The Dreaded Notebook...

It seems like these days, with computers and other writing technology, that the endangered notebook is about to become extinct. OK, so maybe that's a little drastic, but it's true! The laptop or computer seems to be the only acceptable way to write for some people - not for me.

I live back in 1572 (or maybe not, but you get what I mean), in the way that I still draft everything in a notebook. My notebook is one of my most prized possessions, and one that nobody is allowed to touch. I have a radar, when someone comes near my notebook I morph into Ninja!

My notebook contains everything, from character sketches to pictures that inspire me, outlines of random scenes to climates of my settings. Everything. I have to admit, after I've planned something in rough I usually type it up and print it off, but that can be our secret (shhhhhhhhhhh).

One major point I need to make is that you need a notebook. Mine cost me 99p from Sainsbury's. My notebook goes everywhere with me, I always have it in my school bag, handbag, and I even take it to the loo (don't laugh, I get my best ideas on the bog!).

Another point I need to make is that your notebook should not, under any circumstances, be pretty. I may have covered the front of my notebook in stickers (it helps me to convince my parents that it's my diary, so they don't snoop!) but the inside is another story...

As you can see, it's pretty much a mess of scribbles and felt pen. But don't be afraid of it! Just focus on getting your thoughts down. Would you prefer to remember the best idea you've ever had or make your notebook pretty? For me, it's the former. If you can scribble down your ideas at full pelt and keep it pretty, well done you!

Picture 1: My character outlining, I did a couple of family trees as well.
Picture 2: When I was outlining 'species' and what they are.
Picture 3: Lists of names.
Picture 4: Some of my plot outlining.
Picture 5: Pictures that inspire me, I will post them on here some time soon.

Good luck with your notebook!

Review - Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Review - Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

"Violet Eden has only ever wanted to be with Lincoln. But when he reveals a secret so powerful it could tear them apart, her world spins out of control. Then she meets Phoenix. Intense and beautiful, she is helplessly drawn to him...

Caught up in the battle between light and dark - where angels seek vengeance and humans are warriors - Violet must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice. And who she can love..."


I was on a shopping trip with my best friend and, us being book nerds, we were browsing the book shops. Nothing seemed interesting... But then I found this book. And I'm so pleased I did!

At first I was drawn to this book because I am currently writing a book containing angels, and I thought it would inspire me. But no. I was so drawn to this plot that I couldn't draw my attention away from it. The book dragged me in right from the beginning and I was helplessly drawn to it, to quote the blurb.

The book starts on Violet's 17th birthday, where she receives gifts left for her by her mother who died during childbirth. Strange things start happening, and her boyfriend-slash-friend-slash-I-don't-know-what-he-was Lincoln is forced to reveal the truth about who they both are.

What I love about this book was that that Violet didn't straightaway believe what Lincoln was telling her. It took her a long time to discover that he was right, and I think that is what made this novel seem more realistic. Often in YA Fantasy novels you see the main characters accept who they are too easily - if my boyfriend-slash-friend-slash-I-don't-know-what-he-was told me that I was some sort of Angel thing, I would definitely not believe him.

I also loved Violet. I loved the way that she didn't want to 'embrace' (become a Grigori-slash-Angel-thingy), and that she had so many plans for her life which all came crashing down after she found out who she was. Again, all too often you see main characters wanting to be *insert species* immediately, forgetting all dreams and plans they had for their lives. This also added to Violet being a very believable character rather than what I call a 'flat character' who has no dreams or goals in their lives.

I'm a bit of a sucker for a good love triangle, and this was one of the best I've read. It was set up so well, had had such a shocking twist at the end (which I will not reveal, you'll have to read to find out!).

One thing that did confuse me was actually the blurb. Since when were humans warriors? I did get slightly confused a couple of times, but despite that I really enjoyed this book!

Well done, Jessica Shirvington! You've written one of the best books I've read all year!

And to sum up:
Positives: Strong characters, realistic plot (or as realistic as it could be).
Negatives: Slightly confusing at times.
Rating: 

A Warm Welcome!

Hello fellow Teen Writers!

As you've probably guessed, I'm a teen writer. Not many teens enjoy reading and writing, but I do, and if you're reading this, I guess you do too.

In this blog, I will be writing about anything to do with writing, from book reviews to writing tips, I'll mention it all. And if there's anything you would like me to write about, or if you have a blog post for me to add, I would be more than happy to hear from you.

I understand that writing is a really hard 'craft' to work with, and I am here to help you on whatever writing journey you choose, whether you are trying to write a novel, or a poem or an article for your school newspaper.

My blog-writing journey starts here!

Thanks for reading!

K x