Miriam Khan

Writers: What books inspired you to write your first novel? Mine were Legacy of Lies by Elizabeth Chandler and The China Garden by Liz Berry and obviously Twilight, due to the romance. Readers: What do you look for in a paranormal romance story? I look for suspense, quality writing, easy flow of sentences, voice, maybe a Gothic tone, dreamy prose, great description, handsome and mysterious brooding heros with a strong independent protagonist.  First person narrative, and realistic characters. Plenty of romance, and swoon worthy dialogue.

I want to make a list of the tips I have picked up along the years while I have been writing and editing. Some or all of these will probably be known to you, and you might be thinking, DUH! But I'm listing them anyway, as a reminder to myself and for those who might not be aware of one or two and need the advice for self editing. 1. When someone turns to face a character, it's best to say something like swirled around rather than twirled. 2. Avoid saying: I looked. I heard, where necessary. For example. I looked at my vanity table that was on my right. Instead try: The vanity table on my right.... I heard echos in the other room, could be: Echos from the other room... 3. Avoid redundant sentences: I ran fast to get to the house quicker. It's obvious why, if someone is running home. Instead it could be: I ran home as fast as I could. 4. Avoid dangling participles. Basically they are sentences that make a character sound like they are doing too many things at onc...

Okay, I haven't been very chatty, well, not at all on here really. Not even on Facebook or any other online platform. I had to get away for a while and just concentrate on editing my first ever written novel, which most of you will know for now as: CRYSTAL. During my extensive edits and re-writes of the first chapter, I contacted some potential beta readers and the writers who have been amazing. I feel as though I have been blessed to have made contact with them. They have not only been supportive. They have given honest, sound advice and even demonstrated what I needed to do better. It was exactly the kind of editing and critiquing I had been doing for writers for years, only now I was getting that kind of help back. I couldn't believe it!!! And I was expecting the help to dwindle, I still do haha. But no, they came back, eager, and even told me they enjoyed my novels. One lady, bless her cotton socks told me to hurry up and publish my books. So these are the names ...