I’ve been having troubles with writing lately While my issues have nothing to do with writer’s block, I still try to find different methods of overcoming it. You never know what might work to help overcome brain fog as well…and I think I may have found something.
I was searching on YouTube (I’m a bit of a YouTube addict) and I saw this video called, Writer’s Block Instant Cure. I thought, yeah right. It’s probably going to be another one of those nice pep talks that try to convince you writer’s block doesn’t exist and it’s all in your head.
Well, this is kinda like that and kinda not. It redefines writer’s block so you can better understand what’s happening and how you can truly overcome it, so I wanted to share it with my fellow authors out there. If it helps you out, let me know in the comments below!
When you’ve seen as many catastrophes as I have, “disaster” becomes a relative term. But when disaster hits, feel free to do what I do—hang your head while waiting for the tight-wearing crowd to arrive. That only works if your super power is the same one I have though. I’m an immortal walking magnet for superpowered problems.
This new guy, Ted—a fake part-time villain who’s in it for the ratings and excitement—wants me to be a field correspondent for his news blog, and his offer sounds good. If I can’t beat ’em, expose ’em. The problem is he has no idea what my daily life is like. No one really does—but they’ll learn.
Designed by Kathryn Jenkins at Magical Designs[/caption]
I'm still in the process of writing this one, but I'm nearly finished. Here's a little sneak peek for you until then!
Aedar joined us, frowning, but he kept his thoughts to himself.
"This will definitely make our work easier. Now we can focus on those that will be likely to join us. We risk exposing ourselves every time we approach someone. There are some who would be more than happy to turn us in just for the opportunity to be given more privileges," Asher said.
I nodded. "They may need a little push though."
"What do you mean?"
"These people are still afraid, but I can help quell their fear. At least while you speak with them. Once they are out of my sphere of influence, it's up to them. But I can also make sure I only lead you to people who would not dream of turning you in for self-gain."
Aedar folded his arms over his chest. "And how will you do that?"
Thanks for reading! If you haven't read any of the Shadow Stalker serial you can download Part 1 (Episodes 1 - 6) free here, and Part 2 (Episodes 7 - 12) free here.
Welcome to another Friday Author Spotlight. This week Rosemary A Johns is visiting to share her Rebel Vampires series. Later, she’ll be sharing an excerpt from Blood Renegades, the third and latest book in the series. First, let’s learn more about Rosemary.
Winner of the Silver Award in the National Wishing Shelf Book Awards, Rosemary A Johns is the author of the bestselling Blood Dragons and Blood Shackles – the compelling Rebel Vampires series. Blood Renegades is the thrilling third installment.
Rosemary A Johns is a music fanatic and a paranormal anti-hero addict who creates spellbinding worlds, thrilling action, gripping suspense and passionate romances, all uniquely told. She wrote her first fantasy novel at the age of ten when she discovered the weird worlds inside her head were more exciting than double swimming. Since then she’s studied history at Oxford University, run a theatre company (her critically acclaimed plays have been described as “uncomfortable, unsettling and uneasily true to life”), and worked with disability charities.
When Rosemary’s not falling in love with the rebels fighting their way onto the page, she heads the Oxford writing group, Dreaming Spires.
What if the courage to rebel against your vampire family comes at a price?
In a divided paranormal London, Light is the bad boy vampire of the Blood Lifer world with a photographic memory, a Triton motorbike, and a love for the hunt. Since Victorian times he’s hidden in the shadows with Ruby – a savage Elizabethan Blood Lifer. But he’s keeping a secret from her that breaks every rule.
1960s London. Kathy is a seductive singer but she’s also human. Light is tempted by the danger, even though their romance is forbidden. When the two worlds collide, it could mean the end. For both species.
When Light discovers his ruthless family’s horrifying experiments, he questions whether he should be slaying or saving the humans he’s always feared. Unless Light plays the part of the hero, he risks losing everything. Including the two women he loves.
When vampires are slaves, and humans are acting like monsters, it’s a dangerous game to love your Mistress.
In a divided paranormal London, Light is the bad boy vampire of the Blood Lifer world, but then for the first time he becomes the hunted, not the hunter. When he’s bought by his Mistress, Light fights to escape. If he doesn’t, he’ll never solve the conspiracy behind the Blood Club.
