In Search of my Magnum Opus

Greetings Readers!

It feels like ages since I did a proper update, so here it is.

First, I want to thank everyone who supported the release of THE STARLIGHT PRINCE. The book was a long time coming, and as I've previously mentioned, I feel immensely proud of all I achieved by writing it, as much of the process coincided with my autism and ADHD journey.

Even to the last minute, things were hectic, as I pushed back my release by a month to give myself more time to focus on the final developmental edits. And while I was doing that, I had some real-life changes. I won't go into detail, because it's not my story to share, but the TL:DR is my 22-year-old child is back living with us, after almost five years away from home. I hate the circumstances of their return, but I won't lie, it's great having them back!  We're all settling into our new normal now, and my head feels clearer, and I'm more able to focus on writing-related things again.

On the topic of The Starlight Prince, in case you didn't see my previous post, during April, I will be taking part in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. Every day (except Sundays), I'll be sharing excerpts and tidbits about the book. Each day I will choose a commenter at random to receive free digital copies of both The Starlight Prince, and it's prequel novella The Adventures of Josain Jovenne. And there will also be a month-long Rafflecopter giveaway in which you can win a signed paperback copy of The Starlight Prince, and some swag like postcards of the character art I had commissioned.

A-Z Challenge 2020

Sign-ups for the 2020 A-Z Blogging challenge have opened. You can find the official post about it here. 

I've signed up and I will be revealing my theme, along with all the other participants, on March 16, but before then I just wanted to make a quick post letting anyone who's interested know to watch this space!

See you on March 16...

Probably should have learned my lesson by now ...

I always get burned out when I take on too much, and I should have known doing the A-Z Blogging Challenge, the WIP Joy Challenge and Camp NaNoWriMo all in the same month, while the kids are off school would be too much.

Alas, I didn't, but I managed a week.

I'm now dropping out of  the A-Z Blogging Challenge and the WIP Joy Challenge, and while I'm still doing Camp NaNoWriMo, it's in a much more related way. I haven't a word count in mind, I'm just aiming to write each day Mon - Fri, in the hopes of finishing my age-gap romance.

So yeah, this is me signing off, until the release of the Where words Fail, Music Speaks release next week.

Good luck to everyone still doing the A-Z Challenge, and CampNaNoWriMo!

A-Z Blogging Challenge 2016: B is for Bagley

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented on A is for All It Takes, yesterday. I'm glad you enjoyed the first chapter!

Before I get to chapter two, I just want to give a shout-out to Curiosity Quills Press, who're doing the A-Z Challenge for the second time this year, with posts centered around entertainment (books, movies, TV shows, video games etc.). I'll be posting on Monday with C is for Comics to TV/ Film Adaptations. Please go and check it out! ^_^

Once again, please be aware, this is a mature story, with swearing and scenes of a sexual nature.

B is for Bagley ...

A-Z Blogging Challenge 2016: A is for All It Takes

Happy Friday, everyone!

I'm excited to be taking part in the A-Z Blogging Challenge 2016, and this year I'm bringing you my new-adult, contemproary-romance ALL IT TAKES!

Each day I'll post a new chapter of the story - but please be aware, this is a mature story, with swearing and scenes of a sexual nature. If that's not your thing, please skip this blog on your A-Z Challenge travellings!

Okay, with that out the way, onto A is for All It Takes ...

A-Z Blogging Challenge 2016: Theme Reveal

Happy Monday, folks!

I'm thrilled to announce my participation in the A-Z Blogging Challenge 2016 and reveal my theme ...

This year, I will be posting my serialized romance novel, All It Takes, with a different chapter for each letter of the alphabet.

Those who've not read All It Takes yet, this is the perfect opportunity to dive in!

Read more for the All It Takes blurb/ description and a look at the new cover I made for it ...

A-Z Blogging Challenge Announcement

As February edges to a close, in the blogosphere talk turns again to the A-Z Blogging Challenge. For those who don't know what the challenge is about here's the background from the Challenge's founder, Arlee Bird:

It all began with my post from Saturday March 27, 2010 when I set forth a challenge to all bloggers for the month of April.   Can you post every day except Sundays during this month?  And to up the bar, can you blog thematically from A to Z? 

Most of the time if you subtract Sundays from April, you then have 26 days--one day for each letter of the alphabet.  When April 1st lands on a Sunday you begin on that day which will be the only Sunday you would post during that month's challenge.  

Using this premise, you would start beginning April First with a topic themed on something with the letterA, then on April second another topic with the letter B as the theme, and so on until you finish on April thirtieth with the theme based on the letter Z.  It doesn't even have to be a word--it can be a proper noun, the letter used as a symbol, or the letter itself.  The theme of the day is the letter scheduled for that day.

