Brand new blog

I've decided to close my two separate blogs and combine them into one new and improved blog called Nuts and Crisps . I want to thank all my followers and contributors and invite you over to pull up a stool and have a snack!

Welcome to she said, he said: ONCE REMOVED with KIM WALKER today.

Welcome to she said, he said: ONCE REMOVED with KIM WALKER today.: I'm delighted to welcome fellow Crooked{Cat}Publishing author, K. B. Walker, today. She's going to enlighten us about the background to th...

A Novel in a Week

First I'd like to point out that I, KB Walker, am not going to attempt to write a novel in a week! This is the crazy idea of novelist, David W Robinson, a fellow author from the Crooked {Cat} establishment. This is what he has to say about it:

I’m going to write novel in week.

Pauses for gapes and gasps of utter astonishment.

Why?

No reason at all. I’m semi-retired, dogged by poor sleep, mainly through poor health, so I spend a lot of hours at the computer, filling the time by writing and pottering about the web. Then I read this piece about someone else who had tried it and I thought, “yeah, why not?”

As anyone who knows me will testify, my output is prodigious. To write one of my popular, light-hearted Sanford 3rd Age Club Mysteries, takes about month. Major thrillers, such as The Handshaker and Voices, take a little longer, but never more than three months when the ideas and words are flowing.

But a novel in a week? It’s impossible isn’t it?

I would agree, but I’m still going for it.

Let’s be clear on this; I don’t expect to produce a perfect, publishable work in seven days, but I do expect a solid, working first draft, and my calculations, based on a typing speed of 25 wpm, indicate that I can do it.

It will mean changes to my regular writing routine. For a start off, there will be more hours on the word processor rather then the Web. Secondly detail planning is needed. I’m not a planner; never have been, but without some kind of written plan, I have no chance. I have to take into account our weekly jaunts to Tesco’s to pick up life’s necessities such as food and teabags, and the dog will be going for shorter walks… that’s slightly misleading. Thanks to my arthritic knees, if the walks get any shorter, he’ll only get as far as the front gate.

I have several advantages, if they can be described as such. I’m quite hard of hearing so the TV and radio do not distract me. Not that I watch TV even when I have the chance. The missus doesn’t distract me, either … mind you, she doesn’t even talk to me unless she’s nagging about trivia like rent, gas and electricity bills.

I’m also quite focussed. Although I tend to keep two or three projects on the go at a time, to stave off the threat of boredom, when I’m on song with one of them, I stick with it.

The be all and all is I’m going to try. It’s not a bet, it’s not for charity, it’s not for any reason at all other than the same reason people keep climbing Everest. Because it’s there.

And the result? Whether I write 70,000 or 20,000 words, the end product will be revised, polished, tidied up and sent to my publishers, Crooked Cat Books, and if they don’t want it, I’ll probably self-publish.

Would you like to follow the progress of this insane idea? As well as writing the actual novel, I’ll be blogging the result at http://novelinaweek.blogspot.co.uk You’re more than welcome to tag along.

New review on Multi-Story

Once Removed is now listed on the Multi-Story book blog multi-story.co.uk

This is what they had to say:
Written with sensitivity and perception this novel deals with the complex subject of self-harming. Through convincing characters and a wholly believable story line it examines the social and emotional issues involved

The I-Spy Murders

Crooked {Cat} Publishing launch The I-Spy Murders today. It's a new cosy crime novel by David W Robinson and is the second in the series. They're 1st Lady Detective meets Murder She Wrote. If you enjoyed The Filey Connection, you'll love this.

Marina Lewycka an inspiration

I had a great day on Saturday, managed to fit in everything I wanted to do, sold a few books and had a lovely day. Marina Lewycka (author of a Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian) was an inspiration. So inspiring, in fact, I've got an new idea for a novel and since the one I was working on has stalled this might be just what I needed... Watch this space.

Busy Saturday

Writers' meeting in the morning, poetry reading in the afternoon and listening to Marina Lewycka (A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian) at the Holmfirth Arts Festival in the evening!

Chance to Win

I've got a guest post today on the blog Book Sake . You can read a bit about the story behind the book. There's a chance to win a copy of Once Removed.

