Hope You Have A

Writing Contest

Attention All Writers (and non writers, too)

Current Contest Opens on Nov. 1st
Prize: Your Button Displayed on My Blog for a month as well as in every post I publish.


Instructions: Short essay (500-1000) words on what inspires you the most.

Deadline is Nov. 30th. Winners will be announced on my blog as well as on Twitter.

Rules:

• No Plagiarism!!!

• All contestants must be a follower of both The Writing World and on twitter. All contestants must "like" The Writing World Facebook Page. (This will be checked before winner is chosen.)

• All contestants must tweet about the contest.

• Lastly after all the above steps are done, please leave a comment saying you emailed you entry to me at raebethmcgee@hotmail.com

Any questions feel free to email me at: raebethmcgee@hotmail.com

Author Spotlight- Jayde Scott

We're back with another week of our Author Spotlight. This week I'd like to welcome Jayde Scott.

Where are you from?

I’m British, but I’ve lived all over the world. So I consider myself a bit of a nomad. My home’s wherever my heart is.

Tell us your latest news?

I’m currently in the process of migrating and learning a new language, which is tough but also a very interesting experience.

When and why did you begin writing?

As soon as I could spell. I used to read a lot of romance (think Barbara Cartland and Sandra Brown) and rewrite the ending.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Because I used to spend most of my spare time writing, I’ve always considered myself a writer at heart. When I became published, I just changed my status from querying/unpublished to published.

What inspired you to write your first book?

It was a novel called The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice. I loved that book so much, I couldn’t wait to start working on my own vampire novel. That one’s still gathering dust in some drawer.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Like most writers, I do. I prefer first person past tense and have a tendency toward description and sarcasm. My first draft tends to be rather verbose, but I have an editor who’s not afraid to cut.

How did you come up with the title?

I woke up and thought, “Wouldn’t it be lovely to write about a voodoo priestess who kisses a striking demon?” So I called the book Voodoo Kiss long before I came up with the plot.

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

Never trust a pretty face.

How much of the book is realistic?

The magic parts are based on research, so I’d say that’s pretty realistic.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

My romantic chick-lit novel, The Divorce Club, is pretty much based on my own experiences with dating and cheating. But I tend to stay away from heavy topics in my paranormal romance series, Ancient Legends. I wouldn’t mind meeting a handsome demon like Thrain though, or a blue-eyed vampire like Aidan though.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Definitely The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Tolkien has taught me so much about description and character development, he’s basically shaped my writing. Also Anne Rice. Without her inspiring books, it might have taken me a while to realize that writing about vampires, fallen angels and demons is what I want to do in life.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Tough one, but I’d have to go with Tolkien.

What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading and editing my new novel, which is the first book in a new series and shall hit the stores around Christmas. Editing takes so much time that I don’t have the time or energy to read anything else.
What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on a new series I’ve been writing to write for ages. It’s dark and mysterious with lots of new paranormal elements.

Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. I see it as a job and try to treat it as such. However, most of the time it doesn’t really work because life and other commitments come in between.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I think it’s always been there. I loved books as a child, particularly their smell, and begged my mother to teach me to read before I started school. Whenever I loved a book, I would reread it countless times to remember the passages that fascinated me. And then I would try to write something similar.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

My most recent work is Voodoo Kiss, which is a paranormal romance slash mystery about a young woman, Sofia, whose half-sister is killed. Sofia’s now plagued by nightmares and visions from a past she never knew existed. She knows she’s someone very important. She knows immortals will come looking for her, but she doesn’t know why. And so, together with the help of a very handsome demon, Thrain, she sets out to discover the truth about her past and her sister’s murder.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Not editing while I write. It takes me forever to finish a chapter because I’m a compulsive perfectionist who keeps rewriting and tweaking until I feel everything’s the way I want it to be. I know you shouldn’t edit while you write but I just can’t help myself.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I’d say Tolkien and his talent for world building and fantastic characters. He can fill page after page with the most beautiful description and prose.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing the last chapter. I always get emotional and have a hard time finishing the last chapter.

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

Don’t wait for inspiration to find you. Write even when you don’t feel like it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

See above. Also, continue to work on improving your style and prose.

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

Thank you so much for reading my books :-)

jayde-scott.blogspot.com

Voodoo Kiss on Amazon:Click Here

Voodoo Kiss book trailer: here

Author Spotlight- Barbara Freethy

Welcome to this week's Author Spotlight. We have an amazing, New York Times Today Bestselling Author with us this week. Let's welcome Barbara Freethy.

Welcome Barbara. As a writer myself, I know the writing world can be very challenging. The writing world requires talent and a lot of creativity.

Barbara, tell the readers a little more about yourself and your work.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and write contemporary romance, women's fiction and romantic suspense novels.

How many books have you written?

I just finished writing my 30^th novel!

What inspired you to start writing?

I was a huge reader growing up. My mom filled our house with books, overflowing on every shelf, so it was a natural progression to wanting to write my own stories. I’m just lucky enough that I get to do it for a living.

What's your favorite book that you've got published?

My favorite book tends to be whatever I've worked on last! That means I’m currently favoring SILENT RUN and SILENT FALL, my Sanders Brothers duo as well as GARDEN OF SECRETS, the fifth book in my Angel’s Bay series. All three were released in the past couple of weeks.

Typically, how long does it take you to write a book?

