Writing – Page 9 – stacey jaine mcintosh

Submissions & Works in Progress

Posted on July 19, 2018July 19, 2018 by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, The Eldritch Series, Writing, Zooey

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I just submitted a flash fiction piece to a flash fiction anthology moments ago. I have another longer piece that I’m writing and two other short stories on the back burner that I plan to write and submit to other anthologies if I get the time.

I might be juggling just a little too much currently.

Between several novel projects and short story projects, coordinating book reviews, writing up author interview questions (and trying to mix it up a little each time with each new author – not so easy) as well as keeping on top of three social media platforms and a blog. All while trying to keep up with a house, hubby, for kids… not to mention fulfilling job networking requirements when looking for suitable employment for part time work.

That’s the really sad part about this. Having spent the past eleven years raising kids, I’m kind of unemployable. And freelance work… as I’ve said before is kind of hit and miss. The jobs I have gotten, while promising to be ongoing have dried up after a month or two.

That said, I am hard at work making improvements to my novel The Winter Princess. It’s coming along slowly because there’s one PC for six people… and my children have found a few PC games that they like to play on weekends… so stealing time at night is very much my routine of late… unless the hubby beats me to it and steals it for himself.

And because I’m feeling generous, I’ve decided to share a small portion with you.

Here it is, the opening of The Winter Princess

The Winter Queen lounged on an icy crystalline throne as her gown of dark grey silk and taffeta billowed out around her. The hair piled atop her head held a darkness that paled the silk; the tiara of silver and sapphires shone in contrast. Having counted silently on my fingers, one hand held the sum of occasions that I had entered the drafty throne room before now. Setting foot here was unusual for me which led me to be painfully aware of every detail as I approached.

I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, let me know in the comments and maybe I’ll share more.

Writers Block and How to Prevent it

Posted on July 16, 2018 by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

I come across a lot of writers complaining about writers block. They seem to all have one thing in common. How do you overcome it, and even better: How do you prevent it in the first place?

Firstly, some tips to overcome to overcome writers block.

– Go for a walk. A change of scenery and fresh air often brings about new ideas.

– Read a book. Often reading a book written by someone else is enough to trick the mind and get you in the mood to write again.

– Listen to music. Instrumental or songs with lyrics. Either can work.

– Create a routine. I’ve spoken of this before. Writing daily creates a habit, which in turn creates a want to write. A desire to write.

– Journal. Keeping a journal, while not fiction, is still writing and may help banish your creative block. At best, if it doesn’t banish your block, it will help clear your head.

Secondly, some tips on how not to overcome writers block.

– Television. It’s such a mindless activity but I do enjoy several tv shows. So to compensate I watch tv a little less. Or I write while watching tv.

– Refusing to write. While inspiration is one thing, you have to write something. Otherwise the well will just dry up. Don’t just wait around for you muse. Force her to show up.

– Procrastinating. Putting off writing is also not the way to overcome writers block. It’s the way to avoid it completely and counterproductive.

Lastly, the way to prevent writers block is quite simple. Really it is.

Pick up your pen (or go sit at your computer) and write.

And, if you’re still not convinced, try it.

Write about a memory. Write about something you saw while shopping… a person you met. Anything, as long as you write and don’t stop, stick with it. Because if you love writing, if it’s what truly drives you then it’s better to write something than nothing at all.

Twisted II Anthology is LIVE

Posted on July 13, 2018July 13, 2018 by staceyjaine in Anthologies, Indie Author, paranormal, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

IT’S RELEASE DAY!!!

Title: Twisted II Anthology
Compiled By: Gina A. Watson
Genre: Speculative Fiction

Where the twisted lurk and the horrors hide, will you find what lies within?

From horrifying demons and witches to ghosts haunting people and places. Strange creatures to strange places. If it’s twisted this anthology has it.

18 equally twisted stories by 19 amazing horror and paranormal authors.

Will you take the plunge into this twisted world?

Featuring authors…

Michael Young * Kelly Matsuura * Kerry E.B Black * Jack W. Finley * Jordanne Fuller * Jakki Hatchet * Liz Butcher * Duncan Swallow * Michael S. Walker * Aziza Sphinx * Shebat Legion * Beth W. Patterson * E.M. Valentine * Stacey Jaine McIntosh * Daniel J. Volpe * Scott Carruba * Carole Weave-Lane * Kerry Lee Holder * Gina A. Watson

Purchase Links…

Amazon AU | Amazon US

Amazon UK

There’s also a Release Party happening on Facebook here. Come along and say Hi!

