On Writing by Stephen King

What a book! Honestly I cannot stress how fantastic this book is for those of you who are already writing, or like myself, just starting out.

Stephen King has a way of telling it the way it is! The experience he has to share is overwhelming.  He kinda reminds me of Sir Tom Jones name dropping all of his musical experiences on the voice.  However, Stephen is far more interesting.

My only wish was that I had read this book before submitting my first manuscript.  It would have saved the editor a lot of hard work and time, as well as my embarrassment at such silly mistakes. Although I can honestly say that I fully understand what was wrong with the manuscript, so I guess the lesson has still been learnt.

The book is split into three main sections. The first; a little about Stephens life, how he came to write; the second is about writing, finding your voice and the last section is how to edit your manuscript and what you can do with it.

Within the book, there was an unexpected exercise to do.  I have to confess that I jumped at the chance to write it.  They concept was based on something you often hear about on the news, or read in the paper.  What was so exciting about it was the simple, yet highly effective twist, Stephen put on it.  I can’t go into detail because I want you to read the book for yourself, but I promise you that, if you are a fan of Mr. King, you will love it!

The exercise has turned into my current WIP and I am scared shitless of one of the characters.  I guess that’s a good thing right?  Who knows and time will tell I guess.  Once it is finished, I will post it up here.  Just to warn you, that if you are not a fan of thriller/chiller/horror, then perhaps this is not the book for you.  I will let you know the fright rate once it is complete.  It will all depend how brave I am at letting this scary character loose.

Until next time, take care.

J.P.Stevens xxx

Easter Holidays

Wow!  The Easter holidays are over and I have just about caught up on all the house work I failed to do whilst my two were at home.  My youngest has only been in school since September, but you can quickly get used to not having them both around during the day.  We have had a great time all in all, that is once they got over their endoftermitis!

We started the holidays with the birthday party of my Granny, who was 80 and still going strong.  She keeps joking about kick the bucket soon (as she so bluntly puts it), but I keep telling her she is far too stubborn to go just yet.  It was lovely to see my family again.  I saw some of my cousins for the first time in…well too long really. My two loved playing and dancing with their cousins as well, and they got to stay up really late, much to the delight of my nearly 7 going on 12 year old daughter. 

The weather wasn't really that good to be able to let the children run about and play in the parks, but we made the most of what we had.  To be honest it was really nice pulling out all the craft gifts the children have been given over time and just spending time 'doing' as there was no need to rush out the door in the morning.

Before I knew it, the holidays were ending and I couldn't help feeling, that once again, I never managed to do all the things we wanted to do, or that I had planned.  Still we made the best of it and I guess that’s what counts.

On Monday just gone, it was teacher training day, which I only realised late afternoon on Sunday.  Bonus for me as my Husband had booked the day off for our scan, which meant we got to take the children with us. J

It was very exciting for them, and us to be honest.  As we walked through the Maternity section of the Hospital, we were able to show them exactly where they were born.  Admittedly it was more emotional for me than them, but one day they will understand I'm sure.  When we were called into the room, the children were a little apprehensive about what was going to happen, despite us going over it LOTS at home and in the waiting room.  I guess the excitement of it all was too much to take in.  But as I lay on the bed and the scanner was placed on my tummy, they both looked up at the screen to meet their baby brother or sister.  The sonographer showed them all the baby's arms, legs, heart, tummy and brain, to which my daughter is adamant is not as clever as hers J time will tell lol.

After we had finished we waited outside the room for my notes to come back.  The sonographer came out with a picture for each of my children and made such a fuss of them I was welling up with pride.  It is important to me that my two children don’t feel left out with the arrival of the new baby, and he really helped by giving them the pictures and not my husband or I.  The only downside was my Son wouldn't share his picture with me, only Daddy.  Apparently I have to share with my daughter? 

Here is a picture of our baby:

When we got home they both put their pictures up in the front room so they can see the baby, which is really sweet.  The only problem was that we don't have a picture for ourselves.  When they children went to bed I have to confess to photo copping the scanned pictures and replacing their copies so that we could keep the originals safe.  So far they haven't noticed, so phew!

