Inspiring the Uninspired
This week's post comes courtesy of Lucia's Fiction, and offers a great opportunity to get your work critiqued. Literary agents have various styles of working, and if you’ve been in the writing world long enough you must have heard of hands-on and hands-off agents. If you haven’t: A hands-on agent is one who is very editorial. To improve the quality… Continue reading Do You Need Critiques If You Have An Agent? Guest Post by Lucia’s Fiction
Over the last few weeks at uni I've been studying script writing, with particular focus on screenplays. It's a lot of fun, and very different from novel writing. Yet at the same time, there's a lot of skills that can be applied and strengthen your novel writing ability. I've discussed before how writing short stories… Continue reading 4 ways screenwriting provides you with novel writing skills
As writers, we are often consumed with doubt. We can be perfectionists, and it's easy to feel like you're not doing enough. In reality, the fact you feel this way shows how much you care about your craft, and that in itself is commendable. So, a simple post this week, with some affirmations for those… Continue reading Affirmations for writers who feel like frauds
There is little worse than reading a story with poor pacing. Whether it's too slow and dull, or everything happens in a blur, you'll find a lack of enjoyment. The key is getting the pacing just right, building tension, revealing information, holding back secrets, and ensuring suspense while maintaining reader interest. With that in mind,… Continue reading Pacing your novel – 5 essential tips
This week I've started reading my work in progress on kindle. It's not finished. I'm still on an early draft. But there's a lot to be said for printing out your book, or reading it on a different device to your laptop/computer. Here are some reasons why you should read your work in progress on… Continue reading Reasons to read your work in progress on kindle or tablet
Last week on the blog, we spoke about Preptober, and how to get yourself NaNoWriMo ready. One of the things mentioned was making a writing playlist. Whether you're taking part in National Novel Writing Month or not, it can still be really satisfying and inspiring to have a writing playlist. So, here are some tips… Continue reading Creating a writing playlist – the soundtrack to your story
October is here, and for many writers that means Preptober is here. If you've seen the phrase about recently, you might be wondering what it is. Preptober is essentially the lead up to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a worldwide event that takes place every November and encourages writers to write 50,000 of a novel… Continue reading What is Preptober? 5 tips for getting NaNoWriMo ready
Guess who's back? Back again?It's me!Hello, and thank you for your patience. A couple of months ago I decided to take a break from blogging and social media to focus on my mental health. I also intended to spend less time chatting about writing and more time...well...writing. And so, for my comeback post, it felt… Continue reading The benefits of taking a break from blogging and social media – for writers.
When it comes to writing, forming a habit is vital. And writing a little every day is enough. But there's no denying we all have days when we don't feel like writing, when we can't find our words. These days can leave you feeling guilty, or wishing you could do SOMETHING to progress your writing.… Continue reading Small ways to incorporate your writing into every day, even when you don’t feel like writing
Writing, re-drafting, and editing. It's a long cycle, but all steps involved in turning your initial idea into a fully finished story. It's always a great feeling, finishing the first draft, and cause to celebrate. But when it comes to subsequent drafts, we tend to just move on to the next step. But really, we… Continue reading Reasons to celebrate at the end of each draft
Beta readers are a vital part of any writers' journey. They offer feedback, advice, and support to writers as they make their journey from first draft, to published works. Recently, I beta read for the wonderful Lorraine Ambers, and I'm currently reading the third book in K.M. Allan's phenomenal Blackbirch series. It's a privilegeAbove all… Continue reading 3 important reasons to become a beta reader
Editing; it's one of those love/hate parts of being a writer. Whether you enjoy the process or loathe it, it is an unavoidable and essential part of the novel writing process. And you will likely edit the same manuscript not once, not twice, but three, four, five....you get the idea! There are many resources out… Continue reading 3 must-have books on novel editing
Writing has its highs and lows. While I'd been doing quite well, my new job has taken over my time hugely, and so my writing isn't quite going to plan. I'm behind on my self-imposed deadlines, and finding it harder and harder to fit it in day to day. Rather, I squeeze it in at… Continue reading 5 things to remember when your writing isn’t going to plan
In creative writing, voice is everything. It is what defines the narrative and connects the readers. It is what agents watch for when looking for the story that jumps out at them. And more importantly of all, it makes your characters authentic. Getting it right can be tough. Some character voices may come without much… Continue reading 6 essential tips for authentic character voice
It took years of writing various stories, in various genres, before I found my most enjoyable type of story to write - thrillers! That's not to say it's the only genre I'll ever write - in fact, my work in progress isn't. But it's where all my future ideas lie, and I've written three so… Continue reading 5 books that made me want to write thrillers
