First drafts are an emotional rollercoaster. They include your deepest, rawest thoughts and feelings, they fill you with excitement, they make you mad and stress you out. And, of course, they are the birth of novels, the starting block of your story. Getting through the first draft fast is the best way to get your… Continue reading Novel writing: tips for faster first drafts
Tag: novel writing
Your Queries on Querying – Answered! Guest Post for author Susan Shiney
Earlier this week, my guest post Your Queries on querying - Answered! was posted on the website of author Susan Shiney. Be sure to click here to read the post and check out her wonderful blog and website.
Writing Events – Online vs In Person – Which is Better?
Over the past year, almost everything has moved online. School, job interviews, concerts, even doctor's appointments. It's certainly been inspiring to see the way people and companies have adapted to these times, and there's been so much creativity involved. As someone who used to try and attend writing events regularly, I was eager to sign… Continue reading Writing Events – Online vs In Person – Which is Better?
Who should you write for first? You, or the market?
It may sound like a simple question, of which most would answer they'd write for themselves first. But subconsciously, if your goal is to publish, you might find yourself bending your story to fit with the market you wish to publish in. This can shape your plot, your characters and even your settings, as your… Continue reading Who should you write for first? You, or the market?
Ways to create a writing habit, even when every day is unpredictable
Last week, I spoke about how my writing habit had been crushed and re-shaped by the pandemic. And as part of the re-adjustment, I've been thinking of different ways to make a writing habit. The thing is, every day is unpredictable at the moment. And so the typical habit-making behaviour of picking a set time… Continue reading Ways to create a writing habit, even when every day is unpredictable
How the Pandemic Crushed and Re-built my Writing Habit
What a time. Everywhere you turn there's talk of COVID-19, and the impact it's having on people all over the world. In the huge ways, and the smaller ones. For me, one of the smaller knock-on effects of the pandemic has been the way it crushed my writing habit, and the way it fuelled me… Continue reading How the Pandemic Crushed and Re-built my Writing Habit
6 Misconceptions about writing a novel
Novel writing is one of those things a lot of people have thought about. They say everybody has a book inside them, so why not you? But before you begin, there are some misconceptions surrounding writing a book, that I'd like to dispel. Have a peek. You have to make a planThere are benefits to… Continue reading 6 Misconceptions about writing a novel
Back to blogging; How to achieve your 2021 writing goals
Happy New Year, writers! Here's to a year of writing progress and success. I've had a few weeks off from blogging, taking a much needed break. But I enjoy it too much to leave it for good, so I'm back, and talking about ways you can achieve your 2021 writing goals. Take a peek! Carve… Continue reading Back to blogging; How to achieve your 2021 writing goals
5 things to do if you’re behind on your word count
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
5 ways to write characters readers can relate to
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