#TeaserTuesday

Jonah knows there are answers out there, and he'll go looking no matter the cost...

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[ID: A blue double helix background with the title INVISIBLE at the top and Coming November 14th 2023 just below the title. The except reads:

I swallowed down the lump in my throat. I had so many questions, but it occurred to me that it was probably not the place to be asking them. I glanced at Jackson, locked eyes with him and saw that same fear reflected back at me.
Neither one of us had all the answers, but we both had questions. And if no one else was going to look for the truth, then I would.
No matter the consequences.

At the bottom is Joey Paul and just below that the website www.joeypaulonline.com,and in the bottom right corner is the logo for Bug Books. END ID]

 

Deciding When To Write - The Creative Process

DECIDING WHEN TO WRITE

I talked last week about deciding where to write (found here), and I thought that this week I would tackle the next big one and talk about finding that time to write. I've been someone who's written in the wee hours, the middle of the day, and into the dark hours too. I've had a schedule that means I can, mostly, fit writing in where I wish to, and go from there.

That said, I know that I am extremely lucky to have this as my only job. My writing is the only thing I have to focus on, and while, for full transparency, it doesn't pay me to write full time, it's something I have to be clear on because that obviously gives me a completely different experience to those who are doing writing on the side and/or have other big commitments.

But with that noted, I thought that I would give you some thoughts on how to make that decision about when the ideal time to write is. As I said last week, comfort is very much key to the where, and it also plays a part in the when!

#1: SLEEP AND MORE
I've been someone who has a very messed up sleep schedule. Some nights I'm in bed by 4pm and other nights it's slightly later. I will say that I've also, over my writing journey, slept in late, gotten up early and then napped and all of the things in between. If you're someone who's naturally a morning person, then this one seems obvious, choosing a time when you're at your best is key, and while it's not always possible to do so, you should stick as close to it as you can.

Like I do my writing, and other work, in the wee hours, because I'm awake, functioning and, usually, at my best. It allows me to really dig into the work and not have to worry about anyone interrupting me (bar the kitties) and really just lose myself in the words. So if you're someone who could do okay with rising an hour or half an hour earlier than usual, then yes this is an easier one from you.

Of course if you're not, then working late at night is an option for you, and all of those other options in between. The important thing to remember is that you need your sleep, especially for the things coming up in the second point, but if you can manage say one hour every evening three times a week, and you think it won't have a negative impact on you, then it's a good idea to go for that.

#2: COMMITMENTS AND TIME SUCKS
And now we get to the big one, the things that everyone has, but to varying degrees. When Mx. K was younger, mine was doing the school run. Like it didn't matter if I wanted to write early, I couldn't because they needed to be at school and all of that at a certain time and I was, in those days, not a morning person.

Like I mentioned above, I don't have a day job beyond writing, so for me it's easier to slot my work and writing into my time wherever I see fit. But that's not the case for a lot of people. People have work, they have commitments, they have a house to keep clean and chores to do. They can't just say that they'll write every day at this time, because life has a way of throwing up curveballs when you least expect it.

So my biggest suggestion has to be to try and work out an ideal time, that perfect day as it were, and keep as close to that as you're able without stressing yourself out, or dropping the ball when it comes to other life stuff, and I wish you the best of luck with it, because I remember how hard it was in those days when Mx. K was a lot younger.

So yeah, deciding when to write is a lot about carving out the time you have and making it work for you. It's good to be somewhat flexible but I also know that doesn't always happen, and sometimes your writing does go by the wayside and that's okay.

Any questions? Lemme know in the comments!

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Review of Of Curses & Beauty by Elle Backenstoe

One curse to bring them together.

One kiss to tear them apart.

All her life, Alaine has suffered the weight of her beauty and she is tired of it. When an unexpected debt threatens her family, Alaine is urged to accept a lucrative marriage to her worst nightmare. She flees to the nearby forest and encounters a witch that offers to help her. The last thing Alaine expects is to be taken away, stripped of her beauty, and abandoned at a curious cottage with no way out.

Daric has been cursed for centuries when a strange young woman wanders into his secluded corner of the woods, claiming to be a lost beauty. For years, his only goal had been to escape the enchanted cottage and exact revenge against the witch that ensnared him. But sharing his curse with Alaine might not be so bad, especially if she’s the one that can break it.

Daric yearns to see them both free. Alaine knows her family is counting on her, but as her reluctant friendship with Daric blossoms into something more, she must decide if saving her parents is worth losing him and returning to the marriage she escape.

