4 Writing Lessons From These TV Shows

TV shows are generally assumed to be a source of entertainment. We watch to relax and have fun, and it's wonderful. But I strongly believe that TV shows can teach us something, too - not just from the fictional stories playing out on our screens, but from the writing and production of the show itself. For writers, TV shows are a goldmine. I am constantly learning so much from them.

Today I've chosen to focus on one aspect of each of the below shows for their writing tips. These are TV shows that have personally taught me something about writing. Hope you enjoy the post!

3 Netflix Shows You Need To Binge Watch

In desperate need of a new series to binge? I have you covered with these recent Netflix releases!

Each one irresistible in its own way, the shows below present very different but equally enticing stories, characters, and themes. I hope that at least one of them piques your interest!

5 Story Elements I Love To Write

It's been a while since I've shared a writing-related post, so here's one for today! As I'm sure is the case for most writers, there are some story elements that will pop up in every book we write. Themes, ideas, trends.....aspects of story we always go back to. Here are 5 that can be found in every WIP of mine...

How To Get People To Read Your Blog Posts

We've all been there. We write what we think is a brilliant post, something we're incredibly proud of, and no one reads it. Worse, no one even comments. And we feel like failures. 

Sharing your post around the web is a topic for another post, but today this one is all about the little ways we can attract people to our blog posts. Ways we can get them to click and read.

I hope you find these methods helpful :) At least a little bit!

Blog Tour and Review: BRIGHT BURNING STARS - by A.K. Small

Happy Wednesday! Today I'm thrilled to be participating in the blog tour for Bright Burning Stars. Read on for my review and some more info about this debut YA novel...

Characters That Remind Me Of Myself

To give credit where credit's due, this post topic came from That Artsy Reader Girl for the Top Ten Tuesday prompt. I only saw the posts circulating the blogosphere when it was too already too late to join in Top Ten Tuesday, so that's why this post isn't up on a Tuesday ;)

Here are six characters that strongly remind me of myself...

2 Mini Film Reviews: ROBIN HOOD (2018) and A STAR IS BORN (2018)

Robin Hood (2018)

Director: Otto Bathurst. 
Cinematography: George Steel. 
Score: Joseph Trapanese.
Screenplay: Ben Chandler and David James Kelly.
Cast: Taron Edgerton / Jamie Foxx / Jamie Dornan / Ben Mendelson / Eve Hewson. 
Triggers/Content Advisory: PG13 for violence.
Source: Rented.

A war-hardened Crusader and his Moorish commander mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt English crown.

THE LOST FLOWERS OF ALICE HART - by Holly Ringland

Goodreads | Book Depository
Published: March 2018 - Harper Collins. 
Genres: Adult / contemporary / drama.  
Pages: 400.
Triggers/Content Advisory: Child abuse / strong sexual innuendos / physical and emotional abuse. 
Format: Paperback.
Source: Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan SA for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read & reviewed this copy. All thoughts are my own.

When tragedy changes her life irrevocably, nine-year-old Alice Hart goes to live with the grandmother she never knew existed, on a native flower farm that gives refuge to women who, like Alice, are lost or broken. In the Victorian tradition, every flower has a meaning and, as she settles into her new life, Alice uses this language of flowers to say the things that are too hard to speak.

As she grows older, though, family secrecy, a devastating betrayal, and a man who's not all he seems combine to make Alice realise there are some stories that flowers alone cannot tell. If she is to have the freedom she craves, she must find the courage to possess the most powerful story she knows: her own.

RUN AWAY - by Harlan Coben

Goodreads | Book Depository
Published: April 2019 - Century.
Genres: Adult / contemporary / mystery / thriller.  
Pages: 384.
Triggers/Content Advisory: Violence / sexual innuendos / themes of rape and sexual abuse. 
Format: Paperback.
Source: Thank you so much to Penguin Random House SA for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read & reviewed this copy. All thoughts are my own.

You've lost your daughter. She's addicted to drugs and to an abusive boyfriend. And she's made it clear that she doesn't want to be found. Then, quite by chance, you see her busking in New York's Central Park. But she's not the girl you remember. This woman is wasted, frightened and clearly in trouble. You don't stop to think. You approach her, beg her to come home. She runs. And you follow her into a dark and dangerous world you never knew existed. Where criminal gangs rule, where drugs are the main currency, and murder is commonplace.

Now it's your life on the line. And nowhere and no one is safe.

SEEKER (Keeper #2) - by Kim Chance

Goodreads | Book Depository
Published: September 2019 - Flux Books.
Genres: Young adult / urban fantasy / romance. 
Pages: 400.
Triggers/Content Advisory: Violence. 
Format: ARC eBook.
Source: Netgalley. I voluntarily read & reviewed this copy. All thoughts are my own.

Lainey’s normal, bookworm life no longer exists. With her family murdered by the Master, she joins forces with a group of Supernatural rebels. But as she struggles to cope with her new role as Keeper and the uncontrollable power it gives her, Lainey realizes that magic does indeed leave a mark—but it’s not always physical.

Ty isn’t one of the good guys. He’s done terrible things, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants. Even if it hurts. Even if it means betraying the girl he loves…again.

For Maggie, all her comic book dreams have come true, and her new life as a Shifter is just beginning. But with war closing in, is it truly a dream or a death sentence?

In the ultimate battle for power, Lainey, Ty, and Maggie must face-off against the Master, and work together to discover the greatest weapon of all.

Seek and you will find. 

April Wrap-Up: The One With The Exam

We're almost halfway through the year! I'm so excited for May because A) it's almost winter and I love love love winter and B) it's my birthday month. I've also managed to do some things in April I was dreading (but now am proud of) so I'm glad to put it behind me.