Romance Novels and the Languages of Love

by Enisa Haines

Romantic love, as often shown in romance novels, is a complex mix of emotions, attitudes and convictions linked with warmth, closeness, attraction and a deep desire for another person. But what makes a person, or a character in a romance novel, feel loved? In The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts Dr Gary Chapman proposes that people feel loved when that love is received in one of five different ways:

Words of affirmation - one partner tells the other they love them or compliments them or encourages them, communication and talking all-important. In Kylie Scott's The Rich Boy, rich boy Beck quotes Jane Austen and makes waitress Alice laugh. How can she resist him?  

Quality time - both partners spend time together with no distractions. In Marilyn Forsyth's The Farmer's Perfect Match, reality show PA Evangeline is determined to help find farmer Adam the ideal partner but close proximity has her falling in love with him.

Acts of Service - one partner does things for the other that they know the other will like, showing that actions speak louder than words. In Kelly Hunter's Maggie's Run, cowboy-next-door Max challenges elusive Maggie to live at her inherited property for three months. She doesn't love the place but can he as farm manager change her mind?

Physical touch - one partner holding the other's hands, or kissing them, feeling connected through touch. In Anna Campbell's Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed, to save her sister's life, Sidonie submits to a terrible fate, seduction by the notorious, hideously scarred scoundrel Jonas. But, defying all logic, seven sinful nights brings a new, fragile love.

Receiving gifts - one partner gives the other a meaningful, thoughtful gift, showing appreciation. In  Sarah Mayberry's Her Favourite Temptation, sexy musician Will tempts 'always the good sister' Leah with beautiful songs and a seize-the-day attitude. A powerful connection she can't resist.

Whichever of the five love languages resonates with you, there are romance novels aplenty showing how love is expressed.

How do you feel loved? Do you read romance novels expressing love in that language?

Love to love - anything about love

Love to laugh - at YouTube funny videos

Love to learn - everything about the languages of love

Smothering the Breathless Authors with Love!

Miranda's February Musings

Wow, December/January in Australia! So many super hot days, so many horrendous fires, so much heroism and so many sad losses. Keep donating (thankyou), keep praying, the fires are still burning in some places. We will get back on our feet, but as we do we salute the heroes who've saved so much, even as some lost their own lives. Such humbled thanks. Thankyou. Thankyou. Thankyou.

Words are simply not enough. We need to celebrate our own, our friends and family and loved ones, and hug them tight and just smother them with love. 

So as February begins I'm celebrating my fellow Breathless in the Bush authors, precious people to me. And, {{{shrug}}}, I'm totally biased about them and I don't care! So with no further ado, let my smother-them-with-love CELEBRATION begin! 

We love having KRISTINE CHARLES on board at BITB, and I've just read the anthology LOVE SABRE featuring her novella, A Mutual Thing. The book totally sends up the purple prose that used to dominate romance in yesteryear, but in such a creative way it's taut and terrific, sassy and sexy. (See what I did there? Thank goodness we've moved on.) But seriously, this book romps along with such fun. And not so much of the purple prose after all. These authors have created quick-to-read stories that are very energetically entertaining. (18+ warning for the *cough* love sabre...)

Image courtesy of amazon.com

Our beloved JAYNE KINGSLEY blows me away with her stories - and you'll find her Christmas novella A Kiss For Christmas Eve reviewed by yours truly here; sheer delight. Her full-length novel LOVING LUCAS made it onto my January read list, and I have to say that the always popular office romance trope - and friends-to-lovers - makes a wonderful appearance (I love these so much). Miranda is the boss's daughter, and Lucas doesn't know how he can work with her - because, so much temptation. OOH. And, that cover. 💋

Image courtesy of amazon.com

I actually knew ALYSSA J. MONTGOMERY before she was published. As soon as I read her first unpublished manuscript I knew Romancelandia had a powerhouse author about to explode on the scene. I am fairly smug I called it, heh, and her star continues to rise. I read her wonderful book SEDUCED BY THE STRANGER  over January and, wow. I love me a good amnesia plot, with a pregnant-by-I-don't-know-who plot also tossed in! So gripping. Go, Alyssa!

