A Break From the Day Job

It can only mean half term!

With Six weeks off for summer!

But what to do with myself?

That's Easy . . .

I intend to write a sequel . . .

 In June this year, my debut novel was released by publishers Crooked Cat, and is on Amazon. The reaction has been amazing which is great as I had planned a sequel.

After a couple of false starts, I finally have the time to get properly stuck into it because I am lucky enough to  have six weeks off.

I love that my 'day job' compliments my need and want to write. There's been times where the flow has stopped due to having to go to bed because of that early alarm call. And then it's lost. And I can never get that moment back, no matter how many times I reread the chapters before. Now, I can stay up until the small hours, when the rest of the house is fast asleep.

 zzzzzz

The only sound, the tippy- tappy of my fingers on the keyboard. And some chill out tunes on low drifting in and out of my mind.                                 
 ♬♫♬♫

Of course, the holidays aren't all about the writing. There's the reading too. And I plan on doing lots of it. Since breaking up on Wed, I have already started and finished reading three books. Yes, one of them was mine but I had to read for continuity purposes, ready for book two.

I also plan on meeting up with friends, a little drinkies, and getting ready for holiday (where more reading is a must and some inspiration for writing).

Yummy!yummy!

As for the sequel, that's a few thousand words in and has a working title of Katie Button Stateside. I'm sure as I plough through the word count and plot, the title will become more clear to me. Who knows where my inky fingers will take me and my characters . . . I never know despite my plans and plot lines as it depends on what mood I'm in, where an idea can lead and what my characters want. Yes, they're in my head, talking to me . . .

A little advertising I made for my chicklit/romance novel. Perfect for the summer. 

So that's my six weeks in a nutshell. What do have planned for the summer weeks / weekends / days ahead?

Written for Six word Saturday, hosted by http://www.showmyface.com/

Where Inspiration Can Lead

Source

Last week, saw the release of my debut novel, The Adventures of Katie Button. It has been a busy week some of which included interviews. And one question kept cropping up; what was my inspiration for the novel? It all started with a piece of flash fiction about a highwayman which I wrote for Five Sentence Fiction. It was my very first short story and I had no idea how important those five sentence would be back then in March 2012. The prompt was ‘wicked’. And it turned out by the comments my piece received, a highwayman is the ultimate in wicked, with a mischievous glint in his eye. I really wanted to expand on that idea which I finally did in my modern day chick-lit (If you want to find out how the highwayman fits in, well you know what to do). :-)

But where did the inspiration come from to write the five sentences in the first place? It came from the narrative poem, The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes. I absolutely love this poem. Ghostly description takes the reader on a dark, spine tingling journey, where not a word is wasted as it chillingly teases you to the very end . . . which is what also makes a good flash fiction piece work.

I’m lucky enough to be working with this poem at the moment as it is one of the narrative poems studied in Year5. And it’s that time of year where we are immersing ourselves into The Highwayman as another generation are introduced to his tale. The enthusiasm in which they discuss, act out and predict is tangible and I can't wait to read their own narrative poems. Maybe The Highwayman will be a form of inspiration to a budding writer in the near future like it was with me.

Now, I have my own novel out, which seems to be doing well on Amazon and it’s all thanks to Alfred Noyes and The Highwayman.

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/171940isit The Poetry Foundation to read The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes

Lillie Mcferrin's Five Sentence Fiction

My Highwayman five sentence fiction from the prompt 'Wicked'. 

The Amazon UK link to my novel, The Adventures of Katie Button

A few of the quotes people are saying about Katie Button

The Adventures of Katie Button by Me, Lizzie Koch, is happening!!!!

Back in Feb 2012, I started my blog. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I first wrote about a disastrous journey home. All I knew was, I wanted to write. Then, quite by accident, I stumbled upon Five Sentence Fiction and thought I’d have a stab at it. 

