₦airaland Forum

My sincerest apologies everyone for not being here since Thursday

And it wasn't even PHED... but serves them right for never being reliable

Actually it has just been a hectic past three days but thankfully I managed to come out, heads up

Many, many thanks for all your support bin my absence.


A special thank you @ Toeyean1507 for your reply to my comment. It is such a pleasing surprise seeing someone who can be so understanding and appreciative of such a response as the one I gave... I daresay many would have felt stung ... thanks girl and hope you get your writing back on track.

@ Kayemdy and Jeanfortune, truth be told I kinda miss those accompanying quotes... they were my trademark symbol ... but this is such a hectic period for me and getting the right quote for each episode used to take me time when I did it... I'll google and google and google.... hahaha ... I promise you all, next series, they'll be back.

@ MzPreshie , forgive me but Who killed Dana Bala? is on hold now. Working on my book and working on other stuff is taking a whole lot of my time. I apologise, pls bear with me. But we'll be back in a couple of weeks, I promise

So that is today's episode and yesterdays (which was for Thursday), wishing you all a great weekend and God bless...

Much love

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daveP: thanks i really look up to you.

Awww, thanks a zillion daveP... I'm quite honoured

kayemdy: Its spicy...

Its prety...

Its TM'S
u hav a unique way of using words to portray thoughts and describn ur xters day by day looks

MORE IDEAS TO UR THINKING

Many thanks Kayemdy. Just striving to get better really

Cheriepet: PrettySpicey gudmorn'n to u...

Are u a fan of JD Robb? would do anything for any part of 'in Death' series.

Hahahaha, don't tell me you wanna murder someone, lol.

Actually I'm a big fan of Nora Roberts, who of course is JD Robb. But fact is I'm partial to her Romance works... no surprise there, lol


But my youngest sister reads JD Robb.

So how do you want me to get you a part in her death series? *winks*

lenmafon: gudmorning to everyone, hope u all had a 1daful nite rest? mommy prettyspicey how u dey? any updae 2day?

No dearie... none today. Updates are MOndays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

So till tomorrow

WOW!!! and double wow, daveP.

This is absolutely becoming a whole different story. I am loving your style ... and I mean it, daveP.

In a space of few days, you are getting better and getter and its unfolding nicely... well done, daveP and many more talents to your storehouse.

Toeyean1507: @prettyspicey, wanna use dis oppor2nity 2 let u know u are gud @ what u know ao 2 do. I've been a reader since d days of unbreak my heart and OSTW. I must say u re extremely gud. One thing I wanna point out here's dat diversity is a crucial tool in writing. It makes u so unpredictable dat u, @ d end of d day, becomes 'Jack of all trade, senior @ all'. I wanna see a thriller by u some day. I'll be damned if I dint appreciate u,Glowingscenes, Princesa, Audrey timms and a host of others for bringing out dat neglected passion of mine in writing. Kudos to y'all!

Thank you sincerely for your comment Toeyean1507, I truly appreciate it.

I'd like to remark though that maybe diversity is a crucial tool in writing... I still find that debatable but I am investigating it

Maybe it is... but there is an even more important tool ... being versed in what you do. Honing the skill of your chosen genre. I consider that the most important tool of all. That in my chosen genre, I become very good... extremely great in it.

Most times when we judge writers as readers, we do so without comprehending the genre they write. It is not a flaw or a fault to be ashamed of as even most writers are not aware of their genre.

But I am. I write Romance fiction. Since Romance Fiction is a broad genre, I feature under its Contemporary Romance subgenre and even under that subgenre, I favour the homorous aspect of it.

So Toeyean1507, when you understand that genre or subgenre you will know that suspense which I daresay you are seeking is actually not a popular tool (should I say).

The contemporary Romance subgenre is one where it is clear how all will end... as a matter-of-fact so predictable is the end of all Romance genres... 'and they lived happily ever after' lol.

As a reader, knowing that end, you get pleasure not from seeking suspense, which is likely you might not find there, but by enjoying the style of the particular writer. Her plotting skills, her dialogues, her character presentation et al. Therein lies the fun of reading Contemporary Romance.

But that is not to say that Romance does not deal in Suspense. It does. And so we have another subgenre - Romantic Suspense. Under this subgenre, its writers thrill their readers with crime and mystery mixed with the hot spice of romance. Nora Roberts does this well and so do Linda Howard and Sandra Brown.

It is a genre I most admire and when my skills are well-honed, I will approach.

I also want to point out that many writers indeed stick to their chosen genres and most never really diversify. Nora Roberts is a Romance writer... now Bestseller... she is known for her Romantic Suspense and Paranormal Romance books. As JD Robb, she does full blown Detective fiction.
John Grisham too is known for his Legal Thrillers. If he writes other kinds, I have not heard.

I apologise that I am giving you what might appear a long lecture just over a simple comment. But I just wish to clarify to you and maybe to other readers, that when you look at a writers work and wish to critic it, you at least have to know her genre and see if her style is in order with that genre or subgenre.

