Books Archives - Vanessa Jones Author

How I Wrote a Book in Three Weeks

Vanessa — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 07:50:15 +0000

Okay, confession: I wrote a book in THREE WEEKS! Even when I write it, I can still barely believe it. Three weeks is an incredibly fast time to write a book. And, surprisingly, it wasn’t that terrible. Here’s how I did it and what I did to achieve it. Want to write your own book? Let’s write it together.

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Questions About Writing – when to approach a publisher

Vanessa — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 07:27:04 +0000

I get asked a lot of questions about writing books – which is great! But rather than type the same thing over and over, I’ve started compiling videos of my most frequently asked questions in the hope that I can help any aspiring writer head on their way to writing or publishing their books. If you have questions that you want to see answered, simply leave a comment in the comments section on this video. The video below looks at when you should approach a publisher with your book idea and a little bit about whether I’m self or traditionally published. Questions about writing with Vanessa Jones

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Home Before Dark by Riley Sager – Book Review

Vanessa — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 07:23:12 +0000

Home Before Dark— Huff Post‘s “10 Of The Most Anticipated Book Releases Of June 2020″— is not so much a psychological thriller as it is a traditional haunted house thriller. This is my first Riley Sager book and I wasn’t disappointed. It was probably the first book in my life where I had to consciously put it down a few times at night because it was a little too scary, deciding that it’d be better as a “daytime book”. Told in parallel timeframes, from grown up Maggie’s point of view as well as her dad’s when she was just five, this ever-unfurling story made use of some brilliant haunted house tropes and some good old fashion ghost stories. There were several shock developments throughout the book that kept the story suitably rolling and the double twist at the end really packed a punch. There were also several toe-curling scenes that had me shuddering beyond belief. If you’re a fan of Haunting at Hill House, you will just love this book. What is Home Before Dark about? Maggie inherits a Victorian triple-storey house after her father’s death. The very same house that she and her parents had to flee, leaving all their possessions behind one night when she was five, claiming ghosts drove them away. So Maggie goes back to confront the ghosts of the house and discovers the truth is much more sinister. RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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Psychological Thrillers with a Surprise Twist Ending

