new blog – Becky Wright ~ Gothic Writer

Today sees the release of the much-anticipated new fantasy novel from Julia Blake. ‘The Forest – a tale of old magic’, is available in gorgeous paperback and download from Amazon. Congratulations, Julia x

The Forest “I met a man made of leaves, with roots for hair, who looked at me with eyes that burnt like fire.”

An impenetrable forest that denies entry to all but a select few. A strange and isolated village, whose residents never leave. A curse that reappears every generation, leaving death and despair in its wake.

What is lurking at the heart of the Forest? When the White Hind of legend is seen, the villagers know three of its young people will be left dead, victims of a triangle of love, murder and suicide.

This time, Sally, Jack and Reuben have been selected, and it’s their turn to be tormented by long-buried jealousies, aroused by the dark entity existing within its shadowy glades. Only by confronting the Forest’s secrets, can they hope to break the curse and change their destinies – if they have the courage.

Keeper of secrets. Taker of souls. Defender of innocence. Existing on the very edge of believing, there is the Forest. And this is its story…

All Julia’s books are available from Amazon.

I was born and raised in the lovely historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, where I live still with my daughter. I’m typical Cancer, in that although I like to visit new places and see new things, I’m always very pleased to get home again.

I’ve been writing ever since I was old enough to pick up a pen, writing plays for my friends to act out at break time. I attempted my first novel at age thirteen. Of course, due to my age and lack of experience, it was complete rubbish, although I have to say the plot wasn’t half bad, maybe one day I’ll dust it off and attempt a re-write.

I didn’t seriously write until my late thirties, when the stories in my head suddenly began demanding release and I started to write furiously. Over the next ten years, I wrote six complete novels, one 17,000 word novella, half a dozen or so short stories and many poems.

Finally, in 2014 I decided to do something with all these words and, a few months later, after considerable proofing and re-writing, The Book of Eve was published.

Julia Blake

The Book of Eve is available as Paperback & Kindle from Amazon.

“19-year-old Melissa doesn’t realise how bored she is with her dead-end life until she meets the beautiful renowned author, Annaliese, and her friends. Seduced by their easy glamour and apparently golden lifestyle, when an opportunity arises to become part of their charmed circle, Melissa desperately grabs it. However, she quickly suspects all is not as it seems within this beautiful world she now inhabits …”

Becoming Lili is available as Paperback & Kindle from Amazon.

“Never has an ugly duckling turned into such a beautiful swan… An ugly duckling girl, Phyllis is bullied viciously at school and is unloved at home, a lonely teenager, longing for so much more from life … Suddenly, a random encounter with a stranger offers her a chance to have it all …”

Lost & Found is available as Paperback & Kindle from Amazon.

“Arianna Santorini has had a hard life. Abandoned by her husband, left alone to raise their child for six long years, she’s made the best of things. Then, she meets Luke Blackwood. Initially, he seems perfect, strong, kind, understanding and loving, everything she could possibly want. But, Luke has a secret, he’s rich, very rich, and Arianna has a deep-seated prejudice against wealthy men …”

Fixtures & Fittings is available as Paperback & Kindle from Amazon.

“Book two in the fabulous Blackwood Clan saga, Fixtures & Fittings is Marcus’s story.
Rich, handsome, sophisticated, Marcus Blackwood has it all. Then tragedy turns his perfect life upside down, leaving him sole guardian of his young niece. Traumatised into selective muteness, Megan needs more than Marcus believes he can give her, but, what she needs most of all, is a home …”

Lifesong is available as Paperback & Kindle from Amazon.

“She came from a different place, a world living in harmony with the lifesong that flows through everything, connecting all to the great song of the universe. Suddenly, she’s trapped on our world, a place hell-bent on self-destruction, a place that destroys without thought, poisons its own water supply and pollutes the very air that it breathes …”

Eclairs for Tea and other stories is available as Paperback & Kindle from Amazon.

“Eclairs for Tea and other stories is a wonderful, eclectic, mix of short stories, flash fiction and poetry, to be dipped in and out of, and enjoyed at your own pace. Eclairs for Tea – There was something very important Kevin had told her not to forget. If only she could remember what it was …”

Erinsmore

Erinsmore is available as Paperback & Kindle from Amazon.

“All her life, Ruby has longed to escape. Her imagination fed by the Narnia books and Arthurian legends, she dreams of another world. Discovering the ancient prophecy stone in a Cornish antique shop, she and her cynical older sister, Cassie, suddenly find themselves in the mythical land of Erinsmore. A realm of swords, chivalry and magic, it is everything Ruby has been longing for, but, is a world poised on the brink of war … ”

Julia Blake links:

www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk

author thoughts

Fate or Folly?