 

Amazon

My Review: 5 STARS

I picked this up looking for a nice fairytale retelling, and was not disappointed. While the story was known to me, this was a unique spin on it that allowed you to get lost in the pages, hoping for the ending you wanted. The characters were engaging and relatable and they allowed you to ease into the plot, while knowing that things would not go easily for these characters. I adored the world, adored the twists and turns the story took me down and ended up finishing it in one sitting because I had to know if there would be that happy ending. Very much recommended!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

 

Novel News: What's Coming 2024?

Telling you all about what's coming from me novel wise in 2024! #Authortube

 

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#TeaserTuesday

Life has drastically changed for everyone, but Jonah doesn't have the first clue what happens next...

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“You changed your tune, thought you thought this was all a waste of time?” I said, glancing at Jackson.
“I think, Jonah, that a lot of what they're doing is a waste of time. I think if they want us, want the segment, to rise again, we need help. It's not just having the survivors doing this or that, we need outside help. We need to know where the bombs came from, who made the virus and whether there is a cure. We need to know if this was an act of terror, or a declaration of war. Our next step as a segment depends on knowing the answers to those questions.”

At the bottom is Joey Paul and just below that the website www.joeypaulonline.com,and in the bottom right corner is the logo for Bug Books. END ID]

 

Deciding Where To Write - The Creative Process

DECIDING WHERE TO WRITE

I thought that I would start a new series talking about the where, when, how and such of writing. I've have been someone who's written in an number of different places, including bed, coffee shops, my desk, as well as on trains, in hotels, and all of that. I feel like a lot of the time the emphasis is placed very much of how much you write rather than maybe having a think about where is comfortable for you to write.

If you're new to writing, you might find yourself thinking that all you have to think about is putting words on the page, and while that's true, sometimes solving the issue of where you write is a good way to ensure that you consistently show up to put those words on the page. Like I said, I've gone between places. When I was first starting out at nineteen, I wrote at a table in the living room, and I did it by hand (which I'll discuss in another piece) and then typed things up in the evening at my desk in my tiny room. That remained the case for a number of years because laptops and the like either didn't exist or were too expensive for me to own.

So I thought I would give you some tips on how you decide and find that place to write that is just right for you and your way of working. Some of them might not apply to you or might not work for you, and that's okay, everyone is different, and everyone approaches writing differently.

#1: COMFORT IS KEY
The one big thing, for me at least, about deciding where I'm going to write, is knowing that wherever that may be, I have to be comfortable. Otherwise I'm going to be shifting and moving and just not want to write a single word. It's one of the reasons that I've written in bed on bad days because that is the only way for me to be physically comfortable, and of course if you're not, it has an impact on your writing.

So when it comes to making that decision about where to write, keep in mind that you're going to be there for a while. Even if you're a super fast writer, it's going to be a position and place you'll be in for a session of writing at least. I don't mean that you have to sit there for however long it takes to write 10K words, but that if you're wanting to sit in a coffee shop, for example, you want to be able to actually get something done, so it makes sense to have a comfortable chair, not be too hold/cold and just be able to somewhat relax into what you're doing.

#2: ATMOSPHERE MATTERS
Going back to that coffee shop, if you're someone who has their own playlist while they write, then so long as you have headphones and the like, then you're golden to set that atmosphere. However, if, like me, you're someone who prefers mostly silence, then a coffee shop isn't going to bring you into that good place to actually write.

I've written in them before, and this was also before I had good noise cancelling headphones, and while I did manage to get something done, it felt like my focus was all over the place and whatever I did manage to write could've been better. Atmosphere surrounding your writing time is a very important thing. For some people they want to be able to write in loose fitting clothes and while it might be possible to do this in public, it would not be something everyone would be okay with. So be sure to keep that in mind, think about what you like to do, and how your comfort is measured, so that you can be sure you have the right setting and atmosphere to help you get in those words.

#3: TIMING CAN HELP
I will be doing a piece on when to write, but for now I'll keep this short and sweet. In deciding where to write, and assuming that somewhere is out of your house, you need to be thinking about the timing of it all. Like certain days of the week, bookshop cafes and the like are quieter than during others. If you need more silence or even that playlist to be able to really work, then you're not going to want to be there during the height of after school play, because that will put a dampener on your time.

So be aware of the timing, even if you don't think it matters all that much, just keep in mind that choosing the right time can be a good thing when it comes to getting the right place as well.

