Sunshine and Scrolling
My weekly catch up, that comes out, mostly weekly! Books, writing and other random thoughts about creativity, downsizing, midlife and all other ramblings.
What I’m Working On
In the UK it’s been a heatwave this week. That has meant windows open, against the general heat health advice, oops, but I love fresh air! It’s also meant I’ve read about ten books this week!
I love my Kindle paperwhite and have been scrolling and clicking like a mad thing. It even overheated this week, so I resorted to an old school notebook and pen and scribbled out yet more future book ideas.
I’ve also read a few short stories and freebies from new authors, to me at least.
Tip for Authors:
If you have a free book still add it to Goodreads so you can get reviews and boost your presence over there. You’re missing out on all that positivity by leaving it off Goodreads!
Yes, you can add your own books, you don’t need a librarian to do it for you. And it’s fr££!
Visual Learner
I’m a constant life-long learner. This week’s platform of choice has been, as often is, YouTube. I’m a visual learner and whilst I love a list, a plan and a check list, I find watching a tutorial a great starting point before a deep dive into theory.
It’s one reason I set up my channel in the first place. I like giving access to you in different ways. When you’ve finished reading this post, PLEASE jump over to YouTube and subscribe to my channel. When I reach 1000 followers I start earning money over there!
500 Word Challenge
I’m just working on my short story. This might become a weekly thing. For a while now I’ve thought about going live stream on YouTube maybe on a Sunday evening (UK) so we can do a live ‘write in.’
You can read a few of my ‘shorts’ in A Shake of the Dice, perfect for a coffee break read, for FR££ HERE
I’ll be posting my stories on Substack as they fly off the keyboard!
Editing
I’m in the middle of a few edits. Not my favourite part of the job, but an essential one. It’s time consuming too, but as a shiny object person gives me loads of new ideas as I revisit my characters. I just have to resist the temptation to run off into the long grass and forget what I started on in the first place!
Pinterest
As I mentioned last time, I’m looking at my Pinterest boards and posting schedules.
And contrary to popular thoughts, it’s not just dominated by women looking for knitting patterns or recipes. My audience is split almost perfectly at around 50/50 on gender and they have a wide range of interests.
Did you know after Google and YouTube it’s one of the biggest search engines in the world?
If you have something to sell, including books, it’s one platform you should definitely consider.
Feel free to check out my boards, and if you have a Pinterest account I’d love to connect over there and support each other.
Book of the Week - Damaged
Jezzabelle ‘Belle’ Jones, insurance investigator, returns in this dark story of abuse, murder and hidden secrets.
An inferno rages at Morton House Children’s Home. Once the firefighters get the fire under control, they discover bones in the cellar. They soon realise the bones don’t belong to one fire victim.
These are old bones, the bones of children.
Book Promotion for a Friend - Trial Run
I’ve just enjoyed this, thought you might too. Can’t deny the fire on the cover hooked me in!
What I’m Reading Right Now
I’ve got to admit I love a cozy drama to unwind with. I might just need to write my own! OK I admit it, I’ve got one all planned out!
Wow, just wow! I’ve had this on my Kindle for AGES, I avoided it, as you know I veer away from best sellers, but wow. I love this!
It’s in your face, loud, brash and yes lots of cursing but I’m loving it!
Fiction - Proof / Beta Reading
You know I love reading. Never too many books.
My beta reads are NOT an edit. They are a light touch, kind, constructive low price offer to help you identify areas for potential change or improvement.
Creativity Coaching
Need a serious nudge with accountability to seek out or start something more fulfilling?
Let’s talk 1-2-1
Two full hours of personalised motivation, creative ideas, resources and planning just £200.
Get in touch and let’s get it in the diary!
Not Ready to Subscribe?
Writing is my job, not a side hustle or a life hack, it’s how I pay my bills. Your support literally keeps my lights on, both in my heart and my apartment!
If you subscribe I thank you, if you’re not ready to commit I get it. If you like my content, you can chip in to my tip jar and help pay for my coffee HERE?
This content may include affiliate links. If you choose to shop via a link I might earn a small commission which goes towards a pot of tea, new book or pen. You still pay the same, sometimes less. It’s win win!