Inspiring the Uninspired
There are loads of books out there on the subject of writing. Famously there is the memoir by Stephen King aptly named On Writing. But amongst all the How-To-Write-A-Novel's and How-To-Get-Published's out there, how helpful actually are these books? For a long time I didn't read books on writing. I worried that I'd find them too rigid, too… Continue reading How helpful are books on writing?
Writing isn't easy. My current work in progress is being really stubborn. By that, I mean it's taking a long time to write, and constantly filling me with doubt. Recently, however, I've started making some progress. So I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned that are helping to keep me on track.… Continue reading How to Handle a Stubborn First Draft
Earlier this year, author K.M. Allan released her debut novel into the world. Blackbirch: The Beginning, a mystery packed young adult story, with terrifying twists along the way. As a huge fan of the author and her work, I quickly pounded on the opportunity the interview her, to find out more about Blackbirch, and the exciting series… Continue reading Interview with author K.M. Allan
This week, I've been sinking back to reality after my wedding and honeymoon. That first week back was never going to be easy what with work (I work in a doctor's surgery and things are pretty crazy right now!), catching up on uni work, and sinking back into day to day life. That has included… Continue reading Novel Writing: A little every day is enough
To quote Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, Reader, I married him. I've been absent in the online writing community for a few weeks while I focused on my wedding and my honeymoon. Thank you all for still being here now I'm back, I can't wait to catch up with you and hear how your writing journeys… Continue reading Reader, I married him (and the impact this has on my writing)
Sending your novel to an agent/publisher is a big decision. And as writers are often self-critical it can be hard to take the plunge. But if you are thinking of sending yours out, here are some things to consider first. It's finished (with editing!) It sounds silly, but it's not uncommon for people to send… Continue reading How to know when you’re ready to send your novel to an agent
Earlier this year I had a full request on my manuscript. It was followed a few weeks later by rejection. Honestly? It hurt like hell. Rejection hurts, and there's nothing wrong with allowing yourself to feel it. But it's important to take more from it than that. After some reflection, these are the things I've… Continue reading 3 things to take from the rejection of your novel
There's no doubt that amazing things happen when you make writing a habit. But how do you get to that point? With all the things that can get in the way of writing, particularly when life is busy, it's not easy. Here's some tips to get you started. Write at the same time each day… Continue reading 5 ways to make writing a habit
I'm yet to write a novel that features only one POV narrator. I've written short stories with only one consistent POV character, but when it comes to writing longer stories, I always end up with at least two. I've been thinking a lot recently about the pros and cons of books with multiple narrators, so… Continue reading The pros and cons of having multiple narrators
Learning is important to all writers. And the exciting thing is that we learn all the time. Every word we write, every word we read, brings us more understanding and knowledge and skill. It is a game of practice and discovery, being a writer. I'm a uni student, and in studying English Literature and Creative… Continue reading What studying literature teaches us about writing novels
