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 […]

Sorting out a boring paragraph...

I was editing my second book, a speculative fiction thriller (see previous post). I came upon one of those paragraphs I must have written at midnight after a very busy day with irregular meals and a lot of alcohol.

The characters made it from A to B, they had a conversation of two lines and […]

Conflicting advice and making your own decision

Conflicting advice is the very devil, especially if it’s given by different well-respected and hugely experienced writers. Especially when you’ve paid for it from a well-researched and carefully selected specialist or it comes via a highly professional writing organisation.

Like most newbie writers, I am passionate, energetic and in love with my story and characters. […]

Writing buddies a.k.a. critique partners

With my writing buddy Denise at the RNA Conference

Update (April 2018) at the end

I enjoyed a ‘writerly’ evening with another novel writer, Denise Barnes who is also preparing her first fiction work. She’s already published a non-fiction book which can be seen at her site.

We swap hints and tips, recommend […]