Friday 21 December 2012

Method in the madness

While blogging, networking, tweeting and generally browsing the Internet I've found so many different people telling me how writing should be structured and planned. Now all of these methods are great don't get me wrong but I prefer to follow my muse and do the surgery during the edit. I'm not here to te you how to write each has their own style that works for them and sometimes it takes time to find it but here I thought I'd share my tips for getting a those over flowing ideas down if they are used or not it doesn't matter but I find nothing worse than something interrupting me mid flow.

1) use the margins if you write something and mid sentence want to add more but don't have the flow or the complete idea scribble a few words in the margin as a reference when you come back to it.

2) Don't worry about spelling that's not important and can be sorted out during the edit.

3) Not sure you have the right word but don't know the exact one you are looking for box it off or put it in brackets and come back to it when you have finished that session of writing.

4) Make sure you have something with you at all times to capture those random ideas that appear from no where you never know when they will come in handy.

These tips can make your work look at little crazy but it will help the ideas. Hope your writing flows and the word count keeps growing

Lauren

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Magik in writing

Its been a while since my last entry I'm afraid I've been rather unwell but I'm back in the saddle and here with a new entry.

After reading Mark Lawrence's blog today I felt inspired to write along a similar subject. Magik in books the back bone of all fantasy what ever the type. We create our rules and weave our way but it is easy to get bogged down explaining the systems of how it works. In my opinion magik should have an element of the unknown about it, this engages the reader saying that it should not be without some set of rules. Contradicting myself a little I admit. I take Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and his magik system he slots in pieces here and there, explains a little about the male and female aspects of magik and briefly how it's channeled. It makes it more a part of the story rather and makes the reader feel that it is real and they are witnessing the act and without a full blown explanation, for example he says that a character channels and forms fire but doesn't say more than that this leaves the readers imagination to take a hold and paint their own picture.
I look at this aspect of my writing after the initial draft is done and the second draft begins that's when I can pick up and the little details that make sure not only the magik makes sense within the story but adds mystery and for the want of a better word magik to my writing.

My tip for this is look at your manuscript and if your magik needs to much explanation or your work is bogged down with it look at how it can be refined or broken down can parts be slotted in to different sections of the story. It takes practice and something I'm still learning to do myself. May your magik and your writing flow.

Lauren

Thursday 29 November 2012

Getting feed back and writing the second novel

Like all writers out there I quite regularly seek feed back from anyone who reads my work but nothing is as valuable as a good honest review with constructive critique. I've found a great community of readers and writers on a website run by harper Collins called authonomy. You up load as much or as little of your work as you like and people can review your work and you theirs. I've had some great pointers about characters point of view and tips on how to improve the flow of my work just by adjusting and looking carefully at the punctuation. I can't recommend this site highly enough. There are some amazing and talented writers on there. Another thing I like is though the feed back is honest it's not slating so you don't need such a tough skin but always remember now every person is going to enjoy your work as much as others. I have to keep this in mind as it is easy to forget when you get a 1 star or poor review.

The second thing I wanted to talk about is writing the second novel. I'm currently working on Wings of Fire the follow up to Blades of Shadow and I must confess I'm finding this one harder to writer than the first. Difficult to pin down why exactly but I think it's down to the cross referencing and looking back I do to avoid continuity errors and to see how my characters have developed and how they may react to their new situations. I find a flow chart helps with this. It also helps me trace my ideas forward but I don't plan to hard as with all art no single idea is set in stone and parts can be rewritten etc.
Happy writing all

Lauren

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Writing with medical problems

It's been a while since my last blog entry. I apologise for that its been a roller coaster of a few weeks. But I'm back on the preverbal horse as it were and ready to ride.
Like all of us I find writing a great joy and often a great escape from the world. Now so more than ever as I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as well as ME. I thought I'd share my tips for when writing isn't so easy be it illness or problems etc and concentration can be shot.

1) Pace yourself easy to say difficult to understand. Write a page or so take a break for ten mins then have another go.

2) If you can't write don't be hard on yourself scribble your ideas down.

3) Take you're emotions, pain and note the descriptions of them down it can add the extra dimensions to your writing

4) Get someone to read your work just to point out those little proof reading errors that are easy to miss when you can't concentrate.

5) My final tip is don't be hard on yourself some days it will flow and other days it won't. Go with the flow and be gentle with yourself.

Love and creativity

Lauren

Friday 2 November 2012

Hints on submissions

I've seen a lot of questions and seen a lot of confusion about submissions and the guidelines for publishers so I thought I'd share some tips and lessons I've learned along the way.
I often get asked why it is so important to double line space, margins a certain distance etc and I explain it like this. When you go for a job interview you want to look your best the same applies to your manuscript. If you take the time it shows you are serious about what you are doing and make a good first impression.

1) Always always always read the guide lines they can vary from publisher to publisher.

2) Get used to typing in double line space it's what most publishers as agencies want.

3) Before you send any work proof read properly sounds simple but you will be amazed how many writers don't.

4) A good covering letter short sweet and to the point. This is another chance to make a good impression.