Vanessa — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 05:26:40 +0000

I absolutely love a twist ending, as I’m sure many of you do. It’s predominantly what keeps us reading until the very end of a book — to find out what happened and be shocked out of our mundane predictions and our limited imagination. In the psychological thriller genre, twist endings are expected. And that’s what makes a psychological thriller so good — you get to see that magnificent plot twist at the end! Here are some books that have twist endings that even surprised me, as an author of psychological thriller fiction. Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier Jar of Hearts begins as a typical psychological thriller about a girl named Georgina who is acquitted of killing her best friend and releases from prison after ten years. In the meantime, she’s been blogging about how hard it’s been to reintegrate into society after being in jail for so long. But soon, things turn around when an eight-year old girl turns up dead… and Georgina becomes prime suspect number one again. I love a book that starts right away with an inciting incident. Too much “ordinary world” at the start of a book can bore me. So the fact that the main character was immediately on trial for murder was interesting and appealing. And she was sent to jail within the first few chapters. What a way to start a story! There was a little too much repetition in this book for me; things were said over and over again that really didn’t need to be said once, let alone two or three times. And the exposition was heavy. I ended up skipping some paragraphs because it had all be told by where the characters ended up. But let me tell you, the ending was absolutely wild. It was a bit all over the shop, but I certainly didn’t predict this ending. The author had a skillful way of making you really believe everything as it seems throughout the book. Like she wrote in the book, ‘you only see what you want to, not as it is.’ I do highly recommend this one for die hard psychological thriller fans. The Burning Girls by CJ Tudor Reverend Jack Brooks is on the lookout for a new beginning in The Burning Girls. Chapel Croft appears to be the ideal location, but the community has a sordid history – and its ghosts won’t stay buried. Two young women vanished decades ago. Only months ago, the last rector killed himself. But the unconventional Reverend, is running away from her past and runs into a town filled with dark secrets and murders. Not to mention little burning effigies left everywhere. This was a terrific read that was peppered with turns— literally, the author left a reveal at the end of each chapter. It was hard to stop reading and there were so many characters and potential suspects that it really did keep me guessing the entire way. One of the biggest reveals at the end, I couldn’t see coming a mile off and it actually made me gasp out loud. I also really loved the unconventional religious aspect. Put this psychological thriller to the top of your reading list. Call Me Evie by JP Pomare For the past two weeks, Kate Bennet, a seventeen-year-old girl from Melbourne, has been held captive against her will in an isolated cabin on a remote beach coast. Bill refers to her as Evie and claims he’s hiding her so she can be safe. That she committed an unforgivable crime one night back home in Melbourne – something so terrible that he had no option but to abduct her. The problem is that Kate doesn’t recall what happened that night. Call Me Evie isn’t your typical psychological thriller as it’s so literary and well written with beautiful language and JP Pomare’s signature descriptive prose of the landscape. Verity by Colleen Hoover When a writer is called in to take over a famous author’s series after she suffered a traumatic incident that left her injured, she thinks it’s the deal of a lifetime. Even when she starts getting a little too close to the husband. Through her research, she discovers a secret autobiography by the famous author that reveals secrets that the writer doesn’t know what to do with. This was an easy and fast-paced read that has you questioning all the characters involved and you’re never really sure who the believe. The final reveal was a great twist and an interesting way of writing out the story. But it fell a little flat for me because it felt quite rushed and akin to ‘and it was all a dream.’ Nonetheless, I think Verity is well worth a read. Particularly, for the stellar opening chapters. Many people in the online reading groups I am in absolutely adore this book. Let me know which of these psychological thrillers with a twist was your favourite (no spoilers for other readers though, okay?) and be sure to clue me in on any other twist ending books you love. Also, be sure to check out my psychological thriller, The Tens, which certainly does have a few twists and turns that you won’t see coming! This blog post does include some affiliate links but the reviews and opinions are genuinely mine.

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Why Do So Many People Join Cults?