My very first Five Sentence Fiction Wicked

The reaction from the community of writers to my piece inspired me to write more. Friendships blossomed too. I loved this new world of flash fiction!!

In November, 2012, a few writers were taking part in NaNoWriMo so I investigated and thought I’d take part. National Novel Writing Month is a challenge for 50,000 words in 30 days. And, The Adventures of Katie Button was born.

Now, I’m preparing to share Katie Button with you all . . .  in less than 3 weeks,  thanks to my publisher, Crooked Cat Publishing . Exciting times!! But a little nervous.

The launch date is Friday June 12th and I’m having a little online launch party (on facebook) of which so many of you have said you’ll come!! Yay!! Some of you have asked 'what the heck is an online launch party?' Well, it’s a place where you can drop in throughout the day to share and enjoy the launch of my book, leave comments and eat virtual cake! And of course, purchase, read it, and let me know what you think!

With that in mind, I thought it about time I share the blurb with you.

Thank you, all for your support. And I look forward ( I think) to your reviews . . .

The Adventures of Katie Button by Lizzie Koch

What it's about in a nutshell . . .

What happens when your dreams collide with reality?

Katie Button doesn’t believe in soulmates. When charismatic Jack Masterson asks her out on a date, despite him being her new boss alongside his more aloof brother, James, she agrees.

But her romantic dreams about a dashing highwayman, heroic gladiator and Tudor Lord are becoming more frequent. And, more worryingly, they feel real. She remembers every detail, every touch, every kiss. Until she realises the man in her dreams is James.

But Katie doesn’t even like James. And what about Jack, who is whisking her away for sexy mini breaks in the here and now?

Katie knows she needs to put an end to her dreams before they ruin her life.

But how?

Available June 12th

Amazon
Smashwords

Anniversary Blog Some Things Never Change

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! It’s been two years since my first adventure into the blogging world. Two years since I stumbled into flash fiction and made some amazing friends as I continue my journey as a writer.

But some things do not change. My first blog entry was about a trip to Croydon on Valentine’s Day to see a special friend. It was such a disastrous journey, I had to write about it. Since that Valentine's, every trip to Croydon has been  taken by train after I vowed never to drive there again . . .Until New Year's Day this year.

New Year's Day would be quiet, the car that died on me on that Valentine’s night has been replaced.  What could possibly go wrong?

Enter teenage son and his idea of a chilled night with friends. At our house. I even managed to talk Hubby into it. Never again.

They kept us up all night with their chit chat, movies, laughter. Eventually, all was quiet as they buggered off to McDonald's for breakfast. Far too early of course,  but I didn’t tell them that as I wanted sleep.

The next thing I heard was hubby asking what time I’m leaving for Croydon. I wanted to be there for 10. It was now 10.30. My phone had a string of texts, asking what time I was arriving. I sleepily said 11, knowing any later, I wouldn’t go.

Easy peasy. half an hour to get ready. No problem. A quick shower, hair washed and dried, dressed  and ready to go bang on 11. It’s easy when there’s no slap involved or breakfast.

But the weather was awful. So much rain! But I persevered. Every now and then, I thought I’d turn round in the next available place but when I reached one, I carried on as it didn’t seem too bad. Famous last words.  .  .

After a lovely day with my friend, it was the dreaded drive home. Still, lashing down had it’s upside; no traffic. But the amount of water was incredible. Darkness descended quickly. And then I hit a queue of traffic. I couldn’t see what the hold up was. The traffic crept along slowly and then I saw it. I know I swore. I know I gripped the steering wheel for dear life. I had no other choice but to drive through the flood, like a lake across the road. It was seeing the breakdown van on the other side, rescuing a stranded motorist that I relaxed. He would save me. I watched the 4x4 go through, half up the curb. I waited until he cleared it then went, keeping a steady speed, chanting ‘Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God' continually, heart pounding wildly. I’d never driven through a flood before. And punched the air when I reached the other side. I was feeling epic!

