In this last weekend of #indieapril, the month where we celebrate indie authors, I’d like to champion an author published by an independent publisher whose work I feel deserves a much wider audience. I first came across James Christie’s book, Dear Miss Landau, after it was chosen for an episode of the BBC Radio 4 […]
Another month, and another authors’ Round Robin. This month our question is… What are the advantages and disadvantages of first person, third person and the omniscient point of view? It wasn’t until my first novel, The Silk Romance, was going through editing that I grasped point of view as a writer. I learned a lot […]
It’s time for another of our authors’ Round Robins, and this month the topic is… How important is research for your writing? Besides writing fiction, I’m also the author of a non-fiction social history, Struggle and Suffrage in Halifax: Women’s Lives and the Fight for Equality. This book covers the period from 1800–1950. I’ve given […]
It’s my first authors’ Round Robin of the year, and this month our topic is… Using Goal, Motivation and Conflict to add tension to your story All stories are about people, because human beings love to hear stories about other human beings. At their heart, the most engrossing stories are about a character who wants… Continue reading How Goal, Motivation and Conflict add essential tension to your story
It’s the last authors’ Round Robin of the year! And this month, we’ve each of us taken the time to write a story for our readers. And so… …here’s my free heartwarming short story, The Elf Swap. I hope you enjoy! The Elf Swap Rosie hopped from foot to foot, blowing on her freezing fingertips.… Continue reading The Elf Swap: a free short story for Christmas
It’s another month, and another authors’ Round Robin. And this month the topic is… Setting the scene This seems a simple topic. A scene is just a scene, isn’t it? Just a few lines of description and then move on to the more interesting plot and dialogue. In fact skilful scene-setting can enrich the plot,… Continue reading 7 tips for setting the scene in your novel (and bringing it to life)
Another month, another writers’ Round Robin. And this month our topic is a question many novel writers have grappled with at some point. How do you fix a saggy middle? Imagine you’re a writer with a killer opening. You spend the next few chapters setting up your characters and the premise of the novel. You… Continue reading 7 tips to tighten the saggy middle of your story and keep readers engaged
Another month, and another authors’ Round Robin. This month our question is… …What’s your favourite point of view to write and/or read, and why? When I first started out writing, I struggled with point of view. I had no idea how choppy my story was until a very good editor pointed out how my fictional… Continue reading Do your heads hop? Some tips on choosing point of view and keeping it consistent
Another month, and another authors’ Round Robin. This month the topic has been set by author Skye Taylor How important is character arc to your stories and how does it tie in to the plot or story arc? I write and edit romance novels. These novels are character-driven rather than plot-driven, and so for me… Continue reading #Writetip: Seven steps for creating a strong character arc in your romance novel
If you haven’t yet seen the Netflix series Queen Charlotte, and if you’re looking for a touching love story, with a great script, an excellent cast, beautiful costumes and stunning scenery, then you’re in for a treat. Shonda Rhimes called this prequel to Bridgerton ‘fiction inspired by fact’. I loved this retelling, and what I… Continue reading The fabulous Kew Palace and the true story of Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte
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