Anyway, we are now just over 20 weeks and I am pleased to say that everything is going very smoothly.  The scan has made everything very real now and I cannot wait until the baby arrived.  However, I do need to finish decorating a few more rooms in my house and hopefully fitting in some more writing.

So until the next update, take care and keep safe.

Love J.P.Stevens

xxx

Interview with Jules, from Taken Identity by Raven McAllan

Hi everyone

Have I got a treat for you!  I have none other than Jules from Taken Identity here with me today.  Hello Jules.

S.M - It's so good to have you here.  How are you?

Jules – I'm fine thank you, and really pleased to be chatting.

S.M - That’s great, really glad to hear.  

So, Taken Identity. What a gripping story!  Absolutely loved the book! If it's alright with you I'd like to start at the beginning?

Jules – well (laughing) it's the best place to start

S.M. - Before Gray turned up on your door that night, you were alone.  No husband, boyfriend?  Was that your choice?

Jules - Yeah, I hadn't found someone I wanted to spend my life with. Loads of friends of both sexes, and ex-lovers who I get on well with, but there had never been anyone I remotely felt might be 'The one." So to say I was shocked when I found out Gray was married is a bit of an understatement. 

S.M. - Did you know he was "The one" from the onset, or did this develop as you spent more and more time together?

Jules - Well I took one look and thought wow! But no it developed—fast—but developed. I was adamant I wasn't going to do anything while he was married. Shows how wrong you can be.

S.M - I admire your, (what's that word, not honesty, or… ah Morals) but it doesn't always work out like that as you say.  Especially when the chemistry is so strong.  

Jules – Ha, well I'm not saying my morals actually worked, but the intention was there.

S.M - So when he turns up on your doorstep demanding to see his wife, who apparently has the same name as you.  What is your first reaction?

Jules - Where's my contacts so I can see. And ohh I bet he's lost! Could I be so lucky he's here for me?

S.M. - I have to admit the thought of someone using my name scared the beegees outta me.  But you seem to contain your emotions very well.  Are you always this level in control of your emotions?

Jules - Nope, I'm a typical celt, red headed and red tempered. But I was so gobsmacked I knew I had to behave rationally to sort it all out. Then Go off on one! And Gray kept me in er check lol

S.M – ( lol in more ways than one I see ;)  So tell us, what was it about Gray that had you week in the knees most?

Jules - Well look at him, what's not to lust over. And he has a good sense of humour, 

S.M. - Not to mention his voice...  I have to say you are one lucky lady to have captured such a hunk.  But what I wanna know is, does he have any annoying habits?

Jules - Nope. unless you call singing out of tune in the shower? And not always listening to me when I beg him to let me come. He has to be in charge. Though generally, I'm not complaining about that.

S.M -   I should think not eh lol *leans closer to whisper*  SO dish the dirt, score outta 10? 

Jules - oh 25! He is sooo inventive. What that man can do with ice cubes, and silk is no one's business. And he says I led him astray! in his dreams.. Oh he says yeah there as well.  He's watching me type my answers to you!

S.M - lol tell him to go away, this is woman talk!!! so would you share? Just kidding.  Changing the subject slightly, before things get too heated.  How did you, being a fiery red, manage to restrain yourself from launching a verbal or physical attach on Elizabeth, when she turned up at your house?

Jules - She was pregnant. And looked pathetic. no really, I gritted my teeth and thought of the fact I was hopefully finding out what happened. Once I had then I could go for the jugular!

Jules - Now Awful Adrian was another matter. Gray has to restrain me there! Or me him, ether way we were very restrained.

S.M - How is life now that sorry mess is all over with?

Jules -  Oh brilliant. Well if the puppy stopped chewing everything he can get his teeth into. It's costing Gray a fortune in silk scarves. but as I keep telling him. If he'd just remember to put them away after use. They don't have to be tied to the headboards all the time!

S.M - lmao quite a little treat for a puppy hey lol.  And of course you have the baby on the way, so exciting.  When are you due?

Jules - June. And contrary to what Gray thinks of it a girl she is not going to be Larkspur or Ophelia. I quite like Damask rose. And if i's a boy … Well def not Adrian.

S.M - roflmao Definitely not Adrian!  I take it you haven't heard from them since?

