Editing your writing is a long process. There's no magic wand for it, nor a whistle that blows when your done. But before you send it off, hit print, or self-publish, it's good to do one last sweep to make sure the basics don't let you down. Here's a checklist to help. Spelling Your built-in... Continue Reading →
5 Ways To Find Writing Inspiration – Without Leaving Home
Writers need inspiration. Sometimes we get flashes from no-where. But often it's the places we go, the people we meet and the things we experience that provide the exciting idea. Unfortunately short days, longs nights and cold, wet weather don't lend themselves to getting out and about. Add in the current health situation and we've... Continue Reading →
6 Things Writers Should Not Do
There's plenty of writing advice out there. But getting tips about the kind of things writers should do to be well, good writers is only one side of the coin. Understanding what to avoid is also important. Mistakes are part of how we learn of course, so you couldn't (and shouldn't) try to stop making... Continue Reading →
4 Ways To Be a “Good” Writing Critic
Every form of artwork comes with it's own set of critics. It's an odd sort of thing we humans have created - a group of people to decide what art is "good" or "bad", what's its "meaning" and where it should stand in comparison to other artwork and artists. There's nothing wrong with this, but... Continue Reading →
Is the The Elements of Style the Only Book on Writing you Need?
This is possibly the most famous 'book about writing' there is; William Struck Jr. and E.B. White's The Elements of Style. I didn't read this book at the start of my writing journey, although I'd heard of it before and knew it was supposed to be the book about writing. It's one of a few books... Continue Reading →
5 Ways To Wordsmith Your Writing
If there's one thing I like, one thing I really get a buzz from about writing, it's editing. That's not to say I don't find it painfully hard at times, But 'smithing' my text until I have the perfect sentence or paragraph or scene is just incredibly satisfying. So, here are my top 5 tips... Continue Reading →