Vanessa — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 05:22:19 +0000

People have always been fascinated with cults. What is it about these organisations that have drawn people in for centuries? There are many reasons why people may be interested in cults, but here are some of the most common: 1. Cults offer a sense of community. When people feel isolated or alone, they may be more likely to join a cult. Cults typically offer a sense of community and support, which can appeal to people who feel lost or lonely. ‘The number of cult members [in America] is variously estimated at 300,000 to three million.’ That’s a rather large community to be a part of. 2. Cults promise a better life. Some people may be attracted to cults because they promise a better life. Cults often promote their own unique ideology or worldview, which can appeal to people looking for a new way to view the world. Only 14 per cent of Americans say they are very happy, meaning there’s a lot of people that are less than happy. Belonging to a group that promises happiness can be incredibly enticing for the vast majority of people. People may also be attracted to cults because they offer people the chance to feel like they belong or that their life has meaning and purpose. 3. Cults can give people hope in hopeless situations. Many people find themselves in challenging circumstances at some point in their lives. Some of these people may turn to one of the many famous cults for hope and comfort when they feel there is nowhere else to turn. People may look for help from a cult when other support systems have failed them, such as family members or friends who do not understand what they’re going through or professional mental health providers who aren’t available or don’t provide enough support. When other sources of help are not available, people are more likely to be drawn into a cult. 4. Cults are often shrouded in mystery. People may also become fascinated with cults because they’re often inscrutable or mysterious entities. Cult members usually keep their beliefs and practices private, making it difficult for outsiders to understand what goes on inside the organisation. Cults could have their own language or way of communicating with one another, which can seem strange or confusing to people who aren’t familiar with this communication style. These factors draw people’s curiosity about groups that they don’t fully understand or know much about, which can lead them to want to learn more about why these organisations exist and how they function internally. 5. Cults can seem appealing and attractive. Many cults present themselves in a way that is appealing and attractive to people exploring new belief systems or religious practices. Think of it as the most extensive and most cultivated marketing campaign globally. Cults often use persuasive language and techniques during their recruitment efforts, which may appeal to the types of people attracted by this type of language. When people become exposed to these messages, they may want to learn more about how their beliefs differ from other groups and organisations. This can ultimately lead them down the path toward becoming members of a particular cult. 6. Cults often give the appearance of having it all together. Many cults also seem to have everything figured out, which can be very appealing to people looking for a group with specific types of answers or a set of rules that they believe in and adhere to completely. Cult members typically present their beliefs in a way that is easy for other people to understand and follow, which draws their attention and may make them want to learn more about why these individuals choose these beliefs over others. 7. Cults focus on emotional needs rather than intellectual ones. Cults tend not to care whether or not their teachings coincide with people’s thoughts or ideas but instead focus on meeting (or seeming to meet) the emotional needs of their members. Members often avoid discussing the details of their beliefs with “outsiders,” which can make people wonder what these groups are hiding. Plus, compound the cyclical nature of the belief system and keep members from questioning the rules and doctrine’s validity and healthiness. This mystery surrounding cults often appeals to people who aren’t too keen on revealing information about themselves or their specific belief systems. 8. Cults tend to use mind-control tactics to attract members. Many cult leaders employ strategies designed to make people believe that they are unique, need the group, and wouldn’t be able to function without it. For example, cult leaders may present themselves as being very intelligent, having all the answers, and knowing more about how life works than other people do. They then use these characteristics as reasons why people should join them instead of sticking with less impressive individuals or groups. Additionally, cult leaders often use mind-control tactics to get people to conform to their beliefs and practices. These tactics can include using shame, guilt, and fear as motivators and manipulating people’s emotions to keep them under the leader’s control. 9. Cults often have a negative reputation. Unfortunately, because of the negative things that have happened with some cults in the past, these organisations often have a terrible reputation. This may make people curious about why these groups are considered so bad and what sorts of things they do that lead to this type of reputation. Which can sometimes be appealing if the human subconscious is seeking to rebel somehow. Additionally, many people may want to learn more about cults to protect themselves and their loved ones from being drawn into them. 10. These groups make people feel special How many people just want to feel special at some time? This is a human desire that extends to almost all of us in some way or another. So when a cult, particularly in the recruitment phase, offers ways for you to feel special, whether through lavish attention and praise or verbal confirmation that you are special, wanted, and, sometimes, needed. Things may feel “right” (or the illusion of) for the first time in your life. Especially if you have been seeking this justification of your existence for most of your life. By learning more about these organisations and the practices that they implement, people can learn to recognise red flags that may indicate that someone is being recruited into a cult. This education can ultimately help individuals protect themselves from experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety due to becoming part of one of these groups. Do you love reading about cults? Why not sink your teeth into my psychological thriller novel about some mysterious people who live in the woods called THE TENS?

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Best Books About Cults – Non-Fiction Titles