Jules - Well strangely we did. just once. To tell us she'd had a boy called Archie! Go figure.

S.M - Oh wow, that's a little bold lol. Lets hope they will stay away :)  Changing the subject quickly again, but not only are you going to a mummy but you also have a wedding to plan.  Any ideas on the date?

Jules - Not while I'm big as a house. And it will be quiet.

Gray types - Big you and the wedding

Jules - Ignore him. I want a wedding in the garden. Bono can be the ring bearer.

S.M - Sounds beautiful.  Well I would like to wish you both the very best for the future, and thank you so much for answering my questions.

Jules - You're welcome.

Gray takes over keyboard again - And please don't let her fool you. She's as bad as me for leaving scarves around.

Jules giggles - Well you never know where and when you might need them!

S.M – Always be prepared, that's my motto.  It has been a pleasure catching up with you Jules.  I wish both you and Gray all the best for the future and lots of happiness for the baby.

Jules – Thanks, and thanks for letting me chat today. If anyone wants to but my story, well Raven McAllan has written it up for me, and its over at www.nobleromance.com or on Amazon.

And there we are, the lovely Jules from Taken Identity.  I hope you have enjoyed the interview as much as I did.  Now go buy the book, it's a really gripping read, trust me.

My Happy New Year Surprise

I have been trying to blog about my Christmas and New Year, but  recent news keeps taking the lime light, so I guess I had better write about that and then blog about the festive holidays later.

On 5^th January I found out that Paul and I are expecting our 3^rd Child.  Whilst we had taken steps to prevent having anymore, (even as far as booked a vasectomy) we were both extremely excited by the news.  Thank goodness we found out before he had the appointment!

We wanted to keep it quiet until we had the scan, just so we knew everything was ok.  However, I have a very clever little girl who read my pregnancy vitamins and a little boy who still thinks my legs are fire man polls and my body is a climbing frame!  Adding to the fact that I seem to be expanding at a rate of knots, we wanted to tell the children as opposed to them figuring it all out.

Their faces were amazing!  My daughters eyes sparkled with excitement and Joe bounced up and down on the floor.  Then the both sat next to me with their heads on my belly listening to the baby.  Apparently Jasmin could hear it breathing and got even more excited.  I won’t tell her that It was me breathing just yet, she’s too pleased about it J

Our son keeps stroking my tummy and telling his daddy how it should be done, which is just so cute!  This sibling excitement is new to me as Jasmin was still just a baby when we planned for Joe, but I love the way they are so caring about the baby already.

So here is a sneaky preview of my bump at 6 weeks. 

Hopefully now I can get on and write about my fabulous Christmas and the best New Year party!  Until then, take care xxxx

J.P.Stevens

Interview with Doris O'Conner

Welcome all, today I heave the pleasure of interviewing a brand new author and a personal friend. 

So come warm yourself by the

Have a   

some

and enjoy!

So Doris O’Conner, published Author for 24 hours, thank you for coming down momentarily from cloud nine.  How are you?

Bouncing, lol.  I am incredibly excited at my first release J Thanks for letting me stop by and share today.

 

Your more that welcome!

 

As a new published Author, readers are going to want to know a little bit about you and I guess the best place to start is the beginning.  So, how did writing come about?

 

I have always had stories in my head. As a teenager I started quite a few novels, but never finished any, as you do.  As an adult, life got in the way and whilst I still thought that I would write a novel one day, that’s where it stayed, as a thought.  I wrote a few non-fiction articles over the years, which were published, but that’s as far as my writing efforts went.

 

Then a friend told me about the Mills & Boon New Voices competition 2010.  She’s entered and I thought why not?  I wrote my first chapter, sent it in and I’ve been writing ever since.

 

Wow, it always amazes me to hear varied reasons how the spark of writing ignites within authors, yours being no exception.  I have been on your blog and seen that you are a wife and a mother.  I am guessing you would get a few interruptions whilst trying to write, but do you have any ‘funny stories’ to share?

