People new to writing novels sometimes think that the words should flow straight out on to the page perfectly first time. This…
Editing Your First Draft
Too Clever?
In today’s creative writing tip, I’d like to mention an issue that some of you may have noticed either in novels you have read, or perhaps TV programmes or films you have…
The Best Way to Beat Overwhelm
If we want to build a wall, there’s no other way than brick by brick. Or if you’re more into cakes than walls (I’m thinking of Roald Dahl’s Matilda), the only way to eat
Getting Better
The most common thing new writers ask me when I’m talking about Write for a Reason is “How do I know if my writing is good …
Pigs, Wolves, and a Story Worth Telling
If three little pigs built beautiful houses of different materials and lived in them happily ever after, there wouldn’t be much of a story to tell, would there? But suppose a …
3 Reasons to Set Your Novel in a Place You Don’t Know
A couple of weeks ago I posted a writing tip with 7 reasons to set your novel in a place you know. This week we’re going to look at three reasons you might want to set your novel in a place you…
What do cooking smells, fresh flowers in a vase and a polished table have in common?
Showing not telling is a great way to add X factor to your novels. We’ve discussed it before, but there’s no harm in mentioning it again, because if you can use…
7 Reasons to Set Your Story in a Place You Know
There are excellent reasons for setting your story in a place you know well. Here are seven of them…
How to Turn Your Holiday into a Story
Today I have a thought-provoking creative writing tip for you! As you know, I’m always urging you to read. Well, following my own advice, last week I read Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier while on holiday in Cornwall. 🙂
More Creative Writing Fun!
Following on from last week, I have some more creative writing fun for you! (To get the most out of this exercise, you really need to …