New Year's resolutions - love them or hate them, they come up every year. The idea of turning over a new leaf for a new year appeals to me as a writer, a fresh start using a very visible (if immaterial) line in the sand. Perhaps it's the idea of beginning at the beginning. So... Continue Reading →
So here we are at the end. If you've followed my previous posts on writing a book then I hope you've found them helpful. If you haven't you can find all the posts guiding you through the full process: Research Characters Plotting First draft Editing This post focuses on what to do once your book... Continue Reading →
If you've stuck with this through the previous parts of this blog series (research, characters, and plotting) then thank you! As I said at the start of it, I'm always a wee bit suspicious of anything that claims to definitively tell you how to write. But hopefully, my writing advice has been useful to you... Continue Reading →
Your plot is in place, your research is solid and your characters are ready to go. It's time to write the first draft. Writing is what you love so this part should be easy, right? Well not always. Read on for some advice on tackling your first draft. Accept your first draft will be rubbish... Continue Reading →
Are you a plotter or a 'pantser'? There's no right or wrong way to write a book, but it's probably more usual to plot out your book before you start writing. But there are writers who simply sit and go - flying by the seat of their pants hence 'pantsers'. Douglas Adams for example was... Continue Reading →
Hello there! So you've finished the first part of my blog series about writing a book. Great. Let's start on part 2 then. But as I mentioned in part one, research keeps going throughout the whole writing process - including character development. After all, you might not have a clear idea of all the research... 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. We've all been there and done that when it comes to writing. So if you're struggling to write, here are four common things that can stop you from writing - and how... Continue Reading →
Hello, followers (and people just browsing). Since around mid-2019, I've aimed to post a new blog once a week, and for the most part, I've succeeded. Sticking to this posting schedule has borne some fruit. In fact if you're on your own blogging journey, consistency really does help! I've got 741 followers (hello!) and I'm... Continue Reading →
There's no fool-proof formula to being a successful writer (no matter what anyone says) - and of course, "success" differs for everyone anyway. I often post advice and tips about writing on this blog, but these are never must-dos - they're suggestions to try out. That's what advice is meant to be. That being said,... Continue Reading →
Spring has sprung and traditionally this is the time of year when we get ourselves sorted - or at least try to. Yes, we get busy putting our houses, flats, vans etc, in order. A spring clean is about getting rid of old stuff, uncovering things we usually ignore, and starting afresh after hunkering down... Continue Reading →
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