Nk Chats To… Jo Johnson
Hi Jo, thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell me about your novel, Surviving Her and what inspired it?
Surviving Her is a dual narrative domestic suspense that follows Nicky, a nine year old and Keziah, a twenty nine year old from the first day of their summer holidays.
The book explores the issue of emotional coercion, an issue that in my opinion is poorly understood and always demonised when explored in the media. I see many people in my clinics who have stumbled upon control as a strategy to soothe their inner distress. Like many addictions, the desire to control starts small but often grows until it is harmful and destructive for the perpetrator and victim.
What’s your typical writing day like?
Given my real life job is clinical psychology, I have to squeeze writing in the gaps. Sometimes I’m unable to write much for months but I scribble down notes and record voice notes when I have ideas to include in my novels.
What are the challenges you found when writing your novel?
Finding enough time. I find it hard to get back into the story if the gaps between writing splurges are too big.
Which fictional character would you like to meet and why?
Will, the main character from Jo Jo Moyes – “Me before You”. I loved that book and want to work with him as a psychologist so he doesn’t kill himself! I have a saviour complex!
What elements do you think make up a good psychological suspense novel?
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Novel Kicks Writing Room: Micro Fiction
For today’s writing room, I thought we could write some micro fiction.
Short stories are deceptively hard to write, micro fictions even more so.
Pick three out of the following genres – gothic, romance, horror, sci-fi, historic, young adult.
Now, write a 6 word short story, a 50 word short story and a 100 word short story assigning one of the genres you’ve picked to each one.
For example, I’ve chosen gothic to the 6 word short story:
Midnight struck; she’s now lost forever.
Let me know how you get on in the comments below and as always, if you feel brave enough to post your work, I’d love to read it.
Have fun!
by NK Chats To… Sarah Rodi
Hi Sarah. Thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell me about your novel, One Night with her Viking Warrior, and what inspired it?
When her parents are killed at the hands of Danish raiders, a young Saxon girl, Rebekah, becomes the ward of her powerful uncle Cynerik. Alone at the fortress of Ryestone Keep, Rebekah’s only pleasure is riding, until she falls in love with a stable boy, regardless of his lack of status. However, her uncle wishes her to marry his son, Atol, a cold and corrupt young man. Envious of Rebekah’s relationship with Rædan, Atol seizes him and does the unthinkable…
Eight years later, a fleet of Danish ships sails up the river and lays siege to the fortress of Ryestone. The leader of the Northmen is instantly recognisable to Rebekah even though he is much changed. Rædan is back for revenge on those who destroyed his life. Seeing Rebekah at his enemy’s side, and with a daughter too, his anger – and attraction – burns. The Saxons offer the Vikings gold and silver to leave their lands, but Rædan demands something much more valuable – one night with Lady Rebekah…
I wanted to write a story where my characters have endured a lot – and I can’t think of anything worse than being parted from your loved ones and kept captive. These two characters really deserve a chance of finding their happy ever after. I loved creating Rebekah – she is beautiful yet strong – and Rædan is a true warrior yet kind and compassionate.
What’s your typical writing day like and do you have any particular writing quirks or rituals?
I actually work full time on magazines, so I have to fit my book writing in in the evenings. I put my daughters to bed then settle down with a coffee and some peace and quiet and try to write at least a few paragraphs, so I have something to work off the next evening, before I write some more. Chocolate definitely helps with the inspiration!
What are the challenges you found when writing your novel?
I always find the first few chapters the hardest, as you’re laying the groundwork for the plot and the characters’ personalities – basically setting up the story. I spend a month or two getting those first chapters right, and then the rest of the book usually flows quite naturally.
Which fictional character would you like to meet and why?
In my books? All my heroes… they’ve all been different, but swoon-worthy! In someone else’s book? Elizabeth Darcy
What elements make up a good story?
by Novel Kicks Writing Room: Pick ‘n’ Mix
Hello and welcome to the first Novel Kicks Writing Room of 2023.
Today, I thought it would be fun to write a short story.
Before you begin writing, pick one thing from each section. Don’t overthink it, just write down the one you’re immediately drawn to. Once you’ve done this and written your piece, ask what kind of story it is. Is it a rag to riches, a quest? You get the idea.
Let me know how you found this exercise in the comments below or if you’re feeling brave, feel free to post your story.
Section one – pick one of the following occupations.
A joiner, a detective, an oil rig worker, an ice hockey player, a diplomat.
Section Two – pick one of the following places.
The alps, a basement, top of the Shard, a cat sanctuary, a bank vault.
Section Three – now pick an object.
by Novel Kicks Writing Room: Character Pen Pals.
I love the art of letter writing and have a couple of pen friends myself. It got me thinking about what you reveal about yourself in a letter that you wouldn’t if you met in real life.
Take a character from one of your WIPs. If you’re currently not working on anything, pick a character from a favourite novel.
Write a quick letter to this character. Tell them about yourself – your likes, dislikes, hobbies, fears and dreams. Ask them questions. You get the picture.
Then reply back as your character. Include responses to the information you gave them, as well as answers to the questions you asked them, like you would a pen pal.
Include revealing details about them. Get into the mindset of your character. What do they want you to write about them?
by Book Club
