Lovelyn Bettison

Paranormal Horror and Suspense

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Book Review: Bird Box by Josh Malerman

I don’t usually read horror novels. As I write this I’m realizing that I have a bunch of horror novels on my TBR list that I’ll be reviewing this month, so maybe that statement isn’t very true. Let’s start again. From time to time I read horror. I haven’t realized until recently how much I like it. Maybe I’ll try my hand at writing horror at some point.

I decided to read Bird Box because I heard it mentioned on a podcast and it sounded intriguing. Here is the premise. A catastrophic event has happened. The reader is not told what it is exactly, but we are introduced to a woman named Malorie who is living in a house with a bunch of people. They have been there for a long time and are starting to get on each other’s nerves. They can only go outside if they are wearing blindfolds because there is something outside that will turn you into a violent psychopath if you see it. The book flashes forward five years and Malorie is living in the house with two small children. All of the other people who lived in the house with her are gone. Malorie wants to take the children and leave, but the only way to go is down the river behind the house in a canoe. In order to stay alive, they must make the entire trip blindfolded. Will they be able to survive? Is something following them? What is it? [Read more…] about Book Review: Bird Box by Josh Malerman

Pantsing or Plotting: Which is Better?

When I started writing the word “pantsing” was completely new to me. I’d see discussion about it in writing forums and not know exactly what they were talking about. In case that is the same for you, I thought I’d start this post out by giving you a definition of pantsing. Pantsing is writing by the seat of your pants. That means you have no outline. You are making the story up as you go along.

I used to be a strict pantser. I thought it was the only way to write really artistic literature. If you are writing an outline first you are somehow a less qualified writer. I used to be very silly.

The years have passed. I’ve grown up a bit (just a little bit) and now I think that both plotting and pantsing have their places. Writing one way or the other doesn’t make you a better writer. They are just different ways of organizing your book. The funny part about all of this was that I also realized that I was never really a true pantser. I’ve always had an idea about how my book was going to end. I start with the end in mind. Even though back then I didn’t really write a true outline, I was outlining and organizing in my head the whole time. [Read more…] about Pantsing or Plotting: Which is Better?

How to Start Writing a Book?

I’ve met a lot of people over the years who tell me that they want to write a novel. They just haven’t gotten around to doing it yet, but once this or that thing finally happens they’ll get started. The problem with that kind of thinking is that there will never be a perfect time to write your novel. You will write it when you make it a priority in your life.

The best time to get started is now. Below I’ve written some tips that will put you on the path to writing and completing your first novel.

Why do you want to write a novel?

You’re going to dedicate a lot of hours to writing your novel. Knowing why you are doing it will give you the stamina to finish. I read a statistic that said 97% of people who start writing a book never finish. That means the odds aren’t in your favor. A way to tip the odds in your favor is the be clear about why you’re spending so much time at a computer writing when you could be doing something else.

I love finishing a book. Typing the last words on the page is a major accomplishment. Holding the final product in my hand is amazing. It’s a slog to get there. There will be times when you feel like beating your head against your desk. There will be times when you doubt yourself and what you’ve written so far. There will be times when you wonder if any of this is worth it. You need something to get you through those struggles. [Read more…] about How to Start Writing a Book?

Book Review: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

When I saw that HBO was remaking Fahrenheit 451 I was interested. I’d seen the movie when I was a high school student, but somehow never read the book. That had to change. Luckily, my son had a copy I could borrow.

Fahrenheit 451 takes place in a dystopian future where books are illegal and people spend most of their time watching interactive television shows and driving at ridiculous speeds. The novel follows the life of a fireman named Guy Montag. In this future firemen don’t put out fires; they start them. They burn books. [Read more…] about Book Review: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

So You Want to Write a Book

Do you want to write a book? A lot of people do.

I’ve written a few books over the years and know that it takes a lot of effort to finish one, especially when you’re working on your first. So, I decided to start a little series here about writing. In it, I’ll discuss the practical things you need to know when you’re writing your first book.

I’ve been brainstorming about the topics that I’d want to cover in the series. Here is what I have so far: [Read more…] about So You Want to Write a Book