The Wild Hunt

Posted on July 12, 2018July 12, 2018 by staceyjaine in Anthologies, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

With 24 hours until the Twisted II Release Party, I thought I’d share with you the opening to my short story, The Wild Hunt. It appears in the anthology and ties into the world of my novels in the Eldritch Series.

If you like Celtic Mythology then I hope you’ll enjoy my tale as it’s steeped quite heavily in myth.

Here it is…

The wildwood swelled before my eyes. Fey and beast mingled together so much that it was hard to tell one from the other. The smell of death mixed with blood, dirt and fear, hung heavy in the air. Although the fear that I sensed around me was my own.
Ahead of me, sitting astride a huge black stallion, was my father, Herne. Instead of his usual leather kilt, he wore brown leather pants, while an antlered crown sat atop his head.
My older brother, Kit, sat next to me. The lure of the Wild Hunt bored him. I knew he had participated at least once. He had regaled me with stories that were scary enough I’d had nightmares for weeks afterwards. What was even more frightening to me, was the knowledge that fey couldn’t dream. Or have nightmares, because nightmares were the stuff of dreams. Dreams were mundane things. Human things, or so Kit had told me one night when I’d awoken him with the sound of my screams. I was not human.
Everything about me said faerie, so my ability to dream was strange.

I hope you enjoyed it and please do purchase a copy. My full story clocks in at almost 3,000 words. It will be available on Amazon on Friday, 13th July 2018.

Opening Lines, Part 2

Posted on July 11, 2018July 11, 2018 by staceyjaine in Ella, paranormal, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, The Eldritch Series, Writing

Earlier this month I shared a story prompt with you all. I hope it gave some of you some inspiration to start something new, as it did for me.

I wasn’t planning on starting anything new but this is what happened when I sat down to write.

I knew that sound. Dragons. They were flying directly above, their wings beating rhythmically against the wind.
I looked up, the dragon itself was unrecognisable from my spot on the hill.
As it circled over head, I knew landing was imminent.

It’s the beginning of Book 9, Ironheart, which centres around the daughter of Lancelot and Guinevere. Both of whom are dead at this point in the timeline.

I know, I know, for those of you who know anything of the Arthurian Legends, you’ll know that Lancelot and Guinevere never got their happily ever after. But they did have a long lasting affair. This is a play on that. I’m a big fan of what if’s in my novels.

I can’t give too much more away without spoiling it. Other than to say their daughter winds up at the residence of the Lady of the Lake and while there Vivienne being Vivienne meddles in things she has no right to meddle in. A girl’s future. Which brings a tonne of drama and old characters resurface etcetera. I’d been looking for a happily ever after for one of my minor characters, who until recently I thought was going to end up sad and alone, but I think he just might be the fix for Vivienne’s meddling ways.

We’ll see, it’s all subject to change at this point.

Using Instagram as an Indie Author

Posted on July 9, 2018July 9, 2018 by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

Instagram.

It’s a powerful and fun visual tool. It can help you to promote your books and your author brand. While not as fast paced as Twitter it’s still quite active.

I’ve managed to grow my Instagram account quite steadily over the last year.

Some tricks I’ve learnt during my time on Instagram are:

Post to Instagram at least once a day.

I’ve only been posting daily since April but I have seen results.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up. I switch between inspirational writing quotes to inspirational images, writing snippets and character inspiration. Occasionally, I post about my kids. I am a mum after all.

Do keep it on brand and relevant. Of course what’s relevant to you might not be relevant to another writer, but that’s okay.

Share what’s important to you. Your goals and achievements. Big or small. It doesn’t matter.

Don’t be afraid to share yourself with your audience. Whether it be highs or lows. Invite people to know the real you. As much or as little as you want. It’s up to you, but including people in your journey is how you get people to connect because they feel a part of the process and it’s with those connections that you begin to make an impact on somebody else’s life.

Most of all…

Dont forget to have fun!

