Even before I became an emerging author (that middle ground between no longer debut and nowhere near established!) I thought it sensible to turn a well-worn adage, ‘write about what you know’, on its head. Far better, in my opinion, to say: ‘know what you’re writing about’. That usually means one of two things: 1. …
Tag: novel writing
What can you say apart from please buy my book? Pt 2
Sometimes you need to branch out. For a novelist, being published presents a whole new set of challenges. You suddenly have to do other sorts of writing, including writing about writing. There are online blurbs, interviews (I’ll mention in passing that I’m still available…), and the subtle – or not so subtle – art of promoting your novel. …
And now for some good news…
Branching out. I’d planned to post something about anthologies, but that will have to wait. Why? I’ll tell you because a lot has been happening. No, I haven’t finished the first draft of The Caretaker yet. However…drum roll…. I signed a contract recently with Joffe Books for my two Brit thrillers, Standpoint and Line of Sight to be published …
Fundraising on Facebook
Keep those donations coming in. I visited a bookshop back in early December to promote my novel, Covenant. At the time, the proprietor said he was fully stocked and suggested I return in a few months. So, as it’s June now…ta da! I handed him a photograph (a real 6 x 8) of Covenant’s cover, …
Once upon a tome…
Hang out the flags, I’ve got an idea for a story. We tend to see events and perspectives from the beginning of things, without always appreciating the beginning (or the ending) before the beginning. Sometimes, it’s the ‘why’. Why was the ‘wicked fairy’ in Sleeping Beauty wicked? What drove Laurie Lee to start his journey …
Spit it out
It’s better to light a candle…than pay for electricity. William Shakespeare said: “Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honour, I lose myself.” That, of course, was back in the days when we didn’t have honour sat-nav. The problem with honesty is that it can disengage an audience faster than the phrase emotional …
She did it her way
There are many benefits to being part of a writing community. You get to share in other people’s success, you can receive valuable feedback from people who’ve walked down a similar road, and you can swap the odd contact or reference resource. I’m a regular visitor to the Strictly Writing blog and recently heard that …
A report in every storm
When your pipes leak, you get in a plumber. Need some handmade cupboards built? A carpenter’s your man or woman, guvnor. And if that manuscript of yours (or mine) isn’t quite cutting the mustard, where all the feedback is generally encouraging, but there’s still no cigar, who you gonna call? A manuscript assessment service, that’s …
We’ve Only Gone and Done it, Rodders!
Yesterday’s Writer Networking Event was a great success. Let’s not beat around the bush: it was brilliant! Imagine 45 writers in one space, the atmosphere thick with anticipation, creativity and a just a hint of competitiveness. Add to mix Cyprus Well Director, Tracey Guiry, who partnered with me to make it happen, plus author Sarah …