, including:

Wendy Cope

Wendy Cope: among other accolades, the author of five collections of adult poetry, a judge of the 2007 Man Booker Prize, and was voted the listeners’ choice in a BBC Radio 4 poll to succeed Ted Hughes as Poet Laureate in 1998.
Roger Robinson: a celebrated writer, musician, and performer, who has won the T.S. Eliot Prize and the Ondaatje Prize.
Peter Finch: an author, historian, poet, and former Chief Executive of First Academi, the Welsh National Literature Promotion Agency and Society of Writers.

John Hegley

John Hegley: a performance poet, comedian musician and songwriter, who was the presenter of the Border Television series “Word of Mouth”, and has appeared on Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Arthur Smith

Arthur Smith: an alternative comedian, presenter and writer, who famously turned down a lifetime achievement award in 2005 from the Perrier Award organizers and won the Panel Prize at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2007.
Neal Zetter: a comedy performance poet, children’s author, and entertainer. He has nearly 30 years of experience performing in locations such as West End comedy clubs and the Royal Festival Hall. He uses the writing and/or performing of poetry to develop literacy, self-expression, confidence, creativity and presentation skills.
Sally Kindberg: award winning Swedish born artist.

The book also includes other contributors from around the world.

Release Date: September 2021
Genre: Memoir, Creative Self-Help, Inspirational Anthology

Sounds like quite a read here!

Purchase Link:
https://www.goldcrestbooks.com/together-behind-four-walls/

Here is an excerpt...

Excerpt 2:
‘The Garden Wall’
by Francis H Powell

The garden wall loomed tall and bushes were full with leaves. Her garden was rugged, some might say it needed attention. However it brought her joy, it was her possession, nobody else’s. At the far end of the garden was a cherry tree, which for a short period was covered in white frothy blossoms. It was to her mind the jewel of the garden, despite the fact it did not provide her with many cherries, which for the most part were devoured by greedy birds. There was a rope hanging from one branch, and in summer she could laze in an hammock chair, sheltered from the sun, either reading or just passing the time away.
Surrounding the tree was long grass and some wildflowers, including columbines, harebells, cornflowers, fox-gloves, and, depending on the time of year, wild daffodils. The lawn was shaggy and unkempt, with moss creeping and spreading like an uncontrolled fire. There was an inundation of ivy. She brought some decorations for the garden, ceramic pots and urns, as well as small ethnic sculptures - nothing of any value, but to her they added some character. Both sides of the lawn were lined with an incongruous assortment of flowers and a spindly rose bush that produced orange flame roses. She had a wooden wine barrel full of kale, swiss chard and mustard greens. She brought some rustic garden furniture and would eat outside when the weather permitted.
She’d bought the house to live with her partner at the time, but as they were about to move in together, he’d walked out on her. She had wondered, from time to time when they were together, if he was really the type who would manage the toils of a committed relationship. Of course, he was great fun, amusing, pleasant to be with, but not the type to have to deal with the practical side of life, the humdrum things everybody has to do, part of the daily grind.
Once their relationship got too serious, it was time for him move on; he’d got cold feet, the fun of the relationship died down when too many elements of practicality crept in. He had left her a handwritten note. In truth, it hadn’t amounted to much. At first the overall feeling was sadness, but then anger had set in. Once she read it a few times to take the words in, she screwed it up in her hand and hurled it at her bin in disgust. Then she sat down and wept.

Please support the book by following it on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/togetherbehindfourwalls
or Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/togetherbehindfourwall/

About Marie Curie Nurses

Marie Curie nurses in our communities and hospices provide hands on nursing care to patients at the end of their lives. Throughout the Corona Virus Pandemic, our nurses have been at the frontline of care, looking after patients with all terminal illnesses, including caring for people with the virus.
The need for our work has never been greater. At the time when our nurses are in such demand, we have also faced a devastating loss in our income.
When living with a terminal illness it is vital that you can access crucial support, care and information.
Your support in buying this book, is enabling our frontline staff to continue to provide that expert care along with the vital bereavement advice and guidance we also provide to carers and families having to deal with loss and grief.

