So, we’re closing in on Christmas and as usual, the year has flown. For me, it has flown in a torrent of words and I have managed to produce two full-length books, two novellas plus a host of short stories. My latest short novel is Christmas themed and you can find Tell Me Magic Lies […]
Is Your Writing Good Enough to Sell?
This is a contentious debate as there are many who feel that just being able to write a book is enough. But I have read some books that should never have been published because the quality of the writing is so bad and they are completely unedited or proofread. The problem is that there are […]
Creating a Character – Sweet Little Things
Creating a character can be difficult sometimes. Yet other times it can be very easy. Personally, I mostly seem to find a character first and as I write a little about them a story begins to develop around them organically. I often find characters who have played a minor role in one book can develop further […]
A Story for Halloween and Other Scary Stuff
It’s that time of year again and I hope you’re all busy writing. I know I am. Lately, I’ve been feeling a wee bit overwhelmed. It happens to all writers. It’s all to do with marketing. I love writing but hate marketing. Problem is if you want to be an independent writer then you have […]
Choosing a Book Cover Creator
Choosing a book cover creator can be a challenging decision. If you are self-publishing the task falls to you. There are many elements to take into consideration. First, you need to think about your book genre. Find successful books in your genre and look at their covers. Book covers must convey the genre correctly, or […]
Keeping Your Writing A Secret
Keeping your writing a secret is something many of us, including myself, have done. For a fledgling writer this is the best way to protect your writing mind and your work, as you develop your skills. WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR WRITING A SECRET Too much criticism too early on in a career can stop […]
One of the Best Writing Tips
One of the best writing tips I heard recently is also one of the easiest to understand – and implement. I heard it today on a podcast. I am a big fan of podcasts and one of my favourites is Simon Whistler’s, Rocking Self-publishing Podcast. I listen regularly, often when walking my dog. I love […]
Social Network Sites – Are You Addicted?
Social network sites are addictive. I’m convinced of this – why? Well, I don’t log on all the time but no matter what time I do there is always the same group of people there, night or day. Now, like many writers, I visit social network sites more than I should. Usually when I am […]
Planning a Character
Planning a character is important. If you don’t pay attention, you may find yourself with a character who is passive. A passive character is one who only reacts to changes around them and who never forces change for themselves. Characters who are passive, who don’t change, seldom make us want to follow them through a […]
Does Life Imitate Art? The Grenfell Fire Tragedy
Does life imitate art, or is it the other way around? For me, that question has always been easy. I believe that art imitates, or reflects the life around us. But it can sometimes seem like the opposite. I have written about many subjects and explored many themes. Coincidence and synchronicity are bound to happen […]