Life and New Beginnings

Good morning my Bookaholic friends, and a beautiful morning it is too. The sun is shining in Bonnie Dundee and I am going to spend the day reading. I want to start by apologising for the lack of blogs recently. Life has been frantically busy. I hope you will forgive me when you find out why.

Firstly I have been doing the final edits to KIller's Cut. I am excited about this book and I absolutely love the cover. I am sure you will agree that Cathy Helms of Avalon graphics has done a cracking job. As with all my books the bottom picture is of Dundee where the books are set. The top picture is indicative of the theme of the book. This will be released on 18th April at 6.30 pm in Waterstones, Dundee. Dundee in Scotland that is. If you are nearby then you are more than welcome to come along and help the book to get off to an explosive and fun filled start. 

I have also been all over the country giving talks, attending conferences and even a few days holiday. During this holiday I even managed to spend time in a Jail. Before everyone thinks I am some sort of criminal mastermind, it was a tourist attraction. Inveraray Jail. So I am sure you can see that I haven't had a second to think about blogging. 

So on to those new beginnings. As a crime writer I am usually thinking about endings - ending someones life. But April is a month of new beginnings for me. It's spring and that always makes me think about new life. My first new beginning is this blog. I will be back to bringing it out more regularly. That;s my promise to you. Another new beginning is the next book in the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries. I have already started this and am enjoying spending more time with Shona and her disparate team. I love these books and it is truly a pleasure to write them. The final new beginning is that I have signed a publishing contract to write a series of mystery books for Young Adults. These will be called the Fergus and Flora Mysteries, and they will also be set in Dundee. I am thrilled to be writing these and look forward to writing Young Adult books. 

So, as you can see it has been an exciting few months for this author and Bookaholic. What new beginnings have you had in your life recently? I am sure there are many. It would be great if you could share some of these in the comments below. 

Now, I am off to do some reading. I will be finishing off a cracking mystery and starting a biography. I certainly have eclectic tastes in reading. That's it for now Bookaholics. See you all back here soon. 

Rest and Recreation for Writers

Good evening my Bookaholic friends. Apologies that this blog has been neglected for a few weeks. I have been manic, chasing around the country doing book signings and generally enjoying my life as a writer. The third book in the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries was released three weeks ago and since then my feet haven't touched the ground. The book was launched in Waterstones, Dundee and a great time was had by all. I gave a talk on hanging, as you do, and somehow or other it turned out to be funny. The audience obviously thought so as you can see from the photograph below. 

It's a wild life being an author and I love every minute of it. However, often it can be difficult to take time out to relax. Rest and recreation is important for a number of reasons. The main one is so that I can recharge my batteries. A bit like the energiser bunny I just keep going and going. However, if I, or any other writer, keeps going at this pace I will eventually run out of steam. The second is to allow the brain and the mind to recover. It is difficult to come up with new plots and think of saying things in different ways if life is being led at a hundred miles an hour. The brain needs to relax and recuperate as well. 

Things have calmed down a bit now and I will be taking it a bit easier on the lead up to Christmas. I will be having a break between Christmas and New Year. I intend reading all those lovely books I know I will be getting fro Christmas. If you are an author think about what you can do to treat yourself well and to take time to recharge your batteries. Look after yourself.

So there we have it Bookaholics. See you all back here soon for another reading and writing update. You can buy the books, including Killer's Cross, but clicking on the book covers on the right. 

The Power of Words

It is now day six of the blogging challenge and I am thinking about words. This is from the point of view of the reader and the writer. Most writers will have had a love affair with words since the first minute their parents read them a story. Without knowing it children are absorbing words and learning how these can fit together to form conversation. During story telling they are learning how these can be used to bring pleasure. The words are supported by the pictures in the book which is being read.

Before long the older child can read stories themselves and the words help them conjure up images in their head. They also start to use words to tell their own stories. Thus writers are born. As writers we take time to craft each word we write. We search for just the right word which will alow the reader to conjure up an image of the scene. Each and every word in our work is thought about and used to create unique sentences. These sentences then form paragraphs, chapters and an entire book.

