author, creative writing, writers, writing

5 things to remember when your writing isn’t going to plan

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

author, creative writing, writers, writing

5 reasons writing fiction is good for your mental health

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

author, creative writing, writers, writing

The Perfect Time of Day to Write

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

author, creative writing, writers, writing

The Importance of Self-Care For Writers

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

author, creative writing, writers, writing

Novel writing: tips for faster first drafts

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

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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?

author, creative writing, writers, writing

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

author, creative writing, writers, writing

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

author, creative writing, writers, writing

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

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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