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Author Archives: claudia
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
Second Novel Syndrome
I caught a lovely old clip on the internet recently of Muriel Spark talking about how she writes a novel. She tells the interviewer that she writes her name on the first page, then the title on the next, then … Continue reading
Posted in On Getting Published, On Writing
Tagged editing, getting published, re-writing, second novel, self-doubt
3 Comments
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
Keeping it Real
I’ve had a period of rest from writing recently. My next novel is finished and while I wait to see if the powers that be consider it to have legs, I’ve been giving my writing brain a break. The best … Continue reading
Posted in General, On Getting Published
Tagged art, failure, fiction, lifestyle, literature, real life, social media, success
4 Comments
Thinking of Running the Marathon?
Watching the London Marathon today, I suspect I’m not alone in finding it so inspiring and uplifting I’ve thought to myself, hey, why don’t I have a go? Yes, I’ll put my name down for the London Marathon next year. … 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
Sit at a Typewriter and Bleed
A couple of people have mentioned to me that they haven’t noticed me blogging of late. So, what have I been up to? Apart from hiding from the sun, of course. Well, I’ve been writing. Nothing new in that. But, … 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.
Yes! I have an Agent!
Hurray! Does this mean I’m going to get published now? No, I’m afraid not. There are plenty of writers represented by very good agents who don’t make it to publication. What it does mean is that publishers may now be willing, … Continue reading