About author Francis H. Powell

Born in 1961, in Reading, England, Francis H Powell attended Art Schools, receiving a degree in painting and an MA in printmaking. In 1995, Powell moved to Austria, teaching English as a foreign language while pursuing his varied artistic interests, adding music and writing.
He currently lives in Brittany, France, writing both prose and poetry. Powell has published short stories in the magazine, “Rat Mort” and other works on the internet site “Multi-dimensions.” His two published books are Flight of Destiny and Adventures of Death, Reincarnation and Annihilation.

Buy the Book
https://www.goldcrestbooks.com/together-behind-four-walls/

Wow, this looks fantastic!

Thanks for stopping by to tell us about your new release, Francis. Get your copy of this anthology which is dedicated to the human condition today, readers!

https://www.goldcrestbooks.com/together-behind-four-walls/

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age guest article here.

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Seven Ways to Recover Your Writing Motivation by Marie Lavender

9/17/2021

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7 Ways to Recover Your Writing Motivation:
an admin article by Marie Lavender

There are times when life just gets in the way. At the least, the chaos of it can interfere with a writer's creativity. Getting caught in the daily grind will sap a writer of his or her energy over time, eventually leading to that dreaded situation we call 'writer's block'.

Big life events can sometimes block your creative juices. Whether the dilemma comes from grief from losing a family member, significant depression, or just a general malaise after being too busy, all of these might contribute to an artist feeling like there's just no point to writing. Or, that they can no longer get things going on their own. One would consider the Covid crisis a serious motivator, but for some of us...that just didn't happen.

Yet, it is not a weakness to ask for help, at any time. There are numerous resources that can refuel your creativity, to try to get you back on the right path.

No matter which genre you usually love to write, if you're desperate to regain that motivation you used to have, some options are within reach. I will list several below.

1. Take a Break.

Jonnelle Yankovich, Unsplash.

If you're stuck on a certain scene or chapter of your work in progress, perhaps it's best to get some much needed distance and gain a little perspective. Go for a nature walk. The solution will come to you in time.

Another option would be to switch projects, even focus on another story for a while just so that you're not wracking your brain with limited results.

2. Do Writing Exercises.

If you've taken any writing workshops or classes (even if you're a self-taught writer), you are probably familiar with this approach. And at this point, it might even seem a bit sophomoric. But I would urge you to go always go back to the basics if you're struggling with writer's block. It's not that you've forgotten how writing works. That's just not possible. No, it's more important to keep an open mind, to consider different ways of thinking if you intend to regain your writing motivation.

By using an option such a writing prompt, you're retraining your fingers to write based on an idea which is given to you rather than going after a project you came up with in the first place. You're actually letting those creative juices flow instead of getting all bogged down in the notion that there is an end goal to it, such as publication. In all likelihood, most writing exercises are for your benefit alone. Maybe now and then, you'll find a snippet you can use for a future project. But this is more to practice writing, to get your head out of the game. Stop thinking and start writing. See where it takes you. You might be surprised at what comes out of a writing prompt. Or maybe you would like to take a writing class. In any case, I hope you find the joy for writing again. So I would suggest that any writer have a journal on hand, even if all you do is write down the random things that you think about.

There are other types of writing exercises as well - brainstorming, freewriting, and the list just goes on. Do various approaches, and stay open to trying different mediums or genres. If you usually write fiction, write an essay one day. Or write a poem. Doing something so out of the ordinary may make you uncomfortable, but keep in mind that other people likely won't see it, so you don't need to feel exposed. The point here is that you're trying something new, which opens your mind further and helps you regain your writing motivation.

Use these links below to learn more about some exercises you can do to jumpstart your creativity again.
www.pw.org/writing-prompts-exercises
thewritepractice.com/short-story-ideas/
blog.reedsy.com/short-story-ideas/
blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/general/
www.servicescape.com/blog/301-short-story-ideas-guaranteed-to-kick-your-writing-into-high-gear
www.odysseyworkshop.org/writing-tips/
blog.prepscholar.com/creative-writing-prompts
getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/writing-prompts-60-ideas-you-can-use-today

Jazmin Quaynor, Unsplash.

3. Start a Writing Schedule.

I know this sounds rather ambitious, especially when you're suffering from writer's block. But it does help to schedule a slot which is dedicated to your writing. Even if all you do is freewrite a bunch of nonsense or only focus on the research portion of your project, you will feel a greater sense of accomplishment by checking this one off your weekly list.

