I’m not sure how I stumbled across this book, but I’m so thankful I did. It is urban fantasy, the romance is clean, and the story line is interesting. I do confess there is a slight cliff hanger at the end that has nothing to do with the main story, but left me with myContinue reading “Book Review: Blood and Buttercups -A Vampire’s Guide to Gardening by Shari Tapscott”
Tag Archives: K. M. Wray
A Sneak Peek: Excerpt from Chapter 1
Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time working on a new series. If you read my newsletter, then you’ve heard hints. I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but thought I’d share an excerpt from the first chapter. It’s a moment between the main character, Keira, and her grandma. Keira hasContinue reading “A Sneak Peek: Excerpt from Chapter 1”
This Meet That: Genre Blending in Modern Fiction
Consider a recent book you’ve read. Did it feel like a mix of genres? Perhaps there was a romance story mixed in with an adventure. Or maybe a sci-fi with a touch of western (think Firefly). Genre blending or genre mixing is a term used a lot with fiction. It’s pretty common to see blurbsContinue reading “This Meet That: Genre Blending in Modern Fiction”
Twilight Realm Series Finale: A Satisfying Conclusion
The last book in The Twilight Realm series was released earlier this year. It brings the series to a satisfying conclusion and brings all the characters together. While it is an easy conclusion to assume that the story was about everyone being strong. The theme was a bit more complex. A big part of theContinue reading “Twilight Realm Series Finale: A Satisfying Conclusion”
The Human Approach: Connecting the Reader with the Main Character
About two decades ago I attended a writing class where the teacher said the main character needs to be larger than life but also relatable. Since then, I’ve read numerous books on writing and they all say something similar. Main characters are the center of the narrative because essentially, the story wouldn’t happen without them.Continue reading “The Human Approach: Connecting the Reader with the Main Character”
Creating Believable Character Trouble and Redemption
It is said that the author’s job is to make trouble for their characters. And then the character must find their way out of the mess to become the hero. It is also said that the reader must care about the character. So now the author has a delicate balance. The author wants to makeContinue reading “Creating Believable Character Trouble and Redemption”
The English Teacher’s Magic: Tea and Lothair
Does a writer use the real world to inspire their writing? The simple answer is, yes! But is creative writing an accurate reflection? Or does the writer re-tell the experience? Those are good questions and I’d say the answer depends on the author. Personally, my writing tends to step away from lived experiences. The worldContinue reading “The English Teacher’s Magic: Tea and Lothair”
Fairy Tale Retellings: Preserving Tradition While Adding Uniqueness
Imitation is the highest form of flattery. -Oscar Wild Do you agree or disagree? This quote is often used to justify copying. Perhaps someone says it as a form of comfort. Or perhaps it is said it to explain motives. It’s a popular expression and to a certain extent very true. When studying drama inContinue reading “Fairy Tale Retellings: Preserving Tradition While Adding Uniqueness”
Mastering Narrative Payoff: Balancing Revelation and Surprise
Have you ever considered the work that goes into creating a tapestry, a hand woven rug, or blanket? I enjoy crochet, but that’s nothing to the intricate weaving of fine threads into beautiful patterns that grace our walls, floors, or even ourselves. The finely crafted pieces is made of uncountable threads twisted and folded together.Continue reading “Mastering Narrative Payoff: Balancing Revelation and Surprise”
The Mirror Moment: A Reflection
Originally published in 2014, James Scott Bell wrote a book about writing called, Write Your Novel from the Middle. Bell, a crime/thriller writer who tends to lean towards courtroom drama, came up with the idea when reviewing numerous books and movies. He recognized a pattern that took place in the middle of all these stories.Continue reading “The Mirror Moment: A Reflection”
K. M. Wray 