I like to do end of year/new year posts. A lot of people do them. But this year - this year I'm sure everyone will want to do one, focusing on the once(maybe) in a lifetime events the world has experienced. Even this post is going to be influence by them.From a writing perspective, there... Continue Reading →
5 Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers and Booklovers
It's that time of year again, but it's safe to say it's not been a year like any other. Still some traditions persist. Like my yearly gift post. Okay so I've only actually done one for 2018 and one for 2019 but as far as I'm concerned, that's a tradition. So once again I have... Continue Reading →
Literary Paris – Oscar Wilde’s Grave, Alexander Dumas and Victor Hugo’s Tombs, and more
(I originally visited Paris in 2013 and put up a post about Oscar Wilde's tomb. Recently I found some more literary-related photos from my trip and thought I'd add them in with a bit more content - enjoy!) Oscar Wilde's Tomb, Pere Lachaise Cemetery Pere Lachaise Cemetery was built in 1804 and is the largest... Continue Reading →
Writing Gone Stale? Start Colouring
Colouring - it's not just for kids. It's also for writers. Adult colouring books have been around for a while now. And by ‘adult’ I mean they’re more complicated than ones for the kids, not that they’ve got er, ‘adult’ subject matter (maybe yours do, I’m not judging). Colour for balance They're marketed as therapy,... Continue Reading →
Sea, Sun and Aliens – Winspit Quarry
There's a definite other-worldly feeling to Winspit Quarry, cut into the edge of the tempestuous Dorset coast. Fittingly then the place has been used as a filming location for two classic British sci-fi series, Blakes 7 and Dr Who. The quarry was used as the location for the planet Mecron II in the Blake's 7... Continue Reading →
5 Inspiring Things Writers Can Do In London
Obviously we're not be able to visit some places in London at the moment. But once we can, you may be interested in trying some more unusual (and less busy) ideas. Unsurprisingly, some of these have a literary connection, and some are perfect for a bit of creative inspiration. So read on for five things... Continue Reading →
A Simple Fix For Writer’s Block
We all struggle with writer's block from time to time. It's the worst feeling, wanting to writ but feeling like the creativity has been sucked out of you. There are no easy answers. Sometimes you have to wait it out. Sometimes you can force yourself through it. But one neat trick to try is this... Continue Reading →
Light and Literature – Stourhead Library
(Pre-lockdown visit m'kay) This will probably come as a surprise to absolutely no-one, but my favourite part of any big, old house is the library. Frankly, a grand house without a library is just a waste of time. Stourhead in Wiltshire contains one of my favourite grand house libraries. It's a gorgeously light and airy... Continue Reading →
Can Writing Make you Feel Better?
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. In traumatic times, writers often turn to their craft as a way to deal with things. But the therapeutic nature of writing is complicated. Writing can help - but... Continue Reading →
Reading Out Loud
A good writer has to be a big reader. But I think a good writer also needs to get comfortable with the sound of their own voice. Yes, you need to start reading out loud. But why? I hear you whisper. I hear you (just). Writers, on the whole, are quiet folk (alright Oscar Wilde... Continue Reading →
