Some writers just write, others have more creative strings to their bow. I'm always interested in how other art forms can inform your writing. I've looked at using music for soundtrack, and using photographs and images (albeit not ones you've taken). This post is going to be looking at art - more specifically the drawing/painting/sketching ... Continue Reading →
Can Fidgeting Help You Write?
I fidget a lot. It's triggered by a combination of an overactive imagination and anxiety. Anything is fair game to be fiddled with - pens, necklaces, buttons, watch straps, as well as just generally shifting about, no matter if I'm sitting or standing. But can fidgeting help you write? Science would say...maybe. Some research has... Continue Reading →
A Simple Fix For Writer’s Block
We all struggle with writer's block from time to time. It's the worst feeling, wanting to writ but feeling like the creativity has been sucked out of you. There are no easy answers. Sometimes you have to wait it out. Sometimes you can force yourself through it. But one neat trick to try is this... Continue Reading →
Stuck For a Writing Idea? Start Digging
You stare into space and wait for an amazing idea to strike. We've all been there. Popular culture would have you believe that inspiration just hits you when you're buying a loaf of bread or weeding your flower beds. Sometimes a spark will appear like Harry Potter wandering down a train aisle and into JK... Continue Reading →
Light and Literature – Stourhead Library
This will probably come as a surprise to absolutely no-one, but my favourite part of any big, old house is the library. Frankly, a grand house without a library is just a waste of time. mde Stourhead in Wiltshire contains one of my favourite grand house libraries. It's a gorgeously light and airy room, with... Continue Reading →
How To Be UN-productive
This post is partly inspired by current events. But truth be told I've been thinking about productivity anyway. We live in a social-media-driven, side-hustle, Youtuber-blogger-Instagrammer world. Everyone has the perfect job, house, car, children, pet, etc, etc. We know it's not real, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get to us, especially when we're looking... Continue Reading →
Can Writing Make you Feel Better?
Everyone has good days and bad days. Some people's bad days are worse than others. And sometimes those bad "days" last weeks, months or even years. In traumatic times, writers often turn to their craft as a way to deal with things. But the therapeutic nature of writing is complicated. Writing can help - but... Continue Reading →
Reading Out Loud
A good writer has to be a big reader. But I think a good writer also needs to get comfortable with the sound of their own voice. Yes, you need to start reading out loud. But why? I hear you whisper. I hear you (just). Writers, on the whole, are quiet folk (alright Oscar Wilde... Continue Reading →
Discworld Art – the Unseen University Library
One of my new year's aims was to get more art up in my home. Of course, there was a high likelihood said art would be related to books 'n' stuff and so it is with this new piece. I bought this a while back but I've only just got round to getting a frame... Continue Reading →
A Kitchen Fit For A King – Hampton Court Palace
Henry VIII is an enduring source of fascination for many. His story has enough murder, betrayal, plotting, war, and plague for several Shakespeare plays. In fact, Tudor times, in general, were extremely turbulent - perfect fodder for writers! If you're writing anything set in this particular period of history it might be worth paying a... Continue Reading →
