To showcase my writing, and to have a writing break from novel writing, I'm going to start using writing prompts that I come across and ...

To showcase my writing, and to have a writing break from novel writing, I'm going to start using writing prompts that I come across and have fun with them. Giving myself a 15 minute time limit I'm going to stop when the clock does. Hope you enjoy this little project.

They taught me to fear the dark. They forgot to mention what happens in the light. 

It's the memories, the screams, the smells... the begging. They all rush back to you. Then when you silence it all, it's the regret, it's the questions.

This morning though, the questions were different. What was that creature last night? Why did it defend us? Where did it go?

I couldn't dwell on that, I knew I had those that were left. We had to make contact with the base and keep moving. We couldn't survive another night.

But what was that creature? It was one of them, but it was different. It fought for us. 

No! Don't be stupid. BAD IDEA. It fought for itself. It wasn't protecting us. It was killing them.

"Sir!"

"Yes commander?" I said.

"I think you will want to see this."

I couldn't see any more dead bodies... but I couldn't let them know that, they needed me. 

"Yes commander, show me."

"Follow me. This way."

Where was he going to take me? I couldn't even stand up straight, my stomach felt like a drunk gymnast on the high bar. The men didn't deserve a coward. I bet they could smell that I ran, that I begged. 

"Here you are sir, just through the clearing, we stumbled across it 10 minutes ago."

I'd never smelt anything like. "My god! The smell, are they?"

"Yes sir, dead Snatchers. 19 confirmed. 19!" He nodded his head trying to prove it to himself I think.

"What?" I couldn't believe it.

"It's the largest Snatcher death we have ever seen. That creature from last night must have done it."

"We have taken down, maybe, 10 in the entire time we've been on this planet. It comes along and takes out 19!" I started nodding my head too, it was contagious.

"There is more Sir, there are tracks leading away from here. We think they are the Defender's tracks."

"Defender?"

"Sorry sir, that is what the men are calling it."

19 deaths... They taught us to fear the dark because the Snatchers own the night, but 19... this 'Defender' owns it now.

"Commander round up the men, we must follow the tracks and find out if this 'Defender' will help end this war." 

And hopefully turn death into a fighting chance to live.

Hey all,  In between writing and life, I've been looking at the differences between being an indie author and going through traditio...

Hey all, 

In between writing and life, I've been looking at the differences between being an indie author and going through traditional publishers. 

Since I started writing, and wanting to be a novelist I've not thought too much about it. As my book draws closer to completion (touch wood) I've started to cast an eye on what's next. 

The internet has been a wonderful source of knowledge for both publishing platforms and I've seen some great pros and some worrying cons for both.

I'm still undecided about which avenue to go down. I love social media and speaking to other authors and lovers of fictions. This might mean the indie field is my place. I have read that in modern traditional publishing social media is still a massive avenue for promotion anyway... So, I guess that's a positive for me, but doesn't help me choose a platform.

(http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/16047/writing/the_difference_between_rich_authors_and_poor_authors.html)   - insightful article of the importance of self promotion whether you are self or traditionally published. 

I want people to read my story, enjoy it and escape into the world I have created. The thought of a random stranger reading something I've written and discussing my characters with some passion makes me excited and scared. 

This week, I came across a great article on self-publishing. It really ignited the thought for me 

http://buff.ly/2c2h8Cf 

Have a click and hopefully it's useful for you too.

Not really any tips in this blog, just a mild expulsion of my thoughts on the topic.

Would love to hear any comments on the subject. Do leave them below if you're interested.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram for all things matt and anything book and writing related.

Until next time my 

Matt x

Hey guys, If you're like me, it can be a struggle to develop your characters and keep authenticity. I'm constantly plagued wit...

Hey guys,

If you're like me, it can be a struggle to develop your characters and keep authenticity. I'm constantly plagued with wondering would he/she say or act in that way. I've re-written scenes and stared at blank pages because I just haven't felt right about a characters actions.

This feeling of uncertainty, doesn't completely vanish but, for me, the more time I spend with a character the more I understand them, and ultimately become more confident about their actions. 

This post is going to briefly outline tips I have for writing and building characters.

1. Base your character on someone.

When I first create a character I base them on someone else - real or not. I visualise a character and make the decision that, at this stage, my character will be like this. This gives my creation focus and direction in their initial stages of life before they develop a voice of their own. 

My understanding of the character that I base my character on does vary. I don't feel I have to completely understand a character to use them. It's purely my perception of this character that I am using. 

I may decide to use a character's appearance or something about their personality. For instance the antagonist of my current work has been based upon Scar from Lion King. So, when I first began to write this character I would pose the question of 'what would Scar say?' 

After being with this character for some time his behaviour has moved away from Scar and become his own. Having a clear point of origin meant that I wasn't sat staring at the page thinking what to write.  

2. Don't be afraid to change your character.

As my stories progress and I spend more time writing my characters they change. I've re-written entire scenes because I've felt the characters actions were not authentic to them. It can be tiresome and slightly stressful, but it's always completely worth it. Everyone always talks about writing a piece that is character driven, and changing your writing to accommodate the development of your characters is a scary, but essential part of the writing process. 

NOTE TO READERS: If Arthur (above) can go through drastic changes so can your precious little guys

3. Put your characters into daily situations.

When I'm on the train or at the cinema, anywhere to be honest, I try to think about how a character would react in my current situation. For instance, if you're on the train and someone is making a lot of noise, ask yourself how would your character react. Would they stand up and challenge the pesky teen? Would they cower in the corner because of the noise? These little thoughts help me internalise my characters and helps to build their identity in my mind. It also helps to zone out those annoying moments in public. 

NOTE TO READERS - don't try this with spouses, as wondering how your character would respond to your partners slightly over cooked dinner may have a negative impact on your relationship.

4.  Spend time writing with the character.

As a child, I remember hearing 
authors refer to their characters as living beings. It would shock and surprise me, but since I've been on my own writing journey (that sounds odd) I've understood exactly what they meant. I can't express how just writing and re-writing scenes with particular characters will help you to understand them and develop them. I revisit scenes months later and find dialogue that I don't feel sounds like my character. I think, refer to number 2 and make those changes.