The next obstacle was my imagination as I drove through a valley, looking up at the army of towering trees, standing guard. The news had been full of landslides, trees blown down; I’d driven past a few on my journey. Of course, there was nothing I could do if a tree did decide to fall at the time of my passing through but it didn't stop me looking up, making sure they didn’t move. I was terrifying myself. But so relieved I reached open space. Until the forest.

Puddles. Floods. Wind, stupid car drivers not knowing how to drive in floods who slowed right down, breaking?? I kept my distance from those people in their gorgeous, too good for them Mini.

And after an hour and a half, I was home. I was relieved. But I couldn’t wait to share my epic journey, surviving floods and gales (see how the wind is now a gale). I declared I could drive through anything. I was awesome!

Needless to say, I haven’t driven since. Other than my Hubby up the wall but that's another story entirely. xx

   

My Writing Process Blog Tour

So when Laura James over at Office Mango invited me to the Writing Process Blog Tour, I automatically said ‘yes’ not actually thinking about what I would have to produce about writing. Gulp! It’s hard enough thinking of the next line in a story let alone thinking how you go about it.

But Laura did  and her entertaining entry. And thanks Laura for the invite. xxx 

http://www.officemango.com/2014/02/my-writing-process-blog-tour/

My Writing Process

What Am I Working On?

   I wish the answer to this was a simple “I’m working on X” but the reality is, I’m also working on Y and Z too. Writing is like reading. I have three books on the go that I am reading and like wise with my writing. Last year’s Nano novel, which suddenly came to a halt due to a dead laptop, has now found new love/life and a few late nights which is great considering this week is half term. It’s a paranormal romance with a kick ass heroine. That is all I’m going to say on that one.

   Some lovely friends Beta read my Chick lit which I am also in the process of editing. One day, when I feel confident about sharing it with the big, wide, world, I will publish on Amazon.

   My very first attempt of a novel is also being revisited on occasion when I can face it due to the many errors I can’t believe I made!

    And of course there’s my blog I am working on with flash fiction. Often, a short story is the spark to something bigger.

How Does My Work Differ from Others of its  Genre?   

   That’s tricky. I can only go by what I have read. And there is not enough time in the world to have read every book in the genres I write. I guess it’s unusual to write in different genres and not stick to one. Whether this is a decision that will hinder me or enhance my writing, I do not yet know. But I do know I write because I enjoy it, love the characters and know there is a story there. I also know my female protagonists are not just there to be eye candy or fluff. They have purpose, are fun and can definitely look after themselves no matter the genre.

Why Do I Write What I do?

I would like to say ‘because the fairies in the bottom of the garden told me to.’ But it’s a lot less boring than that. Like I said, I always wanted to write but didn’t know how to start. Then, two years ago, a funny thing happened that I just had to share and on Feb 18th (two years tomorrow) my blog was born. It was then I stumbled into flash fiction and this is where ideas grow for feature length pieces of work. Flash enables you to experiment and go places I never thought possible. Only last week, due to the prompt, I wrote my first piece of erotica (very tame). It was well received so I may (when brave enough) expand on it. If I love the characters and there’s a story, I will write it. My venture into the  paranormal was inspired by my son wanting me to write for him, not sure I have fulfilled that though as it’s gone bit gushy. So I will be culling very soon.

How Does Your Writing Process Work?   

Sometimes it doesn’t! It completely leaves me with a blank page for days. So I walk away and enjoy life (usually a walk along the beach, or baking) until something hits me and I can’t wait to get back and write it, noting it down in case I forget (which does happen).  But I tend to be a rather chaotic writer. Too many things going on, notes everywhere. If it comes into my head, I write it. So where my story goes depends on the mood I’m in, the music I’m listening to and something I may have heard either on TV or spoken to me. I have a main plot written down in various places (too many notebooks) but any sub plots are victim to the time, mood and place. I make it up as I go along I guess. If I’m really excited, I will talk it out with close friends which inspires me even more. Often, ideas come into my head during the night. But can I remember them in the morning? I can't be the only one that happens to. There's probably loads of best sellers that have been born and died during the night somewhere in the world.

