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Author Archives: claudia
Writing Advice – how useful is it?
This year has been a mixed bag for writers. Some have kept on with their daily, solitary routine pretty much as before. Some have found more time to write than before. Many, it seems, have taken the opportunity to send … Continue reading
Posted in On Writing
Tagged writing advice, writing books, writing craft, writing rules
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A New Venture
For the past few years, while I’ve been busy writing, I’ve also been reading and giving feedback on manuscripts by other writers. I’ve worked on manuscripts written by established, illustrious authors and on others by writers just starting out. It’s … Continue reading
Posted in Editing, General
Tagged critical eye, critique service, editor, feedback, manuscript assessment
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Where do ideas for novels come from?
I’ve been thinking recently about a question that’s often intrigued me, both as a writer and reader: where do ideas for novels come from? According to Colm Tóibín, ‘the first sentence of the book comes to you unbidden, unexpectedly, as … Continue reading
My failed career
I recently applied for a Saturday job at a local branch of a well known bookshop. Obviously, I love bookshops and when I saw the ad in the window I was drawn to the idea of finding out what it … Continue reading
What is Good Writing?
When I was studying for my MA in Creative Writing, a few years ago now, the characters in my fledgling novel weren’t allowed to nod. Nor were they allowed to sigh, smile or frown. My tutor banned these and many … Continue reading
New Year’s Thoughts
I haven’t blogged in a long time, mostly because I haven’t had any significant writing news. That’s not to say I haven’t been writing. I am now busy editing my second novel. I think that’s going ok, but what do … Continue reading
Hygge for Writers
The past year has been the same as every other year: a mixture of good and bad. At one point I made the mistake of thinking, and even more dangerously, saying out loud, that my life was running smoothly with … Continue reading
Writer versus Reader
In a recent discussion with a group of friends about a novel we’d all read – a contemporary thriller which they loved and I didn’t – I was told I was approaching it too much as a writer, instead of … Continue reading
Guest Blog About Never Giving Up
I’ve written a guest blog for the Writers and Artists website about why writers sometimes give up too soon in their quest for an agent. You can read it here.
The Meaninglessness of a First Draft
I attended an author’s event recently at which Maggie O’Farrell gave a reading from her latest novel, followed by an interview and Q&A. When asked how many times she drafted her novels, she asked the audience to guess. ‘Twice? Three … Continue reading