Beginnings take the longest for me. Lots of decisions to be made about character and plot. But once I'm halfway through the story, it starts to roll. On average, after I have the initial idea, it probably takes me 3-4 months to write. Then, of course, I usually go back and rewrite. It's a very dynamic process.

Do you have a set schedule where you dedicate time to writing?

I never had the luxury of a set schedule when I started writing because I had a baby and a toddler, and they dictated the schedule. They're a lot older now, so I'm starting to settle into more of a routine. But when I'm on deadline, I write all the time!

Where do your ideas for your books come from?

I take inspiration from everywhere. ALMOST HOME takes place in a Kentucky horse racing town and draws from my family’s experience with horse racing. A lot of my books take place in the Bay Area where I live and the Angel’s Bay series is a fictionalized northern California coastal town.

In your opinion, what's the hardest part of writing a book?

Finishing!  Making the actual product match the vision in my head. That's the challenge.

What's the title of the book you're working on now?

I’m working on a few things – an original novel which is currently untitled. I'm also working on the eBook release of my next romantic suspense duo with Taken and Played which should debut mid-October.

Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?

It changes with every book. And whatever the initial seed is, it changes about fifty times in the process of writing, so sometimes I barely remember where I got the original idea.

Do you plot out your stories or just write it as it comes?

I love to just write, but I usually have a few key plot points mapped out before I begin. But for me outlining takes away some of the fun of discovery when I just let the characters act and talk and see what happens. But "winging it" usually involves a lot of rewriting, too.

What advice would you pass on to other authors who are planning on publishing a book?

Write what you love. It seems simplistic, but I think authors can get carried away with what’s selling or trendy. Some of my recent success has come from books that probably wouldn’t be considered en vogue, but I really loved writing them. And second, don't give up. It takes a lot of endurance and stubborn persistence to write a full-length novel. But getting to the end is a beautiful feeling.

100 Days of Pictures Challenge

I know this doesn't pertain to writing but I think photography is an art as well. Therefore, I came across this challenge that I'd like to partake in.... here's the list...

Day 01 – A picture of yourself with ten facts.
Day 02 – A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.
Day 03 – A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 – A picture of your night.
Day 05 – A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 06 – A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 – A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 – A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 – A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 – A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
Day 11 – A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 – A picture of something you love.
Day 13 – A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 – A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 – A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 – A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 – A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 – A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 – A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 – A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel.
Day 21 – A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 – A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 – A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 – A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 – A picture of your day.
Day 26 – A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 – A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 – A picture of something you’re afraid of.
Day 29 – A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 – A picture of someone you miss.
Day 31 – A picture of a tradition you have.
Day 32 – A picture of a crazy night.
Day 33 – A picture of the house you grew up in.
Day 34 – A picture of your currently most played CD.
Day 35 – A picture of your favorite place to eat.
Day 36 – A picture of your ‘other half’.
Day 37 – A picture of the people you spend most of your time with.
Day 38 – A picture of the best part of your day.
Day 39 – A picture of your favorite movie.
Day 40 – A picture of your favorite Disney character.
Day 41 – A picture of your pet.
Day 42 – A picture of your dream house.
Day 43 – A picture of something you can’t function without.
Day 44 – A picture of someone you’re told you look like.
Day 45 – A picture of your room.
Day 46 – A picture of where you wish you were right now.
Day 47 – A picture of your favorite place to shop.
Day 48 – A picture of your favorite actress/actor.
Day 49 – A picture of where you live.
Day 50 – A picture of your most frequented place.
Day 51 – A picture of your dream car.
Day 52 – A picture of your favorite sport.
Day 53 – A picture of someone you think is hot.
Day 54 – A picture of the one thing you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.
Day 55 – A picture of the last movie you saw in theaters.
Day 56 – A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 57 – A picture of your favorite holiday.
Day 58 – A picture of your favorite animal.
Day 59 – A picture of a random item that you own.
Day 60 – A picture of something you’re excited about
Day 61 – School class picture
Day 62 – Last place you traveled to
Day 63 – Sports awards
Day 64 – Favorite childhood book
Day 65 – A picture of you and your best friend
Day 66 – A picture in your room
Day 67 – Something Green
Day 68 – A magazine you like
Day 69 – Something Red
Day 70 – Something you borrowed from someone else
Day 71 – A picture of your favorite piece of jewelry
Day 72 – A stuffed animal
Day 73 – Your lunch
Day 74 – Something you found under your bed
Day 75 – You and a friend
Day 76 – Something that annoys you
Day 77 – The last thing that you bought
Day 78 – Your sunglasses
Day 79 – A ticket from somewhere you’ve been
Day 80 – Your favorite childhood movie
Day 81 – Something you baked
Day 82 – The most embarrassing thing in your closet
Day 83 – The moon tonight
Day 84 – Your favorite pair of shorts
Day 85 – Something Pink
Day 86 – Something your mom bought you
Day 87 – Something you hold dear to your heart
Day 88 – Your bathroom
Day 89 – What’s in your fridge?

Day 91 – Something that made you smile today
Day 92 – Something weird in your house
Day 93 – The view from your bedroom window
Day 94 – What your doing right now
Day 95 – Something yellow
Day 96 – A place you went today
Day 97 – Something heart shaped
Day 98 – Your favorite nail polish color/favorite cologne
Day 99 – Something that makes you feel accomplished
Day 100 – The final picture of yourself




Feel free to join in... don't forget to return to this blog everyday to share your link so I can take a look...... enjoy and have fun.