Thank you for reading and thanks again Laura for the tag. Now I have some people who would like to share their writing process with you. Here’s a little tease until next week ( Monday 24th Feb) for their story. . .

Rebecca Fyfe

An author with stories in several anthologies and collections, is a mother of seven children and, having lost 145 lbs. of excess weight, blogs about health and fitness at skinnydreaming.com. In keeping with her lifetime love of stories, she graduated with a degree in English Literature. She is a Californian who married an Englishman and now resides in Great Britain. Rebecca created and runs the chapter book challenge which runs every March, and, when not writing short stories or children’s stories, she’s busy creating urban fantasy novels, full of her own special blend of magic. She gets her inspiration from her five daughters and two sons. She is the founder of Melusine Muse Press and owns several online gift shops, one of which can be found online at moondusters.com. You can find her on facebook, Twitter and through her blog at Rebecca Fyfe.blogspot.co.uk/ and at maginecreatewrite.blogspot.com. 

M L Gammella 

M L Gammella has been writing on and off since hight school, where she was often found scribbling in her notebook instead of following along in class. Who knew you had to pay attention in Pre-Cal to understand it? To this day, she still doesn't. 

She put down her pen for several years as she got caught up with college and work, but finally found her muse again after graduating with a bachelors in business in 2010. Her day job as a mortgage laan processor pays the bills while she pursues her love of writing. M L Gammella is currently trying to finish her Nano novels from 2012 and 2013 (she won in 2012). She also participates i several flash fiction contests throughout the week, runs the Daily Picspiration blogspot., and freelances in content marketing. When not writing, M L enjoys travelling, football, cooking, reading and spending time with her husband and three pets.

http://mlgammella.blogspot.co.uk/

The Good, The Bad and The Catasphrophic

I have been pondering this blog post for a few days now; should I write it, would people find it interesting, am I wasting my time, no one is bothered about the the ups and downs of a writer. But the urge to write and celebrate a wonderful year took over and here I am.

It has been an amazing year where my writing is concerned and that's thanks to the fantastic writers I have 'met' on facebook who have become wonderful friends. Firstly, there was the Dark Fairy Queen Writerly Bridal Shower. Who can forget the crazy goings on in the process of a fairy wedding? Who can forget the excitement of creating a gorgeous story for the anthology? 

Two more anthologies followed (see above pic), both raising money for good charities and my stories were included. I'm in print! Yay!!! (I still look at my name in print and can't quite believe it). Both available on Amazon. 

It was on this high that I went full steam ahead into this years NanoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) with the support of the crazy community of writers. I was a Nano Rebel as my story had already started but I still had 50,000 in me as did the story. And that's when the catastrophe happened; my laptop just stopped working. I couldn't access any of my work as the little hole where the cable goes was broken or something like that. There wasn't even any power in the battery to boot it up. And do you know the worst of this sorry tale? Despite months of nagging from Hubby about backing up my work, I hadn't. So over 35k of words for my novel was locked along with all my other work. 

I cried.

I spat my dummy.

My writing career had only just started and had come to abrupt halt. Until Hubby's friend rescued my work which is now stored in various places; external hard drives, sky drive and now google cloud. I think my bases are covered. I just need to learn to use them properly.  

And the writing is back as Hubby bought me a Samsung Chromebook for Christmas/Birthday so happy, happy, happy although very different to what I am used to.  No excuses now for writing and joining in more on the flash fiction circuit. 

 That's where the bad comes in. I have been away for so long, I think I've forgotten how to write! I look at flash fiction prompts and have absolutely no clue. My Daily Picspiration pieces are so difficult and don't flow at all. I apologise for that and will up my game for 2014 especially as the calibre of writing is absolutely wonderful.