Try to schedule in at least some writing time. Experiment to determine which time of the day best fits your life, and especially your creativity. Perhaps you feel more of a spark in the evening. Or maybe it comes in the morning after your first cup of coffee. Some of you have probably done this before. Assume nothing. It is okay if your preferred time has changed after so many years. Whichever works for you, go for it.

Can't do it twice a week? No problem. Try for once per week, at a twenty-minute sprint. Don't push yourself too much if you're not ready yet.

Kelly Sikkema, Unsplash.

4. Break It Down and Battle Your Fear.

Pare your project down into much smaller, more manageable tasks. This works for other parts of your life as well. Sometimes looking at the bigger picture can overwhelm you, which hinders rather than helps.

If I'm in the writing zone, the last thing I want to do is to look up all the finer details of a character's career or life. Instead, I jot down a few notes in parentheses. That way, I know to go back later and do some research. Unless those little facets which you need to fill in motivate you to write more (some historical photographs can be motivating for a historical writer, for instance), make a note to look it up at a future time, perhaps after the bulk of your writing is done. The muse will thank you, I promise.

But let's focus on the smaller tasks. How can we avoid letting fear paralyze us into a standstill? That's right. Some of writer's block is caused by fear of the unknown, or fear that we're not good enough. We must stop thinking of that project in terms of 'I need to finish my novel', but more along the lines of announcing these small, manageable details aloud. "Today, I will get one paragraph done on that scene I've been putting off." We also have to stop trying to be perfect. Don't edit right now, just write.

Wow...did you give yourself permission to write a paragraph? How about just a sentence? Whatever is possible for you that day, try it. If you're motivated to keep going, then write until you feel the taut string has broken. A spurt of creativity can be exhausting. It's time to rest and start all over again the next day. Or even next week. The key is to avoid placing so much pressure on yourself that you can't function. Ballooning too many goals as a writer can cause it to happen.

I tend to make lists, just to remind myself of what needs to be done. And once I've marked off two or three, I realize that I'm actually making more progress than I realized.

Goxy Photography, Unsplash.

Try to celebrate each of those smaller tasks that you accomplish. Reward yourself if you can. Maybe by getting that paragraph - or even three - written, you have allowed yourself more time to go read a book for fun. And enjoying the simple pleasures in life will contribute to regaining your motivation in general.

5. Use Your Powers of Observation.

People-watching can be an inspiring pastime, and you don't have to be a stalker in the process. Covertly observing others, perhaps when you're at a coffee shop or shopping in a mall or grocery store, can offer numerous rewards. You will learn about how people actually talk and behave. Therefore, you can add these fascinating details to your story. Casually listen in on conversations - without being creepy, of course. Just observe the way people act, their gestures, and especially any emotions. Maybe they become more elated while talking about something which excites them. Or they raise their voice when they're angry. Little details such as these can inform your manuscript, and it can't hurt to make a note of them.

Try a writing exercise...

Take a conversation you heard or at least that person's behavior, and write a small scene about it. To avoid any awkwardness, you should probably pick something you noticed about a stranger. Describe everything in full detail. See where it takes you next.

6. Don't Be So Stubborn.

Try not to assume you know everything about the latest project you're obsessed with. Maybe what blocked you in the first place is a major plot hole, or you just don't know enough about your main characters to see beyond the spot where you stopped writing. Do some brainstorming to see where else the story can go from here. List possible scenarios. Listen to your characters, see what they're telling you. I find that helps immensely. Maybe the main character is trying to pull you in a specific direction. I am often not fully in control of the whole story, and I know to keep an open mind.

Just don't get bogged down in the 'what if?' syndrome. Trust your gut and your characters.

In any case, I often found that most of my bouts of writer's block had more to do with getting in my own way. And that can be debilitating. It's especially tough when your stubbornness has more to do with those little insecurities we don't like to think about.

"I can't write because I don't know what I'm doing."

Who does? We all start from scratch with writing, and learn along the way.

"I can't write because this genre is too new to me, and readers will notice that."

