Author Stuff · Lifestyle · Writing Tips

Why I Write Books: World Book Day Inspired

Know myself A lot of people become writers because they're avid readers first. Not me. I only became a big reader later in life. I read when I was younger, but not much. I'm actually ashamed of how little my have-read pile is compared to the must-read pile. I love TV and film and I… Continue reading Why I Write Books: World Book Day Inspired

Lifestyle · Mental Health

World Book Day: 15 Mental Health Reads

These are books that I've read or want to read that relate to mental health or bettering your life (and in turn your mental health)... *Warning, some of these books may deal with heavy subject matter* Reasons to Stay Alive Notes on a Nervous Planet It's Kind of a Funny Story Turtles All The Way… Continue reading World Book Day: 15 Mental Health Reads

Author Stuff · Lifestyle · Writing Tips

World Book Day: My Favourite Reads

Here is a list of some of my favourite books (by no means an exhaustive list!): Harry Potter series Big Magic Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race Percy Jackson series What I Know For Sure Heroes of Olympus series The Hate U Give Children of Blood and Bone Becoming Mom &… Continue reading World Book Day: My Favourite Reads

Author Stuff · Lifestyle · Writing Tips

Rethinking the Strong Female Character

It is great that nowadays we are seeing more female heroes in books, film, and TV. However, I don't think (and many agree) that the strong female character is actually doing what it's supposed to do. Let me explain. A strong female character is supposed to show young girls, and even women, that they can… Continue reading Rethinking the Strong Female Character

Lifestyle

Book Format Comparisons: Kindle, Paperback, or Audiobook?

Kindle (or other e-Readers) Pros: Can store millions of books without worrying about space Can't decide which book to bring on vacation? Your Kindle has a horde ready and waiting on one device. Easier to hold than a heavy book or a book that you don't want to ruin the spine of Can highlight and… Continue reading Book Format Comparisons: Kindle, Paperback, or Audiobook?

Author Stuff · Writing Tips

How to Bring Diversity into your Story

I wanted to discuss this as someone who supports diversity, someone who feels underrepresented in books and films and TV, and someone who is an author who writes with diversity in mind. Everything I say is my own opinion and advice, said with good intentions... Be realistic The first thing to remember when writing diversity… Continue reading How to Bring Diversity into your Story

Author Stuff · Writing Tips

Why Newt Scamander is the Best (Popular) Hero Out Now

I hope anyone who reads my blog and is a fantasy writer has already watched Fantastic Beasts and has seen the new one this month! I had mixed feelings about the new film, but in general, Newt and the beasts were...fantastic! (See what I did there?)But why do I think that Newt Scamander is one… Continue reading Why Newt Scamander is the Best (Popular) Hero Out Now

Lifestyle · Reviews

Thoughts on “The Hate U Give” Book & Film (Black History Inspired)

Yesterday, I finally got to watch The Hate U Give, the new Black Lives Matter film. Earlier this year, I read the book by Angie Thomas and loved it and was moved by it as well. Let's just say that the film had my heart aching in every way. And I truly hope that as… Continue reading Thoughts on “The Hate U Give” Book & Film (Black History Inspired)

Author Stuff · Lifestyle · Writing Tips

Awesome Black Characters (Black History Month Inspired)

(I've purposely missed out characters from historical films about slavery or the segregation of black people, for I have another post coming purely for that) Also, this is a list of characters that I know, not the only ones that are out there! Please add your favourite awesome black characters in the comments... Shuri (Black Panther)… Continue reading Awesome Black Characters (Black History Month Inspired)