Back Cover Blurb

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I discovered whilst formulating the synopsis for my latest novel, that writing a few snappy lines and succinct notions in the image of a back cover blurb proved useful on several levels. This got me thinking about the concept more thoroughly, so I gathered novels that were littered around the house – in my chosen genre – and began reading the back covers.
I noticed that the blurb often had a fast-paced rhythm, with a couple of paragraphs solely focused on the protagonist and the plot. The major conflicts were highlighted in order to entice the reader into wanting to follow the protagonist’s journey. Once I began to loosely follow the  pattern, I realised that the blurb was also going to prove useful not only in formulating my synopsis, but also in my query letters. It also gave me a succinct way to describe my novel should anyone ask.
The blurb needs to make the story sound compelling, and with a lot of polishing, it could hopefully prove to be dynamite in the eyes of an agent or reader – hopefully both.

Happy Word Flow One & All.

Setting.

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A friend who is currently reading my novel ‘The Violent Breath’, commented that most of my characters are middle class – although in chapter four he will be introduced to other sections of society. I acknowledge that some of my character’s live in Georgian houses with an Aga, and have a professional occupation, yet I enjoy writing about people that do not have such a charmed life.

I favour the more serene setting to introduce a murder as I believe the contrast makes the reader feel uncomfortable, as the murder is surprisingly out of place. In the book ‘Talking about Detective Fiction’, P.D. James talks about Agatha Christie’s popular setting of an English village. I too have chosen a similar style of setting, as it is a closed setting where the reader can get to know the neighbours, the shop keepers and the pub landlords/ladies.

To allow the reader to picture the environmental setting, I drop in references to the gardens, woodlands, the interior and exterior of houses and the weather – especially the seasons which can add drama to a scene. I also use places I know, such as Cambridge, although my villages are fictional.

Describing the interior of a victim’s house allows the reader to look for clues pertaining to the victim’s character and hobbies. In the same light, the reader needs to glimpse into the personal life of the detective so they can form a more rounded vision of the protagonist.

As I plan to write a series following my two detectives, the environment will remain constant, except for the abodes of new characters. This way, I have cemented my detectives firmly in their environments and hopefully in the reader’s minds.

Welcome to my blog Pat.

Happy Word Flow One & All.

Idle Ramblings.

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I missed writing my blog last week as I was on a family holiday without the laptop. Although I penned a few thousand words, I did find it relaxing too be away from the Internet and the potential rejections that could flow in.
I took in the sights, sounds and smells of nature to use in the atmospheric backdrop of my novel, and I swam to let the endorphins flood my mind and nurture my creative side.

Although I have tentatively sent out ‘The Violent Breath’ to three agents – I am no longer worrying about it, choosing instead to start writing a new WIP – ‘Rightful Owner’. This title came along with the concept of the story and it’s for keeps. As this is the second novel following my two detectives, I am enjoying following their personal journeys as well as writing the crime itself.

The moments of self-doubt and chagrin still rear their ugly heads from time to time – but I have a belief that my writing is evolving and improving with every novel I write.
Crime and thriller fiction are what I’m passionate about, but I also love the psychology of the individual – seeing what lies behind the protagonists and the killer’s behaviours. I toyed with the idea of writing a novel that revolves solely around this premise – and I have jotted down the concept in case it takes my fancy in the future.

Around the pool on holiday, I noticed several women reading mainly chick lit or thrillers – I only saw one kindle as it happens. I rejoiced at the amount of people reading as with so many of them, there is need for so many of us!

Happy Word Flow One & All

How to get published masterclass .

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I attended this masterclass in London on Saturday, and I had a fabulous time listening to the speakers and meeting more aspiring authors – hi Race and Keith.
The speakers were Luigi Bonomi (agent), Peter James (author), Lesley Pearce (author), Jon Wood (editor Orion), and hosted by Fiona Lindsay.

What was really hammered home  is that we should view our novels as a product – see the whole process as a business and career. By viewing the novel as a product, we then seek out the market value of it rather than just the artistic value.
Luigi informed us that his agency receives about 6000 ms a year and only takes on 4 or 5 – but perseverance is a key to an author getting published – so don’t be put off by the stats.

Top tips the ensemble gave us were: believe in yourself; be aware of what the market wants, but write what you are passionate about; writing is a craft; read successful books in your chosen genre, but most of all, keep writing and always start again after rejection.

Happy Word Flow One & All

Old Friends.

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I am really excited about commencing a new novel – and this time i have two burgeoning ideas. One is a stand alone novel which I will save for the future, and the one I have chosen to work on is the second in the crime series following detectives Eva Wednesday and Jacob Lennox.

I have grown fond of the pair as they make me think, make me smile and sometimes make me angry – the important fact is – they make me feel. Therefore, I’m delighted to meet up with them again and watch them investigate crimes as well as deal with their individual personal issues.

I am currently researching poisons for this plot line and I have found an amazing book ‘Poison and Poisoning’ by Celia Kellett. The back cover blurb reads, ‘A venomously good guide no self-respecting murderer, detective or crime writer should be without…’ – may i point out that I am the latter and most definitely not the first – my family breath a sigh of relief.
Poison has been used for the purpose of murder for centuries, and offers a multitude of delicious methods to secrete the evil into the recipient.

I thoroughly enjoy delving into the darker side of humanity – displaying the macabre side of thoughts and deeds that almost everyone is capable of experiencing, given the right situation.

One problem about meeting up with old friends is that they demand a lot of attention and are not happy when I think about and do for others – which as a wife and mother – I tend to do a lot. Anyway, talking of the family – the meal won’t prepare itself – and I’ve already spent a few hours in A&E with youngest daughter and a fractured finger – oh the joys my dears, the joys!

Happy Word Flow One & All.

Thinking of a hook.

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I’m still editing my crime novel, but already my mind is racing towards the next project.

I’ve written a psychological thriller which is currently ‘out there’, and a crime fiction – both of which I thoroughly enjoyed writing. The crime novel could potentially be the first in a series, if I care to take that journey.

In the beginning, I wrote two novels in the genre of contemporary  womens’ fiction – but I like writing about dark characters and deeds so much, that I couldn’t quite get the nuances right. No need to say really – but they will never been seen.

Presently, I’m thinking about a hook for the next novel, and I believe I have thought of one. My problem is that I can’t seem to place it in a genre category – which without, my pitch is doomed and who are my readers? The hook needs to grab the agent – and with two partial requests for my thriller – I thought I had it.
I’m wondering whether I should always find a hook first and build a novel – that I’ll enjoy writing – around that.

I find commencing a new project exceedingly exciting, and it consumes much of my thinking time. I had hoped that writing my thoughts down would clarify issues for me – but I’m still left with feeling that often  ‘oddball’ or stand-alone novels  win the prizes and awards. Perhaps I should let my mind wander into another realm to pluck from it the musings of a wayward soul.

Happy Word Flow One & All.