Writing advice and inspiring places
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Everyone has good days and bad days. Some people's bad days are worse than others. And sometimes those bad "days" last weeks, months or even years. If you're feeling low, it can be a struggle to do anything, least of all something creative. But sometimes writing can help make the dark a bit more bearable.... Continue Reading →