Too many to mention, lol.  I once wrote a very hot sexy scene whilst the teenagers were having an argument.  That was interesting! Since the baby arrived it tend to be him, haulting proceeding.  I can’t write sex scenes when he is gurgling at me!  In my current WIP the hero got so frustrated, they never made it inside – whoops ;-)  The scene is hot, mind you…

 

Obviously your first book was released yesterday, but what I want to know is: What you were doing the moment you got your first “Yes”

Cooking dinner! I popped onto my computer to check e-mails and there was the acceptance for Scandinavian Scandal.  I seem to recall I froze for all of a nanosecond and then just screamed, “OMG, OMG, OMG!”  All the kids and hubbie ran towards me, thinking I’d gone into labour (I was heavily pregnant at the time).

 

Lol I can see why they all jumped up towards you, bless them!  But I bet that was a day you will remember for a long time to come J

Aside from writing are there other hidden talents you would like to share with the world?

Does making exceptionally cure babies count?  Hubbie and I have managed to produce nine of the little darlings.  Some are not so little anymore, mind you.

In my other life I have also been a breastfeeding counsellor for the last eight years

Defo, it all counts in my books lol.  You do seem to be very busy though, juggling writing, family life and being a breastfeeding counsellor, but I can tell you are loving every bit of it!

What else can we look forward to from you?

I have two other titles coming soon.

 

Scandinavian Scandal release date November 21^st through Noble Romance

BLURB:  Sven Larsson, international movie star, is out to repair his scandalous reputation. The last thing he needs is for an enticing bundle of curves to fall into his arms, making his libido sit up and growl Come to Papa. However, the instant sexual chemistry between them is hard to ignore…
Sylvia, young widowed mum of three, knows Sven is everything she doesn’t need in a man. Can she risk giving in to temptation and enjoy the no strings sex on offer?
With the paparazzi breathing down their necks and both of them scarred emotionally by their past demons, will they manage to heal each other...

Definitely intriguing!  I am looking forward to the release already.  And the other one?

Awakening release date December 30^th through Breathless Press

Blurb: For straight-laced school teacher, Astrid, sex was a subject outside her curriculum. So she is not impressed with her birthday present - a trip to a tropical island of sexual abandonment.

That is until she wakes up in her very own Arabian Fantasy.

Ordered to pleasure Prince Rashid, her dream lover awakens needs she never knew she had.  Will her submission hold the key to her heart?  And can reality ever live up to fantasy?

OMG this sounds HOT!!!  :o) Just the kind of winter warmer we might need if we get the snow we’re supposedly due hey :o)  And such a stunning cover, loving the contrast of the green.   I guess now would be the best time to discuss your first release Lure of the Blood, such an impressive cover art!

How did you get inspiration for it?

The original idea came from reading a magazine article about university students financing their degree by lap dancing.  Lure of the Blood started off as another Erotic Novella, but my characters took over and decided otherwise.  I’m a complete punster so my plots are entirely character driven.  I never know what’s going to happen when I sit down to write.

Who are the characters most alike?

If we’re talking visual inspiration then this is Lucas

And this is Ion

Personality wise, I couldn’t say really.  There is a little bit of my hubbie in all my heroes and a little bit of me in all my heroines, but mostly they just pop in my head fully formed.  And are very insistent to get their stories told.

Mmmm  I am definitely warming to your visuals lol.  Do you have a favourite bit in the book?

Oh, there are so many, lol.  If I told you the bit I like the most it would be too big a spoiler, but I will leave you with a little excerpt:

A ruthless determination emanated from the man carrying her up the stairs, three at a time, as easily as though she weighed no more than a feather. His heartbeat thundered in her ear as erratically as her own and his arms tightened around her, when she wriggled closer into the warmth of his skin, not able to stop her instinctive need to lick his chest.

The scent and very essence of Ion exploded on her tongue. Need slamming into her, all thoughts of injuries fled her befuddled brain, when Ion pinned her against the wall, the minute they reached the safety of the bedroom.

He slid her down his naked body with infinite slowness and they groaned in unison when his rock-hard erection made brief contact with her groin on the way down. Marnie couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. She was locked in the prison of Ion’s arms, every cell in her body craving his touch. Her knees buckled when he sniffed her neck, inhaling deeply. One of his thighs, between her legs, stopped her descent and his wolf’s grumble vibrated through her, causing more moisture to seep through her soaked thong. He had to feel that! Heat rose in her cheeks, even as his cock seemed to grow bigger still, a hard shaft against her belly, setting her skin alight where it touched through the thin barrier of her summer dress.