London, Primrose Hill. Grayse is the slaver’s daughter. She buys Light like he’s a pair of designer shoes. So why does Light feel so drawn to her? Especially when his family is still in chains. Will he risk everything – even his new love – to save them?
A stunning revelation leads Light to the dark heart of the Blood Club. If he can face his worst terrors, he can save his family and whole species from slavery.
Light lives for his vampire family. Now he may die for it.
Light – rebel, lover, anti-hero – will be burnt at the stake in fourteen days. In a hidden, paranormal London, he’s been branded a traitor and terrorist Renegade – a Blood Lifer hunter of human slavers. Liberty is a relentless interrogator. She’s been trained to hate Renegades by the powerful Blood Life Council. Yet when her life converges with Light’s, she’s enticed by the dark and glory of his world.
Light is catapulted into a nightmare of secret research, deadly enemies, and perilous intrigue.
Soon he’s in a race against time to transform into the true leader vital to save his family, home, and love. But will he be able to judge predator from prey?
Light must make the ultimate choice: to hide in the shadows. Or walk into the light…
When I’d prowled down the biscuit corridors on the hunt for Sun, however, I soon realised I was the dim prat who was being hunted.
There was a shuffle style scampering behind me.
Slam.
A door on the right.
I sniffed: not First Lifer, nor Blood. But predator…every nerve screamed it.
A good barney would set me straight, yet the hairs on my neck were rising, as if I was in some poncey B-movie; I’d never been hunted like buffalo before.
Shuffle scamper. Slam.
Shuffle scamper. Slam.
The – thing – zigzagged across the corridor behind me.
Every time I twirled round, however, it’d hidden in another room, and there were only expanses of charcoal walls and doors stretching away, as if I was in The Shining.
I gulped.
We choose to be either predator or prey. That’s the truth of it. I used to reckon it was God or our DNA, which birthrighted the glory or the shame.
But that was the bollocks.
We shift between the two, and right now? Fear had transformed me into prey.
So I ran.
Behind me I heard a loping scamper. A banshee scream.
I skidded round the corner to the ranks of pristine lifts. Brains beat…everything.
I smirked: go evolution.
Still, I couldn’t stop myself pressing the underground garage button – press, press, press – frenziedly. As the steel doors clanged shut, I caught a glimpse of bristling black hair, yellow canines and a pink whiskery mush, which grimaced in infuriated rage at losing its prey.
I’d like to see any animal work out a lift.
When the doors pinged open, I screwed shut my peepers.
All in a tiz, my heart was rapidly beating, and I was sweating. I hadn’t got a hold of this being the prey lark. ‘Still traumatized by enclosed spaces, Light?’ Blake was leaning in inky black V-neck and trousers, against a BMW i8.
I attempted to swagger out of the lift but with legs like jelly?
Mina Murray once lived an adventurous life, but after a tragedy in the forests of Transylvania, she left it all behind. Now she has settled into a quiet routine as a schoolteacher in London, engaged to the respectable solicitor Jonathan Harker, attempting to fit into the stuffy upper class London society to which he belongs.
Her dark past comes careening into her present when Jonathan is abducted by a group of vampires from a society ball. Determined to rescue him, she teams up with her former paramour Abraham Van Helsing and his colleague, Scotland Yard Inspector John Seward.
As they pursue Jonathan’s abductors from England to the Low Countries and beyond, Mina realizes that Jonathan’s abduction is tied to a larger threat against humanity…
An electrifying retelling of a classic tale, THE BEAST OF LONDON is the first book of the Mina Murray series. If you love adventure, romance, and mystery with a paranormal twist, then pick up your copy today.
Henina tends to irritate people. She can't help it — she's bad at shutting her mouth. So when a prophecy is made that someone will stop the war, she figures she's the worst possible choice.
Too bad.
The Fates have their sights set on her, and it will take all her cleverness and quite a lot of offending the king to foist the prophecy off on somebody else instead.
But she can do it. After all, there are a lot of potentials to choose from.
Get inspired with this week’s Fantasy Art Friday, where fun fantasy artwork is combined with a writing prompt to get your creative juices flowing.