So? Don't think about the end product right now. Just get the story out. If you really feel blocked, do some research about the genre to give yourself a little background, then try all over again.

"I can't write because I don't have the time."

Make the time, even if it's five minutes out of your all-too-busy schedule.

The truth is that you're making excuses, and letting the dumb devil on your shoulder do all the talking. Get out of your own way, and jump into the story. Let your fingers write with your favorite pen, or just type without any pressure. Don't even think about where it's all supposed to go. Focus on the task at hand. Eventually, you'll get to the next page, and then the next, and so on and so forth.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice.

Keep practicing with writing prompts or other techniques (or use the story ideas you currently have) off and on until it becomes old hat, until those random ideas for scenes or books start popping back into your head again. Don't focus on just one yet, at least until you're ready to go full force into it. And you'll know when it's time to return to your manuscript, unless you already have. The trick here is to try to recover your passion for writing again.

If you're still at a loss, I'll throw out another writing prompt here.

You discover your new neighbor is actually from another planet. How did you find out, and what will you do next? Use first person or third person point-of-view. Feel free to write a story, an essay, a poem, or whatever medium you like to answer this prompt. Add the piece to your journal. Wait a week, then go back and reread it to see if you notice anything worth saving for a story idea.

Hope that helps! :)

Feeling stuck? Consider the aforementioned solutions to bring back your writing mojo.

Blogger Bio

Multi-genre author of Victorian maritime romance/family saga, Heiresses in Love, and 18 other books. Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and two cats. She has been writing for a little over twenty-five years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 21 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantic comedy, dramatic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. An avid blogger on the side, she writes adult fiction, as well as occasional stories for children, and has recently started some young adult fiction. She also contributed to several anthologies. Though Marie has standalone titles on the market, her current published series are The Eternal Hearts Series, The Magick Series, The Code of Endhivar Series, The Misfits Series, The Blood at First Sight Series, and The Heiresses in Love Series. but she has many others planned. Her Victorian maritime romance sequels are returning, and the second editions of the trilogy will be released soon under her new publisher, Foundations Books. Discover more about her and her work at the following links.

List of Links:

https://linktr.ee/marielavender1

Check out our latest Writing in the Modern Age book spotlight here.

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Book Feature: A Look at YA Fantasy Novel FAIREST by Sophia Zaccaria

9/13/2021

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Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Sophia Zaccaria, quite a talented author!

We wish you lots of success on your young adult fantasy novel!

Let's check out the details, shall we?

About the Book

**Here is the book blurb for Fairest.**

Flirting with evil will be the ruination of her soul.

Goodness is much easier to corrupt than it is to hold on to. And for Natasha, a woman reeling from the pain of losing a loved one, evil is all the more tempting. Luck or misfortune spirits Natasha away to the foreign Court of Velaris in a quest for a suitor but instead secures her a place among Velarian royalty. Craving revenge, Natasha makes use of this opportunity to enact her plans as she navigates the lush court where aristocracy is a double-edged blade. But when she befriends her soon-to-be husband Mikhail, the Beloved Prince, Natasha makes a deadly mistake. She captures the attention of the debonair Darkling Prince; a villainous man meant to ascend the Velarian throne.

Enamored, the Darkling Prince charms Natasha, and soon the two feel a forbidden emotion captivate their stoic, scabrous hearts. But with the existence of a violent rebel group capable of cataclysmic damage, there is little time for love. With war brewing amidst the enigmatic kingdom, the royals must become all the more cunning and devious if they wish to triumph over their adversaries. What draws the insidious line between right and wrong when it comes to a battle of survival? For Natasha, nothing is too far, too light, too bloody, too evil.

Soon, the only reflection Natasha sees in her mirror's beveled glass is that of an Evil Queen. Often, the cost of survival is more frightening than the beasts of death. But that's what gives the Queen of Shadow's beauty an edge: she wears her darkness adorned about her throat like the grandest of all diamonds, ebony, and bloodred in shade.

Release Date: July 18, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy, Some Romance Elements

Sounds like an intriguing read here!

Purchase Links:

Goodreads Amazon

Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/4Xreo9

Sophia is also giving us a peek at this book today!

Readers, here’s an excerpt...