I point that out because many still see Danielle Steel as a Romance writer ( she hates to be called one and only rightly too), whereas she is a Women's Lit Fiction writer or better put a Women's Fiction genre writer.

My bottom-line is, there is still a whole lot of work for me to do in terms of honing my skills in my chosen genre - Contemporary Romance - and I still have much to learn.
But I would appreciate being critiqued from that angle mostly... as would most writers.


Thank you for reading, Toeyean1507, and above all for tolerating this so-long-a-response

I would like to add that I too like Nora Roberts (JD Robb) is trying to test other waters... in terms of Fiction genre... on my blog I am testing my skill as a Mystery writer. I call it 'testing' because it is a genre I am 'yet' to become good at. It is not an innate skill for me, at all, lol.

I leave a link to my blog where on the sidebar you'll find links to Missing Christabel and Who killed Dana Bala? ... http://alifediary./ ... that is of course you wish to check them out. Thank you.

JeffreyJamez: Don't look at me I had nothing to do with this lol

whatever gave you the impression I was looking at you

JeffreyJamez: I personally don't see any flaw o...all those "flaws" above are actually what makes your story unique. And there is nothing like too much suspense Abeg.It's what makes we the readers to always come back...your type of writing is emotional... Your choice of words triggers emotions... You can't be an allrounder na...prettyspicey's best attribute is her witty convos between her characters, Royver's best attribute is his description..yours is your ability to bring out the emotions of your characters . So while some people will say "lack of dialogue " is a flaw...I don't see it as a flaw...and for those saying it lacks "narrative parts"..please they should come and define Narrative Part....as for the descriptive part,it is there but not too much,but then again this particular story doesn't need much description because it is more of emotional description that is needed for it and you got it spot on.

Honestly, no flaw for me but then again what do I know I'm just a reader.. *chews groundnut and walks out*

Indeed Audrey Timms, every writer has their strong point... like in all things. And every writer approaches her plot from a certain kind of angle.

But in spite of her strong points and angles, writers should approach writing according to the particularities of their chosen genre.

I look at Unfulfilled Promises as a Women's Lit genre work and so it's style should defer from mine as a Contemporary Homorous romance writer and from Royver's as a Paranormal writer (I think that's what he is).

But then again, it is never truly clear what are our flaws as writers until we are judged by the professionals who are in our chosen field or better put, genre.

I have found being certain where I belong and working towards the standards of that particular art, keeps me improving my skill and never having to get confused by what might be un-honed opinions.

Above all, I despise unnecessary comparison, especially when wrongly applied.

I apologise if I'm presuming too much here, Audrey Timms, but I daresay it is for you to consider every point made by readers and all and decide for yourself which is valid.

when we lack book reviewers, we should use already written works to judge our style

Still think this was a great work. Thank you

AudreyTimms: I hv alredy discovad wre d prblm began. Lyk I told anoda reader who pointed dis out also, its frm hw I read novels. D narrative and descrptive parts bore me 2 hell (yep, am sum1 dt is easily bored. Bored wit dis present story already). So after dis story, I intend changing my manner of reading novels and also 2 read frm other writers here (I've alredy started with flakkydagirl and prettyspicey)

Thanks dear and hope you enjoy it. You need patience though... because I don't update as fast as you do. I'm a firm believer in serving the dishes one at a time

charijee: Alright I withdraw my service henceforth. .....good morning

Hmm, serious... I wonder why that is **eyes someone closely**

Jeanfortune: hey, Spicey, pls dont let those mosquitoes give u a malaria cos there is no fish peppersoup around o, anywayz, about ur novel, its official now, AM LOOKING FORWARD TO GET A HARDCOPY, and thats not cos u are a romance writer but because i love the way u write, u are sooo good with words, u make ordinary words look extraordinary, infact u inspire me, wanna be like u when i grow.. lol#, pls keep us informed about that as well, so we..*modified*, so I dont miss a thing..

hahaha, there's always peppersoup Jeanfortune. And I'll keep you informed about the book. Thanks

charijee: Lol. .....sleep refused to come na. .....are you seeing me from your dream?......I decided to act as your body guard MamaP

Mbanu! The only person I can trust to guard me wella on this thread is Olamopol... any other na counterfeit o... make I go watch film jor

charijee, is it not past ya bedtime? Or are you a winch? ... and toykathy too... **watching them with side eye**

Hiya peeps

you see me grinning like a Cheshire cat? That is because a lot of my hide-and-seek readers jumped out of their nooks and crannies and said something to me today

Many, many thanks to everyone of you and God bless.

Alrighty, that is today's episode. While our little chirpy characters are in bed with malaria parasite, I'm heading to mine because for some odd reasons, some mosquitoes are trying to bite off my feet... damn things

You relax and read as usual and don't forget to leave a remark.