5) A synopsis needs to be short and concise no more than around 600 words. Include major plot points and the ending tell the story without telling the story.

I'm still learning the craft but these are tips I wanted to share.
Good luck with your writing and finding a publisher.
Lauren

Monday 15 October 2012

Stepping into my third and forth books

As you know from previous blog posts I've been stepping out of my comfort zone so thought I would continue with my thoughts and feelings and how it's going. It's a very internal blog post this time around but as writers I think it's not only important to talk about the technicalities of writing but how it makes us think and feel as it is this that will impact on the reader.
Been carefully planning my next project as writing about domestic violence is far harder than I thought. It's not the subject matter it's getting the feelings emotions and thoughts in the right way in the right order. I have flow charts and plans all over my table. Non fiction seems to me harder to writer than fiction. As you know fantasy is my main genre and that is flowing well. I'm finding music while a write very soothing. I also find that because I am re visiting my past it is all the harder as it is so close to your heart. But I have encouragement from those around me and support.
Hope you have creativity with you
Lauren

Friday 5 October 2012

Planning and inspired ideas

Often there are times when I get an idea a bolt out the blue as it were and I reach for the pad of paper or the note pad in my phone to jot down those elusive thoughts before they disappear into the ether. Lately I've found especially as my work is getting bigger that careful planning along side inspiration keeps my writing flowing smoothly. My favoured method of planning at the moment is rough flow charts I like to call character and story maps. Now a plan isn't set in stone and can be changed as much as the story does. I know my characters have been down several paths before I've found the right one. It helps especially when I get to a stumbling block we all have them that annoying point when your happily writing away and it all comes to a grinding halt. I can refer to the 'map' and most of the time find my way again. It's a skill and one I am still learning but rather than just plunging head long into an idea I reign myself in and do a small plan. Personally I think my writing has improved as a result.

In earlier posts I spoke about stepping out of my comfort zone and writing about domestic violence and my story and I'll be honest it's not been an easy start and I am finding that I am having to plan this very carefully. It's not my normal style of writing and I want to capture all the emotions and thoughts as well as actions with regards to this topic. Also with it being a subject that hits such a nerve with me planning allows me to take a clinical approach which sounds odd when capturing emotions but it allows me to look at the situation from all angles and capture events as a whole. I'll keep plugging away but I feel this will be a much slower process than my usual work.

Hope you are all have a creative and inspired weekend
Lauren

Sunday 23 September 2012

Stepping outside of my comfort zone

I think it's important as writers to occasionally step outside our comfort zone. Even if we are the only ones to see that short story or side project I think doing so improves the craft of writing that we are trying to perfect. I like to have a couple of side projects that I dip in and out of just to keep my work fresh. I often find I can draw things into my regular writing that I may otherwise miss. Last week I took what I thought was personally a brave decision to start a book around a subject that is very personal and dear to my heart. Domestic violence I have my own tale to tell but that is for my book. The reasons I decided to do this was on one hand personal and the other on a much wider level. One I want to help break the taboo that surrounds this topic and in the hope of speaking out more people will in turn speak out. The second is to exorcise a few of my own demons. I've been toying with the idea for a while now but after watching the film precious it really inspired me to take this brave leap forward. So over the coming weeks I'll be posting here on my blog my ups and downs and how I am progressing not only with the writing but how it is helping me as a writer. I fully expect this to be quite a journey but one that should help me become a better writer. Hope you will join me on the journey
Good writing
Lauren

Thursday 20 September 2012

A great piece of advice I was given

Laid awake last night with my pain killers not working and my conditions running riot. I set about distracting myself jotting ideas into my phone and see who was on twitter and face book. I was given a fantastic piece of advice that's was so good I had to share. A fellow tweeter @RayneHall told me to jot down how the pain feels what it's doing and use it as a practical exercise for future works and writing in progress. Needless to say this not only set the creative side of me going but also provided a much needed distraction from the pain. So now if I do something clumsy or see a part of real life in can add to my work I joy a couple of sentences describing how and what. This is excellent not only for pain but emotions, anger, fatigue and can give your writing a far greater sense of realism. So once again I would like to thank @RayneHall for his wonderful tips and hope by sharing this with you all I can in some way return the favour.

Happy writing
Lauren

Monday 17 September 2012

Book 2 Wings of Fire and other projects

Seeing my book on good reads has given me a smile today my first 5* review on there gives me that little boost that we all sometimes need. I'm also quite excited to have finished the first draft to the follow on from Blades of Shadow, Wings of Fire, the hard work comes next the editing and the rewrites hoping to have it in print by the end of this year.
I would also like to take a moment to say thank you for all the support and feed back that has been given via Facebook, Twitter and Good reads.it means a lot.
I also have a couple of side projects on the go, a dream dictionary for those who like the more spiritual side of life.
The other is a collection of poems I've written over the years that I'm putting together. So quite busy on the writing front when my health allows.
In the coming weeks I'll be posting the first chapter from Wings of Fire for you to sample and let me know what you think.