Jonas Centre Wensleydale

Just off to the Jonas Centre to lead a Writing From Life workshop for a women's retreat. Hoping to cheer up a wet day.

New Treats

There are now five genres represented in the Readers' Treats section; romance, contemporary fiction, memoir, historical fiction and fantasy. The latest book is How To Look Like You, with some great prizes on offer. There's still lots of room for other books and genres.

Great article on book promotion

"Your book is your child. You can't recognize its shortcomings, any more than a proud parent can consider their child dumb and ugly." Joe Konrath 

Check out this article for good advice on book promotion. What works: Promo for ebooks 

Guest speaker in Slough

Just gathering my notes ready for a talk I'm giving in Slough next week. Plus cleaning the house for my niece and friend who will be looking after my dog ;0) A busy month, with a poetry day tomorrow, talk Tuesday, leading a writing workshop next Saturday in Wensleydale, then another writers' day the Saturday after that, followed by a reading from Gardens, Gifts and Grace. Will there be any progress on the new book??

Another 5 star review

Another 5 star review, this time on Amazon.com from someone I don't know (yippee!) http://www.amazon.com/Once-Removed-ebook/product-reviews/B007YUZXC4/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_recent?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

All new format for Once Removed Blog

In an effort to connect with fellow readers as well as authors I've updated my blog. It now includes a Readers' Treats page, where readers can have access to special 'extras' to increase their reading pleasure, and a Writers' Goodies page with information, workshop ideas and anything else that authors might appreciate.

International reviews!

Kimberley in Brisbane has written to say she loved Once Removed. Added to all the 5 star reviews in the US and UK, makes it internationally acclaimed ;0)

Beware of writing’s “X Factor”

Some good advice comes to us today from KB Walker, author of 

Once Removed.

Beware of writing’s “X Factor”

If you’ve ever watched X Factor, in the audition stages, you’ll have seen 

how many people have only shared their talent with loved ones wearing 

rose-tinted spectacles and

 seriously modified hearing aids

 (

there are lots 

of cringe-making videos 

on 

YouTube, if you’ve missed out).

You may also have noticed the huge numbers of people who turn up for these 

auditions. Your manuscript will be up against similar numbers, if you want it 

published. Even if you decide to self-publish, your work must be polished to 

perfection or people won’t buy it. It’s vital to get critical feedback. Even

bestselling authors have trusted readers who read drafts before they are submitted 

for publication. Writing a novel takes time and you are too close to it to see it objectively.

To see the rest of the article visit The Writers ABC Checklist http://thewritersabcchecklist.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/beware-of-writings-x-factor.html?spref=fb 

Brilliant review from a Top 500 Reviewer

4.0 out of 5 stars A novel of depth and sensitivity, 28 May 2012

By 

Nicola F (Nic) (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Once Removed (Kindle Edition)

*Full disclosure: the author sent me a copy of this novel in the hope that I would review it. All opinions are my own.*

I was excited to read this novel as I instantly realised it would touch on some very topical, sensitive themes and I was curious to see how the author would handle them.

This is the story of newly-qualified teacher Abriella (Abby), a woman with a bit of an emotional background of her own, and who recognises in twelve-year-old pupil Beth, that *something* is also amiss. Abby isn't sure if Beth is being bullied or if she is self-harming, but as she tries to get close to the girl and be her confidant, the repurcussions may have disastrous consequences for both of them...

I enjoyed the way the author tackled this story from various perspectives as it gave the reader a chance to understand more deeply what was happening in the narrative, which flowed very well. I feel that Beth's voice and emotions were depicted realistically and to be honest, my heart broke at what she was going though and at the secrets she was bottling up inside. Though I liked Abby enough, I have to confess that it took me a long time to warm to her, which I think was supposed to be the point as her background was slowly unravelled. Initially I felt her weak and unable to stand up for herself, with both her family and her abhorent boyfriend, though this frustration did eventually pass, and I found myself caring about what would happen to her too.