Looking to 2014, I am full of optimism. I intend to blog more, write more, share authors more. I also intend to publish my own novel. It's not going to happen unless I make it happen and I have wonderful friends who are helping me make it happen (Lisa Shambrook, Laura James and Ruth Long who are now thinking oh darn, forgot about that!) as well as friends who always love my work (Jan, Clare, Toni, Angela, Charlotte, Char, Shelley to name but few). So look out for The Adventures of Katie Button coming soon. 

I have other projects in my head that must escape. So watch out!  

2014 is going to be epic. . . . just saying. xxxx 

Happy New Year folks and to nick/adapt a famous Brucie phrase. . . Keep writing/reading. xx 

    

    

#Blog Flash 2013 Day 21 Success

To be honest, I haven’t felt very successful this past twenty four hours in most aspects of my life where I really want to be successful. Firstly, call from No #1 son’s school to say he decided he was going bunk his last lesson so starting to question parenting. Secondly, got crappy rejection letter. I don’t mind the rejection- it’s expected but do they have to be so blunt to the point of being rude? Thirdly, I have lost my mojo in the creative department and spent hours trying to get the 200 words right. ARRRGGGGG!

On a positive note, I have managed to complete the final Blog flash. Whoop! Whoop! And met some wonderful bloggers which is worth going over the word count for. So I guess success can come in small doses and the rest will hopefully fall into place and not be so bad with a pinch of perspective.

word count 153 (oops)

   

For more on success, please visit the wonderful http://terriglong.com/blog/blogflash2013-march-2013-30-days-of-flash-blogging/  xxxx

Perseverance 5 Sentence Fiction

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week Lillie will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.

Perseverance

She sat, frustrated with the blank page in front of her, taunting her to come up with something wonderful, out of this world, amazing, daring her to press the keys so to begin the process of transportation to another world. But with every opening sentence, the frustration manifested into a deep howl and the abrupt use of the delete key until the page was blank again, again and again.

Stepping away from the desk, Bailey rummaged through the freezer for the tub of Phish Food and stood by the window, eating each spoonful with relish as it cooled and calmed her thoughts, gazing at the life outside, looking for inspiration and the reason to get back to the art of writing and creating. Lost in thought, Bailey didn’t even hear her boyfriend walk in until he flopped on the settee with a heavy sigh, his hair dull and dishevelled from the commute, eyes tired from the long days of overtime and right there she had her reason to carry on.

Carl, her soul mate, had told her to give up work and write that book she had always wanted to write because he could support them and do what it takes to make it happen; she kissed him gently before walking purposefully back to the blank page which now wasn’t so daunting at all.

5 Sentence Fiction Armour

5 Sentence Ficiton Armour

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction. (http://lilliemcferrin.blogspot.co.uk/)

Armour

For once, Max was extremely grateful for her choice in clothing today as she lay on the soft blanket of grass, looking up through the overhanging branches as the sunlight peeked through; a reminder of how wonderfully exhilarating summer days can be.

She lay still as the blurred branches swayed gently to and frow revealing glimpses of a clear blue sky that filled Max with a surprising but much needed tranquillity.  

She was hot now; uncomfortably so as she felt her whole body ache which was a good sign despite the stillness and odd angle her legs appeared to be.

Voices were getting nearer and before she knew it, strange heads towered over her, blocking out the daylight, all talking at once; but this was a relief as she forced a small smile beneath the misted and now claustrophobic visor, even though one of these unknown faces was the cause of her predicament.   

Yes, Max was thankful that on this hot summer’s day, she decided to kit herself out in her leathers; her uniform, her armour for the road and today it had saved her skin as she afforded a quick glance at her beloved bike; a mangled mess under the very tree she had lay that had ended her ride so abruptly, before the doors of the ambulance closed.  

