The Memory Witch by Heather Topham Wood Release Day

I'm so excited to read this book! And it's releasing today...

About The Memory Witch 

Ten years ago, Quinn Jacobs’ mother made a bargain with a local witch—steal away Quinn’s memories from the first eight years of her life and in return, Quinn would spend a year in servitude to the witch.

On Quinn’s eighteenth birthday, she’s forced to leave her home and friends behind. For the next year, she’ll live at the Chadwick House, learning everything she needs to know about being a spellcaster. As her powers grow, Quinn begins to unravel the secrets of the past and the reason her mother was so desperate to conceal the horrifying truth.

Publication Date: December 15, 2013

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

10 Tips to Becoming the Best Writer You Can Be

Here are a few tips that really helped me during the writing process for my Second Sight series and The Memory Witch. Some of the tips you may have heard time and time again, but they really do work.

Tune Out Everyone’s Voice in Your Head

I unfortunately put way too much thought in what other people think. This can really make your story suffer if you’re constantly wondering over other’s reactions. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Even if it doesn’t work out, at least you know you put yourself out there.

Get Organized

Whether you’re old school and use a notebook for organizational purposes or rely on a program like Scrivener, staying organized while writing can be extremely helpful. As an example, I keep both an outline and character descriptions close at hand while I write for quick reference.

Just Write

If you obsess over every single word you put on paper, you may end up sacrificing some of your creative energy. This is where free writing exercises can be very helpful. Browse writer’s blogs and you’re bound to come upon some free writing topics and exercises you can tackle.

Don’t Be Afraid to Hit the Delete Button

Getting rid of stuff that just isn’t working is a must. Don’t be afraid to cut huge chunks out of your novel. Save each previous draft and if end up having use for the scenes down the road, so be it.

Walk Away for Awhile

I once heard a reference that writers have a tendency to have beer goggles on while writing. You may love every single word you write one night, but then wake up the morning and wonder what the hell you were thinking. Fresh perspective can definitely help you become the best writer possible.

Don’t Lose Yourself in the Editing Process

Feedback can be very helpful in the writing process, but opinions are subjective. What works for one reader may not for another. Although you may be inclined to change certain aspects based on a single opinion, wait until you get more input. As an example, an editor I spoke with wanted me to make my main character in First Visions “nicer” and gave me examples of what a “good” woman would and would not do. I think if I followed her advice, I would’ve ended up with a dreadfully boring story.

Show Don’t Tell

This is probably one of the helpful pieces of advice I received during the editorial process. Use dialogue and the character’s actions keep the story moving. Wordy descriptions can end up hurting the pace of your novel.

Read Everything You Can Possibly Get Your Hands On

My husband will laugh at me when he sees me reading a trashy magazine or book and I tell him I’m working. Being well read can enhance your vocabulary, improve your grammar and help you find inspiration for your work.

Stick to a Routine

I have two boys under seven which makes finding the time to write exceedingly difficult. Each night after they go to bed, even if I’m not in the mood, I’ll write at least something.

Get Rid of the Distractions

I’ll be in the middle of writing a pivotal scene when all of a sudden my phone will ring or my inbox will chime. Or I’ll receive a text from my sister stating I have to go on Facebook right now and look at this raunchy picture posted by so and so. A good piece of advice I heard before is to write on a computer without internet access.

For more information, please check out the book on GoodReads.

 

About Heather Topham Wood

 

Heather Topham Wood’s obsession with novels began in childhood while growing up in a shore town in New Jersey. Writing since her teens, she recently returned to penning novels after a successful career as a freelance writer. She’s the author of the paranormal romance Second Sight series and the standalone The Disappearing Girl.

Heather graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in English. Her freelance work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Besides writing, Heather is a pop culture fanatic and has an obsession with supernatural novels and TV shows.

Find out more about Heather on Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, and her website.

 

Buy The Memory Witch on Amazon.