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 →
12 Blog Post Ideas for Your Writing Blog
If you're a blogger, it can be difficult to keep coming up with things to write about. So here are a few blog post ideas for those of you who run writing blogs like me. Maybe they'll also spark some article ideas for other types of bloggers too! 1) Share your writing space Do you... Continue Reading →
Uppark – Where HG Wells Discovered the Morlocks and Mars
Victorian society was carefully divided by class. In large country homes, those in the lower orders were literally beneath their "betters", situated at the bottom of the house. At Uppark House this separation provided inspiration to one of the world's most famous authors, HG Wells. Wells' connection to Uppark comes via his parents. His mother... 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 →
Follow the Footsteps of The BFG – Roald Dahl’s Grave, Great Missenden
The beautiful village of Great Missenden was once the home of author Roald Dahl and is now his final resting place. His wickedly funny and inventive children's books are still as popular today as they were when I read them many years ago. Dahl is buried in the churchyard of St Peter and St Pauls.... Continue Reading →
An Unexpected Tour – Winchester Cathedral Crypt
Who doesn't like a crypt? Oh, all right so they're not for everyone. But I find them fascinating. The one in Winchester Cathedral isn't usually open to the public. It has a habit of flooding, so there are no tombs, no alters and certainly no coffee shop. Although there is "Sound II", a solitary sculpture... 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 →
Seeking Sherlock – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Grave, Minstead, UK
In a quiet corner of a typical English churchyard, lies a man who was definitely not typical. In fact, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, would probably have a few things to say about being buried here at all. All Saints Church in Minstead is a quirky building, added to over the years... 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 →
Christ Church College Oxford – From Lewis Carroll to Harry Potter
I write a lot of blog posts about places I've visited in Oxford but there are two good reasons for this - 1, it's not too far from where I live, and 2, it's overflowing with literary history so there's always something to write about! This time we're at Christ Church College, home of many... Continue Reading →
