Book Feature: LOYALTY: WAR OF NYTEFALL book 1 by Charles E. Yallowitz

Y is for Charles E. Yallowitz's War of Nytefall: Loyalty

Find it on AMAZON!

Book Feature: WILLOW by Grace Parks

X is for...xoxo
😍

He’s everything she’s not.
He’s serious, unsociable, unfashionable, and dead set against social media.
She decides to take him on as a client despite his refusals.
She wants the challenge, and she wants to prove to him that he needs her help.

We all need a little romance, right? 😉 Until Monday!

💜 Linzé

A-to-Z Blog Challenge: W is for...writing inspiration - a guest post by Vida Li Sik

As an avid reader, I’ve always wondered where Stephen King, a writer I greatly admire, got the ideas for his stories that scared theheebie-jeebies out of me. The same goes for James Patterson or Nora Roberts. I’m sure you can add the names of your own favourite authors too.

When it comes to inspiration, writers are often encouraged to “write what you know”. And if you’ve been on earth for a while, there certainly are plenty of life experiences to draw from.

But, for fiction writers, it’s not always that easy, especially if you have to create a new world to go with the story.

So where does one find inspiration?

When you look at the movies that Hollywood keep trotting out, you’d be amazed to see new takes on old stories. Think about it. How many modern day Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty stories have we seen in recent years? These were great stories that simply got an updated 21^stcentury setting and details.

What helps me, is to ask the question “what if?” For example, we sometimes hear about men who escape from prison. You hardly ever hear about women doing the same. So what if your character decides to plan a daring prison break? This idea formed a part of the storyline for my mother/daughter story, Aching Heart.

In romance, thrillers or spy stories, why not flip the stereotype? What if your “007-type” main character happens to be female, or she is the one with the dangerous job?

The news can also be a great source of ideas. Why not turn that dastardly politician or crook into a character who becomes the villain of your thriller? We are sometimes reluctant to do so, because the real life story just sounds too unbelievable.

A few years ago, there was a big story surrounding one of the country’s police commissioners. One newspaper had all the people involved laid out in a diagram, with little biographies underneath and arrows showing their connections. I thought ‘What a great character portfolio’. And I’m not even a crime or thriller writer!

I once had a dream (two days in a row) about characters in Sweden (of all places) - a country I have yet to visit. The characters stayed with me for a few weeks, to the point where I started jotting down notes and researching the country for more information on possible settings.

Sometimes a conversation you overhear can set your imagination racing off with a million and one ideas. There are just so many different and unexpected sources for inspiration. Remember: everyone has a story to tell.

What is important to do, when inspiration strikes, is to jot down the ideas. Use a sticky note, a small notebook or the notes feature on your phone. Do it immediately before the idea disappears, as it will.

So, as a writer or would-be writer, where do you get your inspiration from?

Find her on www.vidalisik.com   👈👈👈

Book Feature: ACHING HEART by Vida Li Sik

Available on Amazon

Nursing sister Hannah Dervain functions best by following a set routine. That leaves her little time to drown her sorrows in alcohol over what she has lost.

Her orderly life is turned upside down when her annual check-up reveals she has cancer. Now Hannah has to fight for her health and to heal her relationship with her estranged daughter, Savanna, who is in jail.

Hannah’s bombshell tugs at her daughter’s heartstrings. Overturning Savanna's ban on visiting her in prison is the easy part. Their past disappointments, hurts and pain rear up once more. They are tougher to tackle as Savanna confronts challenges of her own.

Her daughter’s latest ill-conceived scheme threatens the progress they are making. Can Hannah find the courage to take a stand and be the mother she longs to be?

Until tomorrow, when Vida joins us again with a question...

See you then!

Linzé

A-to-Z Blog Challenge: U is for...unbelievable

I chose unbelievable for my word today, because that is how I felt when I saw the list. Yesterday, I posted my 750th post to this blog. It's true, even though I am not sure quite how all that happened.

Number of posts
per year

I suppose it happened the usual way - one at a time! 😉
Thank you for reading and here is to the next 750. May I continue to strive to not bore you to tears 😂 Cheers! 🍸

💜 Linzé

A-to-Z Blog Challenge: T is for...thank you

Today's post is for saying thank you. I decided to make a list, because this kind of post requires a list.

Thank you to you:

• If you have read one of my books;
• My writers group members for your continued support of each other;
• My online friends and followers for allowing me to be part your lives;
• Friends, family, colleagues, every book lover and fellow artist - you make my world alive with life, creative expression, contentment and happiness.

Thank you!

💜 Linzé

A-to-Z Blog Challenge: S is for...special mention

And the award goes to Francois! Ha, I thought to make this post a dedication to my husband, Francois.
He is a terrific photographer in several genres. Here is a picture of him holding the award for portrait photographer of the year for 2018. The award was made last week.
Well done!

Francois holding his award and certificate