So there we go, my three big things when it comes to choosing where to write. I've been lucky enough to have my own office the past decade or so which makes my life a whole lot easier, and while I do write, sometimes, but rarely, out of the house, it's nice to know that it's an option should I choose to do so.

Any questions? Lemme know in the comments!

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Review of Mindquake by Nissa Harlow

If you’re trying to save the world, skip the corset.

I’ve spent the last few months trying to recover from my break with reality. There’s no such thing as zombies. Or dragons. Or annoyingly cute boys who offer rides and cold drinks. Cash Lincoln was a pretty convincing figment of my imagination… but that’s all he was.

So imagine my dismay when I run into him on a school camping trip.

When my classmate can actually see and interact with Cash, though, I have to come to a quick realization that maybe I haven’t been as detached from reality as I thought. Which is easier said than done when I’m plunged into yet another surreal scenario, this time involving murder, an airship war, and really uncomfortable boots.

Cash isn’t who I thought he was. Apparently, I’m not who I thought I was. And now I have to make a decision that could affect the rest of my life. The choice should be easy.

So why do I not know what I want to do?

Amazon

My Review: 5 STARS

I dived into this book after finishing book two and was delighted by the answers that were dotted through the pages. Sadie is so relatable and an amazing character and Lincoln/Cash is just the perfect foil to her. I was so caught up in this book that I almost missed my dinner, and just couldn’t help but keep turning the pages to find out what happened next. Harlow has once again woven the perfect story into a short book, giving you all the emotional beats at just the right time. It was a delightful read and one that I very much enjoyed. Recommended!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

5 Ways To Promote Yourself [CC]

 

Giving you 5 tips and ways to promote yourself! #Authortube

 

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#TeaserTuesday

Zya doesn't know how to explain what's happened to Lena, it just all too much...

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[ID: A blue double helix background with the title INVISIBLE at the top and Coming November 14th 2023 just below the title. The except reads:

I let out a small sigh as I kept my gaze on her. “At least fifty percent of the segment are dead, and that number will probably rise as they clear the central area where the majority of the bombs fell.”
Lena flinched as she took in my words. I didn't need to tell her that her parents were included in that number, she could probably see it written all over my face.
“And the rest?” she asked, her voice a little shaky.
“Anyone who was affected by the virus slipped into a coma. If they woke up, they’ve developed some long lasting condition. The medical staff has been whittled down, succumbing one-by-one."

At the bottom is Joey Paul and just below that the website www.joeypaulonline.com,and in the bottom right corner is the logo for Bug Books. END ID]

 

5 Facts About My Current WIP: DIsability Detectives: The Spanish Stalker

5 FACTS ABOUT MY CURRENT WIP: DISABILITY DETECTIVES: THE SPANISH STALKER

Last week I talked about my other WIP (found here) and this week I thought I would give you five facts about this WIP. It's the third in a series and the two posts on the others in the series can be found here and here. I have to say that I have been loving getting to spend more time in this series. It's a callback to those stories I wrote at the start of my writing journey that were usually just a plain old mystery/thriller book. I had the idea for Disability Detectives, and I wanted to carry it through to a whole series.

So for those who haven't read the linked posts, or for those who have and just want a refresher, lemme fill you in on this series. Again, I'm limited in what I can say because of spoilers, this being the third in the series, but I do think it's one that brings it's own threads to the series as a whole.

Disability Detectives is a young adult crime/mystery series. It deals with Veronica, who's fifteen and her friends, Daisy, Jake, and Malik. They all have some kind of chronic illness and/or disability and attend Rosewood which is a boarding school mostly for those with disabilities and additional needs. Veronica and her friends have been involved in solving a few crimes at the school, and the third book is no exception. While there's been a murder, and a thief, this book is a little more low stakes, but still a fun time!

FACT #1: VERONICA HAS PLANS FOR THIS TERM
While Veronica is pretty sure that there is bound to be some kind of mystery playing out when she arrives back after half-term, she's also of the belief that she has her own goals to achieve. With Hilary joining their close-knit group, and Daisy's reported crush on someone, Veronica wants to meddle somewhat and get the two lovebirds together, even if all she seems to do is make a mess of things. She knows that Daisy wouldn't appreciate the help, but that's what you do for your best friend, right?

