Melody Winter

Ravenscar

  Ben Montague 

As the end of another month draws near, I'm incredibly excited about many things about to happen. Firstly, my yearly stay in Ravenscar. Yes--it's that time of the year when I pack my necessities (laptop/phone/wine) and leave family behind, to head to my favourite place. This year I'm intending to have photographs taken of the places that feature in Sachael Dreams. Unfortunately, I may position myself in front of the camera and not behind it. I thought it would be nice for readers to see places as part of my world, not just an image that anyone could take. I don't think the tide is working in our favour this year, but if the weather is good I may venture down to the foot of Ravenscar again and try to catch the mystique of the Mermaid's Tables. They are stunning!

Secondly--Exciting news! My friend and very talented singer/song writer has agreed to write a song for Sachael Dreams. His name is Ben Montague. He's about to start a UK tour supporting Shane Filan, so you may get a chance to catch him if you live in the UK. So many of the songs he has written already fit Sachael Dreams, but to think that he is going to write something specifically for my story is quite unbelievable. And, Ben, a warning: If you ever sing it live when I'm in the audience, I will cry!

Check his website here: BenMontague.co.uk

On the writing side of things. My edits on Sachael Dreams are complete and with my editor, Kisa Whipkey. I've got a months grace before we start line edits, so I'm using that time to edit the second book in the series, Sachael Desires. It never stops!

I hope you are all well, and I'll speak to you when I get back from Ravenscar.

Love Melody xxx

This month, I bring you the second of my stories from my entries into the ProjectREUTSway challenge, The Devil's Match. It was the third week entry, and I focused on twisting the fairytale of The Little Match Girl.

I love a hot devil, and this really appealed to me. In fact, it set about the idea for 'The Ascent'. 

The prompt for this week was 'Fairy Tales from Hell'.

Enjoy

Melody xxx

There's so much happening in the second book. Friendship, lost family, betrayal, heartache and anger, as well as the introduction to several new characters. Don't worry though. Those of you who can't get enough of Orontes will be treated to the first chapter/prologue in his POV, then we settle with Estelle for the rest of the book.

Hope you are all having a great summer, far too hot here today, but I wont complain.

Here's a picture of Azariah, just to remind yourself of the hotness that he is :)

Until next time

Melody

I got very excited a few weeks ago. An email dropped into my in-box from Reuts Publications. It was my first ever contract for my writing. A contract between Melody Winter and Reuts Publication for the publication of Shifting Seas. It was a very squeal worthy moment. I am still considering whether to frame it and hang it on the wall, or just print it for prosperity. It made me feel like a 'proper' writer - my first official bit of paper to prove it. 

I'm still waiting for replies to queries, full and part submissions for Sachael Dreams, while I write the third book in the series - Sachael Delusions. I'm well into the book, completing chapter 17 last week. The crux of the whole series is about to be divulged in a few chapters time, and I think it may surprise many. I know I'll need a large box of tissues to get through writing it - killing characters is not something I like doing (unless of course they are baddies.)

This month I leave you with another character from the books. You've had Orontes, and Kaimi. This month - Estelle.

See you later

Melody xxx

Please feel free to read it and let me know what you think. It's a LOT darker than Sachael Dreams, and I must warn that some of you may not be comfortable with the gore. Remember the prompt for this week was 'Bloody Ever After'.

Enjoy

Melody xxx

Most of November and into December has been spent editing Sachael Dreams. One of my new contacts, who is also becoming a great friend, agreed to swap manuscripts with me. I read through her story, offering feedback and comments. She did the same for me - and made several valid points that I have taken on board. Certain parts have been changed, new scenes created. (Secretly, I think she likes Orontes more than anyone should - as most of the scenes that have been extended involve this rather formidable character.)

There are a few things happening that I hope to feed back to on sometime in the new year (If there is good news.) And regardless of whether the news is good or not for me - it's a win, win for anyone interested in my writing. More details next month.

I'm heading back to cut 'dead' words from Sachael Dreams before my writing buddy gets another look through it. And, just for her - here is my visual of Orontes!

Have a brilliant Christmas!

Until next  month

Love Melody

I thought I'd show you some of the other important characters in Sachael Dreams. 

This month - Kaimi.  

Sachael Dreams is still out there. Full manuscripts take a while to read and unfortunately, all I can do is wait.

I have made lots of new contacts in the writing world this last month, and the support that I have received from them is astounding. I view myself as very lucky to have people around me who believe in Sachael Dreams, and the 'Mine Series' as much as I do.