Life is hectic at the moment. Fitting writing around my full time job, and around other busy life commitments, is proving a challenge. A satisfying challenge of course, but still, time is sparse. So, I'm keeping it simple on the blog this week, and sharing 5 inspiring quotes that encourage me to find the time… Continue reading 5 inspiring quotes on finding the time to write
In all genres, you can find novels with multiple narrative points of view. Some stories need it in order to tell a well-rounded tale, others are enhanced by it, but others are just confusing. There are pros and cons of writing this way. I've only ever written novels with at least two view points, and… Continue reading 5 questions to ask yourself if you’re writing from multiple narrative view points
For a lucky few, writing is a full time job. For others, it's more of a 'side hustle', and for some, simply a hobby. Whatever writing is to you, it is undoubtedly shaping traits and skills that will help you grow, whatever career path you go down. Even if creative writing is only a hobby,… Continue reading Skills and traits you develop through creative writing, that will help you grow in any career
Breaking Bad is iconic television - a show of which I was extremely late to get into. I only watched it for the first time a couple of years ago, by which point every episode was out and I was able to binge watch it. I'd assumed, for years, I'd have no interest in it.… Continue reading 7 techniques all fiction writers can learn from Breaking Bad
Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week, and it seems relevant to talk about writing fiction, and the positive way it can impact your mental health. I'm sure a lot of writers write as an outlet, so I thought it'd be appropriate to talk about 5 of the reasons writing fiction is good for you… Continue reading 5 reasons writing fiction is good for your mental health
Writing a synopsis is the enemy for many writers. It's so tough to summaries your novel into a 1,000 words, or one page. What's even harder, is when an agency/publisher asks for a super teeny tiny synopsis of 300 words. But this does happen. I once shared a step-by-step guide to writing a synopsis, but… Continue reading How to write a 300 word synopsis
It's been a long and strange week, and so rather than finding the brain power for today's post, I thought I'd share my 4 favourite, beautiful movies about writers. There's something about these that are a real comfort to watch, and full of emotion too. Have you seen them? Finding NeverlandThis stunning film follows J.M.… Continue reading 4 beautiful movies about writers
When it comes to novel writing, each scene is about moving the plot. Every chapter should play its part in keeping the story moving; be it through action, character progression, revelation, or added suspense/mystery. It can be tempting, when we love our characters, to fill in their backstory, fluffy side plots, or general information and… Continue reading What’s Happening? How to be sure each chapter is moving your story forward
April is national poetry month, so it seemed appropriate to write a post about poems. In line with the general theme of my blog, I'm focusing on what writing poetry can teach us about writing novels. Having studied poetry as part of my university course, these are the three important things I found: Creative metaphor… Continue reading 3 important things writing poetry teaches us about writing novels
Previously on the blog, we've spoken about the perfect writing environment. The impossibility of finding that ideal setting to sit down and let your imagination run free. But how about the perfect time of day to write? I've been thinking about this a lot lately, so let's decide shall we...? First thing in the morningSome… Continue reading The Perfect Time of Day to Write
Blogging to you this morning, lovely writers, from post number 200! Wow, it feels like quite a milestone, and I can't believe I've had that much to say! I thought it'd be an idea to reflect back on the posts that led to this point, and so I'm re-sharing your 10 favourites from the past… Continue reading Your Top 10 Posts from the Past 200! (200th Post – Milestone Achieved!)
We are all too aware of how tough times are right now, and self-care has never been more important. Not just for writers, of course, but for everybody. However, this is a writing blog, and so it is the importance of self-care for writers I am focusing on here today. Discussing burnout, relaxing, and getting… Continue reading The Importance of Self-Care For Writers
When creating characters, appearance is just one aspect to consider. And within appearance there are numerous ways to describe your characters. One of which is their clothing and fashion sense. It can tell a lot about a person, so take a look at the tips below. Only mention clothing if relevantAs with most aspects of… Continue reading Character clothing; fashion tips for writers
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
When it comes to writing, you're likely to find your preferred genre, and find yourself writing for a certain audience. Of course, genre is a fairly loose term and there are sub-categories within each one, but let's strip it right back. For example, I predominantly write thrillers. But there's a lot to learn and enjoy… Continue reading Reasons to try your hand at writing for children
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
I've spoken quite a lot about the submission process on the blog. It's a terrifying and exciting part of the writing journey. Deciding your novel is ready to send out to agents isn't easy. You'll always doubt yourself. That's why I'm sharing three things your novel needs to be before you submit, and one it… Continue reading 3 things your book needs to be before you send it to an agent (and 1 it doesn’t!)
