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Author Archives: claudia
Short Story Finalist
To celebrate the little pluses that come our way is an important part of writing. I’m not much of a short story writer. I spend most of my time grappling with the beast that is the novel. But, occasionally, I … Continue reading
Posted in General
Tagged finalist, London Independent Story Prize, short story, writing competitions
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The Biggest Obstacle to Writing
What is the biggest obstacle to writing? Lack of time, maybe. Lack of money. Lack of confidence. Lack of ideas. Lack of discipline. Lack of space. Lack of stamina. According to American author and teacher, Joyce Carol Oates, the greatest … Continue reading
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