Lauren

Tuesday 11 September 2012

Editing

Ick like many of you writers out there you probably dread this word more than any other but it a necessary and critical part of writing but at times can be one of the most soul destroying things you can do. So here I thought I'd share a few of my tips for making it easier.
1) Take it one page at a time. Sounds obvious I know but it's all to easy to see an entire manuscript and try to rush. Go over each page with a fine tooth comb.

2) Coloured pens or fonts if you write onto a computer. Use them to make little side notes if there is something you need to go back to.

3) Don't be afraid to re-write. I've had moments where I have re-read what I have written and wondered "what the hell was I thinking when I wrote that" don't be disheartened the first draft is always raw.

4) Read it aloud, sometimes the best way to see if your writing flows is to read it aloud either to someone if you're feeling brave or just to yourself. Helps spot missing punctuation. With me being dyslexic I do miss a lot of punctuation.

5) Keep a dictionary handy as well as a thesaurus. Sometimes a the same world will crop up a lot this gives you a set of tools to your arsenal.

6) My last tip is remember the first draft is like a lump of clay and the editing and subsequent drafts are what form the final piece.

Hope these help

Lauren

A little about me

I've wrote a lot about writing and what helps me get through writers block and story dev etc but looking at my blog there is little actually about me as a person. Like a lot of writers out there it's easy to get caught in a bubble. So for a few moments I'm going to step outside. As you know I already writing is my first true love but I'm also a massive fan of music. The flaming lips are prob my favourite band out there, alternative psychedelic rock. I collect vinyl and I know that is rare especially as I'm 27 and female. I am also an avid gamer, Xbox all the way for me.
I read almost as much as I write my favourite genre is fantasy but will read just about any book I can lay my hands on. I also collect tattoos I have 8 in total and hoping to add a 9th to the collection soon.
Just a little snippet into me and my life
Lauren

Wednesday 5 September 2012

Came across a thought....

Came across an amazing quote today that has made me feel very deep and philosophical it went like this "a good book can make an impossible life liveable" and the more I thought about it the more I thought about my own experiences in life. At times of great stress and pain I turned to reading for solace and even through the authors may not know it their work has pulled me through some really bad times. This I think was also part of the reason I threw myself so deep into writing. Not only an escape for myself but also the possibility that maybe somewhere someone is enjoying my work but also finding their escape. My way of giving something back I suppose. All writers have the ability to give this to our readers. So when you feel like putting the pen down in frustration or chucking that story away have a little faith in yourself because that story could one day be a life saver.
While I'm feeling deep thought I'd share a my way of dealing with those reviews that aren't so shiny because let's face it not everybody is going to like your work just same as not everybody likes mine but it's important not to just dismiss these points because we can learn to be better writers from it. My partner and quite possibly my toughest critic commented that sometimes my work lacks background description of scenery and places. I've taken this and wrote to my usual style but going back over my work in an edit I found the places that it could be put in. Rather than worrying about the criticism I used it as a way and a tool to improve my writing, and writing like any craft takes time often years to perfect an I know that with each page I write I'm learning more about my craft but also about my writing style and where it's strengths and weaknesses lie.
Hope your ideas are flowing and what ever you are reading is that great escape. Lauren

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Story development

A dilemma I found myself in yesterday, what direction do I take my characters in, one in particular I had several ideas and found myself bogged down trying to write everything down and melding all my ideas together. So I thought I'd share a couple of tips I've come across with you all. In some ways I think this can be a main cause for writers block especially for me.

The first is something similar to a method drummed into me for revision when I was at school. I drew a flow chart tracking all of my ideas and how they would map out, with everything clear I could pick the best thread for my work.

The second and slightly more unusual method suggested to me was using tarot cards to map out a possible path for the character. Now you have to bare with me I did find this strange to start with and more than a little odd but gave it a go anyways. Now it's not fail safe and not one that I would use often but it did give a some ideas and a different perseptive on how my character may react to different situations and problems.

The third method is another I subject my partner to (I think a part of me must be a sadist) I take my rough manuscript and get him to read it. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can give a new persepctive and also if you have an honest victim they can tell what is working and what isnt. If any of you are like me you know exactly what you are trying say but don't always get it down in the right way the first few times.

Happy  reading and writing all.....

Lauren xxx

Friday 24 August 2012

Dealing with writers block

The bane of all writers the dreaded writers block....
I know like many of you we get hit by this from time to time and the frustration it causes can make you want to turn the air blue with cursing and want to throw your lap top or pen and paper across the room. I got hit by this lately and thought I'd share my tips for breaking down writers block


1) Put the pen and paper down or turn the lap top off the more you try to force it the worse it gets.

2) Take a break for about half hour and chill don't think about writing or anything of the like.

3) Look for inspiration else where, read, draw, watch a movie something you know helps you get the ideas flowing. Yesterday Song of the siren covered by this mortal coil did the trick for me.

4) Talk your ideas through with someone, sounding your ideas out can help a lot. My partner is the guinea pig for many of my ideas.

