In a recent interview with The Washington Post, Hillary Clinton said: “The whole romance novel industry is about women being grabbed and thrown on a horse and ridden off into the distance.”
I laughed when I first read that. Then I grumbled. And then I set out to write a post about how unjust that sentiment is. That’s when I fell down a familiar rabbit hole. And bear with me, this subject change is going to give you whiplash…
It’s already been two weeks since the launch of my debut novel, Ashes Swept. Looking back, I can’t help but take stock of the entire process–what worked, what didn’t, and what to do another way next time. Here are five (totally random) things that I’ll definitely remember when I’m ready to do it again…
Lots of things inspire me when I write, but nothing inspires me more than music. The right song can help me flesh out my characters, spark plot ideas, and can even influence entire scenes. The playlist for Ashes Swept is one of my favorites so far, so I’m excited to share my five favorite songs on the playlist with you, along with some of the lyrics that inspired me.
#1 Home by Gabrielle Aplin
So when I’m ready to be bolder, and my cuts have healed with time;
comfort will rest on my shoulder, and I’ll bury my future behind.
I’ll always keep you with me. You’ll always be on my mind,
but there’s a shining in the shadows, I’ll never know unless I try.
I’ve been waiting for months to finally share the book trailer for my new novel, Ashes Swept, which will be available at Amazon on Friday, 9/29!
Julia J Simpson 