Ok, so writers aren't this big homogenous group who all think and act the same way, but I'm fairly certain there will be something in this list that you (or the writer in your life) will recognise. Just remember, it's all in fun! 1) We don't always want to write This may sound shocking -... Continue Reading →
“Suddenly a hot gleam of sunlight fell upon the white cottages, with their grey steaming roofs and little scraps of garden courtyard, and lighting up the wings of the gorgeous butterflies which fluttered from the woodland down to the garden.” Charles Kingsley Clinging to the side of a cliff in Devon, lies the winding, cobbled... Continue Reading →
This year, like the few before it, has been tough for many, and next year might continue this theme. As far as my writing goes, I've been up and down. For months after I finally finished the first draft, was struggling to really get into the editing flow. More recently I've taken the bull by... Continue Reading →
This time of year is usually focused on presents and parties. And if you're more of an introverted bookworm, it can be a bit overwhelming. But if the past few years have taught us anything, it's that there's more to life than stuff. And whilst I'd never argue against disappearing with a book from time... Continue Reading →
Every year I like to do a list of Christmas gift ideas with a book, writing, or literary theme to help you decide what to get loved ones (or yourself). And each year it gets a bit harder to find new things. But I've got five Xmas gift ideas from inexpensive to the more pricey... 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 →
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 →
Want to write a book and don't know where to start? Well, you're in the wrong place! No, but seriously, in this six-part series, I'm going to share some advice I've gleaned over my years as a writer. But, I'm not a writing expert and this is NOT a definitive 'How to write' guide -... Continue Reading →
It's probably the most common saying about writing there is; "good writing is re-writing". Actually writing the story is a large part of the battle, but it's your editing skills that will make the difference between a decent piece of work and an unreadable hotch-potch of words. As part of my day job, I write... Continue Reading →
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