Opening Lines

Posted on July 3, 2018July 3, 2018 by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Stuff, Writing

In trying to decide what to write about today (and coming up empty) I decided to go easy on myself and switch things up, in the hopes that maybe, just maybe I might inspire some of you to leave a comment.

So, today’s post, while containing no words of wisdom, tips or personal anecdotes does contain a story starter.

Maybe it’ll inspire you to write and maybe it won’t, but if it does, then please feel free to share, the first few lines with me.

Here it is!

I knew that sound. Dragons.

It All Starts With Coffee

Posted on June 27, 2018June 27, 2018 by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

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Yes, it’s true! I’m a coffee addict. Like you didn’t know.

So, by now, it’s no secret… or at least I hope it’s no secret, that I write every day. Some days not as much as others, but I do write daily.

It’s not something I’ve always done. In fact, it took me two years to make the habit stick and it wasn’t easy.

Now, I’m not going to tell you what to write… that part is up to you. Blog, novel, short story… journal? Whatever. Nor am I going to give you story ideas… although, that might make for an interesting series of blog posts sometime in the future.

For now though, let’s get back to developing daily writing habits.

Decide what you want to work on. Is it a short story or a novel? Does it have a deadline? How many words is it?

Break it down. And keep your daily word count target small. There’s nothing more overwhelming then setting a daily goal of a 1000 words and falling short because you were so caught up in writing ALL THE WORDS. Trust me, small is better.

Take my goal for instance. In January I set a goal to write 275 words a day. Some days I write more, others I write less, but in six months I’ve never missed a day.

I know many writers who churn out upwards of 5,000 words one day and then don’t write for days afterwards. I don’t get it. I mean, each writer’s writing process is different but I’d much rather see the progress on the page, bit my bit, than multiple zeros on a spreadsheet. But then, I also like accountability. I like seeing proof of my progress.

Make time. I cannot stress this enough. Even ten minutes. My biggest time saver when stealing time for writing is my iPhone. I often find I’m more productive if I just use the notes app, but I have MS Word on there too and I save everything to OneDrive, so its all right there waiting for me to pick it up the next day on whichever device I choose to work with.

You’re probably sitting reading this and going but I don’t have time, right? Wrong. Back in April I felt the exact same way. I asked other writers how I could fix it. How I could up my productivity and stop procrastinating. I’m time poor. I have four kids and a husband, along with a house to take care off. Something had to give, and it couldn’t be any of those three big things. Family is important.

So, what did I do? Well I began tracking my time for a whole week. 7 days. It made me accountable to the house, the kids and my husband, and I soon saw a pattern forming and I was able to identify blocks of time where I could write.

Back in May, I posted this about finding time and while it’s not a concise picture of every day of the week, it is a rough idea of what a week day looks like for me. It’ll likely change when I get a part time job, becoming even crazier, I suspect, but I’ll deal.

So, I made time. Two hours at night. And not every night mind you. Some days I blow off writing at night in favour of TV and when I do I make up the words in other ways. By blogging, for instance. Yes, I multitask.

Pick one project. You don’t have to do everything at once. I have… three, no four novels on the go at the moment. I switch between all of them depending on the day and my mood. It helps me to keep the story fresh. And tricks my mind into thinking I’m working on something new, even though I’m clearly not.

And, I could go on, but I won’t. So… if you think there’s something I’ve missed or you have a question, pop it in a comment and I’ll be sure to reply.

100 Followers

Posted on June 26, 2018 by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Updates, Writing

OMG! Thank you all so much. You guys are awesome! I actually didn’t expect to reach this milestone so soon after I resumed blogging much more often in April. But I have, so thanks.

But, this is not just about the numbers, or the likes, comments or even the follows. It’s about community.

And while I know there’s a few of my followers that probably aren’t writers or authors or even artists, you’ve still taken the time to read my posts and follow me on my journey and listen to what I’ve got to say. And for someone who always hesitates to click PUBLISH every time I finish a blog post that’s a big thing. Huge, even.

So, THANK YOU.

When I started this blog back in 2013, I had a different path for it. I’d started it with the idea of just sharing my accomplishments as a writer and the odd stories about my kids. And while I know I should continue to perhaps blog about my kids, I do need to share my accomplishments and writing process more.

