Staying focused

Hello my friends. I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately, as you might know. I’ve actually finished the first book in my Human Nature, Thriller series. It is a true first draft. It’s ugly, but the bones are there. I just have to clean it up, a lot. 

I’ve been so excited with this series that I started immediately with book two. But then, the strangest thing happened, which never usually happens. I started getting ideas, and scenes for future books of this series started flooding my mind, and I found myself jumping back and forth writing scenes from different books. It was like all writing inspiration I’ve been lacking over the years came rushing back all at once and I went into a writing frenzy. Sometimes writing 8 hours a day. Losing lots of sleep, but the writing had to get out of my head. It was flooding my brain and I couldn’t focus on anything than these books. 

Because my depression and Fibromyalgia (despite which I am permanently on medication for) plays havoc on my short term memory, I didn’t want to take the chance I might forget anything so I wrote it down immediately. Upsetting my nearest and dearest, but I had to get it out. It would play havoc with my sleep if I didn’t get it out. But I got most of it down. My sister wanted me to dictate most of my thoughts, and I will do that from now on, but then I forget the emotions and possible dialogue I had in my mind for a specific scene. 

So now I have a half written book here, a few scenes there and so forth. But I won’t give this flood of inspiration up for anything. The quiet and isolation of the extreme South African lockdown and that of the world did wonders for me. It rebooted my brain and made me whole again. It gave me a reprieve of all the noise (figurative) that I’ve been experiencing over the years. The human race were all just trying to survive. Nobody focused on war, or which celebrity was sleeping with whom. People all around could relate what was going on with one another, as we were all experiencing the same thing. It’s just such a relief for the mind and soul.

I’ve decided that I’ll try and do such an isolation once or twice a year. Even if it’s just for a week, or a few days. I just need this to survive in this crazy over crowded world with all its insanity, and new technologies popping up all the time, for the long term. I’m deeply introverted, so this type of Isolation suits me perfectly. Do all my shopping online and avoid most people all together sounds like a dream.

How do you recharge your batteries? Does your senses get overloaded quickly? How do you focus in this noisy world?

Music speaks to my soul

Hey friends. I don’t know if I ever mentioned this little fact about me, but I love music. I can’t live without it. As in my previous post, the lockdown had me fall in love with music all over again. For some time I’ve been so stressed, that during work the thought of playing music to help me cope, didn’t naturally occur to me. I just though it’s a personal pleasure, I can’t possibly listen to it when working, like when we are working on orders, or stocktaking and so forth. I don’t know why I thought that way. I guess it doesn’t matter anymore.

 But like most things, I like various types of music. From rock and metal to classical and non-lyrical music. I will listen to most kinds of music and each moves me in a different way and evokes different kinds of emotions. These days I need the mood of music to match that of the book I am writing. I actually did research on which songs were the saddest, so I could write certain scenes in the book, and it did the trick. I actually created a playlist. On it were songs like Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton, Knocking on Heaven’s door by Bob Dylan, and I’ve always found that most of Johnny Cash’s music is sad, so I listened to a lot of him. Certain scenes are gruesome and I needed music to get me in sort of a frenzy, or should I say made me feel bad-ass and for me there’s nothing like Metallica or Marilyn Manson. So I’ve been enjoying my writing again.

 Do you listen to music when you write? What kind of music do you listen to?

Lockdown helped me write

During the lockdown in South Africa (Level 5) the country came to a standstill. The whole world for that matter, as certain countries were more affected than others at the time. It’s still a crisis over most of the world, but those 5 weeks, where everything came to a standstill, was the best thing for me and my brain.

It sounds like a horrible thing to say. But for me it was as if I could think clearly. My senses get overloaded very quickly. I actually had energy for the first time in a longtime. There were less people  around. It was quiet, literally, and figuratively. It felt like I could breathe for the first time in a long time. That my brain and energy levels could recharge.

