My New Year's Resolution was to write and publish a second book - and I did. I'll allow myself a little bit of pride in that (but not too much because I'm a writer and I'm British). I've now published two books in two years - so what did I learn? 1. Decide why you want... Continue Reading →
I try not to read my favourite authors as a "writer". Deconstructing creative works can often suck the life out of them (and equally make you appreciate them more, it's a fickle thing). But if you are a writer, you'll be a reader and you'll be learning whilst reading whether you intend to or not.... Continue Reading →
Juggling a blog, social media, your WiP, competition entries - not to mention your day job - can make it feel like you need twelve pairs of hands. If you're struggling to keep your writing on track, a simple schedule may be the answer. Here's how to make it work: Make a List First, write... Continue Reading →
Halloween is a time to curl up inside, away from the dark and damned. It's a time to dim the lights, light the fire and read my collection of supernatural stories, 'Tales from the Creeping Edges'. That's right folks, my next e-book will be ready to buy on the 31st October. The world looks ordinary,... Continue Reading →
In 'On Writers and Writing', Margaret Atwood discusses (among other things) the notion that a writer is in fact two people. The 'writer' is an ever present twin aside the 'person'. One observes, the other writes. This duality is explored mirrored by writers themselves in many stories from 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' to 'A... Continue Reading →
Trude doesn’t expect much from life anymore. Least of all a mysterious box, a possible romance and some distinctly unusual ‘growing pains’... In case you weren't aware, 'Under this Skin', my dark, funny and downright odd e-book is now only 99p on Amazon Kindle. If you're not sure whether it's the kind of thing for... Continue Reading →
Put your Words into Pictures I used to think of Pinterest as a tool people used for things like interior design, wedding planning or perhaps picking a tattoo - for creating visual things essentially. But could this online mood board maker also be good for a writer? Your book may have pictures, it may not... Continue Reading →
I think it's safe to say most of the reviews this year will be asking 'WTF?' Political and world events seemed to just be one cataclysmic event after the other. And on a personal level, I've had a couple of 'WTF' moments too. I won't miss this year one bit. But for me, there have... Continue Reading →
If you want people to read your e-book, you'll need to do some 'metaphorical' legwork. And if, like me, you're new to all this and aren't sure where to start, here's some basic (and free) ways to promote your e-book. 1. Add yourself as an author on Goodreads Goodreads is like Trip Advisor for books... Continue Reading →
If you’re a writer, you’re going to love words. But part of that love comes from your knowledge of their power. Words are beautiful gifts - with sharp edges. I believe in freedom of speech. But we often act as if words exist in a vacuum. They do not. Our ability to communicate has given... Continue Reading →
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