Image courtesy of amazon.com

The marvellous CASSANDRA SAMUELS is someone who knows just so much about Regency times, I'm impressed. Never try and get away with anything but true facts about the Regency period around her, she is spot on! I adore Regency romances, so enthusiastically dived into COLLECTOR OF HEARTS in January. My only concern was - why had I waited so long to read this?! Silly, silly me. I totally loved her hero, Robert Mallory, Marquis of Sheldon. To cope with something absolutely appalling in his life he became, well, a 'Collector of Hearts' - but then tossed them aside. I knew it was going to take someone very special to collect his heart... I laughed at Cassandra's wit and sparkling dialogue, and then, oh my, I cried. Such an outstandingly beautiful story. ❤ 

Image courtesy of amazon.com

Magical MARILYN FORSYTH creates beautiful stories in exotic settings, and I can't wait to read whatever she publishes next. If you haven't already, fall on her last book, FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN. I've never been to the Australian opal fields and possibly never will, so reading about the amazing opals, a mystery about a fossil, and a stunning romance - is, like, win win win! I adored this story. In fact, when I visited the Australian Museum in Sydney, there was a certain opal exhibit that entranced me...and which Marilyn assures me is the inspiration for this story! Intrigued? Oh, do read the book, it is so wonderful. You'll never look at opals the same way again. Or fossils! 

Image courtesy of amazon.com

ENISA HAINES and SHARON BRYANT are special stars in our special Christmas anthology A VERY AUSSIE CHRISTMAS.  I was so thrilled to read it, and each story is so very unique. Enisa's story is Endings, Beginnings and Sharon's is Desert Fire. Why wait until next Christmas to read them? It's still hot here in Oz, go back and get some blazing Christmas spirit in your year right now. 😍 

Image courtesy of amazon.com

So, ta-dah! I give you The Breathless Girls, who I celebrate! Perfect to pop on your reading list!

With love until next time,

Miranda xxx

Love to Laugh:

At the charm and wit in those ravishing Regencies, like Cassandra's!

Love to Love:

My BITB authors. Always and forever, girls! Mwuh. 

Love to Learn:

Which of the above have you read? Is there a special author you celebrate? 

Blurbs - Hook Your Reader

by Enisa Haines

You've completed your novel and now it's time to write the back book cover blurb. Those 150-200 words on the back of the book that grab a reader's attention, intriguing them and enticing them to buy.

How do you write the blurb? In an earlier post author Marilyn Forsyth described the many ways (The Blurb - Make it Count!) and what I learned is that it's not a shorter version of the synopsis as I'd somehow convinced myself. The blurb is a teaser mentioning the setting, the main characters, the conflict and a glimpse of the plot. Most important of all are the tagline, the hook that snags your reader, and the last statement, the hook that leaves the reader yearning for more.

The back book cover blurb to Under Currents by Nora Roberts -
"The perfect facade can hide dark undercurrents" - gives a sinister feel and readers know immediately the story is romantic suspense.

The back cover book blurb final statement to Marry in Secret by Anne Gracie - "But Rose never did follow the rules, and as she takes matters into her own unpredictable hands, Thomas finds himself in an unexpected and infuriating predicament: he is falling in love with his wife..." - tempts readers into immersing themselves in a sweet, romantic tale that promises a happy ending.










How to perfect the tagline? The last statement? Think about your story. What is it's selling point? Is it the main characters, or the plot point that sends them on their journey and pits them against each other? Know the answers to these questions and what to include in the blurb will be clearer.

Do blurbs catch your attention? Do they convince you to buy? Are there any blurbs so memorable you'd like to share? 

Love to love: impulse buys when a blurb reels me in.

Love to laugh: at some of the blurbs I've written - mediocre at best (that's laugh after a good, long cry!)

Love to learn: how to write the perfect blurb.

Miranda's April Musings

How Do You Choose What To Read Next?

Part One!

It's a problem, isn't it? You read a super good book, sigh, cry, hug it to your heart, kiss the cover (er, not that I'm admitting to that...), etc. etc., and put it on the keeper shelf. (Maybe stuff it somewhere on the keeper shelf might be a better description. Or make space where there is none and ruthlessly shove it in, aha...) Oh, the desolation at having finished! Will there ever be another book so wonderful, so moving, so thrilling, so romantic?

My gorgeous new mug, ooh ooh.

The answer is, and I'm not making this up, of course there will. Take heart, mes amies, there is always a teetering tottering tower of romance to choose from. Thank you, romance writers, I love you all!

