We're a step or two into January now and to help keep track of time as the days continue to merge into one, I've got a new calendar. This literary design is by illustrator Laura Crow (here's her shop on Not on the High Street) and features awesome drawings inspired by classic books. The black... Continue Reading →
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 →
Sometimes it seems impossible to start writing. Your brain is too stuffed with thoughts about work, family, money, health - it feels like there's no way to get into writing gear. If you're struggling with this, why not try "hacking" your brain? It might take a bit of time, but by following the same routine... Continue Reading →
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 →
We all struggle with writer's block from time to time. There are a few ways you can try to solve it, but the easiest and simplest way? Move. There are a couple of ways you can do this Move yourself Exercising can help with your writing but I know it's not everyone's bottle of energy... Continue Reading →
Writing around a day-job can be tricky. Unless you're a real morning person or a true night owl, your potentially productive daylight hours are taken up with working rather than writing. But if you're smart you make writing at work, work for you. Here are 8 helpful tips. 1) Have a plan As time is... Continue Reading →
Write I mean! On trains and buses, boats and rooftops, beaches, balconies and the bottom of the sea, we writers will do it anywhere (get your minds out of the gutter please!) I'm sure you know what it's like to have the Muse (or just the need to flex those writing muscles) strike at an... Continue Reading →
For every writing problem you have, there is an answer. Not necessarily an easy answer that involves lamps and Genies but an answer nevertheless. Here are four common roadblocks that stop you from writing - and four ways to steamroll them flat. 1) I don't have time to write When I was younger, there was a... Continue Reading →
You write so that when you fall, your descent will be arrested, by a silver net of words tied in knots onto the walls. And you ask, are they strong enough, tough enough, tall enough, what if they just break so that you crash into the floor? So you write and on you tie them... Continue Reading →
I grew up surrounded by fantasy and sci-fi. Maybe that's why it's what I love to write now. Â Bedtime stories were The Hobbit, Wind in the Willows, Roald Dahl. Daytime video viewing was Star Wars, Willow, Labyrinth and all the Disney films. It's still seen as odd if you're into fantasy and happen to be... Continue Reading →