So much so that the writing started to flow, and I could actually start working on my new series. It will be a series of crime thrillers focused on catching dangerous serial killers on New Eden. A world where the remaining humans had to relocate after we killed Earth. It is like nothing I have ever written before. But it is exciting. I am a huge fan of crime fiction, mystery, as well as thrillers. I read various genres so it is in my nature to want to diversify on the genres I write. And these books are where my heart and focus is right now.

I felt like all was right in the world during that time. I could focus. My senses were alive again, and able to function as they should. And pouring my imagination and emotions out on the page. It felt so natural.

How are you doing?

Look what I bought myself for my birthday

It is the 19th day of what would have been our 21 day lockdown. The South African lockdown has been extended for another 2 weeks, until the end of April.

I realize that the world is going crazy and that everyone is scared. But all that you can control is how you and your family stay safe. I’m not going to lie. Every time I leave the house I am scared I might get infected, or worse, pick up Covid-19 and bring it home for my family as a present.

But I think there is enough crazy going on. We need some new and fun things to do. Well, I’ve been doing a lot of reading. I bought myself these for my birthday.

Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton

I enjoyed this book so much. I enjoy reading about history and mythology, and this book is about the documented tales of Ibn Fadlan as taken from his manuscript. It starts a bit slow but it is very exciting. This book was worth every penny.

I became obsessed with finding this book after watching 13th warrior. I really enjoyed this movie, and still do. Michael Crichton disapproved of the film version, so obviously I wanted to read his original. Both the book and movie are so enjoyable. Give me anything about Vikings and I’m happy.

I have been looking for a used copy of this book for more than 10 years. I tried to purchase a new one for the past 5 years, but the bookshops and online stores in South Africa couldn’t get me one. So I finally bought a copy from Amazon. The only reason I never buy from Amazon is because how expensive shipping is. It is almost the same price as the actual product.

 Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

There is such honesty and truth in her work. So much of her experiences I can relate to. If you don’t mind digging deep into your own soul and having her words take you on a journey, then please do try this one. Loved it.

 

The Sun and her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

I was first introduced to Rupi’s poetry by my cousin. She had lent me The Sun and her Flowers a few years ago, and I loved Rupi’s way with words and her illustrations. When I finally had the money I just had to buy my own copy. Trust me, her words are so powerful. Loved this one too.

New Writing Desk

This post is a bit late. But I wanted to share my Christmas/ Birthday gift from my brother and his wife.

This is my new writing desk, and what I like is that there is space for me to place my laptop and my notes. I don't know about you, but I never seem to have enough space when I'm writing. It helps that there are two small shelves for storage.

So dear friends. What is your writing space like, and do you always lack space when actually writing?

The Executioner is now available

It’s here! It’s here! It’s finally here!

The Executioner is now available at all your major e-book stores. Here are just a few links: Amazon * Smashwords * Other 

It only took me five years to get here. There were times I really doubted myself, and my writing ability, but this fantastic blogging community always cheered me on, and believed in me. Thank you, my friends.


As previously discussed, I won't be doing all the marketing I did last time. Aside for showing off my books one my social media pages, I'm not going to bother with much else. I'm just going to focus on my next book. 

The Executioner

The past is never too far behind, or as innocent as it may seem.

Claire’s past is rearing its ugly head and threatening her life.

Alex has a love from his past who might wreck his future. New challenges are thrown their way can end both their lives, and that of those they love.

Most writers always have such nice custom images of their books. So I thought I would give it a try. 

Another Angel Departs

On 10 January 2020 another one of my baby’s left this world. Her name was Abby and she was only a few months away from turning 13 years old. She was a beautiful soul, and my best friend. Even though she was my sister’s dog, I helped raise her since she was a pup, and helped take care of her until her dying day. 

As you know, I always talked about being a full-time babysitter, not just for Abby, but my brother’s dog, as well as my own. I big hole is left in our hearts. She had such a big personality, and everyone who met her couldn’t help but love Abby. She was just the most lovable character.

I will love you always.