I'm up to the steamy scenes
I recently crossed the 3/4 mark in my draft and now I'm up to the steamy scenes. I haven’t written anything this sexy before. It’s actually kind of fun! The only problem is the niggling feeling in the back of my mind—"What if my mum reads this?" Now I know why most romance writers use a pen name...
In other news:
I'm house sitting, looking after a cat. This is Effie. A very active little cat who likes playing, chasing her tail, and jumping up on the table to steal food and drink. Very naughty. But her cuteness makes up for it.
I’m reading a paperback book, and I know it must be a long time since I’ve read one because I absent-mindedly pressed the bottom right corner of the page to turn the page. I laughed out loud as soon as I realised what I had done. I’m so used to ebooks.
I’ve finished watching Stranger Things season 4, Pretty Little Liars Original Sin (Don’t bother), and playing Xenoblade Chronicles 3. It’s time for a break from TV and video games. Now, I’m working on a side project I've wanted to do for a long time—designing the perfect planner/diary for authors.
Writing has been stop and start lately, but when I do write, I'm able to get a high word count. I'm very close to finishing my first draft now, but there's going to be a lot to tidy up during the next draft. Current word count: 73,689
I have a book-related announcement coming up next month, so keep an eye out!
Link roundup
Don’t Call Them Trash [The Atlantic]
One of my most enduring school memories is of an austere English teacher urging us—a class of two dozen 13-year-old girls with all the raging hormones of a Harry Styles arena tour—not to succumb to the books of Jackie Collins. “If you read trash, girls,” she articulated, with icy precision, “you will write trash.” Thinking back on this, all I can summon is: I wish.
Fan Of K-Dramas? These Romance Books Will Make Your Heart Flutter [Elle India]
Korean romance dramas are superior in pulling at our heart strings with their slice-of-life characters, fascinating narrative, plenty of twists and turns and, of course, romance that makes you swoon and gasping for more!
So, I complied a list of romance books based on your favourite K-Dramas to help you (and me) get over the dry spell till the next K-Drama romance comes on screen.
Why Are “Apron Tuggers” the Newest Romance Trend? [Book Riot]
If you are someone who keeps up with book trends, you’ve noticed that there has been a large increase in food-related romances. Sometimes, these overlap with reality competition shows, but food is a crucial part of the plot and, by extension, the characters. These types of book are fondly known as apron tuggers.
We Are A Picturesque Small Town and We Refuse to Be the Setting for Your Romantic Comedy [McSweeney’s]
As of this date, the citizens of Spirit Falls approve the following resolutions:
1. Any ex-lovers of residents of Spirit Falls must file, in writing, their intent to enter city limits ninety days before an intended visit. The paperwork must include a notarized affidavit of intent to not participate in, instigate, or be the recipient of romantic gestures.
What I read
Belonging
by Toko-pa Turner
I adored this book from the first page, but by the second half the magic did start to wear off a bit. It could have been shorter, but overall, a great spiritual/self-help book. Beautifully written.
I’m Glad My Mom Died
by Jennette McCurdy
Everyone's talking about this book! I'm too old to have watched iCarly, but I knew who she is. It’s a well written book and easy to read. What she went through is terrible.