Sunday, 25 June 2023

BIG MISUNDERSTANDING by Arabella Sheen

 



A "Big Misunderstanding" is a plot device commonly used in novels and other forms of storytelling. It refers to a situation where two or more characters have a significant misunderstanding or miscommunication, leading to conflict, confusion, or tension within the story. The misunderstanding is usually based on incomplete or inaccurate information, mistaken assumptions, or misinterpreted actions or words.

The Big Misunderstanding often occurs when characters fail to communicate openly and honestly with each other, allowing misinterpretations or false assumptions to drive the plot forward. It can create dramatic tension, suspense, or even comedic situations, as characters find themselves in awkward or challenging circumstances due to the misunderstanding.

For example, in a romance novel, a Big Misunderstanding could arise when one character sees another person in a compromising situation with someone else but doesn't have all the facts. Instead of confronting the person and clarifying the situation, they make assumptions and jump to conclusions, leading to a rift in their relationship.

The Big Misunderstanding serves as a plot device to drive the narrative forward, create conflict, and ultimately provide a catalyst for character growth, resolution, and reconciliation. It is resolved later in the story when the characters finally communicate and discover the truth, leading to a deeper understanding and resolution of the conflict. 


RESOLUTION of the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING 

Resolving a Big Misunderstanding in a romance novel typically involves a series of steps and narrative developments. Here are some common approaches used to resolve the misunderstanding and bring the characters closer together:

Communication: The most straightforward way to resolve the misunderstanding is through open and honest communication between the characters involved. They need to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without holding back important information or making assumptions. This can happen through direct conversation, letters, or other forms of communication.

Disclosure of the truth: Often, the resolution of the Big Misunderstanding comes when the truth is revealed. This could involve the discovery of evidence, the confession of a third party, or a serendipitous event that uncovers the real facts behind the misunderstanding. The truth helps the characters see the situation in a new light and brings clarity to their emotions.

Self-reflection and realization: Sometimes, the characters themselves need to go through a period of introspection and self-reflection to understand their own actions and motivations. This self-awareness can lead them to recognize their mistakes and misinterpretations, helping them approach the situation with a fresh perspective and a willingness to make amends.

Apologies and forgiveness: Once the misunderstanding is resolved, the characters often need to apologize to each other for their role in the conflict. Genuine apologies, acknowledging the hurt caused, and expressing remorse, pave the way for forgiveness and reconciliation. Both parties may need to let go of their resentment and embrace forgiveness to rebuild trust and move forward.

Grand gesture or demonstration of love: In some romance novels, resolving the Big Misunderstanding involves a grand gesture or demonstration of love from one character to the other. This gesture helps to solidify their feeling, reestablish trust, and emphasize the depth of their commitment. It can be a powerful moment that signifies the resolution of the conflict and the strengthening of the romantic bond.


The resolution of the Big Misunderstanding varies depending on the specific story and characters involved. It often provides an opportunity for growth, deeper understanding, and a stronger connection between the romantic leads, leading to a satisfying conclusion for readers.



Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Welcome to Romance Author - Ava Olsen

I'm delighted to have Ava Olsen as a guest on my blog

Hello Ava - It was lovely to connect with you – a fellow Evernight Publishing author - and I’m pleased to hear you have another release on the horizon. But before we discover more about LOST WITHOUT YOU, here are a few questions that will hopefully give your readers and followers an insight into some of the things that matter to you.


Arabella: Are there any organizations, writing, or reader groups, you belong to? And, how do they support or help you in creating such wonderful novels?

Ava: I belong to a lot of reader groups on social media and I’m a lifelong romance reader which is key. The more you read, the better you understand the genre and what readers want.

 

Arabella: Where do you read? Sofa or bed or ____?

Ava: Anywhere and everywhere! I download ebooks on my phone and my tablet so I can read at home, or on the subway, you name it! I also collect paperbacks of my favorite reads. And I always read before I go to bed (exciting, right?)  


Arabella: In your latest release, LOSTWITHOUT YOU, who is your favorite character and why?

Ava: My favorite character in LOST WITHOUT YOU is my heroine, Rachel. I wrote her as a strong, independent, 39-year-old woman happy in her life but still open to finding love. Her drive and determination to find out what happened to her father is part of the reason the hero, Ethan, falls so hard for her.



Arabella: When writing a novel, how do you work? Are you a plotter or pantser?

Ava: I’m mostly a pantser, but I do create outlines to start. I write character-driven books so I start with the main love interests, their backstories, and the basic plot of the book. Then I let my imagination take over.


Arabella: Which would you prefer to do: 1) spend a morning vigorously working out at the gym, 2) be pampered from head to toe at the spa and beauty salon, 3) indulge and pile on the pounds with a romantic dinner for two?

Ava: #2 definitely!  



Arabella: Which of the following would you rather wear?

1)   1 - beach shorts and top

2)   2 - a long evening skirt and blouse

3)   3 - pyjamas and slippers? 

      Ava: PJs and slippers.




