Monday 30 January 2017

Weekly Round Up 30th January.


Monday morning again after an ‘interesting’ weekend to say the least. I’ve always been interested in politics, and I’m an historian by training, so let’s just say the current situation both fascinates and appals me, and I’m not going to apologise for writing my views here.

For the first time this weekend, I wrote to my MP with my views on the debate on Article 50 (Brexit), the ban on people from some countries entering the US, and a state visit from the 45th President to Britain. So far over a million people have signed the petition against the visit – not that this government would have the guts to stop him coming here – showing the strength of feeling here.

Back to the author stuff, last week was largely spent editing While You See a Chance, my older men story, which my editor pointed out was really the experience of three generations of gay men. I also have to decide on whether to do a development edit of another story. One of my betas also returned my MS for what is now called Two Highland Hearts, atm, and dealt with those. She says it’s a bit fluffy for me, but these days we all need a bit of fluff. I didn’t get much written on my WIP, but did add some extra plans to the story.

I’ve read some great books this week. Undertow by Jordan L Hawk gave the wonderful Maggie and Persephone a story. I am such a fan of the Whyborne and Griffin stories. I also read The Impossible Boy by Anna Martin which I enjoyed, and am reading Sight Unseen by Susan Mac Nicol, who has become an auto buy for me. Next up is Slade by Kade Boehme.

This week, I’m planning a third draft of Two Highland Hearts checking for the passive stuff and show and tell using Edit Minion, and hopefully some more writing of my WIP which is called Meeting on a Bus – holding title. I'm also looking forward to listening to the latest Torchwood audio from Big Finish - Torchwood One, Before the Fall with the wonderful voice of Gareth David Lloyd. Here's a lovely picture of my beloved Ianto Jones.


That’s me for now. Have a good week everyone.

Monday 23 January 2017

Weekly round-up, 23rd January

             Morning, and welcome to the weekly round up from a foggy Lancashire.

Last week, for the first time in weeks, I hit my 5000 word target on my current WIP. I've now reached 15K and have found out more about my two MCs. I'm back to writing MCs in their 20s as that's how the story worked. I've no idea how long it will be.

We finished watching Ripper Street - my, that was dark, and for me, rewatching Class, the DW spin off, which I really enjoyed.

On the reading front, finished and enjoyed Switched by N.r. Walker and The Impossible Boy by Anna Martin. Now reading So this is Christmas by Josh Lanyon - loving being back with Adrien and Jake. and Undertow by Jordan L. Hawk, because I couldn't wait.

We've also begun the long sort out and declutter process in the hope that some time this year the bungalow will become a reality and not just a dream - two cupboards in the kitchen count, don't they?

Plans for this week will be dominated by edits for While You See a Chance, my older men story, and, hopefully, some more on my WIP. Oh, and there's also taking the cats for their annual boosters!

Have a good week, everyone.


Monday 9 January 2017

First round up of 2017 - 9th January

First update of 2017.

Sadly, I've been coughing and spluttering since Boxing Day and still am, although it is getting better gradually. I haven't done any writing but I did do the first pre beta edit of my Scottish cowboy story. I ended smiling so I suppose that's positive. Now off to a couple of readers. but if anyone else is interested, please let me know.

I've read and enjoyed a few stories Falling Down by Eli Easton, Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali, Straight by Seth King and Rejoice Dammit by Kaje Harper which had wonderful older MCs. If you're interested in finding out my favourite books from last year you can find the list here
http://alexamilne1234.blogspot.co.uk/…/my-favourite-books-o…

Favourites included stories by KJ Charles, Dan Skinner, Jordan L. Hawk and Avery Cockburn

Plans for this week include trying to get back into my current WIP and get some writing done. I also need to update my story spreadsheet as sadly I lost it when my last computer died. so I only have a version that's a year old, and I've written a bit since then. Next on my reading will hopefully be Wanted - A Gentelman by KJ Charles

Oh and I've been a good citizen and filled in my tax return with my huge extra income from writing! Still, it was more than the year before, and I am lucky enough to be able to do without.

Happy New Year everyone and fingers crossed for 2017.

Oh and you can still get the whole of the Call of Home series for less than £10 if you've vouchers to spend. And the price of Comfort Zone has been reduced. This is the follow up to Sporting Chance.