Writerly Bookish Stuff

Book Review: Angel Tears by Brianna West

March 10, 2021 Kjchapman

Angel Tears by Brianna West 5/5

Review:

ARC review: due for release April 2021

I never say no to a Brianna West ARC. So much so, I even preordered a copy before getting an ARC. West is known for her Promiscus Guardians world, so when I heard that Angel Tears was a different series and it’s own world, I just had to read it.

There’s still the strong theme of angels and demons and light and dark that she does best. West’s strong point is her world building without a doubt. Once again, she has set the foundations for a great group of paranormal characters, and her MC is a strong eighteen year old woman who can kick ass and bag herself a hunk.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties. All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman. K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.

Content belongs to KJ Chapman

Writing and Me

How My Writing Process Has Changed Over the Years

February 14, 2021February 14, 2021 Kjchapman

I’m currently writing my first draft of a new WIP, and couldn’t help but think back to my early drafting days when I was labouring over EVO Nation. My process is different today, but that is mainly because as a new writer I thought I had to work a certain way, but over the years, I have found my OWN way.

Here are some of the ways in which my writing process has changed:

I used to write every little detail about my narrative that popped in my head into a notebook. My EVO Nation series notebooks are bulging. As the years have progressed I only jot down things I really need to remember. I don’t keep a notebook of names I like anymore or music playlists. My Zombies and Budgie Smugglers notes filled just an A4 piece of paper.
I don’t class myself solely as a pantser anymore. I used to think I had to stick to one way of writing like a religion. ‘I mean, how can I be taken seriously when my writing process changes like the wind?’ Now, I still regard myself as a pantser, but if I need to plot some chapters, I will.
I used to think I had to know everything about my character before starting the draft. Now, I let them tell me who they are when I’m drafting. It is also perfectly fine to not describe your character in great detail. I used to want the reader to see my characters exactly how I do. It’s fine to give them some hints and let them use their imagination for the rest.
Avoiding tropes like the plague used to be a huge deal for me. It was actually during writing EVO Nation that I finally told myself that genre tropes are fine, as long as you make them your own. I read certain genres for certain tropes, so why steer clear of them when I’m writing just because some people say ‘tropes are bad or lazy’.
I used to guilt myself into writing daily. It’s not always possible for me to do that now, and word counts have become the devil’s work to me. I write when I get the chance and that’s perfectly fine. I write to relax and deadlines and word counts made it stressful.

Whether you agree with my process or not is a matter of style, but I hope this post goes to show that our processes will change as we grow as writers, and the best advice any writer can have is to write for yourself, how you want, when you want, and for whatever reason you want!

Content belongs to KJ Chapman

Book Review: Art and Soul by Claire Huston

February 14, 2021February 14, 2021 Kjchapman

Art and Soul by Claire Huston 5/5

Review:

Art and Soul is the perfect read for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy a cosy, heartwarming tale with realistic characters and expectations.

The story is perfectly paced and the character’s lives interweave effortlessly. Becky is a single mum and life coach, and Charlie is a floundering artist who needs all the help he can get to pull himself out of the hole he fell in during the 6 years since his wife left. The way the two back and forth, become entwined in each other’s lives, yet still can’t see what’s right in front of them, is what I read romance books for!

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties. All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman. K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.

Content belongs to KJ Chapman

Book Review: Of Beast and Beauty by Chanda Hahn

February 12, 2021 Kjchapman

Of Beast and Beauty by Chanda Hahn 4/5

Review:

A retelling that truly twists the original. I thoroughly enjoyed reading a new take on an old fairytale. I’m not a fan of retellings that stay so close to the original narrative that they become predictable, but this was a page turner.

Every single character is flawed, and that makes the storytelling more believable. The tale of Rosalie and Xander is dark with plot twists and a bigger plan that brought them together.

I would recommend this tale for anyone who enjoys retellings and dark narratives with darker characters.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties. All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman. K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.

Content belongs to KJ Chapman

Book Review: Awakening by Leigh Walker

January 20, 2021January 20, 2021 Kjchapman

Awakening by Leigh Walker 4/5

Review:

This book has everything you want from a paranormal romance: brooding, rich hunk of the paranormal variety, magic, supernatural beings, and a lovely romance.

Yes, there is heavy reliance on the usual paranormal romance tropes, but I do love a good trope when done well. The only reason I marked this. 4* is because it went too close to Twilight on occasions.

All that being said, I will be reading the next in the series.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties. All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman. K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.

Content belongs to KJ Chapman

Books and Me, new release

Cover & Blurb Reveal

January 20, 2021 Kjchapman

Guess who has got a novella in the final stages of editing? Yep, me!

Zombies and Budgie Smugglers is a little bit horror, a little bit comedy, and I had a blast writing it. If you liked my novella, Zombie Playlist, then I reckon you’ll like this story.

Cover Reveal:

Blurb Reveal:

I shall be looking for ARC reviewers soon, so leave me a comment if you are interested here or on Instagram.

Content belongs to KJ Chapman

Book Review: Some Kind of Wonderful by Giovanna Fletcher

January 16, 2021January 17, 2021 Kjchapman

Some Kind of Wonderful by Giovanna Fletcher 3.5/5

Review:

This book is more women’s fiction than the romance I was expecting. The whole premise is about Lizzy, who thinks her boyfriend is about to propose after 10 years, getting dumped. She has to reevaluate, find her footing in her new life, and rediscover who she was before the relationship.

This is definitely a feel good, positive book that focuses on self love and empowerment. It took me a little while to get stuck in, but the ending was the saving grace for me. I’m so glad that Lizzy stayed true to everything she had learnt and discovered about herself throughout the story and didn’t just shack up with the new hunk who shows a fancy to her.

The sub characters are amazingly well written. I think the world building and backstory make this book enjoyable.

In summary, the book is well written, but felt a little slow gaining momentum at first. I’m happy to have read it to the end, as it definitely grows on you.

The opinions expressed here are those of K.J. Chapman and no other parties. All books reviewed on this blog have been read by K.J.Chapman. K.J.Chapman has not been paid for this review.

Content belongs to KJ Chapman

100% K.J Chapman, Writing and Me

A Little About Me

January 15, 2021January 16, 2021 Kjchapman

I have had quite a few new followers in the last few months, so I wanted to do a little post about me and my books to kick start the New Year.

I’m a 34 year old author of urban fantasy, fantasy, and zombie horror. I’m Cornish born and bred, and I live in Cornwall with my husband and 2 children.

If I’m not writing, I’m reading. You will be sure to find writerly musings and book reviews on my blog. Not forgetting, links to my free promos (the end of every month 28th- 30th).

You can find my books via these links:

EVO Nation Trilogy:

EVO Nation Series : 1,2, &3

Thrown to The Blue

Thrown to The Blue Book 1

Zombie Playlist:

Zombie Playlist

Prompt Me: 150 Writing for Beating the Block

Prompt Me

50 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

Content belongs to KJ Chapman

A Change to the Schedule

January 14, 2021January 15, 2021 Kjchapman

After I had included a monthly Author Toolbox Blog Hop post in my 2021 scheduling post, the founder of the Blog Hop announced that she will no longer be continuing for 2021.

I have decided to stick to the schedule, but replace a blog hop post with some of my writerly musing (that’s basically what Author Tool Box Blog Hop is anyway).

I hope you pop by for those posts. I will aim for the 15th of each month.

Content belongs to KJ Chapman