I set up a blog last month which I'm trying to update weekly. Some information will be repeated from here - but not all of it, so it may be worth a look. I tend to ramble more on there than here.

MelodyWinterBlog

I have also set up a Pinterest account with lots of Sachael Dreams images. Take a look and see the visuals that are milling around my head when I write.

MelodyWinterPinterest

See you all again soon

 Melody xxx

I've just got back from Ravenscar. My friends and I had an amazing time. Ravenscar never ceases to deliver! The scenery is stunning, and each time I visit I uncover another secret walkway that has remained hidden from me on previous trips. This time we ventured down to the barn that is clearly visible from the top of Ravenscar. I had always imagined this building to be where Estelle lived, and the apprehension I felt as we approached it was crazy. I don't know what I expected - Estelle to walk out of the door?

We also braved the dizzy height of the cliff face at Ravenscar, and headed down the 600ft drop to the bottom. We were rewarded with the company of several seals and a fierce outgoing tide. The mermaids tables gradually uncovered themselves as we waited for the tide to show us their position, although our impatience left us with wet feet as surges of water caught us out many times!

Until next month

Melody xxx

This month saw the completion of the first draft of Sachael Desires, the second book in the series. So while I still wait to hear back from agents, and start to write the third book, I will begin to edit Sachael Desires.

I'm meeting some interesting people at the moment, and learning from their advice and experience in the world of publishing. September promises to be a great month as I will be spending another long weekend at Ravenscar. Last years stay was amazing, and I'm sure this year will be even better.

I have finished editing Sachael Dreams!

I am now busy preparing to send submissions to agents that I would like to be represented by.

I shall be back to Sachael Desires and the continuation of Estelle's story as soon as possible. The third, and fourth books need to be planned in more detail, but the surprises keep coming - right until the very end of the 'Mine' series.

Until next month

Melody xxx

The image this month picks up on the events that have surrounded Azariah in the second book, 'Sachael Desires'. The progress of this second book has come on brilliantly. I am now heading into writing the last two chapters.

The final person editing 'Sachael Dreams' is having a big push to get it back to me by the end of June. I can't express how excited I am to think that it will be back in my hands very soon. There is still a lot to do with it when I get it back - but with the second book's first draft practically finished I will be able to concentrate fully on polishing 'Sachael Dreams' and getting it ready to send to agents.

Love Melody xxx

 An Oceanid swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

While I am waiting for my edited manuscript to be returned I am still continuing with the second book, Sachael Desires, and planning out the third book in more detail. I am currently writing chapter 17 of Sachael Desires with a huge smile on my face having spent most of chapter 15 crying with Estelle.

I hope that you are all hanging in there with me. I know this is proving to be a long journey - particularly with getting Sachael Dreams out to you all - but I promise that I am determined to give you the very best I can. Thank you for your patience.

Until next month

Melody xxx

I went back to Ravenscar this month. It was wonderful to soak up the atmosphere yet again. It was also strange to see it at a different time of year. Last time I was there the trees were green and the paths were overgrown. This time the trees looked bare - waiting for our British Spring time to arrive!

I'm becoming familiar with certain land marks, and getting used to climbing up the uneven paths. I also understand how Estelle fell in love with the peace and quiet that Ravenscar offers. It is a beautiful place.

Sachael Dreams is still in the editing stage. I intend to send the best possible manuscript to potential agents, and the editing stage is taking time - but time that I hope will be worth it.

Until next month

Love Melody xxx

There is a so much going on at the moment that I have posted this a little bit later than normal - sorry.

I have been reading a whole host of books advising me on publishing. It really is a scary place! I've drafted a query letter, and a short synopsis (You want me to write a synopsis in under 500 words!) and my first three chapters are edited and nearly ready to go - I just need the other 19 finished before I start to send anything out.

The editing of Sachael Dreams is still continuing while I am busy writing Sachael Desires - the second book in the series. There is so much happening in this book, it's hitting Estelle and Azariah from all sides.

Until later

Melody xxx

The editing of Sachael Dreams is continuing, and the first 'Hard edit' is nearly complete. There will be a further two edits before my trusted friends will get a full manuscript in their hands.

While the edits are underway I have started to write the next book in the 'Mine' series - Sachael Desires. This second book continues with the story of Estelle and Azariah. There are other familiar characters making appearances as well, some more welcome than others, as we continue to find out more about Azariah and his world.

Until next month

Love Melody xxx

Where did December go?

Unfortunately, I didn't get Azariah in my Christmas stocking.