A battle hardened warrior escorts a girl on horseback. She is well dressed and rides with confidence–most likely from a noble family. Is she merely taking a leisurely afternoon ride through the woodlands near home, or is she traveling a long distance, with this man sworn to protect her along the journey? Was he hired for the job, or are the two blood relatives? Either way, they seem to be at ease with each other. I wonder what they are talking about. Perhaps you could fill in the conversation…
Welcome to this week’s Friday Author Spotlight! Today I have P.H. Solomon with his newest book in The Bow of Hart Saga, An Arrow Against the Wind. He’ll be sharing an excerpt from his book later, but first…
P. H. Solomon lives in the greater Birmingham, AL area where he strongly dislikes yard work and sanding the deck rail. However, he performs these duties to maintain a nice home for his loved ones as well as the family’s German Shepherds. In his spare time, P. H. rides herd as a Computer Whisperer on large computers called servers (harmonica not required). Additionally, he enjoys reading, running, most sports and fantasy football. Having a degree in Anthropology, he also has a wide array of more “serious” interests in addition to working regularly to hone his writing. An Arrow Against the Wind is his second novel-length title with more soon to come.
Haunted by his past. Hunted in the present. Buffeted like an arrow in the wind.
The hunt for the Bow of Hart continues for Athson and his companions. They have escaped the clutches of Magdronu and Corgren, but they are still pursued. In need of answers to deep mysteries revealed in Chokkra, Athson must gain possession of the mythic bow to face both his enemies and his tragic past. But Magdronu’s reach stretches among Athson’s companions, endangering Limbreth and even Hastra in schemes to entrap them all. With each turn of the search for the Bow of Hart, long hidden secrets surface that threaten to destroy Athson. Will he falter like an arrow against the wind?
The touch of a cold hand drew Limbreth out of the depths of slumber. Her watch already? But her eyes only fluttered open and shut. Hastra said nothing. That touch—it was far colder than the weather. It crept deep into her sluggish thoughts and along her spine.
Limbreth groaned and turned her head. Her eyes flared wide at the sight of a black hand. It grasped her arm. Her jaw worked, but she uttered not a sound. Her heart slammed in her throat, and her chest heaved. The Bane dragged her toward the door where Gweld squatted. The figure of the Bane swallowed all the light in the small space even though the fire still burned well. Limbreth found some strength and flopped as the Bane pulled her to the door’s threshold and then ducked out.
Limbreth’s lungs strained to utter any noise. It was a spell! She fought for a sound and croaked a whimper. The Bane pulled her right arm out the door.
Why wouldn’t Gweld do anything?
Limbreth fumbled with her free hand and snagged the rock edge of the doorway. The Bane yanked at her arm. Her breath came in gasps but made no viable sound.
She drew the deepest of breaths and mustered all her strength, which passed her lips in a feeble whisper: “Help.” Not enough to wake anyone. You’re on your own. Gweld never moved.
The Bane yanked her torso into the blizzard outside. Her hand grasped the doorway fast and her left arm locked in pain. A groan escaped her lips.
One of the tasks medieval people could do any time of the year was dig for clay along river beds, which was used for pottery and tiles among other things. At least in the early medieval period, making pottery was mainly a rural activity. It was easiest to set up a workshop and kiln at or near the source of the materials needed. Large supplies of not just clay, but sand, wood to fuel the kiln, and water were needed. Access to a road or boats for transportation was also required.
Pottery making was typically handed down as a family industry among the peasantry. Though pottery was valued as a necessity of daily life, pottery makers were one of the lowest regarded craftsmen. It was often a secondary job, done after work in the fields was completed. Tools were simple, including combs, knives, and stamps to add decoration. Wheels were not commonly used until after the 12th century. In the mid and late Middle Ages, pottery making became a larger industry and was also done in towns and cities. Pottery began to include other materials such as wood and metal. Each region’s pottery had its own unique, easily distinguishable characteristics.
I found an in interesting video of medieval-style pottery being made for you to enjoy. He shows a really great piece that was apparently made for washing hands that I’d never heard of.