Vanessa — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 01:25:14 +0000

Five Non-Fiction Books About Cults You Should Read There are a number of different non-fiction books that have been written about famous cults over the years. Here are some of the best books about cults that I’ve compiled to start your rabbit hole reading journey. If you’re anything like me, you love deep-diving into the mysterious world and mentality of cults and religions. Cults in America: The Rise and Fall of Our Most Dangerous Secret Societies by Steven Hassan This book is a comprehensive overview of cults in America, from their origins to their current state. It provides an in-depth look at how cults operate and the techniques they use to recruit and indoctrinate members. Snapping: America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change by Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman Snapping examines the phenomenon of sudden personality change, which is often seen in individuals who join cults. It delves into the brainwashing and religious conversion that is often associated with cult membership and how it can have devastating effects on a person’s psyche. Combating Cult Mind Control by Steven Hassan This book provides advice for people who are dealing with loved ones or friends who may be involved in cults. It simply and clearly explains the thought reform techniques used by manipulators to take advantage of their victims, as well as ways to counter these tactics. The text has been revised over time to include new information about the cult phenomenon, but each revision always reinforces its focus on helping readers help their loved ones move past cult involvement. The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power by Jeff Sharlet This book takes a look at one of America’s most secretive and powerful cults known as the Family. It exposes the group’s history and beliefs, as well as the ways in which it has infiltrated. A compelling read that is backed up by plenty of research. The Family by Chris Johnson and Rosie Jones This is a thorough investigative piece on the infamous apocalyptic group called The Family and their guru, Anne Hamilton-Byrne, who captured international headlines throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Drawing on police files, diary entries, recordings of Anne, and original interviews with survivors and investigators, this book delves into one of the most intriguing cults in modern history to expose its strange and shocking story. Written by an expert on the matter, Combatting Cult Mind Control is a great resource for those looking to understand how cults work and what can be done to help those affected. It provides clear and concise information, while Cults in America offers a more comprehensive view of cult activity in the United States. Snapping is also a good read, as it takes an in-depth look at how personality change can take place under the influence of a cult. All of these books are essential for anyone wanting to learn more about cults and the dangers they pose to individuals and society as a whole. By understanding how cults operate and the methods they use to recruit and control members, we can become better equipped to protect ourselves and others from their harmful effects. If you prefer your cult stories to be fictional, check out my psychological thriller book, THE TENS. And be sure to let me know your favourite cult books in the comments below.

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Best Thriller Books

Vanessa — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 14:26:00 +0000

When it comes to the thriller genre, some books stand out from the rest. Here are some of the best thriller books that you need to read if you’re a fan of the genre. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn This book is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Nick and Amy Dunne, who has been married for five years. When Nick comes home one day to find that his wife has disappeared, he becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. Gone Girl is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins This book was recently made into a movie, and it is easy to see why. The story follows Rachel, who takes the same train every day and observes the lives of a couple who live in a house that she has nicknamed “the perfect home.” When Rachel begins to see things that she shouldn’t be seeing, she starts to wonder if she is losing her mind. This book is full of suspense and will keep you guessing what’s really happening and who is telling the truth. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn This is another book by Gillian Flynn that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Libby, who was just seven years old when her mother and sisters were murdered. Libby was able to survive, and 25 years later, she was contacted by a group called The Kill Club. They believe that her brother, convicted of the murders, is innocent. This book is full of suspense, mystery and darkness. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn Another thriller book by Gillian Flynn, and it is just as suspenseful as her other books. The story follows Camille Preaker, a reporter who returns to her hometown to cover the murders of two girls. She realises that the murders may be connected to her own troubled past as she investigates. This book is dark and suspenseful and will keep you turning the pages until the end. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson This book is a classic thriller first published in 1959. The story follows four people who are hired to investigate a haunted house. They begin to experience strange and terrifying things as they stay in the house. This book is suspenseful and spine chilling and will keep you up at night. Again, made into another brilliant TV series. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch This book is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. The story follows Jason Dessen, who chooses to stay in his family instead of pursuing his own career as a scientist after he gets married and has kids. But when Jason is kidnapped, he wakes up to find himself in an alternate reality where he did pursue his career, and everything has changed for him and his family. Dark Matter is full of twists and turns that will keep you unsure until the last page. I’ll Keep You Safe by Peter May This book was just recently released and had been receiving a lot of positive reviews. The story follows a woman named Cat whose life is turned upside down after witnessing a murder. She receives an anonymous call from someone who tells her that her family will be killed if she doesn’t do what he says. This book is full of mystery and suspense and will keep you nail-biting until the very end. If, like me, you are an avid psychological thriller book reader, then sign up to my enewsletter where I share new and intriguing reads as well as free books regularly.

