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Author Archives: claudia
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 some extra cash and … 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
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.
