Inspiring the Uninspired
This year I'm taking part in NaNoWriMo, and I'm currently VERY behind on my word count. Whether you're taking part or not, it's likely you have set writing deadlines. If you do, and you're behind on your word count, here are five things to do to help. Plan a writing marathonPick a day, and carve… Continue reading 5 things to do if you’re behind on your word count
There is little more satisfying than reading a book, and feeling a connection with the characters. Being able to relate to people in fiction has a very real impact, and creates a lasting effect. As I continue with my NaNoWriMo project, I'm sharing the five ways I'm writing relatable characters. Be sure to share your… Continue reading 5 ways to write characters readers can relate to
I spent most of last week plotting my new project, which I start writing today as part of NaNoWriMo. Whether you're taking part in National Novel Writing Month or not, here are some of my favourite novel plotting quotes to inspire and encourage you. Get your character in trouble in the first sentence and out… Continue reading 7 novel plotting quotes to inspire and encourage you
It's that time of year again. November is but a week away, which means it's nearly time for 2020's National Novel Writing Month. I've taken part three times before, in 2015, 2018 and 2019. I've only managed the full 50,000 words once, but each time has been a fantastic experience. You don't, by any means,… Continue reading Benefits of taking part in NaNoWriMo
I don't often write posts that focus entirely on my writing journey. I do try to keep the posts in line with things I'm learning as I'm learning them, but I try to keep the focus broad and relatable. This week though, I've been reflecting a lot, and I thought I'd share the honest truths… Continue reading My writing journey – where I am right now
For the first time in three years I didn't post my weekly blog post...for two weeks in a row in fact. It was certainly an odd feeling, breaking habit. But I have had a lot in, including moving into a new house (only just got internet!) and interviewing for a new job. Still, it's good… Continue reading The Do’s and Don’ts of Taking A Break From Writing
Getting an agent is a goal for many writers. And finding the right one is essential. To avoid wasting your time, and theirs, you should only submit to agents who represent your genre and are open to submissions. There are lots of ways you can find out more about agents, to help you make your… Continue reading 5 reasons to follow literary agents on Twitter
I try to keep each weekly blog post relevant to my own writing journey. This week, I struggled through the heart crushing moment of realising one of your chapters is BORING. It's tough to admit. I tried playing it down at first, but eventually I held up my hands. Because if the writer thinks it's… Continue reading Novel editing: How to fix a boring chapter
Emotion. It's the heart of any story, fiction or otherwise. Stories trigger emotions in their readers; joy, fear, excitement, sadness, nostalgia....Likely, the reader's emotions will be a reflection of the emotions displayed in the book. As such, writing our characters, making them believable, relatable and real, means getting to the heart of their feelings. That… Continue reading 6 things writers need to consider when writing character emotions
Writing a novel is a huge deal. It is tough and exciting, long and rewarding, emotional and powerful. Those words you produce, those characters you breathe life into, those worlds you create, are more valuable than gold. And nothing could be more heartbreaking than losing it all. So, while it may sound like simple advice,… Continue reading Don’t lose your novel! 5 ways to backup your writing