Creating characters is one of the most exciting parts of novel writing. Getting to know your heroes, your villains, your story's main players is a lot of fun. You'll learn more about them as you write, at that exploration is the best way to understand them completely. But before you start writing, there are five… Continue reading 5 things you need to know about your characters before you write your novel
Writer's block. We've all been there. Be it due to a lack of inspiration, motivation or too much procrastination. It slows us down, makes us feel guilty, and halts our progress. Luckily, there's a number of ways to beat it. Take a look... Read After writing, reading is what we do best. Not only is… Continue reading Five must-try methods for beating writer’s block
Some writers are plotters. Others are pantsers. There's no right way to do it. There are pros and cons to plotting, and it's up to you to decide what works best. Personally, I'm a plotter. Typically, my plotting consists of a basic outline and little else. It worked for two novels. But on my third,… Continue reading 5 Ways A Timeline Helps You Write Your Novel
It's one of the most common pieces of writing advice. Write what you know. But what does it mean? That you can only write about crime if you're a police officer (or a criminal?!)? That you can only write about falling in love with a stranger in Paris if you've been there, done that and bought the… Continue reading The Do’s and Dont’s of Writing What You Know
The writing community is a vast and vibrant place. Thanks to the internet, we can connect with people all over the world, and where better for a writer than a space filled with other writers? Be it through blogging or social media, here are five reasons to get involved. To be inspired When I got… Continue reading 5 Reasons To Get Involved In The Writing Community
Writing required commitment, but it's not always easy to find time in ourbusy lives. Yet, if it's something we want to pursue, it's something we have to do. Recently, alongside fitting writing in whenever I can, I've set aside designated writing time. Two hours on a Sunday, when I shut off from the world and… Continue reading 4 reasons to carve out designated writing time
Deadlines are two things; fantastic and terrifying. Deadlines are important in writingas they keep you on track, help you form habit, and lead to productivity. But it's also important not to let those deadlines make you miserable, take the fun out of writing, or stress you out. I'll be the first to admit, I don't… Continue reading Novel Writing: What To Do If You Miss Your Deadline
Writer's block is a somewhat contentious concept. Some believe it is a real hurdle in the writing journey, others might say it is simply procrastination. I guess, as with many elements of writing, there is not right or wrong answer. Each writer is different. Personally, I think it's a thing. A block in the mind,… Continue reading Writer’s block? Relax! Do something else.
This is a bit of a throwback today. I originally posted this almost exactly 3 years ago to the day. How strange that I should be in the exact same predicament 3 years on! In a nutshell, I am torn between two novel ideas right now, both of which are compelling to me for different… Continue reading Two Writing Projects at Once – The Pros and Cons (revisited)
Editing is an essential part of the journey for any writer. It's the stage I'm at with my work in progress, and so has been a bit of a theme on the blog recently. I've discussed questions you should ask yourself while editing, as well as sharing my step-by-step editing method. It's not always easy… Continue reading 5 Quotes To Spur You On While Editing Your Novel
Editing a novel is a bit like building a house. Brick by brick, bit by bit, word by word. There are so many methods, and different ways to do it. For me, I do it chapter by chapter, focusing on one at a time. This is the method that I use, I hope it can… Continue reading Editing a Scene/Chapter: Step by Step
Mood boards are brilliant. There's something so pleasing about the aesthetic of it. And more importantly, mood boards can be a really useful tool to inspire you, and motivate you, while writing your novel. Here are just four ways to use them: Character Mood Boards Character mood boards are great fun to make. They enable… Continue reading How To Use Mood Boards To Inspire You While Writing Your Novel
The book I'm working on now has tried and tested me. I only just made my way through the stubborn first draft, and am now trying to put together its fractured pieces. But before the draft was finished, I considered giving up a number of times. These are some of the things I learned through… Continue reading 5 things I learned finishing a story I almost gave up on
Editing is such an important part of the novel writing process. And each chapter or scene needs to be treated with care, examined closely, and made to shine off the page. And to do so, there are some questions you need to ask yourself. Take a look... Is there a sense of place? There's nothing… Continue reading Questions to ask yourself while editing a chapter/scene
I love a great quote. I always have. Quotes from books and movies, quotes from inspirational people...anything! I think most writers feel the same. We have a love of words, and little brings us more joy than seeing words arranged into such a sentence that moves you. Of course, quotes about writing resonate on a… Continue reading 5 writing quotes to inspire and encourage you
Life can be stressful, perhaps now more than ever. I'm in full encouragement of people practising self-care and doing all they can to relax. Writing is my very favourite distraction from the world, so I just had to share those 4 wonderful ways writing can help you to relax. Writing is an escape from reality… Continue reading 4 Ways Writing Helps You Relax
We are living in crazy times! And for many people in many parts of the world, that means lock-down. I'm lucky to be in the 'key-worker' category, which means my routine is mostly unaffected. But one thing I do miss, is going out to write. In libraries and coffee shops and train stations.... If you're… Continue reading Lock-down tips for writers who prefer to write away from home
Seeking feedback on your writing is a daunting process. As writers we are prone to doubt and a fear of rejection, so trusting someone with your words is a huge step. But it is a vital one, because it gives you scope to improve your writing, make decisions for your story, and find out what… Continue reading Ways honest feedback impacts and improves your writing
Morning writers. I love WordPress! It is full of amazing writers, sharing their experiences, tips, and words. It felt appropriate to share 5 awesome posts I've read recently, that I think all writers should check out - be sure to give them a follow too! Character Motivation: Tips And Tricks by K.M. Allan How to Hook… Continue reading 5 amazing writing blogs you should check out
Uninspired Writers 