Jun 17, 2018Sep 9, 2018 Becky Wright

Author Thoughts

Hello again, here you go, take your favourite chair and let’s enjoy coffee and a chat *sips coffee*

I have a thought for you to mull over. You may well have an immediate opinion or strong point of view. It’s one of those subjects *winks*

I’ve been thinking a lot over the past few days about fate, do I believe, or is it just a load of old phooey? A friend posed the question a little while ago and since then it’s been hovering in the back of my mind, pouncing to the forefront every so often. I think the trouble is, it can be quite a romantic notion, and if nothing, I am an old romantic in many ways.

How many books have you read where the plot line is very much ‘fated’ ‘written in the stars’ ‘meant to be’…? Perhaps it’s our need for a happily ever after, instilled into our subconscious by those childhood fairy tales. After all, the thought that out there, we all have someone waiting for us, our life paths being mapped out in front of us can be quite consoling, don’t you think? But in all honesty, do we actually believe it? Do our cynical brains kick in, that need to question everything, that need for free will, the fear that we have no control, or not being able to take anything on faith? So where do you fall, or are you sitting on the fence… Fate or folly?

Well, let me tell you a little story. Are you sitting comfortably *sips coffee and winks* then I’ll begin…

About 14 years ago, the days before this life, the days with another’s surname, I started writing a novel. It was not something I had planned on doing, I hadn’t been thinking of writing a book until that morning I woke up. You see, it was literally that quick, by the end of that first day the whole story plot had firmly established itself. Now all I had to do was write it! I hadn’t written a story since I was about ten or eleven, until that point my writing had been freelance, non-fiction for blogs, columns, and magazine articles, those factual pieces of writing a million miles from where I am today. I’m digressing *rolls eyes* Within a couple of days, I knew all the characters, all their physical attributes, needs, desires, all their little foibles… Including one particular character, a fair-haired, quiet soul, James Wright.

*grins* You can see where I’m going with this, right?

I finished writing my novel, having it published in 2008. Sadly, soon after my life crumbled drastically, with a complete crash, and I say completely in the fullest sense of the word; every aspect of my life changed. I found myself a single mother, needing to work fulltime, my writing career had gone straight out of the window. A year or so passed, having moved to a new location, I had a lovely new position as a hotel receptionist. I was revelling in all the newest. My second day I found myself looking up from my desk to see some lovely blue eyes gazing down at me. During this brief moment of exchange, the fair-haired chef placed his hand in mine, introducing himself as James Wright.

Now, I admit, it didn’t hit me, not then, my previous life had been firmly stashed away under strict lock and key. It wasn’t until almost a year later when ‘fate’ (did you see what I did there *giggles*) took a hand in matters and James and I moved into our own little cottage, that the similarity began to settle. Not only did he share the same name, but also the very same physical, emotional characteristics that I had bestowed upon my fictional James.

Now, the rest they say is history. Apart from adding that I republished the novel, Remember to Love Me in 2016, under my new name of Becky Wright.

I know, I know, I can hear your thoughts, it’s a case of coincidence, a curious case, a lovely romantic one, but a coincidence all the same. But is it? Do we sometimes have a tiny glimmer of our fate slice into our normal everyday life, every so often giving us a little glint of the future? It’s a lovely thought, and to be honest, I don’t really know where I stand… maybe I am just too happy to sit here on this proverbial fence, glancing over into the golden light fate has to offer, watching those shooting stars.

Sit back, another coffee? *offers a top-up* I’ll leave you to ponder… fate or folly?

Becky x

Fate or Folly.jpg

author thoughts, blog

Knowing your onions

Jun 2, 2018Jun 17, 2018 Becky Wright

Author Thoughts Hey, how are you? Good to see you back. Sit, sit, pull up a chair. Here *offers steaming mug* coffee’s ready.

So, I have a question for you. Have you ever pondered on the quirksome parallels between a delicious dish and a really good book?

No? Oh, just me then…?

Well, I am married to a Chef, a damn fine one too *swells with pride* It’s quite usual for us to while away long evenings in deep conversation, talking food, constructing dishes, especially if he’s writing a new menu, and likewise, books. It’s become quite apparent over the years, that writing is much like cooking. Our personalities are very similar, our creative brains work in much the same way.

My hubby has often said, “some great dishes start with an onion,” (of course, if its a dessert, maybe sugar, but let’s not get into the depths of pastry as that’s his forte, not mine. Though I make a mean bread pudding – Oh, I feel a foodie blog on the horizon.) *inspiration strikes* I digress. It happens. But let’s get back to those onions. When it comes to creating something to delight and digest, writing a book can be much the same as creating a dish.