Hasta la vista, amigos

xx

Weep not child for when the arrow of God strikes, people are no longer at ease and things fall apart... LOL... Well done, Audrey Timms

lenmafon: @prettyspicey, thanks a millon 4 the update. i dont knw abt ur other stories, but pls when TMAIAm is ready do let me knw. more strength 2 ur elbow. i hope u dont mean - why not use 'dare not' instead of 'daren't'? my opinion

thanks lenmafon for your comment. And I do think they are same thing... they have same meaning at least.

This is TMAIA - take me as I am - lol. but when the other is ready I'll let you all know.

Btw, are you lenma from the blog?

babysmart: hmmmn..wat can i say....naija's got talent...ur wrk reminds me of all dose harlequin romance novels....welldon

Thanks babysmart for comparing my work to those of Harlequin's great writers.... I'm honoured

READERS NOTICE

I would like to begin by saying a big THANK YOU to all my readers and followers... I sincerely appreciate you all.

I would also like to thank my readers who take the time to comment after every post... believe me when I say your comments are highly valued and they've been a source of encouragement.

Actually I am putting up this notice to address two issues - Comments and My up-coming Romance Novel.

COMMENTS:

I will speak on this, not only for myself but for all writers here on Nairaland.

Writing and Posting whether weekly or several times in a week is a very tedious job that takes not only time and effort but also a whole lot of other things.

Most writers here, myself inclusive, do not work any less hard on the works they publish here as they would on the works they would love to publish for sale. It is same effort, same time, same research, same editing and proofreading. Same everything... no difference.

At least for me there is none. I put as much work into my free reads as I would into works to be published for sale.

Free reads here are just that FREE READS. No one pays the writers for their job or time.

And for us writers we are not asking you to pay for something we willing gave you for free. BUT we need some form of recompense. Some form of appreciation. A token really on your parts as readers. And that something is your COMMENT.

As readers here on Nairaland you read works for free and most of you enjoy your writers' works and even appreciate their efforts. But the sad thing is most of you never show it.

You hide behind your ghostmodes and hit-and-run followership and do nothing to commend the works you have been given freely and have enjoyed.

It is not only wrong but also selfish... in my opinion.

My bottom-line on this issue is - as you make time to read our works, so too make the time to show appreciation and give us some encouragements by commenting.

My dear readers, please leave comments behind. Don't let's play the hit and run game. I take time and whatever it costs me to be here for you every week - do same for me... it is the least you can do for now.

I am inviting you as a reader to show your support for your writer. Read the work, if you enjoy it - leave a comment to indicate this. If you have some criticisms - do so politely with the knowledge this is someone's work and effort. If you do not care for the work - walk out of thread quietly and never trash a writer's work... it is actually an inhumane act.

So, I am inviting all my ghostmode readers and hit-and-run followers to begin today to not just read and enjoy but also comment and validate my work when necessary.

My motto is: RELAX, READ AND REMARK.


UPCOMING NOVEL


For followers and readers who knew me from our OSTW days and before, you have heard me speak of my soon-to-be-published romance novel.

What I have found really touching is that here on Nairaland none of you have ever asked about it or shown any interest in its arrival or any willingness to purchase it.

I know it's yet to be published but the very fact that you've heard me speak of it should have kept you impatient to read it... that is if you truly appreciate my work.

That lack of interest has made me wonder two things -

1. Do you all truly appreciate my work and me as a romance writer?

2. Are you all just free-to-read followers?

I am not certain which is the case, but time shall tell.

I am only alerting my new followers and readers that by the first week of October I hope to come out with my first ever published romance novel.

I am working on it right now. And doing my best to let this work of mine speak a language of its own.


Finally, I'd like to say that my posting my works here on Nairaland would not be forever. I only do so now to meet a dream. Sooner than later, I'll fully move back to my blog and post my free-reads only there.

Therefore I am inviting you all to my homestead, my base, my blog. Click on the link below and register your mail and become a follower, I'll truly appreciate it. But also do it for I cannot tell how long I can continue to make the time to post my works here.

http://alifediary./


Thank you all. And I hope we understand one another in this matter and begin to build a relationship beyond free-readers and a writer.

God bless.


TM aka PrettySpicey

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Indeed Audrey Timms this is a great story and well crafted too.

Enjoying the read.

charijee: Alright, I'll go for PrettySpicey

Speechless.... *grabs her in a tight hug* .... thank you... that is all the appreciation I need.

Wow! Totally amazing, Royver.

Only read the last episodes now but I must say it sounds great.

I followed your I can see what others do not and The Claw, the Tail and the Cross... I feel like the texture of your writing has improved... becoming more refined...

Lol, practice certainly makes us all better in what we do. Well done... we'll surely restart and meet up.


**@JeffreyJamez, are you stalking me? Hehehe**

JeffreyJamez: Bossy sisters lol

"Smilicious " update

tut, tut, tut, you are up to no good JJ