author, writers, writing

How it Feels to be a Writer with BPD

It's Mental Health Awareness week, and I've decided that makes it a great time to speak out about, and hopefully raise awareness about, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD is an illness that makes your emotions feel difficult to cope with. It is a personality disorder also known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) or Emotional… Continue reading How it Feels to be a Writer with BPD

author, creative writing, writers, writing

Novelists: 4 Ways to Shock your Readers

As a thriller writer, I always aim to surprise in my writing. I work on plot twists, red herrings, and unreliable narration. This week, I've been thinking of ways to really 'shock' your readers, for that mega impact in a story that gets them talking! Be brave with your themes There are a lot of… Continue reading Novelists: 4 Ways to Shock your Readers

author, book reviews, creative writing, writers, writing

Interview with K.M. Allan – Author of the ‘Blackbirch’ series

It is with much excitement that I bring this interview with the author of the mysterious, pulse-racing YA fantasy series - Blackbirch. Having released The Collector, the final book in this four part series, I caught up with K.M. Allan to find out more about her writing journey and what comes next. First of all,… Continue reading Interview with K.M. Allan – Author of the ‘Blackbirch’ series

author, creative writing, writers, writing

4 Ways Reading Makes you a Better Writer

The concept of reading to enhance writing is not a new one, but it is so important that it can't be understated, and so I'd like to talk about it today, focusing on 4 ways reading makes you a better writer! Take a peek... 1. Reading enhances your understanding of story telling All books are… Continue reading 4 Ways Reading Makes you a Better Writer

author, creative writing, writers, writing

Finding Inspiration in Creative Hobbies

Writers are an incredibly unique species with the remarkable ability to find a story in every place, everyone and everything. I truly believe that writers, and all creatives, truly see the world in a different light. One that is more brilliant, more beautiful and sometimes more brutal. But it's this view that gives us our… Continue reading Finding Inspiration in Creative Hobbies

author, creative writing, writers, writing

The Importance of Deadlines for Writers

The main thing that I found when I started being stricter with my deadlines was this;You don't realise how much time you're able to put aside for writing until you have a deadline.  Setting deadlines not only encourages good discipline and productivity but it can also give you a confidence boost. Meeting a deadline or… Continue reading The Importance of Deadlines for Writers

author, creative writing, writers, writing

The Do’s and Don’ts of Finishing your First Draft

There is nothing, quite like finishing a first draft. Nothing quite so exciting and relieving...and I have done it, fellow writers! I've always said I'd like to keep my blog posts relevant to where I am at within my writing journey, or current with new tips and advice I've discovered...so today's blog post will focus… Continue reading The Do’s and Don’ts of Finishing your First Draft

author, creative writing, writers, writing

The Writer’s Slump…and How to Beat It

What is a writer's slump?I suppose this could be subjective but for me the writer's slump has been a period of lows and no writing due to negative thoughts. I thought I was coming so close to finishing my first draft only to realise that one whole half of the story was actually boring and… Continue reading The Writer’s Slump…and How to Beat It

author, creative writing, writers, writing

8 Things Only Writer’s Do…

Just for fun, here's my '8 Things Only Writer's Do' ; 1. Narrate in their Mind...All the Time!!!It doesn't matter where you're going or what you're doing, you somehow always catch yourself narrating your surroundings. A simple walk down the street has you creating scenarios, imagining characters and building stories.2. Fill their Phones with NotesAs… Continue reading 8 Things Only Writer’s Do…

author, creative writing, writers, writing

5 Reasons to Make and Use Flash Cards

Morning writers, I hope you are all well! My blog post today focuses on what I'm calling 'Flash Cards' and some reasons why I think it's beneficial to make and use them while writing a novel. As with any advice, this is one person's opinion and may not be for you, but personally I have… Continue reading 5 Reasons to Make and Use Flash Cards