For the full story, see the A-Z Blogging Challenge's "About" page.

I've taken part in the challenge a number of times, and I will be again this year. It's a lot of fun, and a great way to meet new bloggers.

My theme? You're going to have to wait until March 21 for that, the date of the offical theme reveal blog hop.

Let me know if you're taking part in the challenge this year, and I'll be sure to check out your theme reveal post and posts throught April.

Until next time,

O is for O'Neil's

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my N is for Nursery post yesterday. 

Today, for the letter O I have the first half of chapter one from All It Takes. 

It's a long one, but I hope you all enjoy it ...

N is for Nursery

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my M is for Megan Green post yesterday. 

Today, for the letter N I have snippet describing Megan's plans to decorate the baby's room. 

Enjoy... 

[Credit: Graphic made using Forest Friends Photshop Shapes By Maytel and KAWAii FACE BRUSHES by xlilbabydragonx]

“You know, you should design something for the baby’s room.” 

I giggled, stood up and walked back over to him. “Already one step ahead of you,” I said, leaning over Kian to pull something out of my portfolio. 

I handed him a sheet of paper on which I’d designed a scene I planned to have turned into a wall decal for the baby’s room. It was of a tree, covered in leaves and apples, with a bird sitting on one of the branches, and a squirrel running up the trunk. At foot of the tree sat a floppy eared rabbit eating a carrot. Each different element was coloured in bold, bright shades.  

“This is beautiful,” Kian said, holding the sketch in one hand as the other reached out to stroke my stomach. “The nipper’s gonna love it.” 

“Thanks.” I stroked my tummy, and as my fingers flittered across the bump, they brushed Kian’s. I looked down at our hands, fingertips almost touching, then pulled away. 

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today CQ Marketing Director Nikki Tetreault is blogging about what the literary world means to her! 

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for O is for O'Neil's - the first part of All It Takes chapter one, where Megan and Stacey have a night out at O'Neil's club.

Until next time,

M is for Megan Green and All It Takes Chapter Seven

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my L is for Lights, Camera, Action post yesterday. 

Today, for the letter M I have a character profile for leading lady, Megan Green, along with the links for chapter seven. 

Enjoy... 

Megan Green (22) is the joint main character of All It Takes, a graphic design uni student, and expectant mother. 

Having lived on her own for a few years, she's out-going and independent. She works hard at uni and in her part-time job as a cafe waitress, but also likes to let her hair down and go out drinking (before she got pregnant) with BFF Stacey. At times she can be stubborn, and has trouble seeing a situation from any point of view that isn't her own. 

Pre-pregnancy, her post graduation plans were to go back-packing around Europe, before finding a design job to settle in. Graphic design is all she's ever wanted to do. When the other kids were drawing spaceships or princesses, she designing graphics for things. All of her school books had their own individual designs for each subject, and one year she made all of her family and friends Christmas cards herself. 

Even though getting pregnant has put her travel and career plans on hold, she couldn't be happier about the baby, and not keeping it was never an option for Megan. She knows it's going to be tough being a young mum, but she's determined to do it as best she can, and give her child everything it'll need. 

Megan is an only child, raided by parents Edward (50) a computer engineer, and Elizabeth (45), a care assistant.

Chapter Seven At ClareDugmore.com

Wattpad | FictionPress | WriteOn | GoodReads  

DiviantArt | Figment | Movellas

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today myself and CQ Marketing Director Nikki Tetreault are blogging about marketing tips, tools and expectations!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for N is for Nursery! 

Until next time,

L is for Lights, Camera, Action - All It Takes Dream Cast

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my K is for Kian Murphy post on yesterday, and voted in the poll. The people have spoken, and the actor who'd play Kian in the All It Takes movie is Colin O'Donoghue!

I can't say I don't approve. Colin is gorgeous, and Captain Hook is one of the reasons I started watching Once Upon A Time!

This leads us perfectly onto today's post; L is for Lights, Camera Action: My All It Takes dream cast!

Enjoy ... 

Colin O'Donoghue as Kian Murphy

All It Takes leading man, Irish MMA fighter Kian Murphy.

Phoebe Tonkin as Megan Green

All It Takes leading lady, graphic design student Megan Green.

Emma Rigby as Stacey Sullivan 

Megan's BFF  and fellow graphic design student Stacey Sullivan.

Rick Cosnett as Josh Browne

Kian's training buddy, and Stacey's eventual boyfriend, MMA fighter Josh Browne.