When reading, the reader is not aware of the individual words. Many of them will not really register, and yet as a whole they pull the reader into the story as in the picture above. It is that which the writer is trying to achieve when searching for the perfect word. And we love every minute of it. There is no greater feeling than knowing you have used just the right word.

There we have it for another day Bookaholics. See you back here tomorrow. I'm off to craft some more words on my next novel.

A Strategic Retreat Part 1

I am sure many people feel that being a writer must be an easy life. You just have to sit at a computer each day and type. In some ways this can be true. However, a quote widely attributed to Ernest Hemingway describes otherwise. 'It is easy to write, just sit in front of your typewriter and bleed'. Both writing, and being a writer, can be hard work.

Recently life has been busy for me. I have been both editing one book, and writing another. I have also been doing events, giving talks, and doing research as well as trying to have a social life. Most writers will agree that being a writer means juggling a number of different roles. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and writing time can be eroded. Sometimes, it feels good to retreat and spend time just writing.

I am fortunate, this week, to be on a writing retreat. I am staying in a cottage at the top of a cliff and the spectacular view from my window can be seen below.

The picture does not do it justice. The view is magnificent with waves breaking on rocks at the foot of the cliffs, multicoloured wildflowers and gorse in the fields, sheer cliffs dropping to the sea below and birds soaring below me. This is a writers paradise. One cannot help but be inspired writing in such an idyllic setting. It is both beautiful and peaceful, and conducive to writing. In fact I have spent the whole day doing so. Im writing this blog at 10:45 at night and, as this is Scotland there is still light in the sky. As I watch the cliffs grow darker, they are still magnificent. I count myself blessed to have such an opportunity.

I believe that retreats are an important part of a writers life. They give the writer time to reflect, relax and write. They provide time for the writer to focus and take stock of where their writing is going. This is just the first day but already I am energised and ready for the next book. I am looking forward to seeing how much I can do over the next few days. I look forward to seeing you back here again tomorrow. 

4 Top Notch Books on Editing for Writers

I have been editing book two in the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries for the past few days. Writing the book is the easy part. Editing, as all writers know, or will find out, is the hard part. In preparation for editing I have been reading some excellent books on the subject. So today I bring you four, which I think every writer should have in their arsenal.

The Little Book of Self Editing for Writers by Bridget McKenna

This is a cracking little book. It is only 96 pages long, but every page packs a punch. It is in three parts.

1. Search and Destroy
2. The self editor's toolkit
3. Self editing resources

I read it through quickly and then used it to transform my manuscript. McKenna uses Zombies to illustrate some of her points. No, I am not joking. Yes, it does work. It is the most brilliant tip I have come across. You will, of course, have to read the book to find out more.

Part three has a self editing checklist. I used it to go through my manuscript and again transform it into something readers will love. Using this checklist will help any author eliminate areas which will slow the manuscript down and take the reader out of the story.  I loved this book and is one I would highly recommend.

Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

This is one I have reviewed before, but I make no apologies for including it in this list. This book is an excellent addition to the library of any writer. It covers every aspect of editing and takes the author through them in simple steps. It is clearly written  and uses examples to support  explanation. This method works and it is easy to see at a glance how your writing can be improved. This book also contains checklists to use when editing. It also has a number of writing exercises to help the author develop their craft. This is one I cannot recommend highly enough.





APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur by Kawasaki and Welsh

This book isn't specifically about editing, but about the process of writing, self publishing and marketing your book. However, it does contain an excellent chapter on editing. This is chock full of links to resources which will help you to edit your book. Overall, the book is excellent, but for the purposes of this blog, the section on editing is outstanding.







Polish Your Fiction by Jessica Bell

This is not a large book but every piece of advice within it is solid and helpful. As Bell says in her introduction it is not about writing a book, but about polishing it with a good edit. It covers all the key areas such as:

1. First Line Hook
2. Character consistency and point of view
3. Dialogue tags
4. Tightening Descriptions
5. Removing superfluous words
6. Identifying and replacing overused words
7. First person and Third person pronouns.



There are more chapters but this gives you a general feel for the way in which this book helps you to do an in depth edit. It is one which all writers should read and have by their side during the editing process, and one which I highly recommend.

Now for a bonus book.

