What's my writing process?

(Photo: Uschi Hering)

*Falls over laughing*

It’s chaotic. No, I do not sit down at 9 am and work through to 5.30pm. But somehow it does get done.

Right I’m going to try to take this seriously (Puts on stern face)

My first main characters had been running around in my head for […]

Is writing and editing a novel a process?

Yes and no.

Writing a novel is creative – you have to have a purpose, some characters and a setting which all interact. Throw in a triggering act to stir them all up and get the story going. Storytellers have known this since the year dot.

A modern novelist is basically a storyteller with a […]

That inspiration thing...

Fortuna, Capitoline Museum, Rome (Author photo)

“What inspires you?” is a question I’m frequently asked in many guest posts, in podcast interviews, or at conferences.

The people asking are usually lovely – genuinely interested and keen to hear the answer. Perhaps they are writers themselves, or wish to make a connection on an […]

At last! The paperback 'Writing Buddy' is out!

Order it from Amazon print, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Waterstones Online or through your local independent bookshop —————— Back in In 2011, I approached Sarah Berry, the founding editor of The Deux-Sèvres Monthly, the English language magazine covering everything that could interest the English speaker living in my part of rural France.

I […]

What length will you go to in your writing?

When we say ‘creative writing’ what do we mean? Poetry, a story, a play? Perhaps you are moved to write a short story or a piece of flash fiction. Or go for a full-length novel or its little sister, the novella. Let’s unpick some of these…

Plays and poetry are well recognised as such […]