Journal
WRITING ADVICE: 1st or 3rd person POV
I asked on my social media what people would most like to see from me here. The answer was pretty unanimous: writing advice. So here it is. Let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like me to cover here. Now for today’s question: choosing the right narrative voice for the novel. 1st person … Continue reading WRITING ADVICE: 1st or 3rd person POV
Pinocchio: A short story
I wince as a splinter forms just above where my index finger nail grows. Just below the top layer of the skin so I can see it crystallise from the flesh, a little swirly current of pain. # She’s unhappy with me. I understand. I’m late, ten minutes late to be exact. Another five and … Continue reading Pinocchio: A short story
Life with no fear?
From the series of “random thoughts I can’t shake off”, I got to thinking about how a highly socialised animal like a human function, were their brain/body unable to feel fear. Partially the question was inspired by a short story “Shudder” by Daniel Morden’s upcoming collection “Strange Tales”. In most of the animal kingdom, the … Continue reading Life with no fear?
The top three things which cause me to throw a book across the room
So the title is somewhat exaggerated. I don’t really throw books across the room, but when faced with any of the below, I most certainly close them with disgust. As nearly every fiction writer, I’m a reader first. And in my reading journey, I’ve come across many lapses of writerly/editorial judgement. Many forgivable. Most forgettable. … Continue reading The top three things which cause me to throw a book across the room
A Writer’s Love Letter to Autumn
I have recently realised that pretty much all the books I’ve written begin in the Autumn.
AI and the Soul of Art
I have always found the concept of AI being programmed to produce art icky. Whether it’s for writing, painting or music composition. Not because I don’t believe computers will ever be able to produce something as good as humans do: I am not as naive as that.
My most anticipated books of 2021!
I thought what better way to celebrate the death of the awful 2020 but by celebrating the art that makes it all a bit more bearable? So here are some of my most anticipated reads of 2021, in no particular order, if you’re wondering what this author likes to read in her spare time! I … Continue reading My most anticipated books of 2021!
The Joy and Wonder of Beta Readers
I’m not impatient, not at all. I’m just sitting here quietly, as my marvelous beta readers are doing their thing. For the uninitiated, beta readers are all of those wonderful people in your life (or on the web, depending on your preference), who are the first people to read through your novel (who are not … Continue reading The Joy and Wonder of Beta Readers
Editing the New Thing and the Sparkly Ideas
I’m waiting for my agent to finish reading through my big picture edits (see the last post) of my adult fantasy novel, let’s call it novel X. What does one do in this time, except drive themselves mad with anxiety? Well, if you’re me, you have a very long list of to-do jobs. When I … Continue reading Editing the New Thing and the Sparkly Ideas
Big Picture Edits
I have just completed the “Big Picture Edits” on my last manuscript. My agent, has gone over my book with a fine-tooth comb and came up with an INCREDIBLY LONG list of things that don’t work/could work better/need expanding. You know all those little lazy bit of writing you think will hide in the awesomeness … Continue reading Big Picture Edits