You’ve done the courses, bought the books (maybe even read them), attended conferences and masterclasses, and queued up for a signing with a famous author. Perhaps this makes you feel like you’re becoming a better writer yourself. For a while. And in and of themselves there’s nothing wrong with doing any of these things. I’ve…
‘A very western tarot’: What David Bowie can teach us about creativity
I’m an alligator, I’m a mama-papa coming for you I’m the space invader, I’ll be a rock ‘n’ rollin’ bitch for you Keep your mouth shut, you’re squawking like a pink monkey bird And I’m busting up my brains for the words I love Moonage Daydream ; it’s probably my favourite Bowie song and I listen…
Words deserve love too this Valentine’s Day
Love (or ‘luv’, as we say in the north). Every year on Valentine’s Day we are all encouraged to show love for the special people in our lives – our partners, family and friends. I also love my cats (as I do all animals), who give and receive an awful lot of love too, every day…
10 ways to turn those writing resolutions into regular practice
It’s January, and it’s cold and bleak. At this time it’s only natural to feel more motivated to curl up in a duvet and read a good book instead of write one. But there are things you can do to stay on track with your writing resolutions. Here are a few ideas. 1. Start small. Baby…
A very modern Miss Marple: Interview with author Wendy Percival
Blood, bitterness and blackmail. Author Wendy Percival talks about her first novel, Blood-Tied, and completing her second, The Indelible Stain. “I’ve always liked something with a bit of mystery and intrigue, where you’re wanting to know what the hidden thing is behind it all, with twists and turns.” Mid-Devon based writer Wendy Percival is telling…
How can I write when I don’t have time?
In order to answer this question, it may help to consider how you define ‘writing’. Writing isn’t just about sitting at a desk. Sure, that does come in to it, but by the time you get to that stage you’ll have already made the commitment to words, by which time the question will be irrelevant. Let…
Self-proofreading tip # 7: Print your text out
Even if your text is destined for paper, the chances are that at the proofreading stage you’re looking at it on a screen. Because if you’re like me, you started out with a notebook and pen and wrote your ideas out longhand, then went to a computer to type up your ideas. Computers are definitely great for…
What the Winter Solstice has in common with writing
21st December is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. It is on this day that pagans meet at sacred sites, such as Stonehenge, to worship and welcome new sun. After this day, days get longer and more sun is going to come. As pagans celebrate and show reverence, awe and gratitude to the…
To edit, or not to edit?
It’s rare to meet someone you feel shares your creative and spiritual DNA. It’s even more rare to get to work with them. But that is what I’ve been doing recently. It feels like I’ve come home. We spent a long time talking; I got to know where she was coming from, and fell in…
A lesson from Tori Amos in how to think about writing
My husband plays the guitar and composes his own music. After a recent period of intense creativity in which he’d composed several pieces he was pleased with, there was a piece that just wasn’t going his way. He had the body of a song and some ideas for an intro but nothing that felt right. He was…