Nothin exciting to see. I moved out of my office because I wasn’t comfortable and when you suffer from chronic pain 24/7 you have to find the most comfortable place to sit. So from a fully functional office to the living room and a leather convertible chair. Hubby made a rolling 3 shelves box, so I could put all my files and books and I have it close to the chair.
Now, to this day. I have been working in my bedroom my set-up is a small wooden fold away desk/table for my computer and my books beside me, legs resting and pillow behind my back keeping me comfortable.
Yep, I bet you weren’t expecting that. All my writing, my author services, even my podcast and live radio show are all carried out in my bedroom. I get on with life the best that I can. Keeping busy makes me forget about other things.
Well, I’m an old fashioned girl at heart. So, I’m a paper and pen gal. And I make sure I have a small notepad and pen with me everywhere I go as you don’t know when inspiration will hit!
Years ago, (cause I’ve been at this for while) I used to have a Dictaphone. And no matter where I was, if I was hit by the dialogue of my character, or a new scene or an idea hits me, I whipped that Dictapohne out and pressed record. And yes, I got some strange looks when I did that in public.
OMG, I just found it in the back of my drawer, in my old office. Eeek I’ve got to listen to those tapes now. It’s going to be hilarious.
From a typewriter to a computer, I’ve only used MS Word for all 14 of my books and the others you don’t know about. 😉
I’ve never used a novel -helping-program like Scrivner and the others. All my plotting is done in my head and then pen to paper and then on my laptop.
Just a quick thanks to JD for organising #MarchoftheWriter. I’m having a lot of fun, and hopefully, my readers are learning more about me.
Feel free to comment or asks questions on any of the blogs.
There’s certainly a method I follow with all my books. First, I break the rules constantly. But hey, that’s my style. My books are easy to read, thrilling page-turners. Explosive!
I had a hard time getting around the well-known phrase ‘SHOW DONT TELL’. It’s instilled in me now, but my editor still catches my slip-ups.
I love writing in first person, as it helps me get into the mindset of the character, to feel her thoughts and experience the good and bad with her. However, some of my stories are in third person.
I always start my books off with a conflict. A scene where the reader HAS to know the reason for the conflict, and the conclusion. Once that scene is done, the plot is set and characters introduced then the rest will flow and if I get stuck on a spot, I will skip it, write another scene with a fight, sex or something dramatic happening in it, then I can go back to the scene I was stuck on, and continue.
I put a lot of twists in my storylines that throw a spanner in the works. The strange thing is I don’t do these twists deliberately. They just happen naturally and it’s not until I read the chapter back, that I’ve realised what I’ve done.
I’m trying something different with the new book I’m currently working on, In Times of Violence Adult edition. It’s risky and I haven’t tried doing this before, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’ve mentioned earlier about when you get into the zone and characters start talking, you listen and you follow the path. Well, the path took me in a whole new direction causing the genre of the book to change, and I didn’t want that. So there is a time skip of a year and I’m going to write a novella, of everything that happened that year. For readers to have the choice to buy the book or not. The story works well as a straight one year skip, but I think the novella will be an exciting addition to the new book. It’s a risk, but sometimes you have to step out of the box!
Here are some of the reviews that have given me the feels.
This author is the QUEEN of dark, gritty, and intense MC romance. If violence or drug use are triggers for you, you might want to steer clear. Otherwise, don’t overlook this book! I love the strong female character and how she doesn’t let life keep her down. It reminds me of the quote, “Use your pain as fuel to make you stronger”. This is one tough chick that withstands more than anyone should have to in life, but still comes out the other side stronger. Great read!
Wow .What an intense yet suspenseful ride and I absolutely loved reading this Dark Mafia Romance. This story will grab ahold of you from the beginning and doesn’t let you go till the end. This author has an amazing gift and her style of writing has me wanting more.
Kantas has done it again. This is the story of a young girl who has been severely bullied all through school. A counselor recommends that she go on an archeological dig to try and help the problem. This is where the story becomes so good you can’t put it down. Even though it becomes a paranormal story Karina gets the point across in an excellent manner. The characters are very raw and real as is the story. Be prepared. You will love it and might even learn a thing or two about yourself. You don’t want to miss this great real story.
When Streets of Fire came out in 1984 with the catchphrase “A Rock & Roll Fable“, you would’ve never thought that it was the perfect one for a book that was more than 30 years away from being written. – Sisterhood, trauma, friendship, family, self-worth, power, respect and reputation are some of the many themes this book deals with, and the author doesn’t forget to induce the reader to reflect upon the role of violence in human nature and the power it has to change someone’s character. Lawless Justice is a female tale that embraces universal concepts that are in every single one of us and the novel is a powerful page-turner that will have you always wanting for more.
