Describe your main character’s hometown. Where did they grow up?
Write your response in the comments below. Best entry gets a shout out next week!
—Lady Jabberwocky
Prompt of the Week: Hometown Heroes
Month: February 2022
3 Things to Always Include in a Successful Blog Post
Hello Writer Bees!
Before it’s out in the world, all of us bloggers give our content a quick once-over. It’s good to get in the habit of proofreading an article before it gets published. Not just grammatical errors, but to make sure the other elements that make a post stand out are present and accounted for. No matter what you blog about, make sure your posts have these three elements at publishing time.
Feature Image
A feature image is like a book cover. And sometimes, a potential viewer may judge a post by it’s title image. Consider a feature image as a visual hint to readers of what the article is about. Before publishing, make sure you have a solid image(s) attached to the article. No image may lead to less traction with readers. If you have a personal, diary like blog, snap a photo of the world around you, or a cute selfie. If you’re writing on a specific niche, try Search Engines and Pexel Free Photos for copyright-free images. Take it a step further with custom title cards. You don’t need a master of photoshop to create a cool feature image. Between you and me, some of my images were made on MS Paint. See above. They’re not great, but they get the job done and tell my readers this is part of a series.
Tags
On WordPress, you can add tags to your post. These tags help readers find posts related to their interests. Think of it as casting a wide net. The more tags connected to your niche; the more readers you will catch the attention of. At least ten tag words would be enough, the more the merrier. By utilizing tags, your audience will grow and expand. Every time I post anything, I use every word associated with my umbrella topic; Creative writing. I use a plethora of writing related key words. That way, other writers and creatives can find my blog without too much digging. It may seem tedious, but trust me, it works. I’ve found plenty of amazing writers and bloggers to follow just by searching the ‘writing’ or ‘fiction’ tags.
Examples
Tags I Use: writer, write, writers, writing, creative writing, fiction writing, fiction, short story, story, amwriting, writing community, writing tips.
Tags for a recipe: cooking, chef, recipe, recipes, taco, Spanish, Mexican, one pot, vegan, spicy, few ingredients, party food.
Socials
Stay connected with your audience and with social media. When you schedule a post for publication, be sure to plan a post on social media coinciding with its release. Pairing social media with your blog will give you a better opportunity of more eyes seeing your content. You can find sites from awesome creators through platforms like Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Patreon. I’ll give you an example from my experience blogging. when I publish on WordPress, I also compose a Tweet. Setting them to publish at the same time, I get to spread the word about my content on multiple platforms at once. Easy, right?
I treat the above like a grocery shopping list. Anytime I’m about to publish, I ask myself “Okay. Image? Check. Tags? All there. Tweet? Ready to go.” Over the years, I’ve gotten in the habit of going over this checklist every time. When I first started blogging, I didn’t think any of this stuff was important. Now, I’ve learned these elements can be a total gamechanger when creating content. I thought I’d share these tips with you all, so we all can become better bloggers and creators.
What do you think is the most important element to a successful blog post? Talk to me in the comments.
Stay safe out there and stay creative.
Write with Heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Prompt of the Week: Man’s Best Friend
Write a story or poem from a dog’s perspective.
Write your response in the comments below. Best entry gets a shout out next week!
—Lady Jabberwocky
The Inspiration Behind Naming my Blog
Hello Writer Bees!
Are you a little curious where the name Lady Jabberwocky came from?
Obviously, part of it was a nod to Lewis Carol’s whimsical poem The Jabberwocky. When I started this blog, my aim was to keep things our conversations fun and lighthearted, like that famous poem. However, in the Valentine’s Day spirit, I’m sharing the other source of inspiration. And it has to do with my partner, Michael, who I sometimes refer to as Mister Jabberwocky.
Eons ago, I was a college freshman and just started dating Michael. One day, I was furiously typing a short story in the library. Thoroughly feeling those creative juices, I think I wrote 1,000 words in an hour. He laughed at me and said something like “Wow! You’re going beast mode on that story!” The phrase ‘Beast mode’ did not sound right to me, it was better suited for another activity, like gaming or sports.