Hope these tips are helpful if you ever do get writers block in the mean time I hope the writing and creativity flows

Lauren

4) Music my greatest salvation sometimes all it takes is a few notes or lyrics to spur the creativity on

Monday 20 August 2012

A beautiful weekend

What a beautiful weekend it has been this week. I've not done much in the way of writing been a little distracted by my sisters wedding. It was an amazing day simple and sweet with just close family and friends. Half way through the ceremony I was struck with divine inspriation and had a flash of an idea for my next book to work on. I dont know about you but I find ideas strike me at the oddest moments more often than not in the middle of the night. I reach for my trusty iphone and its note pad and put them in there before I can forget. (I would be lost without my phone)
My health has been a litte up and down lately and I know I have spoken about if before but I find writing a great escape and a great therapy. It doesnt matter what is going on in my world there is always a place that not only can I escape to but also have complete controll over.
With all these ideas in my iphone sometimes its difficult to keep focused on one project at a time I think excitement at starting something new can almost get the better of me.

At the moment I'm working on part two of my first trilogy A Ravens Tear. I've put the first chapter on here on an earlier post. Part two has a bit of a way to go yet but I'm hoping to have the prologe on here in the not to distant future. I would like some feed back on the atmosphere I'm trying to create in that openeing scene. Like all writers I am keen for feedback the postive and the negative so I can see where my strengths and weakness' lie.
As a closing thought if you are interested in supporting indie authors and their work the best thing anyone as a reader can do is leave feed back and reviews, Amazon, Goodreads and author blogs are a great place to start.

Wishing you all a fantastic week
Lauren x

Monday 13 August 2012

Music, writing and marketing

With all the drama of the Olympics I must confess I've been distracted from more than just my writing. I am a great lover of of music and my vinyl collection as well as my pen has been idle. I often have music on when I am writing it gives me a sense of rythem and of flow. I often find my best ideas come to me while I'm listening to a piece of music or doing something compeltly inane. An iPhone has been a good send as I can tap any ideas as soon as I get them.

Marketing is another thing I've been distracted from, one thing I've found is that writing the book was the easy part marketing is another thing all together. Like most of us I'm happier behind a keyboard or with pen and paper in hand but that doesn't sell books. I thought I'd share a few of my ideas that don't cost the earth to help promote your work.

1- Make a business style card for your book and for your self Moo.com have good deals for new customers. I put the cover of my book on one side and twitter and email info on the back. I've given these to bookshops, left them at my local hair dressers and coffee shops along with some flyers I made.

2- Get in contact with local newspapers and local radio they are always interested in stories that involve real people from their area.

3- Email news programs there's no guarennte you'll get a rely but what have you got to lose.

4 - Contact libraries arrange readings

5- Volenteer to do a reading at local hospitals, children's wards if it's a children's book bring some happiness and spread the word

6- Posters where ever you can get them put up community notice boards are a good start

7 - Blogs and reviews get in contact with forums and blogs build a repur and then ask if they would do a review or a piece on your work

These are just a few ideas I've had and am trying out. My best advice be creative marketing doesn't need to cost the earth. Best of luck to all of you with your writing

Thursday 9 August 2012

Olympics and peeves as a reader

Wow what an Olympic games its been and not just for team GB but for others involved. I must confess it has distracted me from writing and blogging. I'm not afraid to say writing has been a struggle this week but the words are flowing again now and my health has taken a step on the up for the time being so I'm going to take advantage.
 I saw a piece on Facebook today and thought I'd take the point and expand it further on my blog. As a reader (not a writer) what really puts you off a book or puts you off reading further so I thought I would share a few of my bug bears and I hope you share yours as it will help not just me but anyone whos reading and wants to be a writer:

- My main peeve is clunky plots that dont flow, sometimes a book starts with such promise but then looses it's sense of direction like it forgets what story its trying to tell.

- Characters I can't relate to, like everyone I love a good battle between good and evil but I like the murkey areas in between heros shouldnt be whiter than white and villians shouldnt be blacker than black

- Description for the sake of description just to fill pages, I like the scene to be set but I want to know what is happening to my character and their thoughts and feelings thats what we want to know. clothing and surroundings do not need to be described but not down to the atom. Its atmosphere that works from me.

What are your peeves as a reader?

Tuesday 7 August 2012

My radio interview on-line

I had my 1st radio interview this sunday just gone and it has been played on local radio this morning. If you would like to listen in click on the following link that will take you directly there.
I speak about my writing and my fight with ME, enjoy :)

www.jack106.com/news/audio-hitchin-author-battles-me-to-publish-fantasy-novel

A question and answer session with a fellow author James Tallet creator of The four part land


 James Tallett



When and why did you begin writing?

 I was sitting outside one morning on a beautiful summer’s day chatting to my mum about books, primarily fantasy, and she said something along the lines of “You’re a good writer, you’ve read enough, why don’t you give writing a fantasy book a try?” It seemed like such a good idea we sat down and built a map for a continent, and jotted down the names of the major cities. An updated version of that map is here, and the place names are still the same. I’ve been writing in the setting we created that day for about eight years now, give or take a few months.



Did you know straight away that it was what you wanted to do?

Not really. Writing was a very on and off process for me at first, and it still is to a great extent. I’m well aware it’s never going to be my primary career, but I do love to spin a good tale, and I’m trying to average one published novel (and one smaller work) every year.

