Creating a world your reader can truly be sucked into depends on your depiction of how your characters experience it. And this they do primarily through their senses. Here's how to use them to bring life to your writing. Sight If your character has standard eyesight, you'll probably use this all the time when describing... Continue Reading →
How to write*
*May not be an actual guide to writing. Ok, so that title is a bit misleading. This isn't exactly a post about how to write. That would be a bit ambitious for a single blog post. This post is reviewing two writing how-to books; "On Writing" by Stephen King and "How Not To Write" by... Continue Reading →
The Perfect Gift? How About Your Writing?
Have you ever made a gift of your writing? Perhaps the idea's never crossed your mind. I mean, you love to write and you do it all the time - but give it as a present? But think about it. If you knitted or painted, or crafted jewellery, you'd probably give people the fruits of... Continue Reading →
The Good (and the Bad) of Being a Writer With a Day Job
There is only a smallish group of people who can earn their keep doing what they truly love. If what you love is writing or anything else arts-based, this group becomes even smaller. Unless you're independently wealthy or are supported by someone who earns enough for both of you, you have to get what we... Continue Reading →
9 Tools Every Writer Needs
To start writing you need three things; something to write on, something to write with, and an idea. But that makes it sound easy, and writing is not easy (fun, fulfilling, wonderful yes. Easy? Hell no). So frankly there's nothing wrong with using anything you can to help you out. Read on for nine of... Continue Reading →
10 Inspiring Quotes from Writers About Writing
Writers love to write (and talk) about writing. Fortunately, sometimes they say some pretty good stuff about it. They can be just what you need if you're lacking inspiration or just need a kick up the bum to go and well, write. Here are ten of my favourite quotes on writing. "The first draft is... Continue Reading →
Top 10 Blog Posts so far in 2019
Here we are nudging into Autumn and I've had a great blogging year - how about you? I thought I'd re-share some of my most popular blog posts thus far in case you missed them the first time round! 1) 8 Self-care Tips for Writers 2) The Oldest Bookshop in the World - Chiado Bertrand,... Continue Reading →
6 Books Every Writer Should Read
Let me start by saying, I'm not suggesting you have to read these books to be a writer This is just a group of books that had an impact on my development as a writer, so I want to share them in case they help anyone else out too. And I'm keen to know what... Continue Reading →
Why You Need to Create a Soundtrack for your Book
Some people love to listen to music when they write, others prefer silence. But whichever camp you fall in, a book playlist or soundtrack could really help you get into your writing zone. Here are four ways you can use music for inspiration: 1 - Set the mood This is the simplest way to get... Continue Reading →
Following Famous Writers around Reading – Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen
If you're a regular reader you'll know I've visited a lot of places in the UK, and occasionally abroad, with links to famous writers. But I've also got some literary connections much closer to home that I thought I'd share with you. Reading is a local town for me, and although it might not be... Continue Reading →
