Writing Discipline
As a follow-up to yesterday’s Top Ten Tips on NaNoWriMo, I thought I ought to add a response to two of the comments I’ve received. The two points that were raised both relate to discipline more than anything else. First, another writer was a little concerned at my point 7. She pointed out, quite rightly, that she was an … Continue reading
NaNoWriMo – My Top Ten Tips!
So here it is, another year, and already another NaNoWriMo. You’ve never heard of it? It’s the National Novel Writing Month, and it involves a vast number of aspiring authors getting together with professional writers, making a statement about their objective of writing a book in the month of November, and cracking on with it. … Continue reading
And so, back to work…
This has been a strange weekend. So full of fun and enjoyment, but all shot through with melancholy. On the 4th of October, Beryl Joan Jecks, mother to four boys and foster-mother to Caroline, died. It was unpleasant seeing such a happy, vibrant lady fade away. The funeral was held on Friday. It was hard, as … Continue reading
Review: HEARTS OF STONE by Simon Scarrow
As I have said before, I will only review books I’ve enjoyed. Well … I’m a novelist, and I’ve written enough books to cost half the Amazon rainforest. That, for me, means I’m pretty hard to please. Especially in my chosen specialist subject of the historical story. Historicals for me create a number of problems. … Continue reading
Quickly!
I’m in the middle of preparing for an interview with Simon Scarrow this evening at Plymouth International Book Festival. I’ve admired Simon’s work for years now, although I’ve never had a chance to meet him before, so this is going to be great fun, talking to him about his writing, his latest books, and anything … Continue reading
Harrogate and more
I have been booked for most of this year to go to the Harrogate History Festival, and I was really looking forward to it, but I’ve had to cancel. My event was to be on the 23rd, and that is the day of my mother’s funeral. Apologies to anyone who was hoping to see me there. Before … Continue reading
Judging, Interviewing and Writing When I Can!
Another busy week flies past! First, I had to plan a new story. Not easy, this, because it is based on a period I know very little about, but after Monday and Tuesday sitting with my head immersed in books, the period came to life for me. I fancy I’ll have the main plot finished … Continue reading
BBC and all that
Last week was another busy one. Plenty of writing and planning, but then I had to go up to London to discuss the next books. I am currently on a two book contract. The first of the pair is written and submitted: it’s the last of the Vintener Trilogy, and deals with events ten years … Continue reading
Beating the Bounds
Today is the first day of a new way of working for me. Working in silence. It’s very odd. It’s very quiet. Yesterday was full of noise and bustle because we had the seven-yearly parish beating of the bounds. Many years ago this tradition was created in order that the people of the parish knew … Continue reading
Herstmonceaux
There are some festivals I have been over the years where, to be fair, the gig doesn’t live up to expectation. Most are great fun, don’t get me wrong. And for any author, it is wonderful to be let off the leash now and again, to go and drink with friends and chat about mutual interests, … Continue reading
writerlywitterings 