The settings felt authentic and the development of the main characters was solid, though I have to say that I didn't particularly warm to any of Abby's friends much- aside from Ryan. I also loathed most of her family, and low-self esteem issues aside, I still can't believe she put up with how they treated her! The 'witch hunt' was also well conveyed too- and put me in mind of a few recent British tabloid stories.

Though the story is indeed written well, there were a few lapses in tense towards the end of the story- between first and third person, which I found a bit jarring. I also think that some of the subject matter was a bit glossed over in points- i.e. a particular situation with loss and grieving could have been handled more comprehensively, it felt just a bit rushed within the storyline and certain feelings therein didn't seem to be elaborated on to a great extent.

Generally, this was a well-written, fast-paced novel that sensitively and accurately handled some strong, emotional themes and the author should be commended for that. I would welcome reading more from her again in future and would recommend trying this book if you enjoy novels of depth that aren't afraid to tackle some controversial subject matters that other writers might shy away from. Brilliant review

Michela interviews me on Words in a Jar

Michela Sacchi O'Brien

Pheeeew! Took ages to fiddle with formatting on Blogspot, but I did it at last. Here's a lovely chat to Kim Walker about her books, her experience with self-publishing, publishing with Crooked Cat, teaching and being an American "enjoying" the British weather :)

Words in a Jar: A Chat with K B Walker

words-in-a-jar.blogspot.com

Charlotte Bronte

Sunday, I went on a guided tour of Red House and Oakwell House both featured in Shirley, a less well known book by Charlotte Bronte. Fascinating to hear about Charlotte and her friends who lived in these two properties. They were a powerful voice for women in their day. I'm only part-way through reading Shirley. It's not easy going but interesting, as it looks at the Luddites and independent women.

Shirley wasn't well received at the time because it was challenging. A friend on the walk told me she'd read my book, Once Removed. She'd found it "uncomfortable to start with but it quickly became a real page-turner and was quite an accomplishment". Something in common with Charlotte Bronte? Now that would be amazing.

An interview on Maria Savva's Goodreads blog

Introducing author K. B. Walker and your chance to win a copy of one of her books!

I enjoyed reading Kimm's poignant and inspirational memoir A Life Less Lost. I was excited to hear that Kimm has recently published a novel Once Removed. I'm very much looking forward to reading it. Kimm's a very talented writer. When I heard she had a new book out I decided it was about time I introduced her to all of you.

As well as agreeing to answer my questions, Kimm is very generously offering to give away a Kindle or pdf version of Once Removed and a paper version or a voucher for a digital copy of A Life Less Lostfrom Smashwords

To be in with a chance to win a copy of one of her books, please leave a comment below, or simply 'like' this blog post. Winners will be picked on 10th June 2012.

Here's my interview with Kimm:


I read your memoir 'A Life Less Lost' in 2009. It's very moving and inspirational. What made you decide to publish a memoir at the time?



It was a story I wanted to tell and in 2004 I finally had the opportunity. The first draft poured out in 4 months but then it took 5 years to polish it. By that time I was doing speaking engagements and people were disappointed there weren’t copies to buy. When I had the opportunity to speak alongside Adrian Plass, I decided I couldn’t wait for the slow wheels of publishing and did it myself.

Your son's battle with cancer is featured prominently in your memoir. Has he read the book, and if so did he give you any feedback on it?

A very interesting question, Maria. James gave me permission to write and sell the book but he hasn’t read it. His father and brother have and were surprised by the different ways in which we each experienced and remembered what happened. James says it’s taken him long enough to come to terms with his own interpretation of events and he doesn’t want to cope with mine.

You self-published A Life Less Lost, but with your new book, a novel, you have decided to use a publisher. What was your reason for not self-publishing this time?

As you know, Maria, self-publishing is extremely hard work. But I was losing confidence in myself as a writer. I needed that seal of approval that someone who didn’t know me thought enough of my book to take a risk on it.

How did you go about looking for a publisher for your novel?

I studied the Writers & Artists Yearbook for people most likely to be interested in my story and then checked out their websites and submission guidelines. I met and spoke to a PR person at an author event and she asked to see a sample and recommended three publishers. But none of that came to anything. Once Removed doesn’t fit easily into any genres so was too risky for the more established houses. A friend suggested a few e-publishers who are trying to build a presence in the market and actively seek out new and unusual work. I studied their websites and went for Crooked {Cat} Publishing, who quickly signed me up.

