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 →
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 →
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 →
I've just finished the first draft of The Cauldron Trilogy (part one) - and it sucks. But that's okay because ALL first drafts suck. Every single one. And that's absolutely fine. Writing is re-writing. Take a look at the first/annotated drafts of some famous writers and you'll see first hand how much they changed and,... 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 →
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 →
Writing competitions can be a fun way to hone your writing skills and, if you're lucky, get your work published. Plus they may also come with a financial reward - cha-ching! And whilst there's no magic winning formula I can share, here are a few practical bits of advice about entering. 1) Plan well You... 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. 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 →
Do you do New Year's resolutions? I suck at keeping to them so more power to you if you do. But whilst they might not be for me, I am a fan of setting goals for the year ahead. Last year I focused on my blog and saw my best year in all my stats.... Continue Reading →
There is only a smallish group of people who can earn their keep doing what they truly love. If what you love is writing or anything else arts-based, this group becomes even smaller. Unless you're independently wealthy or are supported by someone who earns enough for both of you, you have to get what we... Continue Reading →
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