Handy Tips: Need More Time for Writing?

Some simple ways in which I ‘steal time back’ for myself and my writing, is to do less, but often. Let me explain. With a busy schedule, you might have a half hour commute to work in the morning, half hour lunch break, and then another half hour commute back home. That’s a whole hour and a half! Take notes, a portable writing device or recorder with you and never miss a moment!

Now for time you can steal while at home. With the Economy the way it is today, if you’re employed, count yourself lucky. But when you’re pressed for time and can’t focus or find enough of it with the chores around the house – out source as much as you can. YES! Hire help.

Get someone else to mow the yard, rake leaves, cook and clean, even wash and iron for you. If you have kids, then it’s a great way to encourage them how to do things for themselves, but don’t forget to reward them with a little something for their trouble. Your own kids are far cheaper as ‘hired’ help, than an actual maid service, who typically charge a minimum hours a week. If that’s a little tight on the budget, then revert to enlisting the help of your kids.

If you’re a single writer, try something like this. Spend either one day a week doing all the chores, washing, ironing etc… Cook up a big enough meal and freeze meal portions for the rest of the week. Sure beats starving, or paying through the nose to have meals prepackaged and delivered (if you do that kind of thing to save time). You’ll also start to see more money in your pocket with all the savings, but I’ll leave all the saving tips for another entry. Devoting one day to the menial tasks to see you through the next week can free up at least another half hour each night that you would have used to prepare your evening meal. While your dinner heats in the microwave, fill your kitchen sink with a little water for your dishes. Less mess, more time. Ta-da!

So that’s about nine and a half hours a week you have ‘stolen’ for your writing! That does not include any spare time on the weekend that you can use. Not bad. You’ll have that amazing story written in no time.

Cheers!

Cg

 

 

 

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Opening the Taboo Vault: Victoria’s Secret

Approaching today’s blog with an incredibly open mind. I hope you can too. Recently I’ve been crossing over with my writing into the unknown, exploring the taboo. Such a task has been a cage rattling experience, but one I find to be a fun journey. Being able to write about something that is completely wild and scandalous, gave me a thrill. It can sometimes do my head in, but I try to focus on physical/human emotion, and draw positive energy from those in the know. Recently, I drafted a story composed of taboo elements. It wasn’t easy to write, (frankly the story is doing my head in) but I can finally see how all the twists and turns will pan out. I am talking about, Victoria’s Secret.

Those who have read the drafted chapters might find it a little shocking. My aim here with this story, was to get inside the mindset of people (I am no judge) who enjoy reading about the taboo. In this case, Victoria’s Secret is just that.

The story revolves around incestuous lust, and where that desire can lead if nurtured. The end result is a conscientious battle for the lead character, Randy.  I thought it would be fun to spice up the typical type of tale with a few wicked twists and turns. Enter, Dr. Jane McNally. A psychologist with a twisted work ethic, who pushes her patient to the brink of insanity, as he fights his conscience. Who is the true mastermind behind the events that unfold? That remains to be seen, and this tale wouldn’t be called Victoria’s Secret for nothing…

I am now working on the crossover, that part between what is sociably right or wrong. The same place where lovers can temporarily escape reality and explore the unknown together. Also referred to as sex (preferably lots and lots of it). Depending on where such a story can be published, I might have to do a slight re-write in order to make the story less scandalous and sociably more acceptable to the wider market. There is never any rest for the wicked. Until tomorrow.

Cg

Writer’s Block: Fact or Fiction?

Writer’s Block: Fact or Fiction?.

Writer’s Block: Fact or Fiction?

Taking a new approach to the blogging thing. This is not my speciality, and I hate journals. Funny enough, (for me anyway) things that I hate, often have a way of becoming my strengths. So, I hope I don’t disappoint.

A little while ago, the issue of ‘writer’s block’ came up in a discussion group I am in for writers. The following are my thoughts on the matter, and are not scientifically endorsed or approved by me. They are just my thoughts. I simply thought they might be helpful.