I am a huge fan of MC books. This was the first one from Karina Kantas that I read and I could not put it down. It was odd at first reading it from Jades point of view. But it was very well written. I enjoyed every minute of this book and have already read the second in the series and started the third. That is how good they are. Do not miss this book. Jade, Marcus and Dylan will bring out the feels
Oh my, what a world Karina has designed here. She has created her own planet, inhabitants, speech, dress, all unique and vivid. Karina sets up some great and compelling characters. Thya, alkazar, Omad, kazer, kovon, siren are all intriguing for their own reasons. We love them, we hate them. I’ll let you make your own opinions. This truly is a fantastical world with magical gifts, a reluctant princess, an angry warlord and oracles, and contains lots of espionage, treachery, suspense with a bit of romance thrown in. I love it when a book doesn’t spoon feed the story to you and rather lets you discover things progressively and with an ending like this one, fair warning guys, “Cliffhanger ahead”. I really enjoyed this unique and interesting story and I’m sure you will as well.
Not having read the first book in the series (yet), I jumped in at a point where we can all pick up the story. Meet Haty, a young girl adopted shortly after birth. However, Haty is not who or what she seems. In fact, she is Thya, princess of Tsinia. In the book, Thya is called back to save her subjects. Will she succeed? Follow her during her journey of self-discovery and the many adventures she encounters. What I liked about the book: The book was fast-paced and full of twists and turns. We learn a lot about life in Tsinia and its people. The world-building is great and it kept you turning the pages. What I didn’t like about the book: What is there not to like? Other than wanting to know what happens next. My favourite bits in the book: I loved the book in its entirety. My least favourite bits in the book: I enjoyed the book in its entirety. Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author? The author has written several books, and this is the second in this series. Can’t wait for the next in the series to come out (but reading the blurb it doesn’t appear to be planned, pity) and would like to read the first in the series too. What books could this be compared to and why? Although the book is like many other fantasy and sci-fi books, it’s completely unique too. Recommendation:
On Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Linkedin… actually that’s not what this is about.
How do you connect with other writers, with your tribe and with potential new readers?
I have two answers for you.
The first; Go Indie Now. Yep, you’ve seen me mention the media platform Go Indie Now and the workaholic, Mr Joe Compton. Joe has created a platform where the indie community can meet, chat have heated debates, get drunk at Joe’s bar (Just kidding) – no I’m not!
Find out about new indie films, books and what’s hot in the gaming community. These shows, panels, interviews, and reports are entertaining for the public and the indie community. Authors, there is so much you can learn from those that have done it all. We’ve all made mistakes so learn from those that have tried and failed but don’t give up. Get tips and get the inside scoop on what’s going down in the indie world.
Have you always wondered what’s inside a writer’s mind? How do they build these magical, dangerous and extraordinary worlds? How do they come up with the characters you love, with the plot twists and write stories that will keep you turning the page and gasping for more?
You will find these answers and more on the media platform Go Indie Now. So please support Joe and all the hard work he does for the Indie community. Seriously, this man just never stops.
The reason I mention this in my article about being social, is I have made some wonderful connections and long-lasting friendships with indies I’ve met while being a guest on the shows. This then takes me to their safe place. Their group, where I’m welcomed and treated as one of the family. Thus creating more connections and friendships, thus learning more from my peers.
Please subscribe to The Go Indie Now YouTube channel and take a look at the shows he hosts. Watch and be entertained, leave a comment and like the videos. Thanks, and remember, it’s always time to Go Indie Now
And my other way to socialize is not knowing who is Behind The Pen. (Did you see what I did just then. lol)
Podcasts, Zoom interviews, Radio shows, they are so hot right now. If you want to find new readers, you have to step up, show your face, and let us hear your voice. There are thousands out there waiting to hear about exciting new books and authors they have never heard of. The world is yours to conquer! Okay – maybe I went a little too far with that last line. But I’m sure you understand what I’m trying to say. People don’t know you. They don’t know your name, they don’t know your books, and now you have a chance to be seen, heard and noticed. If you’re camera-shy, contact podcasts and radio stations. If the camera loves you, get on some pannels, shows and interviews. Your readers are out there waiting.
Behind the Pen is a YouTube show and audio podcast where I chat with all artists; musicians, authors, illustrators, writers, editors, anyone who uses a pen for work.
So a pitch is just like being a salesperson. You have maybe 5 mins to sell your product to that manager of the shop, factory, office. A story is no different. The first line has to be the shocker, the lead line; Leading the agent or publisher to read the next part.
The rule of pitching SHORT BUT SWEET. But then you all know I like to break the rules! 😉
So without further ado here’s my pitch.
What do you do if you’re stranded in a barren land and the sky turns red, a sign that the acid rain is about to pour down on you and melt your skin and bones? Bez is thrown out of Mount Elta for having a big mouth. Kyte for being an instigator and disturbing the peace. The Committee, are the law inside what was their home. No one would dare stand up to them in fear of being cast out. Now with a backpack containing an acid-proof tent, a little food and medical supplies all created from the precious Terra Plant, the two hunt for the OutCasts; those that had somehow survived. There was proof of their existence but not of their habitat. Can they find them in time, and more importantly, will they be welcomed?