So, while their won’t be any less of the informative tidbits I’ve been sharing there will be more about me, my kids and my writing. I started publishing in November 2011, which oddly also coincides with when I started writing. I started my writing journey in November 1997. I still have the first story I ever wrote, miracle of miracles it survived to this day despite bad storage methods. Floppy Disks…! Anyone remember those? If you don’t, it’s okay. I’m in my 30s…

Anyway, enough rambling from me. I do hope you stick around though, and continue to enjoy my posts and maybe even find some useful tidbits along the way.

My To-Do List

Posted on June 25, 2018June 25, 2018 by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Updates, Writing

557D6CD1-2728-4436-BF52-8D457E134A1B Well… it has been a busy week, so I’ll get back into my more informative posts again tomorrow.

For now though, I’m going to share what’s been happening in my world.

1. The job search is still ongoing and as frustrating as ever. If you’ve ever been a stay at home parent you’ll know my frustrations. 12 years out of the workforce means you’re basically unhireable. At least that’s my experience to date.

2. The Twisted II anthology is drawing closer… coming July 13th…

3. I have an interview that I did for The Horror Tree coming soon, as well as more book reviews being finalised and sent off tomorrow.

4. As for my own stories… Nightshade is close to being finished. Which means I’ll be diving back into Sovereign and hopefully getting that finished by July 24th.

5. My Patreon page should be up and running soon. Yes… I know, but I can’t create and publish without a little help. But don’t worry there will be plenty of perks should you choose to become a patron. But more about that later.

That’s all from me.

More tomorrow, when I’m not so exhausted.

Using Twitter as an Indie Author

Posted on June 18, 2018June 18, 2018 by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

Twitter.

It’s a powerful tool. It can help you to promote your books and your author brand. It’s also very fast paced. It’s a world which, despite my decent following, I haven’t managed to crack just yet.

But, don’t let my experience (or lack thereof) prevent you from building something great.

Some tricks I’ve learnt during my time on Twitter are:

Post to Twitter at least 3-5 times a day.

This is actually what lets me down. A lot. I don’t post often enough. But being aware of it, means I can correct my posting habits.

The reason here is that you want to be seen. You want people to interact with you and like and retweet your content.

You also want to space your tweets. Being in Australia, I’m at an automatic disadvantage for those connected with me in the Northern Hemisphere. To correct this, I try to post at a time that works for both Southern Hemisphere folk and those in the North too.

I don’t always get it right, but that’s okay.

Retweet and Like other peoples tweets. It’s the simplest way to build connections with other people. Because they will notice and possibly reciprocate in return. Not always, but sometimes. You won’t know if you don’t try it for yourself.

Take the time to comment and reply to people who’ve commented on a tweet you’ve made. No matter how small, the action goes a long way.

Be professional. Have a picture and header that project your brand. Share things that matter. Getting personal is fine. You want your followers to care about you, and your books.

Retweet your own tweets. I’ve found some success with this. Given how face paced Twitter is, tweets do have a tendency to get lost along the way. New followers cross your path daily so it’s definitely something worth doing.

Lastly, don’t give up. Your brand won’t be built in a day. But as long as you commit, even if all you can commit to is one tweet a day.

Social media may seem like a race at times, but it’s really not. As long as your prepared to put in the work. It will pay off.

Simply Blown Away

Posted on June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

EA001BD8-7D73-4A02-8BB4-52C7C290118C Wow! You guys… I’m in awe truly. Last night’s blog was written at the eleventh hour… stroke of midnight almost when I didn’t know what to write, so I just wrote off the top of my head. No plan, just freeform instead.

I’m thinking I might just keep it up, because it seems to be working.

So, I thought I’d start tonight with a heart felt THANK YOU because honestly, I’m still so new at this blogging thing. I’m still figuring out what people want to see and what they don’t.

When I decided back in April that I had to either get serious about my blog or give it away entirely I didn’t think anybody would actually want to read what I wrote. I guess now, I’ve just been proven wrong.

So THANK YOU – again – it’s humbling knowing that people are listening. I don’t feel quite as alone as I have felt on this journey from time to time.

Writing is by nature a solitary pursuit. I wouldn’t change it though. I’m feeling very optimistic about my first book that is currently in the hands of an editor. The first three chapters anyway. It’s a trial run but like I said last night I think I may have found my perfect fit editor wise. I hope so anyway.