What inspired you to write your first book?

Being told I should give it a try. The setting arrived over the next couple weeks, and by the end of the first month I more or less had the idea for the story in place, or at least the opening chapter. The beginning of Tarranau has changed very little in plot from when it was first conceived, although I didn’t yet know where the rest of the story was going to end up.

Do you have a specific approach to you writing? (plotting, scheduled writing times etc)

I plot out every story before I write them (well, every story longer than about 5k), and I generally try and write in the mornings before I go to work, but aside from that, there isn’t a lot of structure in how I write. Everything is in order though, I always start at page 1, scene 1, and write from there to the end of the story.

How did you come up with the title / name of your main character?

I borrowed the name of Tarranau from an online gaming colleague of mine during the high school days. He was an Englishman who had the username Tarranau, and when I asked him what it meant, he told me it was Welsh for thunder. I liked it so much that years later I remembered the name, and the main character has had it from the first day he hit paper.

 Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

If there is, it’s not there intentionally. I don’t want to bring conscious moralizing to a story, I want to tell a good story. If there’s a message in there, it evolves out from how the tale is written, and the actions of the characters. And each of them has their own outlook on the world that usually isn’t the one that I have. My stories would be pretty boring if all of the characters were carbon copies of me.

What made you choose the independent route for your writing?

Time and royalty rates, mostly. And control. As an indie author, I control the art, the publishing, when it goes on sale, marketing, etc. It’s nice to have control over all these aspects of the novels, but it also means a lot more work in some respects. And the money is more visible in coming out of (and hopefully going back into) my pocket.

If you had to choose, which writer(s) or what book(s) has inspired you the most?

The first true fantasy story I can ever remember reading was Lord of the Rings, in 3rd grade. It’s almost certainly the tale that kickstarted my love of reading and writing fantasy. But in terms of time spent reading, it’s probably the Wheel of Time. I can still remember the bookstore where I got the very first book in the series when it was published. At the time, there were little free teaser novels they gave away that had the first couple chapters in them. I grabbed one, read it, and went right back for the huge tome that was the first book. I’ve read every one since, for the last twenty years.

You reference three different novels on your website, but with a series called the Four Part Land, can readers expect another novel?

There are six novels and one anthology plotted for The Four Part Land. I know, it doesn’t fit in with the whole Four ethos, but it wasn’t planned that way. The story is currently unfolding as two different trilogies. Tarranau is book #1 of the Tarranau trilogy, while Chloddio (the next book to appear) will be book #1 in that trilogy. I’ll be alternating the publishing of each series, so overall Tarranau’s series will be books #1, #3, and #5, while Chloddio will be books #2, #4, and #6. They run concurrently in the setting’s time, and there is a fair amount of overlap. For instance, Tarranau takes Chloddio’s job when he gets fired, for various reasons.

Finally, the last book is Unfolding a New Continent, and is the anthology collection of all the short stories and novellas that I’ve written about The Four Part Land. Longer tales from this will be published individually in ebook formats, as well as the final print collection.

What can your readers expect from you once The Four Part Land series of complete?

Well, there’s a few things going on and planned, but I already have plots for 4 short novels in the Arhosa setting (a grim fantasy setting), Our Land (a gunpowder fantasy novel), a SF setting as well, and whatever else catches my fancy between now and then. There’s a lot I’ve got in mind, and it’s a matter of which gets written.

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing?

Staying committed. The words come fairly easily if I take the time to sit down and hammer away at the keys, but keeping myself at the keyboard and writing has always been the hardest part. I either come up with a new idea, or get distracted, or burn out on the current story.

The creation of Deepwood Publishing has done very little to help, but it has slowed down the process of burning out by giving me many more things to work on in small doses.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

That I need to plot more when writing. Or, at least, that I write more skillfully when I plot the story out beforehand. And that if you give me a setting, I will create plots till the cows come home. It’s almost more fun than actually doing the writing itself, since each plot is a story in miniature.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write every day. It makes the writing smoother, easier, and more connected between sections. Letting the writing lead where it must is also important. I have never plotted the death of a main character. But sometimes they die, and that is how the story should be.

Also, I try and provide some writing tips on my blog here. They’re usually focused around various aspects of creating a fantasy setting, and what I do that might help others.

Do you have anything that you want to say to your readers?

A story isn't a complete story until it's been through the hands of the writer and the reader. I've put a strong framework into place, but until the reader's mind fills in all the little details and scenes and fleshes the world out, it doesn't truly come alive.

That's why readers are so much fun as an author – they bring the world alive again for us as well. After eight years poking around the inside of The Four Part Land, I can see every mound of terrain and the daily lives of the people so well it's like wandering around my local town – it's all so normal I don't notice the extraordinary. Questions and comments from those who see the world for the first time bring back the magic for me.

Thank you for the support and the kindness you’ve shown over the years.

