Hello my name's Samantha and I'm a Pinterest addict...

Hi all!

For a while now I've heard people talking about Pinterest but not really pay much attention until recently! I didn't really want to add another "to do" to my list of social networking sites if I could help it...and was it really necessary, after all it's only a site full of thousands of images, right? 

So, after umming and arring whether to give it a try, I took the plunge and opened an account. Initially I hated it! I couldn't get to grips with it and the whole concept didn't seem to "flow" naturally. BUT after a couple of days of playing around with it, I found myself warming to Mr Pinterest and his boards.

I soon found it was a whole lot more than just pictures. I love the fact you can create different folders for particular topics your searching for and if you want to, share on your Facebook timeline. Now well under way, I feel I'm a confident "pinner" and love the fact you can search for near enough anything you want to. I've mainly been using it for my WIP and searching for images of locations/characters which helps tons with the descriptions and feeling as though you are really there!  

If anyone fancies have a browse of my boards, click here for the link. :-)

'Til next time

Happy pinning! 

Sam x

ps: Heres a sneaky taster of my hero, courtesy of Pinterest ofcourse :-p 

Bit of a random ramble...

Hi all!

Well, its been a long time since I last blogged. Life has just been chaotic, with twins, work, work, twins, sickness bugs, etc etc etc, the list goes on. Writing unfortunately has taken a bit of a back seat :-( But I'm really trying to get it back on track now, steadily chug along with my WIP (the same one which has been the WIP since early 2011! It will be finished ONE DAY!)

March and April saw my family and I struck down with a sickness bug, twice! (How generous of you Mr Bug). Was horrid! Though, i'm hoping its gone for good now as my poor old washing machine just can't keep up with the loads!

I hate to make excuses for not being able to write, because I guess at the end of the day there really are no excuses. All comes down to time management, wanting and believing. Whilst my twins have a midday sleep, I tend to try and cram an hour or two writing in where possible and then again another hour or so in the evening (hence, can you see why this has been going on since 2011?!) It's not the most ideal way to write, and I'd obviously love to be able to sit at a lovely organised desk for hours each day. But for now, a secret hour here and there on the laptop, sitting on the sofa crossed legged will have to suffice :-) 

Right, off until next time (which will not be so long this time).

Take care!

'Til next time! 

Sam x

Finding that oh so special critique partner...

So, today I thought I'd write a short blog about critique partners...

It's bit like shopping for shoes, when you find a pair that FIT, they're a keeper!

Many of us aspiring writers have them, some have one, some have two, three, four and so on. Personally, I have just one now. Que. the intro...the lovely Faith Thomas :-) 

I've never joined a critique group as such, Faith and I met at around the time of New Voices 2011, via their facebook page. To be quite honest, I wasn't sure about showing my precious, beloved work to a stranger who would potentially rip it to shreds. Prior to meeting Faith, I had shared my work with somebody who completely obliterated my chapter, with no care in the world (real friend she was?!) which shattered my confidence in 1) writing and 2) sharing it.

Anyway, we started to chat and eventually that very first exchange of our chapter one's happened. I was so nervous about what she would "think" and say about my writing, of which I adored and felt very protective over. 

Then, ping! Her email came back with the longed "critiquing". I can remember holding my breath when I opened it. Long story short, she had pointed out some fantastic changes that could be made or elaborated on. I let out that long breath and realised receiving critique really wasn't as scary as I thought. 

Over time we've built up a great relationship of critiquing and friendship and I truly respect her opinion. She is everything I expect in a critique partner and friend (and I hope I offer her the same?!) ....

Honest (check), understanding (check), polite (check), fair (check) and constructive (CHECK). 

Enough of my ramblings, I guess what I'm trying to say is a big thank you to those lovely few of you out there who have provided me with feedback over these last 7 months or so (Joanne, Amaryllis, Marguerite) and...without my fabulous critique partner my WIP would likely not be in process :-) so thank you Faith! 

'Til next time! :-) x

Writing schedule? What Writing schedule?

As the title suggests, I thought I would say a few words about my writing schedule/routine....or lack of it!

As a part time nurse, full time mother and wife, a cook, a cleaner, a doting daughter, laundry person, errand runner and general dogs body, I try and grab ANY free (relatively quiet) five minutes to dedicate to my writing. 

Not always possible but I try none the less. 

I wish I could write full time as a professional author, nine to five hours (kinda) would be a dream. Not having to worry about going to the day job (of course I like nursing, but its not my true passion).

But oh well....what will be will be...and writing full time will happen one day I'm positive! This is all part of the long winded process. For now, the haphazard routine will suffice! :-) 

Better dash, the kids are pulling the dogs tails, the dogs are eating the kid's lunches and washing machine has flooded! The joys! 

:-) bye til' next time! x

Losing my blogging virginity...

So, here we go! My first EVER blog! I'm not quite sure what to write about exactly, so I thought I would just start with a little intro about myself .

My names Samantha and I live in the South East of England, with my lovely husband, our adorable (sometimes challenging) twin boys and two Bedlington terriers, all squished into our teeny tiny two bed terraced. 

I have always loved reading and writing and the escapism it offers, nothing compares! I currently have one WIP, it's coming along slowly but surely and i'm thoroughly enjoying learning all about my delightful heroine and super alpha hero! 

So, whats the dream I hear you say....To be a successful, published author who can offer readers the emotional and thrilling and magical journey of reading one of my future books :-) But for now I am in the process of making the dream a reality! It may take some time, but the success will then taste all so much sweeter :-D

Feel free to follow my blog, or stop by as and when you can....or want to. 

See you next time guys! 

Sam X