The very second, and even before (don't you love that pre-ordering function from Amazon?) one of the marvellous ladies from this blog - Marilyn Forsyth, Cassandra Samuels, Karen Davis I'm looking at you - publishes a newie, it's pre-ordered in a flash. Happy day when it arrives on my Kindle as Marilyn's book recently did; and I'm anticipating Karen's book eagerly. Sharon Burke and Enisa Haines, it won't be long now... 💕💕

Photo credit: http://marilynforsyth.com.au/

Photo Credit: http://www.karenmdavis.com/books.html

And when I simply and utterly love a book to bits, I also love the function on Amazon that says: Customers who bought this item also bought - and there's your reading list for the next two months. Or two years. Scroll down and see it here, for Marilyn's first book. There's also the Top 100 Bestselling Romance feature on Amazon, which is fun to browse through. Total clickbait for me.

In my neck of the woods, Sydney, Australia, we have some fabulous bookstores which draw me in as shiny diamonds attract others. I'm talking Dymocks, Abbey's, Berkelouw Books, and Harry Hartog. If you're drawing a blank about what to read next, pay your fave local bookshop a visit, stay a while, drool a little, and you will come out with treasures.

Me? I just have to scroll through my Kindle (overstuffed, ridiculously so) or my shelves (ditto), and I'm spoilt for choice. I never seem to have a problem about what book to read next.

Funny thing, that.

What about you?

Love from Miranda xxx

Love to love: Easter eggs. I think I've just consumed my body weight in them plus hot cross buns. Love this time of year!

Love to laugh: At my TBR list. Psst, confession: I think even if I live to be 1,000 years old I'll never read all the books waiting for me. But I'll give it a jolly good shot.

Love to love: Knowing all those excellent reads will happen. I am ever the optimist.

Breathless Places

By Cassandra Samuels 

I love to know where writers and readers spend their time, don't you? The places where they dream and are inspired. Whether it is reading or writing, we all have a place that makes us feel empowered so as a fun post for this week I am revealing our very own Breathless places.

First up is Dee, who loves to have her furry friend Rosebud by her side while writing.

Rosebud Poppimonster Scully

Dee says: My writing place is anywhere my dog is. I’ve tried cafes and the library but I can never really focus. Maybe too much is happening around me. I even struggle when I’m sitting at my desk sometimes, but if my Rosie is sitting near me when I start to lose concentration I reach over, give her a cuddle and I’m able to get right back to whatever I’m working on. Distraction averted!

Miranda, our very own book reviewer, has her favourite reading place. It is her comfy pink recliner. No wonder. How inviting does it look? Miranda  says it is perfectly situated for her in this nice sunny spot near the fireplace with her current To-Be-Read pile at arm's length. Now you know why she can bring us such a fantastic array of wonderful book recommendations.

Miranda finds reading bliss in her comfy recliner.

Our newest published member, Marilyn (author of The Farmer's Perfect Match), tells us why she loves her writing space: Although it's not particularly clear in this photo, my writing cave is painted a beautifully serene peacock blue. At my corner-nook desk I'm surrounded by books (reference), pens and paper (for when the words won't flow on the computer), a citrus candle (ambience), my honey bear (to remind me to write every day), and other things I love (like my mini Jamie Fraser cutout - thank you, Cassie.)

You're welcome Marilyn. Every desk should have a pop-up Jamie! . Can you spot him?

Marilyn loves her writing cave.

Enisa describes her breathless place: Ideally surrounded by glowing candles and powerful crystals, I sit in a rustic cabin by a river in the midst of a forest and type away. The soothing sounds of nature enhance rather than disturb my creativity and my muse is happy.

Photography courtesy of Mark Lafontan

In reality, I type on my desktop computer in my home office (when writing time is abundant), or on my netbook in the living room (if time is sparse). I write in silence (music and chatter distract my creativity far too much). Inspirational quotes and precious crystals are scattered about. I'm big on positive energy. And the words flow.

Enisa Haines' writing space is surrounded by some of her favourite writing inspirations.

Karen M Davis shares with us her Breathless place: This is my messy study. I love writing here because it is my space. I close the door, put earplugs in so I don't get distracted by outside noise and start writing.
I hear you Karen. A lively house can be very distracting. I use headphones.

Karen's desk shows she is busy creating.

Sharon Burke's dream writing space.