Sunday 5 August 2012

Another day, another battle

Well what  week it has been the olympics have been amazing, not without its ups and downs but such is life. I just had my first radio interview today for local radio my hands were shaking and thought I would go blank but all in all it went really well.
It got me thinking about why I write, which in it's self seems a simple question but the more I thought about it the more I realised that it's far more than just the joy of writing. I suffer with severe M.E which leaves me in pain and exhausted beyond words along with other debilitating symptoms including muscle twitches and spasms which can make for interesting typing. I realised that writing (which I do as often as my symptoms allow) gives me a release, a goal and a sense of freedom that no other actvitiy on this planet could give.
My characters also reflect parts of me and of people I've met into both the dark and the lighter parts of my life. I feel like writing helps me make sense of not only the world now but also my past and what ever the furture has for me.
So the question why do I write, took me a little longer to answer than I first thought...

Thursday 2 August 2012

First radio interview...

I know it has only been a couple of days since my last post but had an exciting call today and just had to share it. A local radio station is coming to record an interview with me this Sunday. This feels like a massive leap forward for getting word of my book out there.
I have been emailing people and stations about my work loads since my book came into print and was inspired to keep going after reading an interview Wayne Coyne gave (Lead singer of my fav band The Flaming Lips) who spoke about getting people together for his colaboration album Heady Fwends. He made it his mission to keep asking and pestering until it got to the point that it was easier to accept his request than it was to do anything else. This made my smile and spurred me on to do a similar thing and it has paid off.
Keep plugging away people breaks only happen if you make them happen, I know I still have a long way to go but each step forward is a massive postive and insentive to take the next step.

Tuesday 31 July 2012

Characters and keeping faith

Every author dreams of that moment when a publishing company takes their manuscript and says 'yes we'll publish" in the mean time it can be a little soul destroying dealing with rejection after rejection or even worse not hearing anything at all. So the big question is how do you keep the faith in your work. I thought I'd offer a few tips from my own experience and from others who have been kind enough to offer advice.
1 - Get friends and family to read your work and give an honest review they will be able to point out those little tweeks that mean all difference.
2- It's difficult but don't give up remember all dreams are worth chasing and even established authors had to start somewhere.
3- Make sure you enjoy what you are writing, its a guarantee that the more you enjoy writing the better the flow of creativitiy.
4 - I opted for self publishing in the mean time through Amazon create space there is nothing quite like holding your work in your hands as a real book.
5 - Use social networks to share your trials and tribulations support from others can mean all the difference especially from those that have been there.

Another passion of mine within my writing is to make the characters as life like as possible and being able to relate to them. We all know the greatest stories are those where we live the highs and lows of the characters we read about. I like to give my characters a full range of emotions, no single protaginist can be pure and right all the time. I make them fell anger and hate the same with my antagonist they are not just full of hate and anger. The grey areas even in something a far from reality as fantasy gives a real depth and something I try to put into my work.

But the best tip I can give is let as many people possible know your work is out there its no time to be a wall flower.

Lauren x

Sunday 29 July 2012

Thoughts on inspiration from a fellow indie author

On my twitter feed a little while back I asked what inspires indie authors to write and keep on writing. Fellow Julie C Hall gave her  inspirations and talks about her battles:

Who inspired me to write. Well, it kind of happened when I found out that I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I was talking with a friend and she said that the woman that wrote Seabiscuit had the same disease. I have always wanted to write, but didn’t know what to write about. When I found out about CFS I wanted to write about my experience with it. But I thought that it would be too boring. I was having this huge writer’s block, I didn’t know how to start. My boyfriend said, “Honey just write anything and it will come.” Well you know what? He was right!
I love anything supernatural/fantasy, so one day I wrote a poem about another dimension. From there a story came to life. I love to hike and I meditate a lot. While hiking, I came up with the story plot. I have always felt that nature talks to me. So my story was inspired by nature and elementals. The other interesting thing I found out, is that when I get acupuncture characters and ideas come to me. It must have something to do with my chi flowing better!
Once I started writing I found it was like therapy. It completely brought me joy and happiness. I hope that others find the same joy in writing that I do. I also hope that my stories entertain people and bring them joy also.

Check out her blog and facebook page on:

A peek into Blades of shadow

A peek into the first chapter of Blades of Shadow, enjoy.




            Lord Bardhol awoke to the sound of screaming. He knew he’d been living on borrowed time and luck and now it seemed both had run out. Without a second thought he threw back his bedding, pulled on his clothes and reached for his sword. He looked up to his armour that was strapped to the wall by his bed but shook his head at the thought before it had fully completed. It would take far too long. Silently he slipped from shadow to shadow wanting nothing more than to find his daughter and find her before anyone or anything else found her first.

            At the sound of footsteps Bardhol pressed himself against a wall. The cold from the stone began to seep through his shirt making him shiver. Bringing the sound of his breathing down to a minimum Bardhol waited.

            Silver was strapping her daggers to her belt and was just about to reach for the door. It flew open. Silver jumped back a silent scream on her lips and one of her daggers in hand.

            "What in the name of all…" Bardhol motioned his daughter into silence and then for her to follow. Her soft leather boots barely made a whisper on the flagstone floor as they made their way out towards the court yard. Thoughts rushed around Silvers head but pushed them aside and focused on following her father.

 Bardhol kept his mind blank. Years on the battle field had taught him that an idle thought, a single one could mean the difference between life and death.