FACT #2: LOVE IS IN THE AIR
At the end of book two, Jake and Malik finally admitted their feelings for each other, and though Malik has his reasons for wanting to keep the relationship from his parents, that doesn't really stop them from being goofy and in love while at school. Of course, that also is impacted by the fact that someone else is pretty sure that Jake is their soul mate and won't let anyone get in the way of their goal, to tell him the truth and get to be with him themselves.

FACT #3: THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME CROSSED-WIRES SOMEWHERE
Veronica and the others are of course exceptionally happy for their friends, but while Veronica finds out about the stalker before anyone else, it feels like that's all for the wrong reasons. Jake doesn't tell anyone to begin with, but when that stalker seems to blame Veronica personally for keeping Jake away from them, it feels like someone somewhere thinks she's the reason Malik and Jake are together.

FACT #4: SCHOOL GETS IN THE WAY OF EVERYTHING ELSE
As with most mysteries, and with most things, even at a boarding school, the amount of work piled onto their shoulders, Veronica especially finds it hard to keep on top of keeping her friends safe and happy, playing cupid for Daisy and also getting the chance to maybe stay ahead of the deadlines and actually get her homework done. After everything that happened before, with the thief caught, the murderer sentenced, you'd think Veronica would get a break, but no such luck.

FACT #5: VERONICA ISN'T SURE THAT THINGS ARE AS OKAY AS PEOPLE SAY
She has always been the protector of the group, and while everyone is aware just how much she's struggling, she can't help but be happy in that role. She doesn't want things to change, and she wants to make sure her friends are as okay as they can be. Of course with her parents doing a complete 180, she's not sure she can trust in that either. Her friends might be doing okay, but she's barely holding her head above water and she's not sure what she can do about that.

So there we go, those are five facts about this WIP. Like I said, I've been loving getting to go back to plain ole mystery, and adoring the way these books have nicely come together. I love the dynamic between Veronica and her friends and getting to just dive into their stories.

Any questions? Lemme know in the comments!

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Review of Fake Dating The Football Player by Sarah Sutton

Who knew fake dating the quarterback would be the key to the life I’ve always wanted?

I've always known I want to skip town when I turned eighteen.

My goal is to buy a van, make it livable, and spend the next year of my life on the road until I find someplace to settle for good. After being voted Most Likely To: Never Get A Boyfriend by the popular crowd at school, I’m ready to say bye-bye to mean girls, gossips, and bad memories, and hello to a fresh start by leaving Brentwood in the rearview mirror.

But then I'm forced to move in with my uncle, my cousin buys the van I had my eyes on, and suddenly my freedom is now a graduation present held hostage until the end of the school year.

There is one way to turn the situation around, though… and that’s to fake date the shy, quiet, emotionally reserved Brentwood High star quarterback, Landon Settler.

If I can convince my cousin that I’m in love, he’ll give me the van early, and my escape plan is back on. Landon’s the perfect fake dating partner—he's voted Most Likely To: Never Get A Girlfriend by his friends, he doesn't talk back, and I’ll help him make the girl he likes jealous while he turns into my one-way ticket to freedom. And unlike anyone else in the popular crowd, he’s actually a little fun to be around.

I just have to last until homecoming and not catch feelings for the freckled boy that blushes way too easily.

But as we're continually forced to put on a lovey-dovey show for his friends—and get caught in increasingly compromised positions—keeping my feelings in check, and my eyes on the freedom prize, becomes easier said than done.

 

Amazon

My Review: 5 STARS

I have been a fan of Sarah Sutton for a while and when this came up for pre-order, I knew I had to have it. I fell into the pages within an hour of it arriving on my kindle and I was lost for the next day because I had to know how Lacey and Landon’s story was going to play out and end. The whole thing was gorgeously written, with relatable characters and that beautiful way Sutton has for making them feel real and like you’re watching it all play out in front of you. I loved the twists, loved the way the story came together and that POV from Landon’s side just made the book all the more enjoyable! Very much recommended!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

Life Of Joey - October 2023 [CC]

Giving you all the details about what I've been up to this past month! #Authortube

 

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#TeaserTuesday

The hits just keep on coming...

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[ID: A blue double helix background with the title INVISIBLE at the top and Coming November 14th 2023 just below the title. The except reads:

“It's a long story, Jonah,” Jackson said, swallowing thickly. “You asked about your mum?”
“Yeah, but only because I heard her calling me,” I said with a smile as I turned to look back to where I thought she'd been. There was no one there. No hand in mine other than Jackson's. “Where did she go?”
“Jonah, you've been out for a day or so. I'm so sorry, but your mum died from the virus about three hours after we arrived here.” Jackson squeezed my hand.