I'm looking forward to reading your new novel, 'Once Removed'. Can you tell us a bit about it and how long it took to write?



It’s about a young teacher who suspects one of her pupils is self-harming. Abby risks everything to try to help Beth but it all goes horribly wrong. It looks at the impact relationships have on us but also the way in which our own self-image affects those relationships.

I’ve had much to learn about writing (I did science at university!) so have taken courses, worked my way through self-help books and written lots of other things alongside this novel and my memoir. In seven years, Once Removed has been through many transformations. I’m certainly hoping my next book will take less time!

You have said that an experience in high school gave you the idea for Once Removed. Are you able to elaborate on that?

In high school, a girl felt close enough to me to reveal the razor slashes she’d made in her legs. I didn’t know what to do. At fourteen, new to the school and recently bereaved, I basically ran away. But I still wonder about that girl and what’s happened to her. In the '90s, when self-harm was in the media, I did some research and a story was born which explores this complex behaviour through the eyes of these two characters.

I saw on your bio that before you published your memoir, you'd had several poems, short stories and articles published and won a handful of local prizes, as well as being invited to speak at events in the UK and US. Can you tell us a bit more about these?

I’ve won competitions run by Huddersfield Authors’ Circle, been shortlisted in a Huddersfield Literature Festival competition and won second prize in a short story magazine. I learned a great deal about dialogue working collaboratively on two radio plays, even though they weren’t taken up. These were early on, when I was writing widely to get feedback and learn the craft. I’ve had articles published in various places and edit my church magazine. My poems appear in several anthologies but my main passion is for novels. They are what I read and know the best.

The speaking events began out of the blue and grew from there. I did set up a mini ‘book tour’ when I went to the States to visit my family. We went to five states, slept in ten different beds and sold over seventy books. More sales have followed but they’ve been slow. I plan to do more promotion over the Internet, once things settle down with Once Removed.

You have a book trailer for Once Removed. Who produced that?

My youngest son, David, is a filmmaker working for Bluprint. He and a couple of friends made it for me as well as the one for A Life Less Lost.

What's your opinion of book trailers in general? Have you ever decided to buy a book after seeing the trailer?

Personally, I have such a huge pile of books I want to read I haven’t used book trailers but when you are an unknown author you have to try everything to get some attention.

Which do you prefer reading e-books or print, and why?

I resisted getting an e-reader for ages but eventually the shrinking luggage allowances convinced me and I love it! I read walking my dog and don’t need to take my mittens off to turn the page, can read while eating my lunch without the book closing and in bed without my hand getting cold. It’s dangerously easy to buy the next book immediately after finishing the last one, too.

Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their work that you like?

That’s a hard question! I like Jodi Picoult, although her books do get a bit samey. I love the way she explores complex social issues through realistic characters. That’s what I’ve tried to do with Once Removed. But I also love crime writers like Jo Nesbo and historical fiction authors like Bernhard Cornwelland Philippa Gregory. C.J. Sansom usefully combines both genres! I like interesting stories like A Thousand Splendid Suns and We Need to Talk About Kevin. I love the Fire and Ice fantasy series (A Game of Thrones ) even though I don’t usually like fantasy. I like anything with good characters and pace, really.

Are you working on any other books at the moment?

At the moment, I’m spending all my writing time trying to promote Once Removed. But next month I plan to get back to my new novel inspired by an agoraphobic woman who vanished.

When you're not writing, what's your favourite pastime?

Reading has been a passion all my life. I also enjoy sports like skiing, swimming, badminton and walking. I’ve a big soft spot for animals and live on a farm, although we’re not farmers. Baking, eating out, cookery programmes and cookbooks fill a big chunk of time. Recently I’ve discovered an interest in growing food, losing hours in the garden.


Thanks for being a fabulous guest, Kimm!


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You can find out more about Kimm and her books at her website and on her publisher's website

And don't forget to leave a comment below, or 'like' this blog post for your chance to win a book! Good luck!