Danilo’s blood drips mockingly from his mouth, a terrifying scarlet smile. “I think you know just how this has to end, my scarlet queen.”

Crimson blood slid down my alabaster skin as I innocently said, “With your heart on a platter for me to feast upon?” I tilted my head in consideration. “Or shall you prefer I maul your heart first, bathe in your blood, then feast upon your heart like the delicacy it is not?”

In a pique of rage, he snarls and lashes forward, his sword slicing into my left arm, reopening an old wound.

Attack. Attack!

In urgent, coaxing shouts like whispers and tears had become lovers and found their voices together, the alluring phantom’s voice said, Evil is to show mercy when death is inevitable. Instantly enraged with some ancient chaotic fervor, the adrenaline of the brawl masked my pain, and I lunged forward. Kill! Like before, I listened to the enigmatic voice. And now, I became a predator—lethality incarnate bent on only one goal: to kill.

I’d been depriving myself of revenge. I would do so no longer.

Ice exploded through my veins, heralding the darkness.

Drawing on a modicum of power, I summoned my darkness and turned the air around me to shadows of obsidian. Danilo deserves no mercy. At this thought, the shadows around me grew until I felt its edges touch the netherworld itself. My magic surged forward, and I twisted it into an imitation of the Velarian dungeons. Horrified, Danilo watched in morbid fascination as shadows reminiscent of a cell’s smothering walls surrounded him. “Don’t.” His voice was sharp with emotion, and a slow smile lifted my mouth.

“Don’t what? I mean you no harm.” No physical harm. The shadows merely created a mirage, a general impression of shades from dull greys to dried-out reds turned burgundy. Paired with chains and imposing spiked bars that seemed to asphyxiate its prisoner, my mirage was perfect. But not inescapable. If he had enough sense of mind, he could swipe his hand through the shadows, and the nightmare would disappear. But fear is the mind’s warden, and now it is Danilo’s prison. Danilo’s face contorted in a grave expression of pain. “S—stop.” I laughed caustically in the wake of his fear, remembering that a few hours ago, Danilo had stabbed me.

“Stop?” I parroted a moment later, stalking close enough to notice the tiny hairs on his neck standing straight while he trembled. “That word meant nothing to you then. It meant nothing when I begged. Nothing when I pleaded with you to show mercy.” I curled my fingers, analyzing his reaction to the prison encircling him. “Why should it matter to me now?” A mutinous smile of antipathy curled his mouth.

“I awoke you. Without me, you would still be the obedient Darkling Queen, nothing more than an antinome. I unleashed your darkness, and I will never leave you, even if I am gone.” No, it’s a lie, but . . . Danilo’s analysis is all the more poignant when I take into account the scene: Danilo, the victim, and me, the aggressor and villain. Embittered by this, I mocked, “Well, I want to know who we are without each other! I want to know if I’ll recover that broken piece of innocence you STOLE!” Collecting my magic for a finishing blow, I reared my arms back, aiming . . . Wait, whispered the feminine phantom. Against my better judgment, I did, reining in my power until it swirled in inky clouds and fulminated against the restraint. Keep him alive. Trust me, you’d rather make a wicked deal now than kill.

Intrigued by the suggestion, I scrutinized Danilo thoughtfully, my already opalescent complexion turning entirely statuesque as I stared down my enemy. Finally, I spoke, “I wish to have my curiosity satiated. To know what my temperament will be without you whispering evils in my ear.”

Intriguing!

So, what are other readers saying about this book?

☆☆☆☆☆

"Great dark fairytale!! I have a soft spot for villains. I always wonder what their backstories are and what caused them to become the bad guy. So, when I read the blurb for Fairest, I knew that I needed to read it. It is not very often where the origins of the Evil Queen from Snow White are explored!! I am glad that I did because this book had me glued to the pages.

Fairest tells the story of Alina (aka Natasha) and her rise/eventual metamorphosis to the Evil Queen. It was a sad but fascinating tale. A fantastic read." – Read with Me Blog, Amazon

Wow, it sounds like quite a read!

Get your copy of this YA fantasy novel today, readers! Or, add it to your Goodreads bookshelf or BookBub!

