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Category Archives: General
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
The Magic of Iceland
Following on from my previous blog, the question many friends have been asking me since my return is, how was Iceland? As in Iceland, the place, not the writing retreat. I feel somewhat unqualified to answer. Firstly, I spent very … Continue reading
The Writer’s Chair
I have recently returned from a writers’ retreat which involved, amongst other delights, two full days of writing workshops with an impressive line up of authors. The biggest draw for me was the author, Miriam Toews, whose book, All My … Continue reading
A Few of my Favourites
There are a lot of blogs coming out now comprising ‘best of’ reading lists for 2015. For want of anything better to write, I’m going to join in. Why anyone would care about what I’ve read this year, I don’t … Continue reading
Writing for No-one
Writers are often told they should keep a journal. I imagine a writer’s journal to be something erudite and practical: the exposition of process, working through problems and strategies, accruing material and ideas. I’ve never written a journal like this. … Continue reading
A Writer’s Escape
For the past couple of summers I have taken myself off to the wonderful Retreats for You for some dedicated writing time. Here I was given a room, a writing desk, good food, drink and company. This year, however, I … Continue reading
Guest Blog
On the Writers and Artists website about writers’ groups – are they a good idea?
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How to Write Two Novels in One
Today I attended a small literary festival, specifically to listen to a talk about publishing. Oh, how depressing it was. This wasn’t for the usual reasons. There were no gloomy statistics on the odds stacked against aspiring authors. Rather the … Continue reading
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What next after the second draft?
What do you do when you’ve finished the second draft of your novel? Well, first of all, you fend off the inevitable queries of ‘Does this mean it’s going to get published now?’ Then, if you’re like me, you send … Continue reading
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Who Knows Best What’s Good or Bad Writing?
Recently I applied to join a writers’ group. I didn’t particularly want to join the group. I already meet up fairly regularly with three fellow writers who offer mutual support and constructive criticism. I always find our meetings extremely useful … Continue reading
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