Sydney Winward has Some Writing Tips for Us

Fellow Wild Rose, paranormal romance writer Sydney Winward, talks to us today about her writing and shares some helpful tips about writer’s block and getting published.

Welcome Sydney…

 What was the most interesting place you ever visited?

Ketchikan, Alaska. I worked there during a summer, and it was breathtakingly beautiful. Dark water, bright, green forest, gigantic cruise ships docking with their passengers. I worked at a fishing lodge. Once the guys gut and sliced the fish customers had caught, I would wash and bag the pieces. Everything smelled like fish and saltwater, and I loved it.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Nope! The juices are always flowing in my brain. If the scene isn’t coming out quite right or I’m not sure the direction of the book, I take a couple of days off and let my mind rest during that time. I have found that long walks help spur creativity, or even taking a little time off to read a book instead of write one. At times, my mind is too tired to think, let alone write, and I either chance writing hyped up on caffeine, or I wait a day or two when my mind is ready to sit down and write again.

For those who are experiencing writer’s block, here are a few things you can do:

1. Take a walk. Walk the dog. Get out in nature. Ideas strike at the most random times.
2. Read a book. I really believe that reading makes you a better writer!
3. Take a break! It might seem strange that not writing will help you write, but it works!
4. Look through Pinterest. Visually seeing settings or clothing or characters really helps when you are in need of a boost.
5. Pet a cat. Or a dog. I’m more of a cat person (sorry dog people!), but it can help relieve stress which can help your mind relax enough to get back to writing.

Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?

I recently signed a contract for Bloodbond, the 2nd book in the Bloodborn Series. This book is about Adam Degore’s brother, Zachariah. He spent ten years locked in a dark cellar as a feral vampire, and his book is about some of his recovery, discovering what it means to be a healthy and whole vampire again, and of course, he tries so hard to woo another vampire named Laurel.

Another book I have coming out with The Wild Rose Press is a novella part of their One Scoop or Two ice cream series. It’s called Root Brew Float, and it’s about a witch who is sent to Massachusetts to deal with a ghost problem, but instead she finds herself falling in love with a man, the only person who has tempted her enough to give up her magic to live a mortal life.

Do you have a writing tip that has really helped you get published?

I think something that’s incredibly important that will not only improve your manuscript, but it will also be beneficial in your writing career is “cutting the fat”. Every chapter, every scene, needs to further the plot. If you like a scene but it does nothing for the story, cut it out. Are you attached to it? In love with it? And you think other people will be in love with it too? Doesn’t matter, cut it out. Readers don’t always want to read the fluff, and I don’t think publishers want to publish it either.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

I loved writing a part in Bloodborn where Adam gets in a sword fight with his friend, Matthew. They’d been friends for years, and Adam never saw it coming. It’s raw and emotional, and it’s the first time Adam has cried in a long, long time. Other than that, I can’t give any more details! You need to find out what happens for yourself!

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Bloodborn by Sydney Winward

Adam Degore’s personal need to find a cure for vampirism drives him to ensnare a vampire, but the creature he captures is Dracula’s daughter. Worse yet, he’s drawn to her-a monster he’s vowed to kill.

Despite her father’s wishes, Willow chooses to live among humans instead of the vampire conclave where she would be safe. She wants a life filled with more than shadows. Being captured by a human, not to mention falling in love with one, is not part of her plan.

With vampires and blood hunters closing in on their chosen prey, Adam and Willow need to trust one another. But will that trust come in time for them to survive and find a future together?

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Buy Links

Amazon   |  B&N  |  KOBO

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Learn more about Sydney Winward

Website: https://sydneywinward.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SydneyWinward

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sydneyewinward/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneywinward/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sydneyewinward/

 

 

 

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Sydney would love to hear from you.

Please post your questions and comments below.