Writer’s block? Can’t find your way to tie up that story? Well, you’re not alone. There are many writers out there that will agree with that. You will probably be upset when I say, that there is no such thing. But with that bold statement out there, there does come a time (in every story’s life) that the author hits a brick wall. That is just your imagination telling you to take a break. Yes, I can’t believe I said that, but it’s true.

Our imagination, (if you’re a fiction writer) can get over loaded, and have a bit of a mental meltdown. Just take a break. Go for a jog or do any other form or exercise to get the blood flowing back to your brain. Each writer’s experience with the condition is unique. You simply need to understand yourself well enough to know the tell-tale signs.

Some of mine include: Staring at the flickering cursor with a blank expression on my face, (I think that is a common one among everyone). Writing any kind of crap that comes to mind – then trying to decipher it later, only to scrap it. Too many thoughts jumping around in my head at the same time, and can’t figure out where to start.

Well this is how I deal with the above. First, if the cursor is bothering you that much – shut the laptop (computer) down and walk away. Get some fresh air. I take a walk. I often find, it’s not long before my thoughts start to come together, and I have an overwhelming compulsion to get back to the laptop. Second, take notes. Yes sounds strange, but brainstorming or talking the theme/setting/plot/characters  over with a fellow literary friend helps get the creative juices flowing again. Third, goes hand in hand with the second.

To summarise if writer’s block is fact or fiction, I think it depends on the writer. If you’re born to be a writer, and all you can think about is telling that amazing story, then it’s all fiction. However, if you find that cursor flickering is too much to bear, get up off your bum. You’re not a writer today. Go and find your inspiration, and after a day if you are still stuck, even after following the above suggestions…I hate to tell you, but you are not meant to be a writer.

The Beach House

The Beach House is a love story, based on a true story.  Here’s a preview. I hope you enjoy. ~Cg

Three long summers passed, but she did not return. Then the fourth summer he came back, a long black Cadillac pulled up beside the beach house. He watched from the waves to see who would get out of the vehicle. He had almost given up on ever seeing her again, when a woman got out of the car wearing a long green and blue floral print, cotton sun dress with a wide-brimmed blue straw hat. He watched her kick off her shoes. She slowly walked down toward the shoreline to wet her feet in the warm ocean.

She raised her skirt to kick at the waves and tucked the sides up into her knickers. He had never seen her before, but still his heart leapt hoping this time, like all the others, it might be Jeannette.

Sadie barked at the woman on the beach and her tail wagged wildly.

‘Steady on girl,’ Tommy petted his dog to calm her and she licked his hand. ‘You want to go for a surf don’t you?’ Tommy glanced around as the next wave came up upon them. He paddled into it to ride the wave all the way to shore. Sadie leapt from his board making a beeline for the woman, bowling her over. ‘Oh shit!’ exclaimed Tommy, dreading the thought his dog was mauling a tourist.”

Continue reading click this link: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/cowgirlbrumby

Hello world!

‘Swimming towards the foggy haze known as ecstasy, I close my eyes, and you are here with me, haunting my every dream….’  ~Cg Brumby

Welcome to my page!

I believe in a unique approach to erotic writing, where I take my readers on a journey to stimulate the senses as they read passionate tales of love, lust and romance. I’ve also written a few taboo stories, (which I found to be fun to write) and am about to publish such a book of twisted tales over on smashwords. Will let you know when it’s due to be released.

I currently have three ebooks published. The Beach House, Taboo Lovers and Thinking of You. As new titles are released, I will let you know when they become available.

I’m a busy single parent with a lot of life on my plate, so forgive me for not being the average blogger who updates regularly. I will do my best. There is more to me than just erotic romance writing. I also enjoy poetry, music and gardening.

I look forward to hearing from you. You can find me on both Twitter and Facebook.

Cheers to fans everywhere!

Cg Brumby