Monday, May 9, 2011

More chances to win (and Release Valves)

Writing just for fun

During the April Challenge, when I was supposed to be re-writing Innocent Abroad, I found myself starting a new story which is now at nearly 6,000 words. This new story started out as nothing more than a bit of self-indulgent fun. It doesn't fit into any of my current plans, and I have absolutely no idea where the story is headed, but it's turned out to be a great release valve.

Whenever I'm feeling stuck or stressed about the WIP, I switch over to this new story and write a scene. Because it has no plot and no direction, I can write anything I want. So far I have a jumble of scenes which bear absolutely no relation to each other. But they make me feel like I'm achieving something, get the creative juices flowing, and I'm able to go back to the WIP in a much happier frame of mine.

Do any of you have writing 'release valves'? Pleased share with us how you get over feeling stuck by a story.

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Minxy Birthday Contests

Congratulations to last week's winners, Rachael Johns and Gaelikaa. This week we have another two contests, and we're announcing our Grand Prix contest.

First up this week is a chance to win this stunning necklace, courtesy of Minx Suzanne in Scotland.



Since yesterday was Mother's Day in most of the world (apart from the UK who celebrated the event before Easter already!), all you need to do to enter is leave a comment below telling us why Mothers are special people.

On Wednesday, you'll have a chance to win a Minxy ebook, and at the end of the week we'll announce both winners.

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The Grand Prix

For the rest of the month of May we'll be running a Grand Prix contest. In order to enter, you'll need to be a follower of this blog, either here on the blog itself or on Facebook's Networked Blogs. And the question you need to answer is simple: How old is Minxes of Romance?

The first prize will include:
  • A signed copy of Sally Clements' Bound to Love
  • A "Careful or you'll end up in my novel" t-shirt
  • A personalised Minxy notebook courtesy of Minx Jo P
  • An Amazon gift voucher valued at $10 courtesy of Minx Sri
One runner-up will also win the following:
  • Claire Robyns' historical novel Betrayed
  • An Amazon gift voucher valued at $10 courtesy of Minx Maya
This contest will close on Sunday 29th May, and the winners will be announced on Monday 30th May.
Good luck!

8 comments:

Jennifer Shirk said...

Mother's are special because they have an innate unconditional love for their children. :-)
Happy post Mother's day!

Anonymous said...

The fabulous Minxes will be celebrating their first birthday on May 10th. I think I smell a birthday cake baking!

And no one ever loves you like your mother!

Talli Roland said...

Wow, look at all those great prizes! Congrats to the Minxes!

melissa said...

You can always depend on your mum.

mell61 said...

1st birthday - is there jelly and ice cream as well as cake?

Claire Robyns said...

Happy birthday, Minxes!!

Speaking of release valves, Romy, I'm doing that right now... Of all things, I've started writing a steampunk (my latest fav genre read). I don't know if I can do it, I don't know how far I'll get, I'll probably never finish, but doesn't matter. I'm having a blast and either way, I'll inspire my muse and find out whether this is a genre I can write in or not.

Sometimes, we need to remember to 'play' in between our other writing.

suzy doodling said...

A Mum is the one who knows your strengths and weaknesses, and tells you both every time you see her. Happy 1st birthday Minxes.

Joanne Coles said...

Oooh Mel, definitely jelly and ice cream and perhaps some very special (vodka) flavoured jelly for all the grown ups!!