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How to Use Tarot for Business

Vanessa — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 06:02:00 +0000

There are many ways to use tarot for your business. One of the most popular methods is to use tarot as a tool for goal setting and manifestation. When you have a clear goal in mind, you can use tarot to help you create a plan of action and stay on track. At the end of each month, do a tarot reading set up expressly for goal setting (i.e., monthly tarot spread for goal setting) to see how your journey is progressing. You can also use tarot as part of your marketing strategy to attract new customers and keep existing ones engaged. If you’re doing readings at a store or cafe, have decks there that people can buy if they want more information on what their cards have to say about their current situation or future possibilities. You could even give discounts on reading services or special offers for those who purchase a deck first! This increases foot traffic to the store and helps build interest in your business and provide valuable services to potential clients.In addition, you can doa weekly tarot reading for your business to guide you through the ups and downs of owning a business. This works particularly well if you have a home-based business, as you will be going through this journey alone most of the time. Get some insight into what’s going on behind the scenes so that you can navigate potential obstacles more efficiently. As with anything, it is also essential that your spiritual practice doesn’t interfere with your day job too much (i.e., work/vibe conflict). It should support your current career goals rather than hinder them or cause distractions. If there are aspects of your home-based business that demand long hours due to financial needs, then perhaps doing readings at night isn’t an option yet. However, if you’re able to find a little time each day for some personal practice, it will only help bolster your business goals. And there’s no need to do complex card readings every day; even five minutes of meditation or journalling can work wonders! In the end, it’s up to you to find what works best for you and your business. There is no wrong way to use tarot as long as you are open to guidance and learning from the cards. As you progress on your journey, new methods and techniques will come into play–and that’s when the real magic happens. So, these are just a few ways that tarot can be used for your business. Experiment and see what works best for you! Another way to use tarot for your business is by using it as a tool for divination. This can help you get insights into what might be working against your business or what new opportunities might be available to you.Tarot is a powerful tool that has been used for centuries to help people connect with their intuition and get guidance from the Universe. You can use tarot as part of your marketing strategy, manifest goals and attract new customers–or simply use it for divination purposes. It’s up to you what works best! Finally, tarot can also be used as a means of personal growth and development. This can help you improve your skills as an entrepreneur and increase your chances of success. As you work with the tarot cards, you will develop a better understanding of yourself and your business. This can help you hone your skills and make progress in your career. So, these are just a few ways that tarot can be used for your business. Experiment and see what works best for you! There is no wrong way to use tarot as long as you are open to guidance and learning from the cards. As you progress on your journey, new methods and techniques will come into play, and that’s when the real magic happens. So have fun with it! Suppose you’re looking for more ideas on how to use tarot for your business; I’d recommend checking out my helpful book Tarot for Business.

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What is Gothic Fiction?

Vanessa — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 06:15:00 +0000

Gothic fiction is a genre of literature that typically features dark or horror-themed stories. The term “gothic” has been used to describe a variety of genres, including horror, mystery, and suspense. However, gothic fiction is typically associated with tales that feature haunted castles, ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural elements. Gothic fiction was first popularised in the late 18th century by writers such as Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker. Today, the genre remains popular and continues to attract new readers. Some of the most well-known modern authors of gothic fiction include Stephen King and Anne Rice. The first mention of Gothic literature appeared in English writer Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto, published in 1764. – Invaluable Gothic fiction can be divided into two main categories: classic and contemporary. Classic gothic fiction, such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, is typically set in old castles or decrepit villages where gothic elements such as ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings can haunt the surroundings. Contemporary gothic fiction also includes these spooky features but takes place in modern times and often involves more realistic crimes that may involve a serial killer or secret society. In the most general terms, Gothic literature can be defined as writing that employs dark and picturesque scenery, startling and melodramatic narrative devices, and an overall atmosphere of exoticism, mystery, fear, and dread. – ThoughtCo Gothic fiction has been adapted for numerous films over the years. Classic movies include the original Dracula film from 1931 and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? from 1962. Contemporary examples of gothic films include Crimson Peak (2015) and A Cure for Wellness (2017). So what makes a work of literature gothic fiction? There is no single answer to this question, as there is no set formula for creating a gothic story. Gothic fiction is a term used in literary criticism and journalism to characterize certain novels, stories and movies. Gothic literature encompasses many different types of writing, including romance, fantasy, science fiction and horror. What these genres have in common with each other is that they all attempt to induce a feeling of terror in the reader. Although every writer aims to create an emotional experience for their audience, writers often deal with specific emotions such as disgust or empathy differently than others. What separates gothic writers from other authors is that they focus on creating unease and anxiety through bizarre plots, eerie settings and mysterious characters rather than through disgust or empathy between characters. Whether you’re a fan of dark and suspenseful tales or simply enjoy a good scare, gothic fiction is a genre that is sure to please. So if you’re looking for a new read, be sure to check out some of the latest gothic fiction novels. You won’t be disappointed! Are you new to the gothic fiction genre? Why not start with some short stories from my book, Uneasy?