'I have always wanted my own writing space. I have written two non-fiction books, one work of fiction, and several short stories and articles on a shared family computer. Earlier this year, I was given a laptop. I have just managed to acquire a roll top desk - something I have always wanted. My own writing space - finally!
I am so excited. Looking forward to restoring the desk, putting it in our study nook and enjoying the privilege of writing in my own space.'

Imagine how good this desk will be for Sharon's creative pursuits once it has been restored.

As for me? My writing space is lucky last. As you can see I like to have lots of things on my desk; it's in a corner of my bedroom so I don't really have anywhere else to put these things. I love being surrounded by some of my favourite reference books and notebooks. My desk is guarded by my Game of Thrones boys (Tyrion, Jon Snow and Rob Stark), and Loki also causes mischief here. My RWAust First Sale Ribbon has pride of place, as well. You might even see a pop up Jamie somewhere there.

When I am not writing at my desk I write in bed on my laptop, especially in winter. You have to keep the muse warm, you know.

Where do you love to write or read? What is your Breathless Place? Let me know in the comments.

Love to Love... my headphones. They are the most comfortable set I've ever had and are noise-cancelling as well. They let me escape into my Regency world and forget about reality.

Love to laugh...  at the new Bridget Jones movie trailer. Are you planning on seeing it?

Love to Learn...  about other writers' creative spaces and processes.

The Farmer's Perfect Match - My Journey to Publication

with Marilyn Forsyth

I’m as excited as all get-out! My debut book The Farmer’s Perfect Match was released a week ago, fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was a teenager. The book was a long time in production; it took over two years to write, had a number of incarnations before I felt it was good enough for a successful pitch, and it required hours of research.

from Trailermade Production

But, man, was it worth it!

The initial inspiration for the story came from a reality match-making show. I was a Farmer Wants a Wife tragic! Each series tugged at my emotions; I desperately wanted every one of those lonely farmers to find their happy ever after. (Still do with the new series - except for that older guy!)

One particular season featured a pearl farmer, and I thought what an idyllic setting the Western Australia coast would make for a story. So, I had my hero and my setting, but I wanted a twist, so instead of my hero falling for one of the contestants I had him fall for one of the crew—inbuilt conflict from the start.

We made time for a few wines, too. :)

My characters began to evolve into real people over a retreat weekend with my writing group, Breathless in the Bush. The getaway was funded by an RWA Group Grant. (If you’re thinking about applying for one of those, do it! Such a fabulous RWA initiative.) We participated in a heap of writing-related activities, one of which was an Antagonist writing a letter of introduction to the reader. That’s when the narcissistic Chrissy sprang to life.




We also spent a session on Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages where we had to decide our main characters’ primary love language, why they developed that particular primary love language, and how the MCs would fulfil each other’s needs. That’s where my emotionally wounded Adam and empathetic healer, Evie, emerged.

We saw some amazing sights.

Researching was a whole other experience. I’d never been to the Kimberley, and had no knowledge of pearl-farming or the TV industry, but researching exotic locations and jobs I’ll never do, it’s…well, it’s nothing short of bliss for me. I had contacts that had either studied or worked within the TV/film industry who helped me with the details of an on-location shoot, and also a contact within a fostering agency for advice. The great people at the Kimberley Visitors Centre also happily answered my many questions. But actually holidaying in beautiful Broome and visiting a pearl farm helped make the setting that much more authentic.

After many meetings with my fabulous crit partners and having finalled in a couple of RWA contests, I decided my book was at last ready to find a home so, heart-in-mouth, I pitched to Sue Brockhoff (then acquiring editor of Harlequin MIRA Australia) at the 2014 RWA Conference. It was scary, but no one could have been lovelier than Sue, and when she asked me to send my entire ms, I was over the moon. It took quite a few months, but when the offer to publish came through it was like all my Christmases had come at once.

For those of you who will read or have read The Farmer’s Perfect Match, I sincerely hope you enjoy Evie and Adam’s story. (And don't forget to watch the new series of The Farmer Wants a Wife.)

I'm looking for a setting for my new book. What's your favourite part of Australia? 

To celebrate the release of The Farmer's Perfect Match I'm giving away a copy (paper book or e-book) to one lucky commenter. Winner to be chosen at random and announced next Monday (so don't forget to check back). Good luck!

