Christmas in March

I thought we’d talk about book titles today, guys. But first a little song to get in the right mood (and don’t say I didn’t warn you! 🙂 )

Awww, isn’t that just dreamy? ❤

And it’s also sort of like the theme song for the Christmas story I’m currently writing. It’s about Casey and Ellis, who don’t have much, but they have each other and they’re happy about that.

But here’s what I wanted to talk about: does the title of a Christmas story need to advertise the theme, or do you think it’s okay to give it any old name?

What I mean is: does it have to be called something like Casey and Ellis Sitting on Santa’s Lap (which—for clarity’s sake—they don’t 🙂 ) or The Ugliest Christmas Tree in the History of Christmas Trees (which they actually have)? Or would a completely non-Christmas related title be okay? Like Childhood Drawings and Gumball Rings (which I realize I kind of like)?

I can’t decide what I think. I kind of like it when something in the title screams Christmas, but at the same time I don’t think it’s necessary. That’s why I’m asking you. Help me out here, would you? 🙂

More reviews: Unconditionally

Unconditionally has gotten more reviews since my last post, and each and every one of them has made me really happy. All of them has been great, not one single You suck so far 😀

I thought it would be fun to share on the blog.

I appreciate all of you that’s been so kind and reviewed my book. Thank you ❤

I even got my first video review. Thank you, Amy!

This is a story about unconditional love. How it holds us up when ignorance tries to tear it down. It’s about the strength of love and the power of acceptance. This is a lovely and romantic story!

– Diverse Reader

I really enjoyed Ms. Iris’ voice and writing style. I would love to see more stories by her because I would gladly read them. I’d especially love to see a full length novel because I think her voice will shine without the constraints put on a short story.

-Molly Lolly

Nell Iris has given us a very sweet happy read. This is the perfect story for a Friday night with a glass of wine after a long week at work. It is a Happily Ever After that at the end of the book makes you feel warm and fuzzy. I would recommend this book if you are looking for something light and happy.

-Love Bytes

Buy Links:
JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | iBooks | Google Play | B&N

Weekly writing update

Happy Monday, everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. Mine kind of got away from me and it was so bad I didn’t have time to do a #RainbowSnippets post. Don’t you just hate it when real life interferes with the fun stuff? Also, I will have to start scheduling the posts so this problem won’t happen again 🙂

Anyway. My writing update for last week was sort of gloomy, but this week I feel a lot better. I’m excited for Camp NaNoWriMo—I just wish I didn’t have to go to Bangkok this weekend so I could get started on April 1st. But again: RL interfering with the fun stuff. Typical.

Ah well. Here’s what I did last week:

I beta read the second edition of one of my favorite stories. I was nervous at first, thinking I wouldn’t be able to do it justice because I’ve read the first edition so many times and love it, but beta reading is really different and it went better than expected.

But I’ll gush more about how great the second edition is later, I promise 🙂

I started a new WIP, a Christmas story, the one I wrote about here. I have a great plan for it, but more about that too later. It’s weird, though, trying to get into the Christmas spirit in March, so if I suddenly start linking to holiday music again, you know why 🙂

It doesn’t have a name yet, so coming up with one is on my todo-list for the week. I hate unnamed stories 🙂

I was approached by Divine Magazine some time ago and asked if I was interested in writing a guest post for them. I accepted, of course, and last week I wrote the article, titled Chekhov’s gun, or tying up loose ends. It will be published on April 12th, but I’ll remind you closer to the publishing date, if you’re interested in reading it.

And here’s a graphic they made for the Magazine.

All in all a very productive week. I’m happy about it. Let’s just hope I can keep the momentum going 🙂

Early morning plotting

How come I always come up with all my ideas when I’m about to go to sleep, or early in the morning if I open my eyes even for just a second.

Like this morning. I stumbled into the bathroom and did my business and had every intention of going back to sleep. But as I pulled the cover over my head, an idea popped into my head.

I considered getting up to write, but I glared at the time and decided against it. But I was afraid of forgetting my idea, so I did what I always do. I texted myself.

But can someone tell me why I can’t come up with any good ideas when I’m awake? Why, universe, why?

And I realize 8AM might not seem so early for you, but it is for me. I’m a night owl and 8AM is basically before the rooster crows in my world. 

Anyway. The redheaded beauty is Casey and the story is going to be about him.

Writing update

Time for my writing update for last week:

Nothing. I wrote nothing.

Blog post done.

Okay…not really done. I did some things. I edited a couple chapters of The Locked Room. I sent out review-requests for Unconditionally. And I wrote a blog post. That’s about it.

But I did something else. I signed up for Camp NaNoWriMo.

I’ve never been interested in NaNoWriMo because I think it’s crazy to commit to writing 50000 words in 30 days. But after researching what Camp NaNoWriMo is, I decided maybe I could do it. The difference is that I’m allowed to set my own word goal in Camp NaNo, which made all the difference for me.

So when my publisher asked if any of us JMS-authors wanted to join in their cabin, I said yes.

I signed up for 20000 words—that feels doable. That’s 666 words per day or 4662 words per week. Not a problem, right? Right?

I decided I’m going to work on my WIP Never Before Him. Admittedly, I’ve already written 600 words, but I’m going to be attending a wedding in Bangkok on April 1-2, so I won’t get any writing done those first days. So I figured a 600 word head start is allowed.

The reason I decided to sign up is that I work better under pressure. A deadline works wonders for me, and a self-imposed one just isn’t the same. Ergo: Camp NaNoWriMo.

Let’s just hope I’ll make it.

Don’t forget that Unconditionally is still available on Kindle Unlimited or for purchase on any of the links below.

Buy Links:
JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | iBooks | Google Play | B&N