            Out in the servants quarters the screams had long since died away. In the stables a young man lay in a corner with a body at his feet and a large pool of blood creeping ever closer. The fear that had a strangle hold on Jasper began to loosen. Slowly, painfully slowly he made his way out of the servants’ passage ways and towards the relative safety of the countryside.

            Out in the court yard the cold was sharp and the silence deep. The smooth sound of a sword being drawn made Bardhol turn around.

"Why!?" The lords’ voice boomed of the walls around him and huge falcon wings spread from his back, a deep dark brown leading down to white which shimmered in the moon light.

            Silver had only ever seen her fathers’ wings twice before once as a child and then when her mother had died of the fever all those years before.

            "I will not ask again, why are you here?"

In a blinding flash of movement Bardhol’s sword point was resting on the throat of the hooded figure stood before him. The point tinged red by a small drop of blood.

            Unmoved the man chuckled before raising his own blade and taking a step back.

"You mean you do not know?"

Silver was so focused on her father that she did not notice another cloaked figure stalking her from the shadows. Hands gripped tightly around her neck so tight that she could not cry out. In the struggle that ensued Silver managed to get her right arm free and reach for one of her daggers. As her vision began to grey Silver planted the small blade into her assailant’s arm, the grip only tightened.

            "Silver!"

            Bardhol pushed the body of the dead man off his blade and rushed to where Silver was rapidly losing her grip on consciousness. With a smooth strike, the grip on Silvers throat immediately slackened.

            Silver managed to lift her head and would have wept if she could. Her father’s wings were tinged with blood. Silver felt a rage boil with in her lending her the strength to get back to her feet.

            "Father, you’re hurt" Silver placed a hand on his shoulder but quickly pulled it away. Without looking she knew it was slick with blood. A groan escaped from the man who had only a few moments before been choking the life from Silver. Ignoring his daughter Bardhol knelt down and dragged him into a sitting position.

             "I will ask you this only once more. Why have you come?" Bardhol’s voice was little more than a whisper yet the venom that dripped into his words was as strong as that of any viper. Bardhol shook the man but he had already slipped into the realms of the dead, but the Lord of Firth got his answer as the hood fell from the dead man’s face. The tattoo across his forehead and the chain around his neck gave Bardhol all the answers he needed and in that moment all his worst fears came into being.

            "Silver, take this” He passed his daughter the chain. "Keep it safe not matter the cost"

            "But…"

            "Just do it, now follow me we need to get out of here…alive"

Bardhol took off and Silver was left to try and follow. Silver tried to watch every shadow. She could still feel hands around her neck. There was no time to think only time to keep moving and hope. With that Silver lost sight of her father and stopped dead in her tracks to look for some sign of where he had gone.

            Blazing pain ripped through the left side of Silvers face. She bit her lip to stifle her scream and crept back into the shadows hoping that she could no longer be seen. Tentatively Silver raised her hand to her up her face, she almost screamed again as her finger tips found what was left of her ear. A crossbow bolt had taken almost half of it away. Blood was flowing down her face and onto her hands. She cursed herself for a fool in-between the throbs of pain. When she opened her eyes Silver found herself in the shadow of the stables. Her father was knelt beside her.

            "You always were a lucky sod"

            "That’s what you think" Silver chided her father yet she knew the truth in his words. That bolt could have just as easily killed her. She heard a grunt from the stables and jumped to her feet and almost laughed when she heard hoof steps. Ever obedient was Swordrunner, Bardhol’s war horse.

            Silver was pulled into the saddle behind her father. Every step sent a jolt of pain from her ear down her neck. Only keeping her jaw clamped tightly stopped any sound escaping. Without a word of warning Bardhol put his war horse into a gallop, Silver had to bite her tonge.

            As they reached the gate Swordrunner reared nearly throwing Silver from the saddle. Three figures stood blocking the path. There was a faint tingle in the air. The magik they were using spooked Swordrunner and he was not going to take another step closer. Bardhol dismounted and patted his horse on a large muscular shoulder.

            "Steady old friend" He turned to his daughter eyes blazing "Silver go!"

            "No" Her voice almost chocked "Not without you and not without a fight" Before she had finished her words a dagger had left her belt then her hand and found its way into the throat of the figure nearest to her. Ignoring his strangled cries Silver pulled another dagger from her belt and chose her target. Her father only just his blade up in time to block a killing blow.

            Bardhol could not believe the speed or the skill with which these men fought. It was a fine balance, it had been years since Bardhol had met anyone with even half his skill with a blade and now he was being pushed to his very limits. He ignored any contact made, there was nothing, no sound, no light, no dark he was just an extension of his sword.

            Silver knelt to retrieve her other dagger, keeping her eyes locked with the figure in front of her. A small buckler was strapped to the front of his arm so he could block but keep his second hand free for a second weapon. He drew two short swords.

Slowly they circled one another looking for any sign of weakness. Silver jumped forward to strike but was met with a solid defence and she gained a deep gash along her arm for her trouble.