I replied. “Well, it would be more like a literary beast, wouldn’t it? Like a Jabberwock?” It was the first monster from literature that came to mind. I feel like every writer has that in the zone moment. Jabberwock mode was what I called mine. I still do, If I’m honest. From then on, it became an inside joke between the two of us. Whenever I wrote for a class or for myself, I wrote like a Jabberwock, or was in Jabberwock mode. Was I pathetically hyping myself up? Probably. Well, I guess when you’re in that writing mood, hyping yourself is allowed.
After I graduated college and earned my bachelor’s degree in English, I was on the fence about starting a blog. Would anyone care what I had to say? My boyfriend – my biggest supporter – encouraged me to go for it. But what would I even write about? What would I even call the site? I wanted a name that hinted to my love of writing and literature. Hinted to that feeling of inspiration and creativity. That was it. Lady Jabberwocky was born, inspired by my young Jabberwock days.
And now, look where I am, four years later and still blogging. Still writing like a nonsensical Jabberwock. I love that part of my blog name comes from the early days of both our relationship and my writing journey.
Thanks for reading, writer bees. Happy belated Valentine’s Day!
What inspired your blog name? Share your stories in the comments.
Stay safe and stay creative.
Write with heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Prompt of the Week: Silly Love Songs
Describe what love feels like.
Write your response in the comments below. Best entry gets a shout out next week!
—Lady Jabberwocky
5 Subgenres of Romance Fiction Explained
Hello Writer Bees,
With Valentine’s Day only a few days away, let’s talk about the lovely subgenres of Romance Fiction.
Historical Romance
Rev up that time machine and travel back in time with a Historical Romance. As the name suggests, this love story takes place in the past, usually before 1950. Historical periods such as the Victorian era, Medieval Times, or the Roaring 1920s are examples of possible setting used in this romance subgenre. No matter the year, the time and place of a plot may impact a couple’s relationship. Rules of courtship and class can apply to characters and their relationships. When writing a historical romance, historical accuracy and research is crucial. Describing and understanding the clothing and culture of a time long ago will bring a certain era to life for your audience.
Paranormal Romance
Love can be magical. And in a paranormal romance, it really is! In this romance subgenre, elements of fantasy, paranormal or sci-fi are at the core of the plot. Not necessarily restricted to magical creatures only, a Paranormal Romance could include any non-human creature, from ghosts, to fairies, to the ever-irresistible vampire. That being said, there’s an opportunity here to explore a human x non-human relationship, or a couple from different magical backgrounds. Truly, the possibilities are endless. Incorporating fantasy elements in a love story requires solid worldbuilding. If magic is real in that world, create a magic system and know who can use magic and how. If the story involves a non-human creature, what specific characteristics apply to that race?
Contemporary Romance
If you’re looking for a modern day happily ever after, perhaps a contemporary romance is more your speed. This romance subgenre focuses on current conventions and topics, for a more modern approach. Subject matter may include online dating, LGBTQ storylines and workplace romance. Main characters don’t fit the mold and may not live up to what’s considered attractive by society. Often times, the heroine is an independent woman with a career. This romance subgenre encompasses all shapes, sizes, colors and sexualities. When writing in this romance subgenre, remember that love isn’t perfect. Create characters with flaws and challenges and place them in realistic dating situations.
Erotic Romance
Things can get steamy quickly in this romance subgenre. Erotic Romance centers around explicit, sexual interactions between lovers. It’s not total smut, but let’s just say vividly detailed sex is a major component of the plot. Relationships grow and develop through scenes of physical intimacy and intense chemistry. Often, characters are cliché and unrealistic, examples being a curvaceous cutie or six-packed hunk. If I’m honest, this is not my favorite genre. However, if I had to give a piece of writing advice, it’d be to focus on the character’s physicality, the way they move and how they interact with others. During intimate moments – not just sex scenes – be mindful of how body language is written. Readers want to feel swept away, and maybe a little turned on, when they read this kind of story.
