My Writing Ramblings: Reflections on 2015

Happy New Year everyone.

I can’t quite believe that 2015 has come to an end and we’re already eight days into 2016. Last year went so fast. I know that this year will probably do something similar. The older you get, the quicker it goes right?

I’ve been thinking a lot about 2015. I am a member of the New Writers Scheme which is part of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and last year, I didn’t manage to get any of my novel in for appraisal by one of the readers. I am not sure what happened. I just seemed to run out of time and what I had written didn’t seem good enough. I lost my confidence a little. So, if I have any goals for this year, it is to get my novel into the NWS by August.

As well as my writing and throwing myself into planning and writing my book,  I’ve been thinking about the books I read in 2015. I read so many brilliant novels and escaped into so many stories and met so many characters. I went through the list and tried to pick my favourites (which was so difficult to be honest.) However, here is a list of my favourite novels from last year. What were your favourites?

Stranger Child by Rachel Abbott. 

(Black Dot Publishing, 2015.)

This was a great book; a thriller mixed with mystery. This novel had me gripped from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t guess what was going to happen and a mystery novel that can have me guessing until the end is good.

It focuses on Emma and David who seem to have the perfect life. However, David has known sadness when his wife was killed in a car accident and his six-year-old girl goes missing. When his daughter suddenly reappears, Emma has to question everything that she knows.

A Little in Love by Susan Fletcher. 

(Chicken House, 2014.)

First of all, I loved the red lined pages of this book so it immediately made a good impression. This book is told from the perspective of Eponine from when she was small to that night in 1832. The story is so heartbreaking and well written.

Before reading this book I wasn’t overly familiar with the story of Les Miserables, my only exposure was the film starring Hugh Jackman. However, even though I did not know it that well, Eponine’s story was the one that jumped out and interested me so it was good to have the story from her point of view.

The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain.

(Gallic Books, 2015.)

Laurent is a bookseller and he comes across an abandoned handbag. He finds no clue inside as to who the bag belongs to but he does find a small red notebook which is full of scribbles, lists and thoughts. He doesn’t know who this person is but he realises that it is someone he wants to meet.

I had really liked Antoine’s previous novel, The President’s Hat and so I had been looking forward to reading The Red Notebook. The cover has a watercolour effect and it’s so pretty. This story also had me engrossed pretty much from the beginning too. The story is quite a simple one but the writing has such an elegance to it. I got completely lost in the story and the imagery.

The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP) by Kate Winter.

(Sphere, 2015.)

The plot for this novel seemed so original to me. One morning, Rosie wakes up with what she assumes is the worst hangover. It takes her a few moments to realise that she is actually dead and she can’t remember what happened. She has to figure out what happened the previous night and why she was still there.

This book made me laugh out loud in so many places. It’s such a clever premise and I couldn’t put it down from the moment I started reading. I think I almost read it in one sitting (although it was a while ago so I can’t fully remember.) I finished this book and realised I had the biggest smile on my face. If you’re looking for a great, funny, warm read especially in this horrible weather or if you’re going on holiday, then I recommend this book.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. 

(Ebury Press, 2013.)

I know, I know, this isn’t technically a novel but it was one of my favourite books from last year. I could not do a favourites from 2015 without it. I was not a big fan of The Office but I adore Mindy Kaling. She has such a wonderful confidence about her that I find so great and inspiring. This book had been on my TBR for a while actually and so when I finally picked it up, I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s mostly Mindy’s observations on her childhood, career and life in general.

Until next week fellow writing people.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.