Thanks for letting us know all about this book, Sophia! :)

About the Author:

Sophia Zaccaria is the author of her debut novel, Fairest, a retelling of Snow White, and is a massive fan of the classic Grimm fairy tales. As a young Canadian writer, Sophia is always looking to weave mystical and magical things into her stories. Sophia enjoys kickboxing, jogging, and visiting eighteenth-century Gothic scenes to appease her muse's darker side when she is not writing. You can discover her linguistic adventures by following her on Instagram @thesophiazaccaria and Inkitt.

Author Links:

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Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Emilia Ares, a talented author! Emilia, an author I met on my journey, has a blog tour running right now. Let's check out the details, shall we?

Marie Lavender (host): You've been a working actress for many years. How has writing fit into your life, or how did you transition to writing?

Marie: What have you learned about storytelling from TV projects you've acted in like American Horror Story and Bosch?

Marie: Why was it important for you to write young people who are independent and self-reliant, not dependent on parental support to go after their goals?

Marie: How did your own young adulthood prepare you to write this book?

Marie: What books and authors inspired you in your writing?

Emilia: The Stranger by Albert Camus because it challenged everything I ever knew or thought I knew about the hero of a story and made me feel so uncomfortable reading it.

But some of the first books and authors who inspired my love for storytelling were The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.

Marie: Great! It was such a pleasure to have you here today.

Emilia: For myself as well. Thank you for inviting me!

Marie: Of course!

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Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Sophia Zaccaria, quite a talented author! We wish you lots of success on your young adult fantasy novel! Let's check out the details, shall we?

About the Book

Here is the book blurb for Fairest.

Flirting with evil will be the ruination of her soul.

Release Date: July 18, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy, Some Romance Elements

Sounds like an intriguing read here!

Purchase Links:

Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/4Xreo9

Sophia is also giving us a peek at this book today!

Readers, here’s an excerpt...

Danilo’s blood drips mockingly from his mouth, a terrifying scarlet smile. “I think you know just how this has to end, my scarlet queen.”

Crimson blood slid down my alabaster skin as I innocently said, “With your heart on a platter for me to feast upon?” I tilted my head in consideration. “Or shall you prefer I maul your heart first, bathe in your blood, then feast upon your heart like the delicacy it is not?”

In a pique of rage, he snarls and lashes forward, his sword slicing into my left arm, reopening an old wound.

Attack. Attack!

I’d been depriving myself of revenge. I would do so no longer.

Ice exploded through my veins, heralding the darkness.

Intrigued by the suggestion, I scrutinized Danilo thoughtfully, my already opalescent complexion turning entirely statuesque as I stared down my enemy. Finally, I spoke, “I wish to have my curiosity satiated. To know what my temperament will be without you whispering evils in my ear.”

Intriguing!

So, what are other readers saying about this book?

☆☆☆☆☆

Wow, it sounds like quite a read!

Get your copy of this YA fantasy novel today, readers! Or, add it to your Goodreads bookshelf or BookBub!

Thanks for letting us know all about this book, Sophia! :)

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A Glimpse of 2021, Our Overall Guests, and the Blog’s Progress from Day One

Noteworthy Writers/Authors on
WritModAge since 2013 to 2021

How to Avoid Author Burnout – 5 Tips:
a guest post by Dave Chesson

Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Evelyn Sola, a talented author!

Evelyn, an author I met on my journey, has a release blitz running right now.

Let's check out the details, shall we?

Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Angela Terry, a talented author!

Angela, an author I met on my journey, has a blog tour running right now.

Let's check out the details, shall we?

Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Emilia Ares, a talented author!

Emilia, an author I met on my journey, has a blog tour running right now.

Let's check out the details, shall we?

Marie: What have you learned **about storytelling from TV projects you've acted in like American Horror Story and Bosch?**

**Emilia: The Stranger by Albert Camus because it challenged everything I ever knew or thought I knew about the hero of a story and made me feel so uncomfortable reading it.**

Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a new release by Francis H. Powell, a talented author!

Congratulations on your latest book!

Let's check out the details, shall we?

7 Ways to Recover Your Writing Motivation:
an admin article by Marie Lavender

Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Sophia Zaccaria, quite a talented author!

We wish you lots of success on your young adult fantasy novel!

Let's check out the details, shall we?

**Here is the book blurb for Fairest.**