Romantic Suspense
Romance plus adventure equals an exciting romance subgenre. Romance suspense involves action, suspense and intrigue as the couple tackles situations like a murder mystery or criminal plot. In some stories, there is a threat on one person’s life and the other must act as protector. Or perhaps they protect each other. Characters that play well in this romance subgenre can be detectives, superheroes, members of law enforcement or even femme fatales. Regardless, in the end, the heroes form a strong romantic relationship, hopefully leading to a happily ever after or grand finale kiss. Whether there’s a mystery to solve, a villain to defeat, or a race against the clock. Romantic Suspense can be thrilling story for many readers.
Like this post? Then check out the 5 Subgenres of Mystery Fiction Explained.
What’s your favorite romance subgenre? Talk to me in the comments.
Stay safe and stay creative.
Write with heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Prompt of the Week: MC’s Relationship Status
What is your main character’s relationship status? Talk about their view on romantic relationships.
Write your response in the comments below. Best entry gets a shout out next week!
—Lady Jabberwocky
The Sleepless Queen – (Fantasy Short Story)
“Is it wise to disturb her majesty so late in the evening?” The young page asked the guard, his voice shivering.
The guard yawned as pounded on the chamber door. “Course. There’s a reason she’s called the Sleepless Queen, you know.” Almost instantly, the torch lights illuminated the stone hall. The double doors swung open of their own accord, bidding entrance into the King and Queen’s private quarters. Carefully, he stepped inside the room. A question rattled in the child’s head. Why do they call her the sleepless queen?
The Queen sat in a grand canopy bed – wide awake, as her moniker suggested – reading a leatherbound book. Her skin dark and warm like cinnamon. Ears pricked and pointed, a mark of her magical lineage. Rosy pink hair tied into a braid. Beside her, the King snored, his arm slung across her stomach.
“Apologies for disturbing you, your highness.” He bowed.
The book snapped shut. “No apologies needed.” She smiled, beckoning the page to her bedside. With a nervous tremor, he stepped closer and handed her the note. Her amber eyes skimmed the paper. Looking back to the child, her smile returned. Slowly and softly, the Queen climbed out of bed and out of her lover’s embrace. Her satin white nightgown shined in the lantern light. “A beast was seen in the forest. All the kingdoms are on alert.” Her fingers reached for the jagged crystal sitting in the windowsill. The Jagged gem began to glow. A thin silver shield, like a thick fog, covered the entire kingdom. With a resolved nod, her majesty seemed content with the shield protecting their realm.
Bowing again, the boy took a few steps towards the door then stopped. Curiosity clawing at his throat. “Forgive me for asking, but do you have trouble sleeping? Is that why they call you the Sleepless Queen?”
With a light, fluttering laugh, she shook her head. “No, little one. I’m not human like my husband. My kind do not require sleep to survive.” She explained, the gentle tone of her voice soothing like an ocean breeze. A twinkle of adoration in her eyes as she glanced over at the sleeping King. “Though I use the time well. I read. I help maintain the barrier. I protect the King when he rests.” In a playful movement, she grazed his freckles with her thumbs. “Speaking of rest, off to bed with you. Thank you for delivering this message, my good sir, you have done well.” She whispered her praise before shooing him away. The young messenger scampered off. The Sleepless Queen returned to bed, returned to her lover’s side. A book floated into the Queen’s grasp, opening to the page where she left off. “I can tell when you are feigning sleep, dear heart. Unbecoming for a king.”
Enveloping his wife in his arms, he held her in an embrace. Both of them falling into the comfort of closeness. “The Sleepless Queen. Haven’t heard that name in ages.” He hummed into her neck.
Her lips found the crown of his head. “I will gladly take up the title. Being by your side, in the quiet moments, is a blessing in itself.” Waving her fingers, the lanterns dimmed.
“Is there trouble?” The King mumble, drowsiness slowly overcoming him.
“Trouble that can wait until the morning, do not fret.” Golden eyes flicked towards the window, checking the barrier one last time. “If a dragon comes knocking on our walls, we will be protected, to an extent. Go back to sleep, my love. Enjoy the quiet while it lasts.”
“Goodnight, my sleepless Queen.”
“Goodnight.”
I couldn’t get this idea of a queen that does not need to sleep out of my head. And I had no real plot for her to play in. So, I did some freewriting. Let me know what you think.
Stay safe and stay creative.
Write with heart,
Lady Jabberwocky
Lady Jabberwocky 