I’ve talked about that particular project, and the novel in progress which is The Missing Link (previously Mixed Messages). I’m also planning out the second book in the Morgan and Fairchild series.

In addition to this, to challenge myself, I wrote a romance novel. I’ve been wondering what to do with this particular genre as it is separate from the rest. This is where I need help! I’m considering publishing under a pen name in order to keep my romance series separate. What do you think to this idea; have you had any experience?

I’d welcome advice and comments on the idea.

As always, thanks for reading.

Until next time

Mel

I know reading books on hand-held devices such as Kindle or Apple’s many alternatives is a convenient and, to some, cool thing to do, but I’ve always preferred the feel of a good paperback. I have read electronic versions of my favourite novels, I’ve even enjoyed the process. It’s just something I can’t quite put my finger on (or perhaps that’s exactly it), some part of me that is happiest between the pages of a well-worn book.

Of course, there are a number of readers who would disagree - those who prefer to lay back with a miniature screen and drift away into another land. So, with this in mind, I have finally published Sins of the Father in electronic format. It should be available on Kindle over the next few days, and, if I can figure it out, iBook.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Mel  

There are various benefits to being a writer. Besides the obvious, such as using those skills as a means of escape, or creating new worlds, for me it is a time when I can be myself without judgement or consequence. It is a gift that I value – a part of who I am.

Like a drug, I get jittery without it. I often need to write something, even if it’s a note or a quick post on my blog.

I also write to vent, or to expel my emotions when there is no other outlet except maybe a large sound-proofed room. Today was one of those days.

I lost my grandfather, a dominant figure in my life and someone I greatly admire. At the centre of my grief was an overriding desire to write an ending that I could connect with. To say goodbye in a way that was right for me; in a nutshell, to honour him with words. That’s exactly what I did.

For those who are interested I have posted a tribute on fanstory. You will find a link on the left-hand side.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Until next time

Mel

I’ve always admired a good poet but song writing, now there’s a skill. I like most of his songs, but the Lazy Song has to be one of my favourites.

Though I might find it hard to imagine him doing anything in a ‘snuggie’ the concept of the song is great. That’s the thing about language, whether it’s poetry, song- writing, or prose, it can be inspirational.

Now when I feel the guilt creeping in because I’m having time out I’ll crank up the Lazy Song and use enough energy to drum along.

I have to say it flowed out of me like it was a story waiting to be told. I enjoyed spending the last few months with my characters and they, for the most part, have been patient with me!

Now it’s time for a quick break and a catch up on all those things I’ve neglected…like sleep for instance.

I will endeavour to post more frequently even when the need arises to start my next adventure.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time
Mel

I enjoy entering contests to hone my skills and to stretch myself. Short stories, and especially flash fiction, allow me to ease a little of the pressure and satisfy my natural impatience to get to the end of my tale!

I’ve entered two contests over the past week. The first, which is flash fiction, is entitled Mirror Image. The second, based on a sentence to start the story is entitled Shadow Man. If you’re interested in either of these, please press the fanstory tab at the top of the page and you’ll be redirected to my portfolio on Fanstory. My work is listed on the right hand side, about half way down the page.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time

Mel

My second novel, Sins of the Father (Introducing Morgan and Fairchild) is now available online. The next in this series is well under way, so it’s an exciting time.

One of the things I’ve found when writing a series is that I forget the little details from one book to the next! If I’ve set up a character in one novel, and plan to use them somewhere down the line it can get a little tricky recalling their background. I suppose there are easy ways to deal with this – copious notes being one of them. I’d welcome any suggestions

Thanks, as always, for reading. I’ll have an update as soon as I can.

Until next time,

Mel

I was also told social networking sites are a must for reaching people – a valuable tool for a writer. As someone who enjoys stringing words together, I still find myself stumped when it comes to the ‘status’ comments, or when considering a tweet.

Perhaps it’s my brain that insists I have nothing interesting to say. But as a writer, shouldn’t I always have something interesting to throw out there. A part of it is linked to my ‘day job’. I can’t write about where I am or what I’m doing due to the level of confidentiality involved, so I tend to avoid saying anything at all.

I’ve noticed that most users of social networks have an opinion about everything, and who is more opinionated than a writer?! I just don’t know where this reluctance comes from. It could be a fear of putting myself out there – as a fiction writer I can hide behind my characters and give them all the clever things to say.

I need to do something about this hurdle I’m up against. Unless I tweet/update my status more, and add comments to the things I read I’ll never get any ‘followers’ and then I’ll just be a random person with an account, talking to herself!

I’m really interested in your thoughts. What do you use social network sites for? Do you have any tips for me. Are they important, or should I concentrate on writing forums/blogs/groups, etc?

Thanks for reading

Mel

It’s funny though I was talking to someone about it the other day and as soon as they heard the words self-published I saw their eyes glaze over. It’s like I can’t class myself as a novelist/author because I haven’t done it ‘right’.

Do you find that, the occasional embarrassment you feel at saying you’re a writer? I’m a bit of a sci-fi geek (read superman comics in my youth) and I find the looks I get from admitting that are just as bad as when I tell people I’m… dare I say it… a writer! Some people just don’t understand.

Anyway…hooray I did it! Now on to the next, which I’m sure you’ll read plenty about in the months to come

As always, thanks for reading
Until next time
Mel