Manu Bennett as Davi Silva

Former boxer, gym owner, and Kian's confidante Davi Silva.

Indira Varma as Emilia Silva

Davi's wife, and eventual confidante to Megan, Emilia Silva.

Thanks for reading. If you're interested in reading All It Takes, it can be found at claredugmore.com 

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today CQ author J.P Sloan is writing about the lessons he learned on his publication journey!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for M is for Megan Green - a look at my All It Takes leading lady! 

Until next time,

K is for Kian Murphy

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my J is for Josh Browne post on Friday.

Today, for letter K, I have a character profile for All It Takes leading man, Kian Murphy!

Enjoy ... 

Ladies, hold onto your panties and wipe the drool from your chins ... Kian Murphy is in the house!

Our sexy Irish man is the male lead in All It Takes, and a certified heart-breaker. He's good-looking and knows it, and has the confidence to back it up. A total ladies man, Kian always gets what he wants, both in and out of the MMA cage!

But he's more than just a pretty face. Once you earn Kian's loyalty, he's your friend for life, and would do anything for you. He's fiercely protective of those he cares about. 

Outside of MMA, his two main passions are bikes, and cooking! Yes, this boy can cook, and he has expert skills learned from his mum. Though he doesn't get to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, when he does, he loves inventing his own dishes. 

Kian is also a tattoo junkie, and has both his sleeves tattooed, along with a design across his shoulder blades. There's many different designs within his sleeves, including the date of his first championship win, inspiring quotes, and other reminders of important times in his life.

He's not a complete tough guy though, and Kian is secretly scared of the sight of blood. He can deal with it in a fighting capacity, but seeing it anywhere else makes him woozy!

Bonus tidbit: Kian's middle name is Graham, after his paternal grandfather. 

Oddly, though writing Kian comes easily, for once when writing a story, I've had the hardest time picking an actor who'd play him in my dream cast for All It Takes - hence the stock image.

So, dear readers, I'm throwing it over to you, with this poll. I've added some options, but please feel free to include your own if any spring to mind! (click on the pictures to make them bigger!)

Thanks for reading. If you're interested in reading All It Takes, it can be found at claredugmore.com 

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today Marketing Director Nikki Tetreault is blogging about Kindles, Keurigs, Keywords!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for L is for Lights, Camera, Action - my All It Takes Dream Cast! 

Until next time,

J is for Josh Browne

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my I is for Interacting [with fans] post yesterday.

Today, for letter J, I have a character profile for Kian's other closest friend, and fellow MMA fighter, Josh Browne. 
Enjoy ... 

Josh Brown is a Lightweight fighter (weight class below Kian's) at the same gym Kian trains at, and is one of Kian's closest friends.

The two train together, and go out socially. Although Kian doesn't confide in Josh the way he does with Davi, Josh is still an important part of Kian's life, and the story. Josh represents the young, free and 'single' side of life Kian is stepping away from when he finds out he's going to be a father.

Josh is also the unknowing catalyst for All It Takes, as it's because of Megan's best friend Stacey's crush on Josh that Megan ends up in the night club (O Neil's) on the same night as Kian and the two go home together. 

Tall, blonde and good-looking, Josh is a favourite with male and female fans alike, and as All It Takes progresses, he enters into a relationship with Megan's best friend Stacey.

Thanks for reading. If you're interested in reading All It Takes, it can be found at claredugmore.com 

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today there's a post about CQ's two regular columnists Jason Purdy and Randee Dawn!

Don't forget to check back on Monday for K is for Kian Murphy - a look at our leading man! 

Until next time,

I is for Interacting [with fans]

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my H is for Hormones post yesterday.

Today, for letter I, I have another deleted scene form All It Takes. This time from chapter two, where Kian runs into a young fan at the park. Enjoy ... 

A thud against the bench brought my attention back to the par, and I saw a young boy running towards the ball he’d just kicked in my direction.

“Sorry,” he said, picking up the ball. His eyes locked onto mine, and recognition passed over his face. “You’re Kian Murphy, aren’t you?”

“Aren’t you a little young to be watching MMA fights?” He only looked about ten.

“That’s what Mum said, but Dad still took me to your last match. You know, the one when you beat David Prince for the championship? It was epic. When I grow up, I wanna be just like you.”

Plenty of people told me I was good. That I deserved to be champion. This was the first person to ever say they wanted to be like me. It was Browne who got all the attention from fans. Trying to think what he’d do in a situation like this, I remembered the time we’d ran into some fans on a night out. Rather than being pissed off they’d interrupted us, he’d happily posed for pictures and signed things for them.

