author, creative writing, writers, 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.

author, creative writing, writers, writing

3 things your book needs to be before you send it to an agent (and 1 it doesn’t!)

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!)

author, creative writing, writing

How to know when you’re ready to send your novel to an agent

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

author, creative writing, writing

3 things to take from the rejection of your novel

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

author, creative writing, writing

The pros and cons of having multiple narrators

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

author, creative writing, writing

Unglamorous writing confessions

Being a writer, published or otherwise, is amazing. Writers are world builders, character creators, storytellers, daydreamers! We live in a haze of ideas and inspiration and intrigue. But let's be honest, despite the perfect writing environment non-writers may think we live in, there are plenty of unglamorous times. That's right. It's not all tidy desks… Continue reading Unglamorous writing confessions

author, creative writing, writing

How to Achieve your 2020 Writing Goals

Welcome to 2020 everybody! Here's hoping it is a year of success and happiness for us all. The start of a new year you always comes with a bunch of new resolutions and goals. Which is why I start every year with a post about how to achieve your writing goals - it works for… Continue reading How to Achieve your 2020 Writing Goals

author, creative writing, writing

5 Writing Achievements from 2019

As the year comes to an end, and a whole year of fresh opportunities arises, I am reflecting back on 2019, and the achievements I've made. It's a little self indulgent, but I want this blog to represent my writing journey, so I can look back on it as the years pass. Not only that,… Continue reading 5 Writing Achievements from 2019

author, creative writing, writing

Questions to ask when choosing an agent

Querying a novel is challenging. It takes a considerable amount of courage, determination, thick skin and, most importantly of all, research. Don't waste your time or disappointment by sending your novel out to agents who aren't in the slightest bit interested in what you're writing. It's so vital to choose agents that are a great… Continue reading Questions to ask when choosing an agent

author, creative writing, writing

Things You Have To Do At A Writing Event

On Friday I attended a writing event in Cardiff. I've been to a couple of events like this now, and have spoken on here before about reasons to attend one. But this time I'd like to discuss the things you must do while at a writing event - to ensure you squeeze the most out… Continue reading Things You Have To Do At A Writing Event