Self Publish Your Book by Jessica Bell

This is not specifically about editing but does contain some excellent advice on how to format your book if you are self publishing. It takes you through all the steps you need to get your book finished and ready to publish. The steps are easy to follow and will save you a lot of time









So there we have it my Bookaholic friends. Another one for writers. However, I am reading a cracking crime book at the moment so will be back with another review soon. Until then, keep reading and writing.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Inspiration

I want to start with a question on the blog today. What do Arthur Conan Doyle and I have in common? Have a think about that one and I will get back to you with the answer later in the blog. Don't let me forget now.

Yesterday I was through in Auld Reekie for the day. For those uninitiated in the Scots language. This is a nickname for Edinburgh from the days when coal fires left a black haze of smoke over the city. Translated, Auld Reekie means Old Smokey. Doesn't have quite the same ring to it in English. No offence to my English readers but us Scots certainly know how to romanticise language. 

Anyway, enough of the lessons in the Scots language. Whilst I was there I went to the Scottish National Library. This fabulous old building houses an array of books both ancient and modern. A book lovers paradise. I felt like I'd died and gone to heaven. They have a couple of exhibitions on at the moment. One is on the Jacobite Rebellion and there are a number of ancient documents and books  about the rebellion. One of these is Bonnie Prince Charlie's birth certificate as seen below.

Now that is what you call history as Bonnie Prince Charlie, or to give him his real name, Charles Edward Stuart, was born on 31st December 1720. 

There were also many other Scottish writings from this time and some can be seen in the photo above. This made me think about my heritage both as a Scot and a writer. I am proud to be part of a history of Scottish writing which started before I was born, and will continue long after I am gone. Looking at the books and documents has inspired me to write more and to be the best writer I can be. I don't want to let my fellow writers, whether living or dead, down. If you can get to the national library of your country then I would urge you to do so. It is the most inspiring day I have spent.

The other exhibition was about different aspects of Scottish writing and had many items about Arthur Conan Doyle. Many people forget that he was Scottish, as his most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is London based. It was fascinating to find out more about him and his work. We often forget that he wrote many other books several of which were in the exhibition. He takes his place amongst other great Scottish writers such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

What's that you say? What do Arthur Conan Doyle and I have in common. Well firstly take a look at the photo below.

This is me with a copy of my book sitting in Arthur Conan Doyle's chair in his study. So we've both sat in the same place and thought about writing. 

The second thing we have in common is the fact that his books, and my books, are now in the Legal Deposit Libraries in the National Library of Scotland, The Bodleian Library in Oxford, Cambridge University library, the Library of Trinity College Dublin, and the National Library of Wales, as well as the British Library. I was depositing five copies of Killer's Countdown for legal deposit. I felt quite famous for five minutes.

This post was brought to you by a very proud, emotional and inspired Scottish author.

I'm going to finishes with a question. What inspires you to write? If we share in the comments below we will be able to help each other be inspired and to be better writers.

See you all back here very soon for another reading and writing frenzy. Until then, keep reading

Time to Write

I have been reading the posts from the new More Than Writers Blog and each one has made me think about myself as a writer. Today's post, Room to Write, really got me thinking. Tania Vaughan talks about not only having a room in which to write, but also making room to write. 

I have a fabulous office in which to write. I have a large desk, a super fast computer, myriad bookshelves and bright light. So my room in which to write is top of the range and good to go. That takes me to the next part of the equation which I call Time to Write. As far as I am concerned it is always time to write. Whatever the time of day, or wherever I am, it is always a good time to write something.

However, do I find time to write? That is another question altogether. Like many people my time is increasingly squeezed from every possible angle. I find myself saying yes to things rather than no. Now don't get me wrong, people are important and I will always find time for them. However, should this be at the expense of my writing. Also, book promotion, speaking engagements and taking random pictures of my books in Waterstones (as above), although exciting, take time away from writing. I have decided that I need to find time to spend with my writers self. What I do, and finding time to write, are important. They are important to me, and important to those waiting for book number two.

So, my fellow Bookaholic's my, promise to you, and me, is that I will now be scheduling time in my busy life to write like the demons of hell are behind me. For those of you waiting for the next book this will come as a great relief. I will also be finding time to read some great books. See you all back here in Bookaholic land soon. Until then keep writing and/or reading.

