 The spouse and I took a mini holiday to Óbidos (Portugal), not only to chill out but to conduct research. Why? This is a genuine walled city from the High Middle Ages. Realism in fantasy has its place, and I'm fortunate to live where touching the very stones of history is possible. So what was it like? Read on.
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 Great news here. Received the results of PET-TAC scan (a radioactive exam that eyeballs anything that looks remotely suspicious). This test was done because I'm halfway through my immunotherapy treatments. The results show no active lymphoma in my person. I'm in remission. Or the acronym used in lymphoma circles is NED (no evidence of disease). We are so relieved. I will continue to have the Rituxin treatments every 8 weeks (5 more to go) as that kills off any rogue cells that might want to set up housekeeping. And no doubt once all those are done, another PET scan. I'm getting to be a pro at those. This cancer is chronic so there is always a chance of relapse. Still, we're celebrating where I am at the moment and are so very grateful for everything. Onward! 5 Top Writing Tips I recently was invited to post my Top Five Writing Tips on Suzanne Lau’s blog so I’m sharing the link here for those who didn’t see it on Facebook.
I’ve known Suzanne for some time, and she’s a multi-talented lady. Check out the various services she offers. Her stationery is gorgeous!  For those new writer folks here's a great example of how each book has its own agenda. Usually I work out the plot in my head and then write it all down (with changes of course). The latest new book (Demon Trappers #9) insisted I **list out all the events in the plot** in an organized summary. This has only happened a few times over the 24 years I've been writing. Certainly not the norm for me. 23 pages later I have the "outline". I can see now that this story is gonna be a a**kicker to create. So no, there's no right way to write a book. It all depends on the story. And as they say, "May the odds be ever in your favor."  When I include a location or a specific building in a story, I’ve usually spent time there. Such was the case with New Orleans (DEAD EASY and CAT’S PAW), Okefenokee Swamp (FORETOLD - DT #4 and KILLING GAME) and Edinburgh (GRAVE MATTERS - DT #5). Or most of London in the Time Rovers Series, including a fair amount of time in various pubs.
So when it came to a particular scene in LOST SOULS (Demon Trappers #8) I knew exactly where I wanted to set the exorcism, at least from the demon's point-of-view. Where would that be? The Biblioteca Joanina at the University of Coimbra here in Portugal.  I've been very quiet on this blog because lots of good things are happening. And with all good things, there's also frustrations, but that's life. So what's new? Let's dig in and see.  I'm currently listening to my spouse try to understand the repairman who is here to fix our boiler (it supplies hot water to our radiant heaters). It's a flurry of Portuguese, the majority of it I don't get, and bless him, the repair guy is being quite patient. My husband is hanging in there, but it's not easy. Which is pretty much a metaphor for this last year.
 One of the curious side benefits of spending so much time at home is trying new recipes. I thought I'd discuss my new obsession with curry. (photo courtesy of Minimalist Baker)
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Jana Oliveris an international & multi award-winning author in various genres including young adult, urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Archives
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