Writing life | Alison Morton Author

How I did it - my first self-published book!

Here’s a copy of my article in Mslexia magazine, as promised in my previous post. (Click through for a larger version)

It’s a great mag – worth every penny. Here’s how you can subscribe.

Alison Morton is the author of Roma Nova thrillers, INCEPTIO, PERFIDITAS, SUCCESSIO and AURELIA. The fifth in the series, […]

Did the books you loved make you into the writer you are?

Drafting my latest query letter, I did a little exercise. No, not twenty press-ups on the floor, but one prompted by this particular agency’s submission guidelines. As part of the marketing approach, I was asked to thinking of two to three (i.e. three) comparable books. That wasn’t a problem, but it started me thinking about […]

How to write a novel in 30 lines

Now I’ve finished the first run through of edits on Book3, I’ve finished my heroine’s story. I’ll leave her for 6-8 weeks at least until I even glance at her again.

So, Book 4. Yes, I’m acquainted with the main character and I want to tell her story. But that’s it. I need to let […]

Are some genres more equal than others?

I love bookshops. I love bookstalls at charity dos and the second-hand paperback club. I love the book table at conferences. The second and third are informal; the offer is either serendipity or confined to the books written by speakers (and certainly in the case of the RNA) attendees. Running my hands over the spines […]

Rejection - why it shouldn't be followed by dejection

I wrote this back in 2011 when I was considering going the traditional publishing route, but even in 2019 it’s still very relevant, so please forgive any anachronisms and read on…

I’m busy writing Book 3 but in the meantime, sending Book 1 out into the world. I’ve polished my manuscript, I’ve hand-crafted my cover […]