“Hey kid, do you want me to sign something for you? And does your mum or dad have their mobile with them? Maybe we could take a picture together.”

“Dad’s pushing my little sister on the swings. I’ll get him.”

The boy rushed off with the ball tucked under one arm, as I tried to think what I could sign for him. I didn’t have anything on me, but was sure they’d be some promotional pictures back at the gym.

As I waited for the boy and his family to return, I sent a text to Davi, letting him know what was going on, and not to start laying into me when I came back.

I slipped my phone in my pocket, as the boy came running up to me, his father trailing behind carrying a little girl in his arms.

“I didn’t believe Jack when he told me,” the dad said when he reached us.

I laughed. “Yeah, I bet. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Joel, you’ve already met Jack, and this little lady is Abigail.”

 “Jack mentioned you and him are fans.”

“Yeah, we were there for your match against Prince. Congratulations, man.”

“Thanks. So do you wanna head over to the gym? I can sign some stuff for you and you can get some pictures.”

Jack started dancing around his dad’s legs. “Can we Dad? Can we?”
“Are you sure it’s not an imposition?” Joel asked.

“Not at all.” I gave him a genuine smile.

This was the first young fan I’d interacted with. Now and again, I got a guy in a pub wanting to buy me a drink, but I’d never experienced anything like this. Suddenly, I was taken back to my own childhood, when Dad has taken me to his gym.

Thanks for reading. If you're interested in reading All It Takes, it can be found at claredugmore.com 

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today I'm blogging about writing in first person!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for J is for Josh Browne. 

Until next time,

H is for Hormones

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my G is for Grandparents post yesterday.

Today, for letter H I have a scene cut from chapter three, where Megan visits a baby shop for the first time. Enjoy ... 

With my hunger now satisfied, I left the café with every intention of returning home to catch up on uni work, before heading over to my parents' for dinner.

But as I waited at the crossing, a little shop just down from the café caught my eye. I'd lived in this same area for a number of years, though before today, the baby store had never captured my attention. I suppose because I'd had no reason to notice it until now.

Forgetting the work that waited me when I got home, I turned around and made my way to the shop, which had a display of pushchairs in the window.

Inside the store, it looked as though a nursery had exploded. Everywhere the eye could see, there were baby clothes, accessories and other related items. The back wall was lined the cribs and Moses baskets, shelf upon shelf were stacked with sleep suits, blankets, stuffed animals and bottles. For a moment, I felt utterly overwhelmed at the amount of things one tiny baby could possibly need, and began to worry that I'd never have enough money or time before the baby was born to buy everything.

When my astonishment waned, my eyes were drawn to a display of miniature baby booties. I walked over to the shelf, and took down the first pair. They were small enough to fit into the palm of my hand, as soft as silk almost, and the most subtle shade of yellow. My heart leapt in my chest, and again, I felt utterly amazed. I was stunned to think that in just over seven months, I would give birth to a baby tiny enough to wear the boots.

Despite the fact that it was thought of as 'unlucky' to buy baby things before you second trimester, and that I haven't even told my parents I was pregnant yet, I just couldn't resist buying the boots. The sight of them sitting in my palm caused a lump to form in my throat.

Damn hormones, I inwardly cursed, as I took the boots to the cash desk.

“Is this your first?” the assistant asked.

I grinned, and nodded sheepishly. “I think I'm a little eager though, as I'm only eight weeks along.”

“There's nothing wrong with being excited,” she said me with a kind smile. “Enjoy it while you have time, because before you know it, you'll be up to your elbows in dirty nappies and night feeds.”

Thanks for reading. If you're interested in reading All It Takes, it can be found at claredugmore.com 

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today author I'm writing about the dos and don'ts of fangirling!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for I is for Interacting [with fans] . 

Until next time,

G is for Grandparents

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my F is for Fuck Up post on yesterday!

Today, for letter G, I have Megan and Kian's parents' reactions to the news they're going to become grandparents. Enjoy ... 

