I did a similar post last year - but as some of those suggestions last year are no longer available (sad face), I've rustled up another set of present ideas for you (or to suggest to your loved ones!) 1) Readly subscription Perhaps "Bookworm" should be renamed "Reading worm", because readers, read pretty much anything.... Continue Reading →
3 *More* Tips to Get Visitors to Your Blog And Keep Them There
Last year I posted "3 Simple Tips to Get Visitors to Your Blog" after I'd had my most successful blogging year ever. This year, I stuck to the actions I talked about in that blog - - and I've had an even better year, including my best year for likes and comments! My main aim... Continue Reading →
Magic Around Every Corner – The Russell-Cotes Museum and Art Gallery
Set overlooking Bournemouth's long sandy beach, the Victorian home of Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes feels like the lovechild of Tyntesfield and the Watts Gallery Artists' Village. The combination of stunning ocean views outside and the couples' extraordinary collection inside make it well worth a visit. The original family home was extended to include an art... Continue Reading →
The Good (and the Bad) of Being a Writer With a Day Job
There is only a smallish group of people who can earn their keep doing what they truly love. If what you love is writing or anything else arts-based, this group becomes even smaller. Unless you're independently wealthy or are supported by someone who earns enough for both of you, you have to get what we... Continue Reading →
The Art of the Author – Douglas Coupland’s Visual Art, Vancouver
If you're familiar with my blog you know I like to find literary connections wherever I go (or at least an inspiring place I can share with you guys). My trip to Canada was no exception and came with an additional perk. Douglas Coupland is a famous Canadian author and one of my favourite writers.... Continue Reading →
9 Tools Every Writer Needs
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 →
10 Inspiring Quotes from Writers About Writing
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 →
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 →
