In his book, On Writing, Sol Stein provides a very helpful guide on something writers so often hear about: showing the story instead of telling it. Do you remember asking someone, a family member perhaps, to tell you a story? It’s almost as if we’ve been conditioned to tell rather than show.
If a reader wants to learn more about you and your writing the first thing they’re going to look for is your website. Like looking through a shop window, if they see something which intrigues them, they may step inside and buy something.
In not having a website you’re missing out on precious opportunities to connect with potential followers.
This article first looks at how to make a site, what it ought to feature, before finishing with a discussion about blogging
Today I’m delighted to introduce fantasy writer Lucy Summers. I met Lucy in an online writing community a few months ago. She’s always the one sharing helpful and encouraging things. Lucy’s just finished her first novel and is about to embark upon the quest of getting it published. Enough of me, here’s Lucy:
I’m delighted to share the writing day of Marya Miller, a wonderful person who I met through social media. Marya is an excellent storyteller with some fantastic ideas. Not long ago I read her collection of short fiction, Tales of Mist and Magic, and fell in love with the characters, Granny Maberly in particular.
NaNoWriMo has come to an end for another year. This was my first time, and after speaking about taking part before the event I thought I ought to share my experience.
Real Writing Stories returns with a fresh instalment. Continuing with the series My Writing Day, I’m delighted to introduce friend and fellow writer, Caroline Barden.
Real Writing Stories returns for its second installment. This week, with the help of writer Forest Wells, I’m launching a new weekly feature called My Writing Day. Readers of The Guardian newspaper may have seen this before. A writer shares their average writing day—the process, the distractions, the strife, the achievements. The Guardian however looks at the writing days of more well-known writers only. They’re very insightful and inspirational pieces, but I think the stories of other writers at different stages in their journeys can be more interesting and relatable.
The stories of fellow writers really inspire me to keep bashing away at the keyboard. Learning about other people’s journeys, the difficulties they’ve encountered and overcome, their unwaivering passion for writing, can help me get through days when I feel like giving up.
A few posts ago I included a bit about listening to music while writing. I’m a lover of peace and quiet, but a few people came back to me with recommendations and since then I’ve experimented. Be it the grand classical music of Lord of the Rings, psychedelic jams or funky Latin rock, I’ve discovered a particular tune can really spur me on and help clock up all-important words.
NaNoWriMo is once more upon us and the excitement is building. Here are a few of the best tips I’ve picked up from taking part to help you prepare to crush that 50k word target.
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