Storytelling is the backbone of being a writer, whether it's fiction or non-fiction. And there are many places to learn storytelling; books (obviously), but also art, music, films and TV. But there's another a genre you might have overlooked - video games. The computer games industry is a relative newcomer to the world of entertainment.... Continue Reading →
The Perils (and Potential) of On-Demand TV
As a writer you have to fend off demands on your brain power - and find inspiration and tips wherever you can. In recent times this has been tricky. Staying in helps with writing. But mentally, we've maybe not been looking for distraction and escape. Enter on-demand content. There's the big daddy Netflix of course,... Continue Reading →
Get Organised with This Classic Books Calendar
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 →
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 →
How to “Hack” Your Brain into Writing Mode
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 →
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 →
Do Writers Need to Write Every Day?
It sounds simple. Writers write. It kind of goes with the territory. And if we didn't like, nay love, nay were obsessed with writing we wouldn't do it. But we can also, at times, dislike, nay hate, nay want to hurl out of the window our writing as well. But there's a train of thought... 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 →
8 Tips to Help You Write at Work
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. And whilst you of course need to work whilst being at work, you can also use some of the time to get some... Continue Reading →
Where’s the Oddest place you’ve done it?
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 →