You can visit Marilyn's website at marilynforsyth.com.au where you'll find a fantastic book trailer from Trailermade Production and some other interesting stuff, or check out her Pinterest board for The Farmer's Perfect Match.

Love to love seeing my book in stores everywhere, alongside other authors I admire so much.

Love to laugh(and cry) with Nina Proudman and her wonderfully wacky family from Offspring. I've been binge-watching the early seasons in preparation for Season 6.



Love to learn about sites like brain.fm. I usually prefer to write with no noise but this site provides background music that actually helped me to focus on my writing without being distracted. You get 7 free sessions. Here's the link: https://www.brain.fm/app  Try it out!

Advice for Writers from the Wonderful World of Disney

Image courtesy of giphy.com

with Marilyn Forsyth

A lighthearted post this week in honour of the release, nearly ninety years ago on November 17, of Steamboat Willie, starring Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse. For your inspiration this week, here are 6 quotes from Disney movies that I believe hold meaning for writers and their writing.

1. ‘Fairy tales can come true. You gotta make ’em happen; it all depends on you. So I work real hard each and every day, now things for sure are going my way.’ Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.

The only way to get that book written is to sit down and do it. Writing a book is damn hard work and ‘butt on chair’ time is what it’s all about. Are you participating in Nanowrimo? Good on you! (But what are you doing here? Taking a well-earned break? Okay then.) Even if you don’t reach 50 000 words during the month, and what you’ve produced is not of a publishable standard, at least you have something to edit. As the saying goes, you can't edit an empty page.

Image courtesy of giphy.com

2. ‘I was just scared. And the thing is I’m not scared anymore.’ Rapunzel from Tangled.

Fear can be a great motivator. Whatever your biggest writing fear is—success (yes, that is a thing), not being able to translate what’s in your head onto the page, that nobody will want to read your book—you won’t get anywhere unless you push past the anxiety.

Image courtesy of giphy.com 

3. ‘Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.’ Alice from Alice in Wonderland.

Like Alice, set your imagination free. If you let your ‘Goofy’ out (pun intended), those creative juices just might start to flow. Play the ‘What if…?’ game. Write by hand. Start your story in the middle if the opening is too intimidating. Have fun with it!

Image courtesy of giphy.com 

4. ‘Your identity is your most valuable possession.’ Elastigirl from The Incredibles.

‘Identity’ is another word for ‘voice’. Your writing voice - your style - should be unique to you; it’s what sets you apart from other writers. Ensure your personality comes through in your writing and it will help you to connect with your potential audience. Don't be like Elastigirl, here - let your voice be heard!

Image courtesy of gifsoup.com

5. ‘The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.’ The Emperor of China from Mulan.

Rejection hurts, there’s no denying that, but if you accept it as a challenge to improve, your writing can only benefit from it. Pick yourself up and take heart from the fact that Walt Disney himself was rejected over 300 times before he got the financial backing to create Disneyland. And of course let's not forget J. K. Rowling's experience.

Image courtesy of giphy.com

6. ‘If you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true.’ Cinderella from Cinderella.

Believe in yourself! Remember: Whether you think you can or think you can’t, either way, you’re right. ’Nuff said.

Image courtesy of gify.com

Do you have a favourite movie quote? Love to hear it.

Love to Love: Gabrielle Battistel's Trailermade Production. You'll find fantastic trailers for some of your favourite authors' books at http://www.trailermadeproduction.com/. Be sure to check it out!


Love to Laugh: at some of the memes I found when searching for gifs for this post (despite the spelling error :)).



Love to Learn: how long it's going to take me to read Kate Morton's The Lake House. A bit over 3 hours, according to the experts at http://www.howlongtoreadthis.com/. Follow the link to find out how long it will take you to read your next book.

Blogiversary - Successes!

with Cassandra Samuels


Welcome to day four of the Breathless in the Bush Blogiversary. I really hope you are all having a great time with us.


Today we are going to have a little fun playing, Do You Want to Build a Hero? Did you just start humming that Frozen song? Basically, I will suggest a feature/characteristic and you get to tell me what you think the hero should have e.g. how tall, what colour eyes, occupation, etc. Get all your friends involved because there will be a nice little prize announced tomorrow, but you have to be in it to win it.
(Check the comments section below to find out the winner of  yesterday's $20US amazon voucher.)

But first today I thought I might spend a little time reflecting on the successes and achievements of my fellow bloggers. It’s been a big year for many of us, so here goes.