I’ve participated in lots of interviews over the years, including one that was live on internet radio. Most of them have been set up by bloggers or other authors, and not necessarily fans. It has been a while, so I thought it might be a good idea to post a fresh interview, and let YOU ask the questions.
What would you like to know, about me, my writing, or my book series? You can have some real fun with this and ask my characters questions too–they’ve all agreed to participate. The answers will be shared in my next newsletter and get added to my website for everyone to read!
Not subscribed to my author newsletter yet? Click to view my most recent newsletter. If you like what you see, subscribe to make sure you don’t miss an edition–you’ll get a free ebook too! If you change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time.
I've been reading this series with my daughter and we've been enjoying it immensely. Check it out! The first book in the series is free!
What would you give to soar with dragons?
Every child of Woolpren dreams of being a dragon rider, but few are chosen. Twins Ruskya & Duskya are selected as children to join this elite group, leaving their home and all that is familiar to train for their new lives.
Fast forward fifteen years--dragons are becoming extinct and riders are rare. When Ruskya learns of a plot that could destroy the remaining dragon population, he and his friends must fight for their dragons' future.
Join Ruskya on his quest of courage and friendship in this young YA series being hailed as a thrilling ride.
“Summer, you who ripen man’s sustenance with the wholesome heat of the sun’s warmth, should be blessed by all manner of men. May your friendly demeanour, and your attractive, cheerful and happy appearance ever be thanked!” – Thomas Hoccleve
July was a time for fruit and crops to ripen, and there was always a certain amount of anxiety over how productive the season would be. Too many storms and excessive rain throughout the summer months was not just an inconvenience, but could have serious long-term repercussions in terms of food supply and physical health. Despite the abundance of growing things, July was sometimes a hungry month. Stores from the previous year’s harvest would be running out (or would be gone if the previous year was a lean one), but it was still too early to harvest most crops. Because of this, gathering wild foods became an important task for July. Such foods helped to stretch out the food supply until it was time for the main harvest.
Weeding was another July activity, done to ensure the health and abundance of crops and garden plants. A sickle was used for weeding along with a stick with a y-shaped end, called a crotch. The crotch held the weed in place while it was cut down with the sickle. Nettle and thistle were common weeds that had to be kept in check, along with cornflower, poppies, dock, corn cockle, and charlock.
Depending on where they lived, some communities would begin reaping rye, winter wheat, and vetches in July. Teams of men and women would use scythes to cut down and bind barley, beans, peas, and oats. The sheaves would be kept small enough to carry, and another group would follow behind to stack them. Workers would occasionally switch between cutting, binding, and stacking in order to rest different muscle groups. The Church took as a tithe one sheaf out of every ten.
Wheat was cut at the top, leaving the long stalks still standing. Later on, these stalks could be cut down to feed cattle or they might be plowed under as fertilizer to enrich the soil. After crops were harvested, the poor were allowed to pick through what was left over, and after that, the animals could forage.
Peasants worked long, hard hours during the summer months. Manorial accounts from one 14th century manor in England showed 39 tenants who carried out 2,847 different tasks! But summer was a time for fun as well. The good weather provided opportunities for a variety of outdoor games that brought different classes of people together, from peasants to nobles. These were largely community diversions rather than competitive games between individuals. (However, medieval entertainment is another topic, worthy of its own post!)
One last interesting bit of information I found, which gives insight into the medieval mind and way of life. “According to the Secretum Secretorum…the disruptive humor choler, hot and dry, was the dominant bodily influence in summer, and so excessive hot food and drink, and food likely to cause digestive upsets, were to be avoided. Cool, moist foods like veal dressed with vinegar, cucumber, chicken, pottages based on barley, and sharp fruits like apples and pomegranates were recommended. Anything heating, such as lovemaking and baths, should be avoided.”
Now enjoy another episode of Tales from the Green Valley–this one has some really fascinating information. Learn about doing laundry (making detergent from ash, stain remover from stale urine, rinsing in the stream, and using wringing posts), harvesting hay in the meadow, weeding crops, gathering gooseberries, beans, and roses, and cooking beef, puddings, and other seasonal foods.
Want to know more about the Middle Ages? Use the Medieval Monday Index to see more posts on a variety of topics.