 Arabella: We all have a long list of books we keep meaning to read but never have the time for --- which book is a must read for you this season?

Ava: So, I write MM and MF romance - on top of my list is Aimee Nicole Walker’s ‘Guys Like Him’ (MM) and then J.T. Geissinger’s ‘Fall Into You’ (MF).

  

Arabella: What about your future plans? Any books or series in the making?

Ava: I’m finishing up my MM series called the Voyagers with THE COCKPIT, Book 3 coming out June 27 and ENDEAVOR, Book 4, releasing August 22. I’ve also created a second pen name, writing dark MF and MMF romance as A. OLSEN: my first series is a motorcycle romance set in the badlands of Alberta, Canada: NO CHANCE IN HELL, Hellraisers & Hellions Book 1, releases this summer. And I’m writing a mafia don series under that pen name as well.

And maybe a Christmas novella… There’s a lot going on!

 

Thank you for being a super guest, Ave, and for sharing some of your writing secrets with your readers. Wishing all the best for your latest release, LOST WITHOUT YOU, and for all your projects in the making.

Arabella Xxx

www.arabellasheen.co.uk


 


 

 

ABOUT   AVA OLSEN


Ava Olsen writes steamy and dreamy MM and MF contemporary romances filled with heartwarming characters, cheeky banter and swoony moments. She also writes steamy, dark, and delicious MF and MMF romance under the pen name A. Olsen.

 

Website and Social Media Links:

Website: http://avaolsenauthor.com 

Newsletter: https://avaolsenauthor.com/newsletter

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/avaolsenauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083209126068

Twitter: https://twitter.com/avaolsenauthor/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ava-olsen

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avaolsenauthor?_t=8ZvnQk1HMWc&_r=1 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FqgPNR

Dark romance pen name A. Olsen: https://linktr.ee/aolsenauthor

 

 

 

BOOK BLURB    LOST WITHOUT YOU 

 

 

Rachel Desoumas is a woman on a mission, determined to find out why her father left their family home one night thirty-four years ago and never returned. A linguistics professor, Rachel excels at solving puzzles, but this is one case she can’t solve alone. Enter Ethan Blackwell, former FBI agent turned author and consultant. Smart and charming, Ethan matches Rachel’s drive and determination. Partnering with him on the case is a smart move, but falling for him is a risk Rachel isn’t sure she’s prepared for…

 

Ethan Blackwell is a best-selling mystery author who’s moved on from his FBI past. Or so he thought. But once an investigator, always an investigator, and when he gets a call for help from Rachel, he can’t resist. Not the mystery, and definitely not Rachel…

 

From San Francisco to New York City, they’re hot on the trail of a very cold case and it’s not just the investigation that’s heating up. But Ethan’s plagued by an ex who can’t let go of the past and Rachel’s desire for answers may prove costly. 

 

As Ethan and Rachel journey closer to the truth, only one thing is clear - they’d be lost without each other. 

Release Date WEDNESDAY MAY 31

BUY LINKS: https://mybook.to/32peU


Tuesday, 18 April 2023

NEW RELEASE - Forbidden Stowaway - Arabella Sheen


And here it is! 

The long-awaited Forbidden Stowaway by Arabella Sheen  

#historical #romance



Looking for a thrilling and captivating historical romance? Then look no further than "Forbidden Stowaway," a story that will take you on a journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Meet Olivia, a woman who has burnt her bridges and must face the consequences of her actions.

When she sets foot on board Captain Luke Crowe’s merchant ship, she knows that her reputation in elite society is in jeopardy. But when she is faced with the choice of saving her brother or saving her good name, she knows what she has to do, even if it means surrendering her innocence to Luke.

Join Olivia as she embarks on a journey of illicit discovery with Luke, a man who will challenge her in ways she never thought possible.
Will Olivia's love for her family be enough to outweigh the sacrifices she must make for them? Or will she lose everything she holds dear in pursuit of what she desires?

With rich historical detail and passionate storytelling, "Forbidden Stowaway" is a tale that will capture your heart and leave you breathless. Don't miss out on this unforgettable romance.


Buy Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Kobo

Nook

Smashwords

Other Retailers...


  


Wednesday, 5 April 2023

Tips on Editing a Novel - Arabella Sheen

  



Editing a first draft of a romance novel can be a challenging process, but it's an essential step to polish your writing and ensure your story is engaging for your readers. Here are some things to look for when editing your first draft:

 1. Character Development: Check if your characters are well-rounded and have distinct personalities that drive the story forward. Make sure your main characters have clear goals, motivations, and conflicts that create tension and keep readers interested.

2. Dialogue: Make sure your dialogue sounds natural and authentic to the characters. Check for unnecessary repetition, excessive exposition, and monologues that slow down the pace of the story. Also, ensure that the dialogue is consistent with the characters' personalities, backgrounds, and emotions.

3. Settings and Descriptions: Check that your settings and descriptions create a vivid and immersive world for your readers. Make sure the descriptions are concise, sensory, and relevant to the story. Avoid overloading the readers with too much detail or too many adjectives.    