            With all she speed she could find Silver swept across with the dagger in her right hand but in mid-swing drew it back and came across with her left. The strike found its mark, the blade dug deep into his gut. Silver dragged the dagger across before pulling it free.

            Bardhol raised his sword and went on an all-out offensive; stroke after stroke landed with lightning speed gradually beating down any defence, with a final strike the sword whipped its way across his assailant’s chest.

            Falling to his knees Bardhol looked into the face of his dying opponent and whispered.

                     "It’s a shame your soul fell into darkness, you made a fine swordsman"

            Silver rushed to her father’s side as he fell to the floor. From the first touch her hands were covered in blood and when Silver looked into her father’s eyes she could see they already held a death glaze.

            A groan escaped him.

            "Silver…please go" Silver felt his hand squeeze her own. She could see the effort it was costing him. "Be…strong"

            Silver screamed as she saw her father’s chest rise and fall for the last time. With his head held in her lap she cried out. She wanted anyone or anything to stop the pain. The moon passed behind a cloud as if it could not stand the sights and sounds of what had come to pass. When her sobs began to subside Silver took her father’s sword and strapped it to her hip. Silver somehow managed to lift her father’s body across Swordrunner’s saddle. The horse tossed his head and whickered. Silver whispered a few gentle words in to his ear before leading him into the night.

            Out on the road footsteps echoed. Swordrunner’s ears flicked forward at the sound. Silver held a dagger with a white knuckled grip.. The footsteps where becoming louder.

            "Show yourself"

            The footsteps faded quickly in the opposite direction. Silver turned off the road and led the war horse towards a thicket of trees.

            Exhausted and weak Silver collapsed against a tree. She could now feel every wound on her body, with her right arm held tightly against her chest Silver let out long keening sobs which were only answered by the wolves in the forests that surrounded Firth.

            A single star shone through a break in the clouds. It took all of Silvers will power to tear her gaze away. It was so easy just to sit and stare and not to think but deep down Silver knew that would do little good and it certainly would not avenge her father. Pulling a dagger from her belt Silver marked out and area for a grave and began to clear the earth. She ignored all the stones and roots that tried to cut into her hands.

            Silver gritted her teeth and continued, when she finally looked up the first streaks of dawn were showing in the sky. Gently Silver placed her father into his final resting place. Tears made streaks down her dirty face.

            "I’m so sorry father…I couldn’t leave you" A sob racked through her "I couldn’t…save you…I love you"
Leaning forward she kissed his cheek then set about replacing the earth. With a heavy heart Silver found some small stones with which she could mark his grave. Once the stones were set into the shape of a pair of wings Silver mounted Swordrunner and nudged him into a gallop. Silver didn’t look back

Thursday 26 July 2012

Local paper and me

As you may or may not know I've a battle with M.E and this sometimes makes life difficult but I always try to stay postive and upbeat and writing is a big part of that. I also like to reach out to fellow sufferers with this conditon and let them know as horrid and as restrictive as this condition is you can still chase your dreams. Along these lines there is an article in my local paper  http://www.thecomet.net/what-s-on/hitchin_me_sufferer_writes_debut_novel_1_1459669
heres the link if you are interested in reading. It's one of more step forward not only in my writing but also raising awareness of this conditon.

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Reading, writing and staying sane

Ive been struggling for a few days for what to put on this blog and just now a couple of thoughts struck me. First is how much I adore re-reading books at the moment I am working my way through the wheel of time series for about the 7th time. Sounds slightly sad I know but I find so much more each time I re-read not only this series but any book. The characters seem to be more alive and at the risk of sounding cliche the characters become more like friends as you re-vist.
Sat out on my balcony today, the feeling struck me as it does many times when I am reading it's one of lifes greatest joys and escapes. For me that;s something that is really important, because lets face it we all have problems and demons we want to leave behind even just for a couple of hours.
This brings me onto my next thought and other love of my life, writing, not only do I escape I can create a world that is truly my own and where it is possible to defy everthing. Like many writers I have a story to tell and a lot of it is my own life experience. I find it helps me cope with past events in my life and gives me a way of speaking out without directly saying anything. Im sure I'm not the only one out there who does this, do any of you wonderful readers and writers out there find that writing keeps them sane in an insane world????

Friday 20 July 2012

A little bit about my cook book project:
Along with ME I suffer with a conditon called endometriosis and part of the disease treatment is a diet that is free from meat, wheat, gluten and dairy. Which at first I thought 'what am I going to eat' so over time I have experimented and put together a collection of over forty recipes that are free from all the above but also easy to make and tasty

A welcome and hello

Hi there, My name is Lauren Auty and this is my first blog. I have recently put my first book into print through Amazon create space. It's been a bit of a roller coaster writing it as I suffer from M.E but decided that I wasnt going to let my condition stop me chasing my dreams. The book is called Blades Of Shadow. I was inspired to write by several authors but the most significant author in my life would be the late Robert Jordan author of The Wheel Of Time series which is being finished by Brandon Sanderson and he's doing an amazing job. I would also like to take the time on my blog to introduce and review fellow indie (independant authors). There is a lot of talent out there but sadly its not always easy to give it a voice so in my own small way I want to do my bit them as well.