Love is complicated.
JOIN US TONIGHT! With more than 30 books in print, National Bestselling Author and Editor, J. L. Campbell, helps aspiring and seasoned authors fine-tune their writing process. If you’re unable to make the live 2-hour recorded session, it will be emailed to you. https://bit.ly/JulySeminarsandworkshops
Write what you know, they say.
But what if the story you’re telling takes place in an era, place or even a different gender than your own. What do you do?
You research it!
Researching the background for a story is one of my favorite parts of writing. In order to tell a complete story, you will need to know enough detail to make the scene come alive for the reader.
For example, my current manuscript is based in Los Angeles. I’ve been to LA several times (my sister lives there) but my character to lives in a certain area of LA. That’s where good ol’ Google comes in. I was able to find a home on Zillow that fit my character. From there, I download the home lay out to be consistent with the family’s movement and room descriptions.
Google Earth is another useful tool to explore an area. I’ve used it to virtually walk down the street in an area. I’ve done this with restaurants too.
But it’s important to not get bogged down in the research. You only need a few intimate details to make a scene come alive on the page.
Happy Researching!
All’s fair in love and relationships…especially when it comes to keeping secrets!!!
Find out what Andre’s hiding in my explosive short story, “Lie to Me,” presented by Brown Girls Books! Available NOW: https://amzn.to/2NJTkoQ
Today’s writing tip is something I’ve had to relearn myself. Showing up and putting words on paper can only happen if YOU make the time to do it.
You have to find what schedule works for you. Some people are early morning writers others are late night. Some people respond to a set schedule and others are more free wheeling.
As for me, I have to write the time down on my calendar. Seeing an appointment there along with other meetings and doctor’s appointments makes it more concrete.
Bottom line: If you are a writer then you must write. Find what works for you and get busy creating.
Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash
Available today in paperback is “Confessions: Secrets & Lies Revealed“. The ebook will be available on July 7th. You can get your copy here.
What’s it about?
Secrets have a way of festering inside of us. Sometimes we release them, sometimes they find their way out. Most of the time, they come with a whole set of problems.
In this tantalizing compilation of stories, fifteen talented writers explore what happens when secrets and lies are revealed.
What’s my story about?
My contribution is entitled, Lie to Me. Andre Harris has found the path to a successful relationship. He doesn’t need to know the truth. When evidence is presented that he can no longer ignore, will he accept more lies or face the truth?
Why you should read it?
This anthology has something for everyone. And who doesn’t love a juicy secret? Take a journey into the lives of these characters and find out what happens when secrets and lies are revealed.
Available everywhere books are sold!!
What can go wrong when an ambitious man accepts a promotion overseas without consulting his wife?
Much more than Russell Majors anticipates.
With a thriving career, a comfortable home, and two healthy sons, this new chapter is an unwelcome surprise for Amoy Majors.
A move abroad means physical exams, biometric screenings, and embassy interviews. All normal requirements, or they would be, if she didn’t believe they might stir a hornet’s nest.
When an unauthorized test yields unexpected results, the pillars on which her life is built are shaken.
Whether her marriage will survive a shocking revelation, and her faith withstand a trial by fire, is anyone’s guess.
***DNA is inspirational fiction with a focus on marriage.
#newrelease #jlcampbell #inspirationalfiction #kindleunlimited
In order to craft a story, you need to learn the structure of storytelling. Here are some resources that I recommend:
These books are the ones I turn to when I need a refresher on any matter when crafting my stories.
Most of us know the basic of telling a story. You need an opening hook, a middle and then the climax. The trick is how to mold the story to engage the reader. It pays to read craft books to get a greater understanding.
Another very important thing to do is read books in the genre you want to write in. Read, read, read. And then write your story.
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
Every generation thinks the music of their youth is better than what’s being played today. In my case, it is actually true. Let me present, Al B. Sure!
Albert Jason Brown III, who performed under the stage name, Al B.Sure!, turned down a college athletic scholarship to pursue a music career. He first came to the attention of Quincy Jones by winning the Sony Innovators Star Search. In 1988, he released his debut album “In Effect Mode.” It went on to sell over two million copies.
Here are some of my favorites.
“Nite and Day”
“Misunderstanding”
“Off On Your Own”
“Killing Me Softly”
Enjoy!
The great Toni Morrison once said, “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.”
Write your story. Worry about selling/marketing it later.
#writinglife #stories #writer #mdrayfordwrites
🌟🚨💫HAPPY RELEASE DAY💫🚨🌟
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LONDON ST. CHARLES
💥💥IT’S ALL THE WAY LIVE!!!!!!!💥💥
DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY TODAY!!!!!!!!
bit.ly/deadlydeceptionbook2
Four years have passed, and Cadence Goldsmith’s family is in just as much danger as it was before they moved to Germany. Lester, the man of many evils, has still managed to evade capture for Braelyn’s murder, and the trial of rogue Detective O’Brien, who had threatened Cadence, is less than one week away. She wouldn’t be so worried if she weren’t seven months pregnant, on top of being the star witness for the prosecution, which means Cadence has to leave the place where she feels most safe and return to Chicago and face the menaces that prey on her demise.
Cadence’s husband, Jackson Goldsmith, is not on board with his wife testifying. Not only is their safety at stake, but the welfare of their daughter, Jackie, who, through years of therapy, overcame the nightmare that Lester inflicted on her young life. Jackson’s holding onto the promise that the trial will be over in enough time for them to return to Germany before the baby’s born. Though Jackson feels strongly about staying put, he supports Cadence’s decision and vows to protect her at all costs.
Less than twelve hours after arriving in Chicago, their greatest fears become a reality. Havoc and unforeseen coincidences consume their life, starting with vandalism to the family home. No longer knowing whom she can and can’t trust in law enforcement, Cadence questions every day if she made the right decision.
Who knows what other injustices may happen to the family while awaiting trial?
Let Cadence and Jackson pull on your heartstrings as they maneuver through obstacles and triumphs that will have you rooting for them from beginning to end. They’ll show you why love is an action word through this story that’s filled with mystery, suspense, and intrigue.
bit.ly/deadlydeceptionbook2