4. Plot and Pacing: Check if your plot is well-structured and flows smoothly. Ensure that the pacing is appropriate for the genre and keeps the reader engaged. Check for plot holes, inconsistencies, and unnecessary scenes that don't contribute to the story. 

5. Emotions: Make sure you show the emotions of your characters and allow the reader to experience them through their senses. Use body language, internal thoughts, and dialogue to convey the characters' emotions without telling the reader how they should feel.

6. Theme and Message: Check if your story has a clear theme or message that resonates with your readers. Ensure that your characters' experiences and actions reflect the theme and reinforce the message.

Overall, editing the first draft of a romantic novel requires attention to detail, patience, and a willingness to revise and improve your writing. By focusing on these elements, you can create a compelling and engaging story that resonates with your readers.



Thursday, 30 March 2023

FORBIDDEN STOWAWAY by Arabella Sheen

 

SHARING THE NEWS...


FORBIDDEN  STOWAWAY Historical Romance by Arabella Sheen is now available for PREORDER  



What was it Captain Crowe had said?
No woman could pack her trunks in time to sail on the morning tide.’
Well, she was about to prove him wrong.


Looking for a thrilling and captivating historical romance? Then look no further than "Forbidden Stowaway," a story that will take you on a journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

Meet Olivia, a woman who has burnt her bridges and must face the consequences of her actions.

When she sets foot on board Captain Luke Crowe’s merchant ship, she knows that her reputation in elite society is in jeopardy. But when she is faced with the choice of saving her brother or saving her good name, she knows what she has to do, even if it means surrendering her innocence to Luke.

Join Olivia as she embarks on a journey of illicit discovery with Luke, a man who will challenge her in ways she never thought possible.
Will Olivia's love for her family be enough to outweigh the sacrifices she must make for them? Or will she lose everything she holds dear in pursuit of what she desires?

With rich historical detail and passionate storytelling, "Forbidden Stowaway" is a tale that will capture your heart and leave you breathless. Don't miss out on this unforgettable romance.​


AMAZON  UK 

AMAZON US

SMASHWORDS

KOBO

NOOK

OTHER RETAILERS     





Wednesday, 15 March 2023

Tips on Plotting a Novel - Arabella Sheen

 



When it comes to plotting a romance novel, there are a few different approaches that can be effective. Here are some tips to keep in mind:


1. Start with your characters: Before you start thinking about plot, spend some time developing your characters. Who are they, what do they want, and what obstacles do they face? The plot should emerge from your characters and their goals and conflicts. 

2. Create a compelling conflict: Romance novels thrive on conflict, so it's important to create a compelling obstacle that keeps your characters apart or causes tension between them. This conflict could be external (like a rival love interest or a family feud) or internal (like a fear of commitment or a past trauma).

3. Use a story structure: While romance novels can be freeform, using a basic story structure can help you organize your plot and keep your readers engaged. Consider using a three-act structure, which typically includes an introduction, rising action, a climax, falling action, and a resolution. 

4 Include character development: Romance novels aren't just about the plot; they're also about the characters' personal growth and emotional journeys. Make sure to include moments of self-reflection and growth for your characters, so that the readers feel invested in their personal journeys as well as their love stories.

5. Balance tension and release: To keep readers engaged, it's important to balance tension (like conflict and obstacles) with release (like moments of intimacy and connection between the characters).  Make sure to pace your novel so that readers are invested in the outcome of the conflict, but also have moments of emotional payoff along the way. 


Overall, the key to plotting a successful romance novel is to create compelling characters, develop a strong conflict, and balance tension with release. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to crafting a captivating love story that readers won't be able to put down. 



Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Tips for Authors - Show vs Tell - Arabella Sheen




When it comes to the "show, don't tell" rule in writing, there are a few different approaches that a romance novelist can take. Here are some tips to keep in mind:


1. Use sensory details: Rather than simply telling the reader how a character feels or what they look like, try to show these things through the sensory details. For example, instead of saying "She was nervous", you might describe how her palms were sweating or how her heart was pounding in her chest.

2. Use dialogue: Dialogue can be a great way to show the reader how characters are feeling or what they're thinking. Instead of having a character think to themselves about how much they love someone, for example, you could have them say it out loud to the person.

3. Use Action: Another way to show rather than tell is to use action to convey a character's emotion or thought. For example, if a character is angry, you might show them slamming a door or clenching their fists.  

4. Use setting: The setting can also be a useful tool for showing rather than telling. For example, if you want to convey that a character is feeling isolated or alone, you might describe a deserted street or a dark room. 

Overall, the key is to be descriptive and specific in your writing and to think about how you can use various elements of storytelling (like dialogue, setting, and sensory details) to convey your characters' emotions and thoughts in a way that feels natural and engaging to the reader.




HER THREE CAPTAINS - Arabella Sheen - Excerpt 1

      Her Three Captains Arabella Sheen     The Honorable Olivia Trevillion lifted the long skirts of her embroidered silk evening g...