Five Sentence Ficiton- Tears

This one was tricky. Tears can be of joy, which are the best kind where your face is streaming and you have no idea in the end why as you realise you've peed your pants with so much laughter! Or tears can be of extreme sadness which is so deep and raw that in the end, you cry silent, dry tears because there's nothing left. I opted for the latter and after writing it, I feel extremely sad but such is the power of words.  

Love me. xxxx

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction. (http://lilliemcferrin.blogspot.co.uk/)

This week: Tears

Sally was over the moon as the tickets had arrived to see One Direction and she couldn’t wait to tell her best friend, Jess, as they should start planning what to wear immediately; the concert was three weeks away but there was no time to lose . . .   

‘I always seem to be knocking on peoples doors with bad news’ muttered Michael as he placed his cap firmly on his head, opened the garden gate and walked slowly up the well kept garden path; a kid’s bike sat neatly up against the wall.

This was going to be tough as childrens’ laughter rang through from the back garden, soon to turn to tears as an emptiness and sadness would consume them as soon as Michael set things in motion with one touch of the door bell.  

Never a good thing knocking on someone’s door; never a well done for anything; ‘driving so carefully so here’s an award’ would be nice or a ‘Yay, get this, we’ve found your stolen car and it’s not burnt out’ or ‘thanks to your neighbourhood watch scheme, we caught that burglar’ and then people might be happy to see a police officer on their door step. . .

Michael’s fingers reached slowly to the door bell as he took a deep breath, knowing his words would shatter their lives forever and all because a driver decided to drive whilst drunk, mounting the pavement and wiping out a teenager as she walked, clutching two concert tickets; her whole life ahead of her, gone in moments and it fell to Michael to break the news; the worst part of his ‘job’ by far but ever the professional . .  

Scorching- The First lick of Summer

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction. (http://lilliemcferrin.blogspot.co.uk/)

Scorching- The first Lick of Summer
The group of children waited impatiently for it to come, sitting on the hard, hot, dusty pavement; their money burning a hole in their pockets as the unforgiving, blazing sun beat down from a cloudless sky, burning their fair unprotected skin, as this was the first day of many without T shirts.   

There was not an ounce of shade and not enough energy to play ‘It’; even walking to the local shop to spend the money on fizzy drinks or ice cream was an effort as the air was still, just like the children sitting on the pavement- waiting, watching, hoping . .  

But there was excitement in the air as one scruffy boy looked at his watch, the big hand slowly but surely reaching the 12 as the little hand struck the 4 and there it was, that precious sound that most grownups found more than annoying.

The road seemed long and endless but sure enough the noise came closer and closer as the children all stood at once, reaching into their pockets and pulling out hot, sweaty coins so precious to them in this extraordinary heat wave.

The newspapers were full of doom and gloom of water shortages with the impending summer drought with screaming headlines of crops failing, gardens wilting and paddling pools standing empty, but the sound of the ice cream van made the unbearable heat worthwhile as the children all clamoured eagerly around the van, wanting that first lick of their Fab ice lolly; this was heaven and as the sweat trickled down their forehead’s, they all smiled happily at that first lick of summer.

Five Sentence Fiction- WICKED

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction. (http://lilliemcferrin.blogspot.co.uk/)

This week: WICKED

Although the sky was pitch black and desolate, the horse galloped confidently through the winding, rugged hills with its rider clinging on, shielding himself in the mane from the swirling wind. His pursuers had dropped back long ago, the sound of hooves and rifles no more; but the rider couldn’t relax until he reached his destination.

The flickering , dimming light in the distance gave off a warm glow of safety and refuge as the rider began to relax and the horse slowed to a casual trot. Patting the horse gently and turning off the warning lantern, the rider walked into the dilapidated building and saw his partner waiting in the darkest corner of the room, a single candle burning lower, the only light. Tipping a small, black velvet pouch onto the table, small, shining stones, belonging to the King, tumbled out as the Highway Man smiled knowingly.