A New Writing Blog is Born

Today on Bookaholic I am proud and priviliged to announce the launch of a new blog for Christian Writers - More Than Writers Like the penguin in the picture I am standing on the brink and ready to soar.

I am the Webmaster for the Association of Christian Writers. For various reasons the existing blog was a tad stagnant so the decision was made to give it a fresh new look by starting from scratch. This has been in development for a couple of months and I am excited and honoured to be the first person to post.

The tile of the blog, More than Writers reflects a couple of different Aspects. Firstly, the blog will share an eclectic mix of topics around writing, books and the arts. All the contributors will bring their own twist to this so expect variety. The second aspect is that we all love God.

I will be posting on the first of every month and look forward to seeing many of my Bookaholic friends joining me at the new blog. See you all soon and keep reading. 

Are You Making the Most of Your Opening Chapter?

Good morning to all my bookaholic friends. Lovely to see you all here on this dreary winters morning. However, we all know that reading, and writing, can cheer up the bleakest of days. Today on the post we are going to be talking writing, opening chapters in particular.

I have been reading K.M. Weiland's excellent post on the perfect ingredient for Opening Chapter. This got me thinking about what I and others think about what should be in the opening chapter of a book. I am sure we all know the importance of a cover in attracting readers, but once they open the words on the page need to speak for themselves.

I was fortunate to attend a workshop, on creating a killer first line, led by highly talented crime author Alex Gray. If you are not familiar with Alex, or her works, you can find out more here. Following this I am always conscious of the importance of the first line in drawing readers in to the story. I examine the first line from every angle and try it out on the lovely authors in my writers group. This would be my first definite must have for my chapter. A killer first line. Nothing to do with crime writing, this is the same for all writers.

Secondly, as I write crime, I will always make sure that the first murder is seen in the opening chapter. I combine this with ensuring that there is a level of tension which will keep readers wanting more. 

In the article above, it is suggested that the protagonist is always introduced in the first chapter. This is excellent advice and should always be followed. Or should it? The difficulty with lists is that one can often follow them slavishly to the exclusion of creativity and original thought. I have read some exceptional books where the killer is introduced in a very short first chapter. This has me hooked and wanting to find out more. However, I will add, that the reader will get bored if the protagonist, in my case the detective, doesn't tip up fairly quickly.

So what do others think? What are your tips, or go to's for the perfect first chapter? 

So it is farewell from Scotland. Have a great day wherever you are in the world. Always remember, whatever the weather may be like outside your window, it is always a perfect day to keep reading and/or writing. The picture at the top of the mage is to remind us all that even though we are in the grip of winter, summer is just around the corner.

The Dimwit's Dictionary by Robert Hartwell Fiske

Today's post is for all my fellow writers who also read this blog. The Tagline for the book is More than 5000 overused words and phrases and alternatives to them. This in a nutshell is what the book does. But please do not be fooled into thinking this book is simple or would not be useful. It is a pure nugget amongst many books for writers. 

The book is divided into two parts:

Part 1 - gives examples of the hackneyed phrases which have slipped into everyday English. It then goes on to explain why these are tired and outdated. It then goes on to talk about the different forms of English - uneducated, everyday and elegant - and how these can be improved. 

Part 2 - The bulk of the book is given over to this. This is where the 5000 words and phrases come in. These are provided in alphabetical order for easy reference. It is a simple matter to look up a phrase and the suggestions for words which could replace it. I am going to open up the book at random and give an example:

Feeling his oats - This is classed as a moribund metaphor. Suggested replacements - exuberant, frisky, lively peppy, vigorous, vivacious

The appendix at the end gives the top 20 Dimwiticism's (overused phrases) in the presses of the world. This is a real eye opener (that's not classed as a dimwiticism in the book: and is also a bit of fun.

So all in all an excellent resource for any writer. I have provided the links to the kindle version, however, I feel that it would be better in paperback. I have bought the paperback version. 

         

I am sure all my writer friends will find this book useful. I certainly have. I look forward to seeing you all back on bookaholic soon. Until then keep reading, and keep writing.