Whether you believe writers are born or made (and I think it's a little bit of both), there are certain traits I think all writers should cultivate. Some may come naturally, others may need a bit of work. But they'll help you be the best writer you can be. 1) Happy in your own company... Continue Reading →
If you've stuck with me through parts 1, 2, 3 and 4, then thank you! As I said at the start, I've always suspicious of anything that claims to definitively tell you how to write. But hopefully, my advice is useful to you and will help you on your writing journey. So we've reached the... Continue Reading →
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 →
Wells is the smallest city in the UK. Its status as a city dates from medieval times, and depends on its stunning cathedral complex. It's been a filming location for a number of productions including 'Poldark', 'Dunkirk' and 'Hot Fuzz' - the high street and market place are immediately recognisable from the climactic shoot-out scene.... Continue Reading →
People often say that words aren't dangerous. But writers know better than that. We understand the power that words have. When we wield them we are all aware of how we're casting lightening stolen from the Gods. Events in the world prove just how fickle words are. Assaulted by 'fake news', 'alternative facts' and 'post-truth'... Continue Reading →
Monk's House was once the home of Virginia and Leonard Woolf. Today it's owned by the National Trust and the unassuming 18th century cottage with a beautiful big garden and orchard is a world away from the grand buildings it's known for. Virginia's writing shed can be found in the orchard, and she resides here... Continue Reading →
The real world rushed into focus recently in the worst way possible. It's why I've been so quiet on here. It was a full-on bolt from the blue and it's sent everything I knew spinning. We write to escape reality. Perhaps this is most true if you write fiction, but even those whose work is... Continue Reading →
Write I mean! On trains and buses, boats and rooftops, beaches, balconies and the bottom of the sea, we writers will do it anywhere (get your minds out of the gutter please!) I'm sure you know what it's like to have the Muse (or just the need to flex those writing muscles) strike at an... Continue Reading →
For every writing problem you have, there is an answer. Not necessarily an easy answer that involves lamps and Genies but an answer nevertheless. Here are four common roadblocks that stop you from writing - and four ways to steamroll them flat. 1) I don't have time to write When I was younger, there was a... Continue Reading →