Amid all the Christmas celebrations, my laptop managed to die on me. Several fraught hours after I viewed the blue screen of death, I grabbed my husbands laptop and selected a new one which arrived the very next day.

Sachael Dreams is part way through it's first hard edit, and I am actually enjoying this stage more than I thought I would. It's making the story tighter, my characters stronger, and the situations feel like they are happening before your very eyes.

During December I also designed a book cover for Sachael Dreams. It pictures a Sachael walking towards the sea on the night of a full moon. I think it captures the feel of the book perfectly, and hopefully the silhouette hints at the appearance of the alluring, but rather mercenary, Sachaels.

Until next month

Melody xxx

While it feels incredible to think that I have managed to actually write a novel of just over 100,000 words, I know that there is still a lot to do. My word count needs to be cut, continuity throughout the chapters checked and repetitions taken out. I feel incredibly lucky to have a group of four friends who are now dragged even further into the world of Estelle and Azariah. Their patience and assistance in pulling Sachael Dreams together is nothing short of miraculous. They strongly believe in the story and characters, and are as excited about it as much as I am (Well maybe not quite as much.)

So while Sachael Dreams gathers strength from their combined efforts and my steady editing, I am also drafting the outline of the second book in the 'Mine' series, Sachael Desires'.

Have a wonderful Christmas, and I'll see you in the New Year!

Melody xxx

I'm so excited about heading into November and writing the final chapter of Sachael Dreams,  but also sad that this journey is coming to an end.

But... as my good friends tell me, while editing Sachael Dreams I need to start writing the next book to let them know what will happen to Estelle and Azariah, and the other characters I've introduced them to.

Until November

Melody xxx

 I've had a truely inspiring month, completing chapters 16, 17,18 and 19.

A trip to the place where I have based the story has given me incredible visuals to work with, as well as two very sore feet from all the walking. Beach walking is wonderful - the climb back up the steep cliffs - not so much!

There are only three more chapters to write and then Sachael Dreams will be complete. My world will then become a frenzy of edits and rewrites.

See you at the end of October!

Chapter 15 is complete and I am currently half way through chapter 16.

September will be a busy writing month, and a very exciting month for research as I am visiting the place where I have set Sachael Dreams. I spent a day there during August and soaked up the atmosphere that twists and turns it's way through the story. A long weekend staying on the coastal retreat will undoubtedly be even more inspirational. And - just for the record, there happens to be a full moon whilst I am there!

Until next month

Melody xxx

After completing chapter 14 I took a slight break from writing future chapters of the story.

I edited earlier chapters, tightened them up and reworked parts that needed attention.

I also planned out the end of the book in more detail, so when I pick up my pen again (hopefully in the next week) I will be able to really deliver on the end chapters.

Wish me luck

Melody xxx

I had a great month for writing, managing to complete chapters 10, 11, 12 and 13.  It's a very exciting part of the book, so maybe that's why the writing seemed to flow.

I'm still wrapped up in the situation that Estelle had found herself in, and the knowledge of something that Azariah has told her.

Hopefully July will prove as productive as June.

Melody xxx

Chapters 8 and 9 are now complete, and I am 54% through my target word count. It's a great feeling to think that I am at least half way through.

Chapter 8 brought another character into the story - he's nearly as adorable as Azariah.

A lot happened in these two chapters and the pace is stepped up for chapter 9.

June will be busy. I'm aiming for three chapters this month. We'll just have to see how things go.

Melody xxx

I have just finished writing chapter 7 - so things are progressing nicely.

This was a lovely chapter to write - a true mix of emotions and fears, all rolled into one. So far, my favourite chapter of the book.

Melody xxx

Chapter 4 and 5 are complete!

I feel that the mystery surrounding the story is gradually building. Certain things are revealed in these chapters, but other questions are raised as well.

I hope the twists and turns will keep you interested.

Melody xxx

Chapters 2 and 3 are complete.

These chapters explain Estelle's background and her ties to her devoted father.

She also meets Azariah, although their first meeting is far from ideal.

Promises and memories are at the forefront of these chapters, with Estelle reminiscing on her childhood and what happened to her.

Scenes here set the pace of future events within the 'Mine' series.

Melody xxx

And we're off! 

After several months of planning and research - I have started to write Sachael Dreams.

The story of Estelle and Azariah is one that I have to tell. It will never go away.

Chapter one is shocking and bold. Set in the past it shows us how heartless the Sachael's can be.

Just pray that if ever you are on a beach when there is a full moon, that a Sachael doesn't come out of the water to talk to you. You may end up with more than you bargained for.

And on I go....

Melody xxx