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 ...

My first book has been partially edited, but my first chapter is still iffy. Second book has been sent to be partially edited, too. Thanks to those who have been supporting me recently. Hugs. M

I'm still waiting for the first batch to my first ever written novel. My editor has said maybe this Friday. Is it normal for 27,000 words to take twenty days or more to edit? I think it's due to her being busy trying to write her own novels at the same time. Which is understandable, but it's hard for me to have to wait, haha. I feel too anxious to write at the moment. *sigh*

Okay, so here is my new layout. It's good but not great, but it will do for now. At least until I have some theme going. I am currently having four of my books edited. The first hundred pages of one very long teen paranormal romance and fifty pages of my other three novels. This is so that I can decided whether I want to submit before attempting to self publish. My editor did me an amazing free sample. She has now been enlisted as the editor for all the books, and I hope she can help me to improve the beginnings of each, which I believe to be the weakest. Introducing characters and story-lines doesn't seem to be my strength. I prefer my writing from midway, where all the action begins. :) I am getting the first half of editing back Sunday. Eeek!! My editor says she loves my story, and can't wait to read the rest of my novels. I'm finding that hard to believe. Maybeif I wasn't paying her to edit my novel, I would be smiling more about that comment. But he...

Hello all. Here I will be discussing my plans, current projects and days I just want to ramble and rant about the tedium of editing. I know all writers understand what I'm talking about, namely Elena Ahmadi Gestoso... Anyhoo, three of my novels are complete. I hope. I am currently looking for the ideal editor to help me polish, reduce, and spring clean my babble. So what do I have??? Three teenage paranormal romances, surprise, surprise, and a contemporary romance. I will keep you updated on my writing. And I hope many of you will join me on my journey to publication. Bye for now. Miriam x