Ion’s barely controlled growl in her ear was the most arousing sound she had ever heard. His delicious scent intensifying around her, she didn’t even try to stop the needy moan escaping on a shuddery breath of air.

“Ion, please.”

“What, little one?”

The rasp of his rough tongue along her sensitive neck stopped Marnie from being able to respond at all, as the friction his tongue created sent sparks of electricity dancing across her body. Every lick along her fevered skin pitched her arousal higher, until the whole world was centred on the next trail of friction along her jaw.  Her hips moved of their own accord, grinding her core into Ion’s roughened thigh, until the iron grip of his hands on her hips stopped her.

“Easy, little one. This will be so much better if we go slowly. I want to taste every inch of you, drink your cream and make you come again and again against my tongue and then, only then, my sweet will you feel my cock so deep inside you, you will never want to leave me.”

The hands on her hips softened, as Marnie froze. Shivers of excitement or fear or both, she couldn’t be quite sure which, danced along her spine at the images those growled words created. Her hands clung to his shoulders and she lost herself in his predatory smile, when she risked a glance up at his face. The eyes of his wolf were looking down on her and he crowded her further against the wall. Her breasts flattened against his chest and his thigh moved sinuously against her core.

“So wet, my little one. Tell me, is this bounty all for me?”

A renewed surge of moisture was his answer and his eyes darkened further. She could feel his claws slowly dragging along her sides as his hands wandered to her neck and he pulled back slightly, one hand cupping her breast through the fabric of her dress, whilst his head lowered and Marnie’s eyes fluttered closed in anticipation of his invasion.

The gentleness of the kiss that followed took her breath away. Not the harsh invasion she had been expecting, but a tender seduction of lips and teeth, coaxing her to open on a sigh. Ion slipped into that moan, his tongue exploring every part of her mouth with agonising slowness, whilst his hand on her nipple rubbed and teased, every roll sending shards of pure pleasure between her thighs. Desperate to take the kiss deeper, her tongue sought his, but every time she tried he withdrew with a muttered growl, shaking his head and the hand on her breast stopped its intimate massage.

“I told you, we’re taking this slow, little one. I have no wish to hurt you.”

“You won’t hurt me, Ion. Please, I need you.”

Something hot and dangerous flashed across his face at her whispered plea, the grip on her tightening for an instant. He smiled, the fangs of his wolf clearly visible, and Marnie held her breath at the struggle she sensed in him. The hand on her breast gripped the front of her dress and with one quick flick of his sharp claws the dress ripped, exposing her to his hungry gaze from the waist down. She sucked in her tummy on a shuddered moan as those menacing claws ran a trail over the soft skin of her abdomen, skimming the top of her thong with a feather touch, before he withdrew his claws and his fingers dipped under the elastic. His thigh spread her wider, as his fingers hovered over her clit and he resumed the kiss, his raspy tongue duelling with hers, until she thought she was going to dissolve into a sodden mess of drool and need.

His breathing was as heavy as hers when he finally pulled back, his eyes glowing in the darkness of the room.

“What makes you so sure I won’t hurt you. You’re such a little thing. You have no idea what my wolf could do to you.”

Marnie couldn’t breathe under the intensity of his fevered gaze. Of course she knew what he could do. Had she not seen his wolf in action mere minutes ago, about to rip Lucas to shreds? Terror slammed into her anew, not at Ion’s wolf, but at what could have happened to him, and she bit her lip so hard she could taste her own blood.

Ion released her with a muffled curse, all traces of his wolf gone. The flash of pain she saw in his eyes, before he turned his back on her, sliced straight through her heart.

“Good, I knew you’d come to your senses.”

Now if that doesn’t prompt you to go and buy the book people, I don’t know what will.  You can of course purchase the book from:

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/lure-of-the-blood-by-doris-oconnor/

Doris, it has been an absolute pleasure to have to here today.  I wish you every success with your first release and best wishes for the future.  Thank you so much for being here today.

And that you to all of you who stopped by to read.

Take care all

 

JP-Stevens

   xXx