Megan

“Okay, the thing I'm about to say, well, it's kind of a big deal, so I don't want you freaking out or anything, all right? Just let me tell you, and then take a few days to digest the news.”
Mum and Dad nodded mutely, utterly bewildered at what was going on.
I let out a long breath and the sentence tumbled from my mouth all at once. “I'm-pregnant-and-I'm-keeping-the-baby.”
Dad's eyes grew as wide as saucers, then he gave a deep sigh.
“You're pregnant?” Mum said.
“Yeah, I saw my doctor today, and he confirmed it. I'm about eight weeks along.”
“And what about the father? Who is he? Because I didn't even know you were dating anyone,” Dad said.
“That's because I'm not. I met him when I was out with Stacey one night. He offered me a ride home, and well, you know ...”
“Oh, Meg, what were you thinking? Didn't it cross your mind that you could end up with a STD?”
I looked to the floor, the disappointment in Mum’s voice making it impossible for me to keep eye contact with either of them.
“I'm not stupid, but everyone makes mistakes. I admit what I did that night was stupid, but I'm dealing with the consequence now, aren't I?”
“You're dealing with the consequence by having a child out of wedlock and forgoing the career you've worked so hard for? You know, there are other options.”
“Elizabeth! Our daughter is not getting rid of or giving up our first grandchild for adoption,” Dad said, sitting bolt upright in his recliner and slamming his fist down on the end table. His reaction was a shock. I thought he was going to agree with Mum. 

Kian

“And, well, now she's pregnant, and the baby’s mine.”
As the words came out, Marie actually jumped off the couch and began laughing. Mum clutched her heart, and Dad looked like he was about to pass out.
“I want to be a part of the baby's life. I've said I'm going to stand by her and support her through the pregnancy as much as possible.”
 “Well, it's great you're taking responsibility for your actions, bro. But didn't you think before you slept with her? I mean, you could have caught all sorts of diseases or anything.” Marie was two years younger than me, and has always been the responsible one. She’d worked hard at school, got a good job and never caused our parents any problems.
“You can save the lecture, sis, Davi already gave me a good talking to when I told him.”
“And so he should, your sister is right.” Mum was quick to defend Marie. 
Like always. When we were kids, Mum always took Marie’s side over mine. I clenched my teeth and counted to five. “I haven't come here for abuse. I've come here to tell you I'm going to be a father, and ask for some advice on how to deal with it.”
From the corner of my eye, I could see Marie smirking, but I tried my best to ignore her and focused on my parents.
Dad shook his head, and heaved out a great sigh. “I’m not going to pretend I’m not disappointed, Kian. I thought all this getting into trouble nonsense was over with. But maybe you should start at the beginning. How long have you been dating this Megan girl?” 
“Actually, we never really dated. It was just a one night thing. I didn't think I'd ever hear from her again.” I sunk onto the sofa, avoiding eye contact with any of them.
“Jesus Christ, Kian, could you be any more of a prick? Women aren't toys for you to pick up and throw away as you please,” Marie said, not disguising the venom in her voice.
“Now, Marie, that's quite enough. You know better than to use language like that in my house, and please don't berate your brother.” Mum bit back with equal ferocity. “Perhaps it's best if you go and make us all some coffee?”
“Fine.” Marie huffed, flounced out of the room and stalked down the hallway to the kitchen.
“This wasn’t how I expected to find out about my first grandchild, but I’m glad you’re trying to do the right thing, and supporting this girl through the pregnancy. Do you really think moving in with a woman you hardly know is the best idea?” Mum said.
I was about to say I didn’t intend to move in with Megan, when I thought better of it, and looked to Dad for some support.
“Sheila, I don't think Kian should even be considering having anything to do with the baby, let alone moving in with the mother.”

Thanks for reading. If you're interested in reading All It Takes, it can be found at claredugmore.com 

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today author Sharon Bayliss is writing about authors writing characters of a different gender from their own!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for H is for Hormones. 

Until next time,

F is for Fuck Up

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited my E is for Europe post on yesterday!

Today, for letter F, I have excerpt from chapter four of All It Takes, where Kian contemplates his parents' reaction to the news he's going to be a father. Enjoy ... 

As I drove back I kept thinking what I was going to tell my parents later. I knew how they'd react to the news I'd gotten some girl pregnant and she was keeping the baby.

Dad would shake his head, sigh, and then comment that it was another 'Kian fuck-up', just like the times I'd failed a drugs test, been fined for trashing a hotel room, and broken my collarbone by crashing a motorbike I'd rented. Mum would probably get all teary-eyed and then start planning mine and Megan's wedding – regardless of the fact weren’t even together.

I hoped they'd give me their support eventually. For once I was trying to be an adult about a situation I'd gotten myself into, and take responsibility for my actions. It wasn't every day I owned up to my mistakes, and I just prayed they'd take that into account.

Admitting my mistakes and taking responsibility for my actions seemed like a running theme recently…

Thanks for reading. If you're interested in reading All It Takes, it can be found at claredugmore.com 

And for anyone interested in an A-Z Challenge based on the literary world, with writing, marketing and publishing tips etc. head on over to Curiosity Quills Press. Today author and acquisitions editor Vicki Keire is writing about her five favourite fictional role models!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for G is for Grandparents. 

Until next time,