So how did I do? Does it make you want to know more? Can you work out what genre of fiction this book is?
Tolkien’s, Lord of the Rings, inspired me to write myYA fantasy duology, Illusional Reality. However, you will not find elves, trolls, hobbits, dragons or wizards in my books. They are unique in name and character no stereotyping for me.
Did you know I was one of the managers of the UK Lord Of The Rings fansite? I knew everything you needed to know about the books and films. And I can tell you that even though LOTR is the best movie EVER made, the fans were not happy. They believed that essential scenes were left on the cutting floor or never even filmed. Me, I was happy with how much they could fit into the movies.
The OUTSIDERS by S.E.Hinton was the reason I became an author. It was the film ( and book) that inspired me to write my own novel. In Times of Violence. I had a story to tell and I wanted to get my novel on the reading curriculum at schools. (That never happened) but my book, which was once my bestseller, was the one that started it all.
The film stared the brat pack, Emilio Estevez, Rob Low, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dylan and the rest of the greasers. Many of those actors played the next main roles, in her other book-based films, like Rumble Fish and Tex and That was Then This is Now.
You have heard me mention his name once or twice in these #MarchoftheWriter blogs. Yes, it is my man Mr Quentin Tarantino. I must have watched every film he directed ( and acted in) but it was the film Death Proof, that inspired me to write Lawless Justice.
So they are just a few films that I have admired, loved and helped me as an author. Special mention to West Side Story, Basketball Diaries, Drugstore Cowboy, Wild Ones, The Godfather trilogy, Goodfellows and Romeo & Juliet.
Gosh, where do I start? This is what I do so I could go on for hours but I’ll list the most important lessons. (I will be tough.)
Write about what you know.
For example, this is your first book and you’re writing a detective mystery about a body being found on an archaeology site. Why would you do this to yourself? Do you know how much research you would have to do? What do you know about police procedures? What do you know about archaeology?
Write about what YOU know. When you write about something you’re passionate about, something you’ve actually experienced. That will come across in your writing. Giving it depth, realism and valid description.
Remember the three essentials.
Editor (No, not your mum or next-door neighbour)
Formatter ( No, not a converter. A formatter makes it pretty inside, adds the chapter and front and back matter.)
Cover Designer (No, not Canva or Fiverr)
These three essential cost a lot of money and if you don’t have that money, then you are not ready to publish.
Don’t cut corners. Your book has to be polished before it goes out to the public. It needs the three essentials and a kick-arse blurb. Your book has one chance to be a success, if you send it out after writing the first draft, not having it edited and using a cover you did, I can guarantee failure. And that’s a word we authors DON’T want to hear.
Have that first line ready. The tag line is what you will use on your promos, graphics or posts. It’s going to be the first thing a potential reader sees when they look at the blurb. That one line has to have power, it needs to pack a punch so that the person who reads it will then continue to read the rest of the blurb.
Anything worth dying for is certainly worth living for – Catch 22.
Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same – Wuthering heights.
Paul Sheldon used to write for a living. Now he’s writing to stay alive. – Misery.
They are feared, hated, hunted down and destroyed….and yet they are mankind’s last hope. -The Aldoron Chronicles.
I have to check my diary for that. I’m useless on an online calendar, I always forget to put the date or event in.
Okay, so I have a zoom meeting with my co-author at 10.30 UK time tomorrow, as we start looking at the edits suggestions and notes for book one of our sci-fi, dystopian, Toxic. (Well, is actually today as it’s currently 3am as I write this post.
My BFF is getting married on the 19th of this month and I couldn’t get over there for the wedding, Sent a frigging awesome wedding present for them both. I’ll post a picture of the gift after the wedding.
I have been asked to be a guest on a pilot online game show so that’s gonna be cool. I’m also on the panel of the Go Indie Now show Sunday 27th March.
In between those dates, I have two Behind The Pen interviews to film and my radio show, which goes out live tomorrow at 1pm EST.
Well, right now with my dark romances, it’s sex and violence. Sex sells, so does violence. Now imagine a book with them both!
I always throw my readers through a loop. Twists just come naturally to me, I don’t even know I’ve thrown one in there until after. I don’t want my novels to be predictable. I like to keep my readers on their toes. Just when you think you know what’s going on… you really don’t. Trust me.
Conflict. Every novel or flash fiction has to have a type of conflict. Conflict gets the juices going, the adrenaline rush and keeps those pages turning.
There is always a piece of me in my books, some more than others and I would never tell you which parts are fictional and which are reality.
I like my female characters to have heart, compassion, but still be strong and able to kick arse, either literally or with magic.
A satisfying ending. That doesn’t mean there will be a HEA. I write about real life, and real-life is dark and gritty. And in my fantasy, you still have the darkness – the good vs evil and the darkness the protagonist is fighting.
Explosive Writer 