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Why cults? Why copper?

Vanessa — Tue, 25 May 2021 02:26:54 +0000

In my psychological thriller novel, The Tens, and my free book Madame Maudelynne and The New Way, I write about a cult which worships copper. How did I come up with that notion, you ask? Well, there was a very distinct way it kind of all came together. My own history Firstly, the town that I grew up in is famous for its copper discovery in the 1860s. The copper vein was discovered, by all things, a wombat! I just love this story. And it intrigued me. And if you’ve read Madame Maudelynne and The New Way, you’ll see where I used a monkey instead of a wombat. So if you thought that plot point was not that believable, as always, truth is stranger than fiction! Researching copper And then that lead me to researching copper. Mainly what copper does to the body. I was really fascinated by the fact that copper is a natural preventative for malaria and I thought, how fantastic would it be to have this as an idea in my novel where people used copper as medicine and to manipulate human bodies? I also really love that copper is a metal of balance. It balances so many things: it’s physical needs with its spiritual needs, our thoughts with what we do or say, etc. And I think this is something that my main character in Madame Maudelynne struggles with as she descends into madness after losing the supposed love of her life. Copper and alchemy In true alchemy, copper is associated with the planet Venus. I thought, wouldn’t it be amazing if all planets in our solar system started of as one big one (kind of like how we believe all countries were initially one) and then broke apart over time. But if something has once been joined, there is possibility to rejoin. Madame Maudelynne believed and was told in no uncertain terms through her channelling from Spirit, that Venus had been joined to earth at one point (which is why there was so much copper found in her location) and would rejoin again. Once rejoined, those who had “prepared” properly would be able to live a new life, in a new way, on the joined planets. Those underprepared, would burn alive. And like how any cult is formed on raging and radical beliefs, her cult was born. My own cult I’ve had a fascination with cults since… forever? I remember reading about cults years ago and being so fascinated by them. I tried to research more, but there was nothing on them that went into detail in a way my teenage self could understand. I probably read my first book on them when I was ten or eleven? Maybe. Then one day, while climbing around at an abandoned copper smelter near Venus (which is located in Arizona), I found these pamphlets from Madame Maudelynne sitting inside of this old building with water seeping out of its walls. There were articles written like they had been translated poorly from French or something else… And just seeing those words made me want to know more about her and how she came up with this idea for people who share some kind of connection between earth and Venus… Just kidding that never happened. But what DID happen, despite my poor memory of childhood, there is one that stands out so distinctly that it feels like it happened last night. I don’t know if I was ill or just falling asleep as a young child and I started having a little fever induced hallucination. I honestly thought there were ten people in my room all wearing these white fleecy windcheaters (it was the eighties, okay!) with a felt iron on “10” on the front in black, bold font. They were trying to get me to go with them and ‘join the Tens.’ Upon reflection, I’d really have no choice but to write about it one day, right? Intrigued by these stories? Read more in my psychological thriller, The Tens. Or grab a free copy of Madame Maudelynne and The New Way.

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