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?
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
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!)
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
There are loads of books out there on the subject of writing. Famously there is the memoir by Stephen King aptly named On Writing. But amongst all the How-To-Write-A-Novel's and How-To-Get-Published's out there, how helpful actually are these books? For a long time I didn't read books on writing. I worried that I'd find them too rigid, too… Continue reading How helpful are books on writing?
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
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
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
The end of the year is always time for reflection. I've had a rather slow couple of months in terms of writing, but I'm still persisting and am excited for what the new year will bring. As I look back, there are a number of things that have helped me, and continue to help me,… Continue reading 5 Books that made me a better writer
Writers often have an odd relationship with the first draft. It's that mixture between excitement and fear, motivation and doubt. It's easy to pile on the pressure, putting ourselves under a certain level of strain and expectation. That's why I wanted to share this things to remember while you're writing a first draft. The writing… Continue reading Things to remember when writing a first draft
M.L. Davis Writer 