Can choosing the right onion make or break a story? Perhaps. Let’s take that onion. A writer will peel it, layer after layer getting to the root of the plot until it’s ready, giving the story a well-seasoned, perfectly cooked base to add further ingredients – believable characters, realistic dialogue, atmospheric location. To be topped with the perfect garnish – a plot twist. Then serve it up on a well-chosen plate, the book cover. Voilà, bon appétit

I’ve spoken to many fellow writers over the years, and their ‘onion’ can vary greatly. Inspiration can come from anywhere, an overheard conversation, a location, a memory, a dream. All that’s needed to ignite that tiny spark, providing that starting point for the journey, taking it down a long winding path. Whether a cosy mystery with a variety of curious characters weaving the mystery plot among them or a 1940’s fast-paced, action-packed noir crime thriller, all their creators start with a base. This varying creative process is what makes writing so personal, so unique. Each writer works with their own personal method and style, in turn, allowing their individual voice to be heard, filling bookshelves with a diverse range of books.

So, this had me thinking, what’s my onion?

For me, it’s emotion, no matter what genre I’m writing. I am by nature an emotional soul, wearing my heart on my sleeve. What you see if what you get, as they say, *blushes*

My debut novel, Remember to Love Me, has a far gentler romantic taste than my later works, nevertheless, beneath the instant romantic essence, the emotions are darker, deep-rooted – need, desperation and grief. Again, with The Manningtree Account, and later with the extended edition, Daughters of the Oak, it’s the deep-seated character’s emotions that drive the story – fear, loathing, revenge. Without these emotions giving the characters dimension, drive and purpose, as plot-lead stories they could have easily wound-up bland and more ‘historical docudrama’ than fiction.

Is it the same for a reader?

I think so. Though most of us will read a spectrum of genres, it’s probable that most of us have our favourite go-to genre, maybe even a couple depending on our mood. That feast to nourishes our appetite, knowing it will satisfy, yet leaving us hungry for more. Our ‘comfort food’ books. Perhaps a favourite author with an ability to tantalise our taste buds, a writer who really ‘knows their onions’, presenting us with a perfectly ‘cooked’ book.

So, while you finish your coffee *takes a long sip*, I leave you to ponder, what’s your onion?

Becky x

author thoughts

News… News… News! ‘Author Thoughts’ is now LIVE

May 26, 2018Jun 17, 2018 Becky Wright

Author Thoughts Hello, one and all! *welcomes with open arms* Pull up a comfy chair, settle in your favourite spot. The coffee is hot, so let’s chat.

Over the past weeks, I’ve been putting some long-awaited plans in place for the new format for my writer’s Blog, with exciting new content… well, I’m pretty excited! It’s been a long time coming, due to big-world-adult-life-stuff with moving house, as well as an active-four-year-old, it had been put on hold. But, after making a few website tweaks, saying ‘What the hell!’ I’m throwing caution (and packing boxes) to the wind and shouting *grabs a megaphone* – it’s now a go-go-go!

So here, *sips coffee* let me unravel my thoughts to enlighten you on what’s to come. Scattered between my own ramblings (be prepared, there are some random ones), expressing my love for words and quotes, the ever-important book reviews, along with general writing inspirations, will be some guest chats, posts, interviews, as well as a few little extras… *rubs hands excitedly* the odd exclusive giveaway!

One thing I was adamant about, I didn’t want to throw out yet another writer’s blog with how-to content. There are many talented writers out there doing a supreme job, they really don’t need me adding to the pile. But what I did want to give you was something a little more diverse, a little more… well, me. And what I mean by diverse is that this is not only about writers but all creatives. Over the past few years, I have had a great pleasure getting to know and working with some fabulously talented artist from all different fields of creativity *bows down to greatness*

Whether your preferred choice of social media is Instagram, Facebook, Twitter… our media families are full of incredibly talented independent artist, crafters and designers. Who with hearts in mouths, have taken that giant leap of faith, spread their wings and… JUMPED into the whirlpool of small businesses. With this in mind, in addition to the regular Blog, I’ve added a website page ‘Guest Spotlight’ each month with a different creative in the spotlight. Some you may know, maybe some new introductions for you to discover. My mission is to celebrate the creative mind. Showcasing these incredible talents, whether their medium is prose, paint or print.

Be sure to take a look at this month’s guest, Julia Blake, author of the new fantasy novel, Erinsmore.

So, there you have it, the madness has begun… *laughs maniacally* Please don’t forget you can follow my blog, just click the button, and subscribe to all general news.

Enjoy your coffee, see you again soon, Becky x

Becky Wright - Author Thoughts, grab a Coffee — Pull up a comfy chair, settle in your favourite spot. The coffee is hot, so let’s chat.

Tag: new blog

Happy Release day – ‘The Forest’ by Julia Blake

Fate or Folly?

Knowing your onions

News… News… News! ‘Author Thoughts’ is now LIVE