Apologies!

I've been so busy recently I've barely written a word, whether it be for my ongoing story or Burrst or Blogger and I hate it.

But I'm back now with a lot to tell you.

I came back from Leeds Festival, the greatest music festival in the world (and coincidentally the only one I've ever been to) on Monday.

I've never had such an amazing five days.

Ray Pettibon

I just watched Red Hot Chili Pepper's music video for Monarchy of Roses, an amazingly creative video and the best I've seen in a long while, and it mentioned it was inspired by the art of Ray Pettibon.

Writer's Block and How To Overcome It

Writer's block affects us all at some point, but the worst feeling is when you really want to write something, anything, but you can't think of a single thing to put down on paper. I've been there a lot, but I've learned from it and I now have a few fail-proof options for when it does happen.

Here are the three best things I always do when my mind decides to stop working and I need a few ideas for a new story to start writing...

A List of Songs That Help Me Write...

In case you hadn't noticed already, I'm really into music, books and film. I especially like combos of two or three, so when I'm writing, music really helps inspire me.

I'm a no-lifer and I like to have playlists that I can listen to in different moods. I literally have Peaceful, Relaxing, Happy, Sad, SAD, Party, ... It helps when you're trying to write certain scenes.

Listening to James Blunt while trying to write about an exciting day in a theme park probably won't work out well.

Here's some great recommendations for your own playlists...

How To Make A Free Video Teaser Trailer for Your eBooks Using Windows Movie Maker

I've decided to make a video trailer for my most popular ebook, Salvatore, to hopefully gain a few more readers. It's an interesting idea that I've never properly considered before. I posted it to my ebook's Smashwords page (<- click there if you'd like to see it) last night, and I’ll let you know how successful it is as a marketing tool.

If you want to make your own video, here are some tips you should consider while planning to make it as professional and effective as possible, and my own example to help you along...

Bon Iver

If you haven't listened to Bon Iver (the band) before, seriously do.

They are amazing.


Inspiring, deep and emotional. No matter what you're doing, whether it's writing, drawing, surfing the net, Facebook, driving, they are appropriate. They make you think and feel.

To quote a status of mine from last year: "Bon Iver is one emotional beast of a man."

I love writing and listening to them, they're peaceful enough not to distract me but amazing enough that they help to inspire me.

I'm not even a fan girl! *Definite sarcasm*

Their website, if you want

Let me know what you think!


Jess x
j.s.cambrook@live.co.uk

Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters are playing at Leeds in August - literally cannot wait! If I can write books that covey the same kind of emotion that they do in each and every song, I'll be happy.

At the minute, my favourite songs are Learn to Fly and Times Like These.

Times Like These has literally gotten me through the lowest times, and I often listen to the lyrics when I'm confused about something and whatever kind of interpretation of the song I get I take it as some kind of advice and work off that, and it makes me feel a million times better.

Anyway, back to moooooore writing!

Jess x
j.s.cambrook@live.co.uk