My writing feels so personal at times that I struggle to share. Self doubt is a horrible thing.

If the edits go well, I think I’ll share the first chapter.

The story has been six years in the making. The first draft was written in six weeks, after I’d picked apart the bones of a previous discarded story. Which, I’m still considering bringing back to life at some stage. It’s got promise if I can do it justice that is.

Faeries are so diverse in nature. Even as I play in the Celtic and Arthurian mythos I find things evolving of their own accord.

It’s quite refreshing really.

Affirmations

Posted on June 11, 2018June 11, 2018 by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

FD2CEF27-D321-408C-8DBE-3AD9005F1A30 My husband and I were having a conversation about a book he’d just finished reading when he turned to me and said: “Don’t take this the wrong way but if that’s published why aren’t you?”

My answer was a one word response. “Editing.”

It’s expensive. So, I’ve been putting it off and putting it off.

My book has blossomed into six books, with three more still to write.

But, I can say I’m one step closer to publishing. Having found an editor who just might be the perfect fit for me.

It still doesn’t stop the self doubt and anxieties from creeping in and sometimes that alone is enough to make me pause and consider not publishing because I’m scared.

Of course then I have to remind myself that it’s okay to be scared. That the reason I put pen to paper in the first place when I was fourteen hasn’t changed. I still want to share my words with the world. My dream of being publishedhasnt gone anywhere and all this is just a bump in the road that I will get over.

It’s okay.

Being scared, is okay. In fact, it would be a little remiss if you weren’t. Writing. The entire process is huge. It’s sharing a part of yourself with strangers. What’s not scary about that?

The trick?

Breathe. And let go.

Focus on getting the words down. It’s not a sprint. You don’t have to compare yourself to any other writer.

Just do you. Be accountable. Show up and put in the effort. The words on the page will speak for themselves.

Enter the World of Freelancing

Posted on June 9, 2018June 9, 2018 by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

Yes, it’s true writing novels and short stories doesn’t exactly pay the bills. Especially if you’re like me and your story has to be just right before sharing it with the world.

And, while I know nothing is perfect, I still find myself aiming for that perfection, you know?

So, about two years ago, I entered the world of freelance and it hasn’t been easy. In fact, the hardest thing has been getting clients. You see I struggle to sell myself and hate imposing on people, so sharing my services is not an easy thing to do.

Isn’t it wonderful being an introvert? I don’t like that I am an introvert but I can’t seem to break out of that either.

You’re probably wondering why I’m posting, right? Well, I’ve had a bit of a bad experience. I wrote some articles for a client in various niches and haven’t gotten paid. Hazards of the job, I know but now they are beginning to be unresponsive, which makes me believe I’ve been scammed. As the articles are all my own words but not relevant to this blog, I’m now considering what to do with them.

I’ll definitely keep you posted about my adventures with freelancing. I really should stick to editing and the odd graphic design job.

Speaking of, I’m currently working on a few maps of the towns that feature in my novels in The Eldritch Series. If anyone is interested in seeing their own characters world come to life, let me know in the comments.

Using Facebook as an Indie Author

Posted on June 8, 2018June 8, 2018 by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

Facebook.

It’s a powerful tool. It can help you to promote your books and your author brand.

I find it one of the best ways to connect to other people in the writing community.

But knowing how to reach out to your audience on your Facebook page can be a little daunting at first.

So, here’s a few things you might like to think about when creating and growing your own Facebook page.

Know Your Audience

You have to know your audience. Who are your books aimed at? Genre? Age bracket? What makes your brand unique? All of these things matter. Don’t neglect them.

Be Responsive

It’s not just about writing posts it’s about engaging with the people who take the time to comment on those posts. You have to make connections.

Be Consistent

There’s no real secret formula to posting on Facebook pages. Although, I do suggest posting no more than three times a day. Anymore than that and you risk annoying those who have taken the time to like your page.

It’s not rocket science, but these are definitely the best ways to build your brand. I don’t personally pay to boost content on my Facebook author page, but through networking with Facebook groups, and other indie authors who’s pages interest me, I’ve managed to build a page with over 2,500 likes.