When people think "writer" they tend to think "books". Even someone who's not necessarily thinking about being a writer might think "they've got a book in them". We spiel off authors of great books like Dickens, Austen, and Tolstoy as the best examples of what writing is meant to be. But this obsession overshadows all... Continue Reading →
I didn't post last week because, well, I'm sure I don't have to tell you that world matters have (once again) been hard to comprehend. And the post I was going to share didn't quite feel right. So I've dug this post out instead. Sadly, I've had cause to share this more than once over... Continue Reading →
I was browsing through some old photos and discovered a set from a visit to a fascinating convent we visited near Lisbon, Portugal, in 2019. This winding, cramped religious complex was established in 1560 by just eight monks. It's tucked away from the world even now and, curiously, has walls, doors, and windows lined with... Continue Reading →
If you're writing something with "serious" themes, you might be wary of putting anything even slightly comedic in your work. A badly-timed sarcastic comment could easily undermine what you're trying to get across - right? But in truth, all fiction no matter how dark can benefit from a smidge of laughter - or at least... Continue Reading →
Something odd stands on a hill, high over the rolling hills of Berkshire. A tall wooden pole topped with a length of wood to form a T shape. The fact that the hill is called "Gallows Down" gives you a good idea of what this unusual object was for. The original Coombe Gibbet was erected... Continue Reading →
A lot of writing advice focuses on how the story begins. The first line, the first paragraph, the first chapter - these are all important to grab your reader and get them to keep reading. And whilst this is vital part of your story, you shouldn't overlook the ending. This after all, is the last... Continue Reading →
As a writer, there's nothing better than getting a great idea for a new story. Something exciting, something unique, something...in need of some work. Before you can start writing, you need more than just an idea - a lot more. But where do you start when all you've got is an initial "What if..?" Read... Continue Reading →
In the new year, many people think about new beginnings, perhaps having a go at a long-held dream. And for some, that dream is to write. It might be to finally write a specific book they've had in mind for years. Or maybe it's just starting to write full stop. Whatever you want to do,... Continue Reading →
Straighten up your ruff and fix your doublet, we're delving back into the archives for this week's "3 Things..." with historical fiction. 1) How fiction can educate We're taught history as a series of highlights, large events like wars or big social changes. Or we learn about a series of prominent figures such as Kings,... Continue Reading →
If you're new to writing you might be thinking "hm, how do I know when I'm actually a writer?" I mean yes there's the whole writing stuff malarky but there are also some other tell-tale signs you're a writer that you should be on the lookout for. 1) Your search history is... interesting Also potentially... Continue Reading →
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