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 →
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 →
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 →
Thoughts are curious creatures. They're generated by our own minds and yet we don't always have power over them. I don't think writers have more thoughts than anyone else, but perhaps some of us have ones that are more potent and persistent. And these thoughts may explain why writers often suffer from insomnia. I've had... Continue Reading →
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 →
Finding space to write in our small flat can be tricky. I worked at a bureau in the living room, opposite the door. It was draughty and the TV was a constant distraction. In short, it was not conducive to being creative. Just off our living room is a small alcove, ostensibly for use as... Continue Reading →
I'm off on holiday next week (yay) and I'll be taking a notebook with me (from my extensive collection) with the intention of writing whilst I'm out there. I've done this every single holiday my boyfriend and I have taken over the past eight years and so far I've never managed to write anything. The... Continue Reading →
Like a lot of writers, I have a day job so I don't have to live in a box eating my own toenails. I fit my writing in when I can, usually in the evenings. The idea of going on a writer's retreat is certainly appealing. But these retreats don't come cheap. So I started... Continue Reading →