With 23 all-original Science Fiction and Epic Fantasy novels, Dominion Rising is the boxed set of the year! The collection features nearly 8,000 pages and over a million words in total - bringing you sharp, suspenseful, and thought-provoking novels of dark forces and light, of magic and adventure, of enchanted swords and galactic empires.
Anchored by New York Times, USA Today, and International bestselling authors, Dominion Rising's authors have also won, among other accolades, the Next Generation Indie Award, the Cygnus Award, been shortlisted for the Elgin Award, the John W. Campbell Award, and named to Best American Science Fiction & Fantasy. Between the covers you will discover everything from hard science fiction to space opera, epic fantasy to steampunk, dystopias and utopias - populated by aliens, telepaths, starship captains, warriors, vampires, gargoyles, interstellar pirates, mercenaries, badass heroines, lost princesses, robots, androids and cyber-enhanced humans.
Dominion Rising features include New York Times bestselling authors D.K. Holmberg, Gwynn White, Margo Bond Collins, Tom Shutt, Felix R. Savage and Erin St Pierre; USA Today bestselling authors P.K. Tyler, Anthea Sharp, S.M. Schmitz, K.J. Colt, Dean F. Wilson, Marilyn Peake and Erin Hayes; and award-winning and Amazon bestselling authors S.M. Blooding, Lisa Smeaton, Melanie Karsak, Tim Ward, Daniel Arthur Smith, Tony Bertauski, Rebecca Rode, Cheri Lasota, Ann Christy, Becca Andre, Logan Snyder, D. S. Murphy, and Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy notable Samuel Peralta. Dominion Rising is a limited edition fantasy and scifi collection of unparalleled value.
Click the image above or HERE to enter for your chance to win 52 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Paperbacks! Good Luck!
Full List of Paperbacks:
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman The Gunslinger by Stephen King Eragon by Christopher Paolini Dune by Frank Herbert Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick Magician by Raymond E. Feist Mort by Terry Pratchett Wild Cards I edited by George R.R. Martin Wool by Hugh Howey Foundation by Isaac Asimov Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills by Greg Rucka Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne The Defenders of Shannara: The High Druid’s Blade by Terry Brooks Star Trek – Prey: Hell’s Heart by John Jackson Miller The Story of Kullervo by J.R.R. Tolkien Brave New World by Aldous Huxley The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan The Gender Game by Bella Forrest The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms – The Legend of Drizzt: Homeland by R.A. Salvatore Ancilliary Justice by Ann Leckie The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis The Handmaid’s Tale by Margarget Atwood Blackmark by Jean Lowe Carlson Junkers by Benjamin Wallace Her Dangerous Visions by Brandon Barr Ambassador 1: Seeing Red by Patty Jensen The Shattered Orb by Samuel E. Green Corporate Marines: Video Game Recruiting by Tom Germann Nighthawks by Jeremy Flagg Muse by Kylie Quillinan Coilhunter by Dean F. Wilson The Future Chronicles edited by Samuel Peralta Dead Letter by Benjamin Descovich Havenwood by Eric Slade The Silverleaf Chronicles by Vincent Trigili 1984 by George Orwell A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin Constellation by Robert Scanlon Blood & Holy Water by Joynell Schultz Shade by Marilyn Peake Circuit by Rhett C. Bruno The City of Skies by Farah Cook Duel in the Dark by Jay Allen Age of Order by Julian North The Human Legion: Marine Cadet by Tim C. Taylor Signs of Portents by Lou Paduano The Atlantis Plague by A.G. Riddle Batman: Arkham Knight – The Official Novelization by Marv Wolfman
Pottery making was typically handed down as a family industry among the peasantry. Though pottery was valued as a necessity of daily life, pottery makers were one of the lowest regarded craftsmen. It was often a secondary job, done after work in the fields was completed. Tools were simple, including combs, knives, and stamps to add decoration. Wheels were not commonly used until after the 12
Weeding was another July activity, done to ensure the health and abundance of crops and garden plants. A sickle was used for weeding along with a stick with a y-shaped end, called a crotch. The crotch held the weed in place while it was cut down with the sickle. Nettle and thistle were common weeds that had to be kept in check, along with cornflower, poppies, dock, corn cockle, and charlock.