Marilyn Forsyth has had an amazing year. She was a finalist in the Valerie Parv Award this year but due to some very exciting news she had to bow out of the competition; the reason being that she has accepted a contract with Harlequin Mira for her Pearl Farmer story (not yet titled) which she pitched at the Romance Writers of Australia Conference last year. Hurrah! We are so excited for Marilyn and for you because you will get to read it sometime early next year!

Dee Scully has also had an amazing year. She has overcome her fear of contests and submitted to two RWAus writing competitions…one of which she won - The Ripping Start. Squee!! She was also a finalist in the 2015 Valerie Parv Award. This particular achievement is very close to her heart seeing as, way back when, this was the contest that gave her the fear of competitions in the first place. Now, with more confidence and having developed her writing skills she is showing all of us to never give up.

Enisa Haines has come a long way this year. Working on the blog and Facebook has given her confidence in connecting with social media, and she is less intimidated now. She really has created some wonderful blog posts for us this year and is currently working on a very exciting manuscript which she plans to submit to a publishing house when it is completed. Stay tuned.

Sharon Burke is the newest member of the BITB Blog. It has been over 10 years since she was an active member of "Breathless in the Bush" and RWA, and she has decided to return to romance writing because she's missed it. She has previously had a short story published. Her goals for this year are to be published in romantic short stories and to begin researching an idea for an historical romance based on her own relative.

Karen M Davis has also had a very busy year. She and two other authors went on a wild author road trip and visited readers up and down the coastline from Sydney. If you met Karen at one of these please say hi in the comments. Karen is currently working on a new book not connected with her previous series (Sinister Intent and Deadly Obsession). We can’t wait to learn more about her new book this year.

Our lovely reviewer Miranda has given us a plethora of fantastic book suggestions and reviews this year. Our TBR piles are groaning under the weight but we wouldn’t have it any other way. She hopes to bring you many more book suggestions in the future so keep coming back and checking out her blog posts.

As for Cassandra Samuels? Well, I have had a very steep learning curve going on since my debut book, A Scandalous Wager, was released last November. I am hoping to have a new book available for you all next year. I have been working on many new story ideas and am excited by the prospect of having them available for you to read in the future.

Thank you all for your support of the Breathless in the Bush blog; it really does keep us motivated.

Do You Want to Build a Hero?

Now let the fun begin. How tall should a hero be? Leave your suggestions in the comments but keep coming back because the rest of my prompts will be in the comments.

Jumping In At The Deep (POV) End

with Marilyn Forsyth

A lot has been written about Deep Point of View (DPOV) and I think I’ve read most of it in my efforts to create an emotionally fulfilling story. But there is a difference between reading about it and mastering it in your own writing. If you’ve found yourself at sea in that same boat, read on; I may just have located a bailing bucket.

Basically, DPOV and ‘show, don’t tell’ are different sides of the same coin. By employing the DPOV technique you are showing, not telling, thus eliminating author intrusion and delivering that emotional punch we’re all after. The aim is for the reader to experience everything our point-of-view character sees, feels, hears and smells, as he or she experiences those sensations.

'Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader - not the fact it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.'
E. L. Doctorow

The big question is: How?

I’m a huge fan of Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View. It’s a great introduction to DPOV, with tips, examples, and a wealth of exercises to test your new-found understanding of the concept.

However Marcy Kennedy’s Mastering Showing and Telling in Your Fiction (from her 'Busy Writer’s Guides' series) goes that little bit further. Only 52 pages long, it’s jam-packed with practical tips on how to recognise ‘telling’ in your own writing and a guide on how to make the necessary changes (keeping in mind that telling isn’t always wrong). A perfect blend of theory and practice.

Marcy guides you step by step through your work in progress to find where you’ve been telling not showing, using lists of words in different categories (e.g. telling-style dialogue tags, sensory filter words) you should be aware of as indicators of ‘telling’. Genius.

When you purchase the e-book it comes with a password enabling you to print these particular pages. Links to recommended sites are also provided. At around $4.00, it’s a steal.

Do you, like me, experience problems with telling rather than showing? I'd love to know if you've come across any other great books on DPOV or ‘show, don’t tell’. Please feel free to share.

This week I’m:

LOVING my pink giraffe-print onesie. Perfect for cold-weather writing.

LAUGHING out loud at this:

LEARNING more about DPOV.