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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)
 Who knew history could be fun?
Back in the day when I was at that University of Iowa my minor was history. I was fascinated with the Tudor period (think War of the Roses, Henry VIII and his numerous wives, as well as Queen Elizabeth I.) Court intrigue! Illicit romances! Religious turmoil! You name it, the Tudors were doing it long before Game of Thrones came along. As I watched this video I knew I had to share it with you. This is how the people in the Tudor era celebrated the Twelve Nights of Christmas, both rich and poor. It’s amusing, informative, and makes me very glad I live today and not in 1509. Also, Dr. Lucy Worsley is a KICK! The photo above is from the BBC's webpage on this one-hour series. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/rDREWMdU8Rg Have a Very Merry Christmas!  As we continue through what is a truly unimaginable year I've been using the time at home to work on author-related stuff. My theory is that if I get a LOT done now, then once things open back up I'm going to do some heavy-duty traveling. What author stuff have I been doing? Read on!
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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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