I've recently finished the first edit of the first book in my Cauldron Trilogy. Well I say edit, in truth it's better catergorised as a pre-edit. The main idea was not to edit any of the actual text, but instead make notes on it as I read through. And I think it's a really great... Continue Reading →
Storytelling is the backbone of being a writer, whether it's fiction or non-fiction. And there are many places to learn storytelling; books (obviously), but also art, music, films and TV. But there's another a genre you might have overlooked - video games. The computer games industry is a relative newcomer to the world of entertainment.... Continue Reading →
It’s one thing to get inspired to write, it’s a whole other ball game to keep it going. When you’re ploughing through the re-writes and fighting away the demons of doubt, it can be tempting to just go watch YouTube videos instead. It's at these times you need a shot of literary caffeine. Creative stimulants... Continue Reading →
As a writer you have to fend off demands on your brain power - and find inspiration and tips wherever you can. In recent times this has been tricky. Staying in helps with writing. But mentally, we've maybe not been looking for distraction and escape. Enter on-demand content. There's the big daddy Netflix of course,... Continue Reading →
There are many lengths of fiction out there. Poems can be merely a line, flash fiction and short stories no more than a page. It's unfortunate that in terms of fiction, shorter length works have often been overlooked. An unspoken rule that bigger is better. That weightier tomes must obviously be more meaningful, deeper in... Continue Reading →
Editing your writing is a long process. There's no magic wand for it, nor a whistle that blows when your done. But before you send it off, hit print, or self-publish, it's good to do one last sweep to make sure the basics don't let you down. Here's a checklist to help. Spelling Your built-in... Continue Reading →
I like to do end of year/new year posts. A lot of people do them. But this year - this year I'm sure everyone will want to do one, focusing on the once(maybe) in a lifetime events the world has experienced. Even this post is going to be influence by them.From a writing perspective, there... Continue Reading →
Writers need inspiration. Sometimes we get flashes from no-where. But often it's the places we go, the people we meet and the things we experience that provide the exciting idea. Unfortunately short days, longs nights and cold, wet weather don't lend themselves to getting out and about. Add in the current health situation and we've... Continue Reading →
Sometimes it seems impossible to start writing. Your brain is too stuffed with thoughts about work, family, money, health - it feels like there's no way to get into writing gear. If you're struggling with this, why not try "hacking" your brain? It might take a bit of time, but by following the same routine... Continue Reading →
There's plenty of writing advice out there. But getting tips about the kind of things writers should do to be well, good writers is only one side of the coin. Understanding what to avoid is also important. Mistakes are part of how we learn of course, so you couldn't (and shouldn't) try to stop making... Continue Reading →