At the bottom is Joey Paul and just below that the website www.joeypaulonline.com,and in the bottom right corner is the logo for Bug Books. END ID]

 

 

5 Facts About My Current WIP: Viral Infection

5 FACTS ABOUT MY CURRENT WIP: VIRAL INFECTION

It's that time again when I've recently started two new projects and so I come and tell you 5 facts about each other them. Both of them this time are book in a series, so there'll be limits on how much I can share because of spoilers, but that said, I'm happy to be diving into them today.

The first one of these posts is about the second book in the Virals series, Viral Infection. For those who haven't read the facts about the first book, you can find it here, and for those who want a refresher, lemme just give you the basics of what this book, and this series, which is a young adult dystopian, are about.

Nia is sixteen, a twin, and growing up in a futuristic England where a virus has pushed the Powers into keeping people living in pods. There are only ever six people to a pod, and you, usually, grow up with your parent(s) and then are matched anywhere from the ages of fourteen upwards, to someone who you will start a family with and move into your own pod. Once you leave your home pod, you never speak, nor see, those people again. Nia started the first book in her home pod with her twin, Neema, and then was soon ejected and off on our own adventures. Everything is controlled by smart watches that make sure you stay healthy, stay free of the virus, and also are monitored with everything you do.

Book two picks up directly following the events of Viral Detection, and like I said above, limited in what I can say because of spoilers, but we're in for a bumpy ride. I've been loving getting to explore the world I created all over again and getting to know the characters and the like and how they would react in this situation and any others I might throw at them!

FACT #1: THE POWERS WILL DO ANYTHING TO GET THEIR HANDS ON NIA
Nia has grown up in this world. She's used to the Powers being the final say on a lot of things. The issue is that until recently, she never really had a reason to fear them. After all, they were the reason the population had survived and still thrived under the rules. It made sense to trust in them, and given that all the adults in her life had done the same, it's not really all that surprising that she's followed the rules. Of course, the more she discovers about the truth behind the Powers, the more she realises that, to them, she is an asset that they can't afford to lose.

FACT #2: NIA WILL DO ANYTHING TO SAVE HER TWIN
Neema is Nia's identical twin. They have grown up together, and even with the events that pulled Nia from her home pod, she never really believed the lies she was told about Neema. Now that she's out of pod life, tracking through the wilds, she's not really sure of many things other than she will stop at nothing to save Neema, whatever that takes, even if it means sacrificing herself.

FACT #3: THOSE WHO SEEM LIKE ALLIES CAN TURN QUICKLY
While Nia had to grow up quickly, and make sure that she was confident in her choices, she did make allies, and she did learn that sometimes those allies can't be trusted. That said, she never expected things to turn the way they have, or for things to get as dicey as they are now. Nia will do anything to save Neema, but she doesn't yet realise the depth of the choices she will be forced to make, and that those around her may not be all they claim to be.

FACT #4: NIA IS FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT THE POWERS AND WHAT THEY STAND FOR
Growing up, Nia never had any reason to question the way the Powers ran things. She trusted in them completely because they had the ability to govern, and save the population. However since she was ejected, that trust has been eroded and now that she's without a pod to call her own, the truth about life in the wilds, for the Unknowns has eaten away at what the truth according to the Powers actually is.

FACT #5: NIA IS HOLDING ON BY A THREAD
So much has happened in the past few months, so many changes, and so many things have switched from a life of safety and security, to the life that she lives now. Nia has to save Neema, but maybe Neema should be the one saving their sister. Nia's not used to asking for help, she's not used to having to stand on her own, and while life in Hail's pod taught her a lot, she's really struggling with the way her life has gone and whether or not she has the strength to survive it all.

So there we go, those are five facts about Viral Infection. I'm only just getting started with this project and like I said, I'm loving every moment of it. It's a lot of fun to dive into and see where it all ends up going!

Any questions? Lemme know in the comments!

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Review of Dreamflare by Nissa Harlow

Today’s forecast: Smoky with a chance of dragons.

I never thought I’d see Cash Lincoln again after he gave me a ride home from the library a few months ago. But when I take my dog for a morning walk in an unfamiliar neighbourhood, there he is, all sweaty and annoying, and just as cute as I remember. When he offers me air conditioning and a cold drink, I don’t refuse.

