To start writing you need three things; something to write on, something to write with, and an idea. But that makes it sound easy, and writing is not easy (fun, fulfilling, wonderful yes. Easy? Hell no). So frankly there's nothing wrong with using anything you can to help you out. Read on for nine of... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
If you're a regular reader you'll know I've visited a lot of places in the UK, and occasionally abroad, with links to famous writers. But I've also got some literary connections much closer to home that I thought I'd share with you. Reading is a local town for me, and although it might not be... Continue Reading →
You may not expect the oldest bookstore in the world to be found in Portugal. But in the Chiado Livraria Bertrand in Lisbon has a Guinness World Records certificate to prove it. The original shop opened in 1732 and has stayed open ever since, albeit moving around the city. The current shop opened in 1773,... Continue Reading →
Collaboration is a buzzword of the modern era. These days you don't have to be in the same room or even the same time zone to do it. Internet-based tools mean people can collaborate no matter where they are. But could it be the next big thing for the usually solitary pursuit of writing? Writing a... Continue Reading →
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