And that’s when things start to get weird again.

Before I know it, I’m in another bizarre scenario, almost as weird as trying to combat a zombie horde in the library. This time, though, the problem is a dragon… and it seems intent on destroying the entire neighbourhood.

My life was never this imperilled before I met Cash. Something’s going on. But I better figure it out fast… or we might both end up as crispy dragon snacks.

Amazon

My Review: 5 STARS

Having devoured the first book, I was quick to dive into this one and pick up with the new story. The series so far has been nice quick reads, but they’re fast paced and allow you to get completely submerged into the plot. Sadie and Lincoln, where will the world take them next? I adore the characters, adore the quirks and twists and turn of the world. I loved the ending of this one, and am desperate to dive into book three to see what comes next. Harlow has a perfect voice for the characters, for YA and making it sound completely as if this is all happening and unfolding in front of you. Very much enjoyed and very much recommended! 

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Being A NaNoWriMo Rebel [CC]

 

Talking all about being a NaNoWriMo rebel in the month of prepping for the event! #Authortube

 

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#TeaserTuesday

 

It feels like they're the only ones left alive in the segment...

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[ID: A blue double helix background with the title INVISIBLE at the top and Coming November 14th 2023 just below the title. The except reads:

Jackson took my hand. “There may be others. It's only been half an hour they could still get out.”
I took small comfort of his hand in mine. In the blink of an eye, our whole world had changed and I wasn't sure that I would ever be able to process that. But for now, I would have to hope he was right and that more people would slip out of the smoky building. I couldn't believe anyone still in there had time left.

At the bottom is Joey Paul and just below that the website www.joeypaulonline.com,and in the bottom right corner is the logo for Bug Books. END ID]

 

The Trials Of A Crime Writer: Balancing Crime With Everything Else

THE TRIALS OF A CRIME WRITER: BALANCING CRIME WITH EVERYTHING ELSE

I recently got back into writing a crime series. I have always been a writer who likes to genre hop and while it may not be the best idea for everyone hoping to make a career in one genre, for me it works. I spent a lot of time in mystery or paranormal, and kinda drifted away from crime for a period, but then I got the idea for the Disability Detectives series and while you could stay it straddles the line between crime and mystery, for me it's very much more the former than the latter.

The one thing I've always found pretty easy for me is how to balance the crime aspects of the story with all the other subplots. That said, I won't say that I'm always perfect at it, not just because that's impossible, but also because sometimes those subplots start to get bigger and bigger and you realise that you're writing a dual genre book, rather than just crime with something else going on as well.

I especially got to that point as I start the third book in DD which will heavily have a romance subplot. My only concern is that it will explode into the story and I'll end up having to redirect the focus back onto the main plot, which is crime. So I thought I would give you some of my own tips about how to keep that precarious balance when it comes to writing crime with bigger subplots.

#1 DOUBLE CHECK IT'S A SUBPLOT
I say this because sometimes it can be that you do legitimately have a dual genre book, and if that's the case, and it's the story that you want to write, then there's not a problem. Just make sure that it's nicely balanced so that it's not all one, or making it so that the crime element is the subplot, though if you want it to be, that's okay too! But I'd start here because it helps you question and see just what you want your main genre to be.

#2 MAKE SURE THE SUBPLOT STAYS IN THE BACKGROUND MOST OF THE TIME
I say this and it should be obvious, but if you're truly writing a crime novel, with say a romance subplot, then while yes you want that subplot to play out, it shouldn't be always in the foreground. That doesn't mean you can't have it play out in most of the chapters, but that it shouldn't always be the focus of them.

#3 IF FOLLOWING BEATS, HIT THEM FOR BOTH WHEN RELEVANT
Now this is something that I don't have a lot of experience with because while I do plan, a little, I also do a lot of my drafting discovering things as I write them. However, if you're someone who does plan and does use beats, make sure that you're hitting the relevant ones to keep that balance between your crime plot, and whatever subplot that goes along with it.

Like say, for example, I was going to plot out the third DD book with the romance subplot, I would make sure that I was hitting beats for a crime novel, but also making sure that those staples of romance were in the too, like the guaranteed happy ending. It all works in the end.

So there we go, those are my three tips for when it comes to balancing your crime with everything else. I find it easier to do this myself, and so I've never really had to sit down and think too hard about how to do it, so I hope these were helpful, and good luck with your writing.

Any questions? Lemme know in the comments!

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