Many people have the dream of writing a novel, but what separates those who do it from those who don’t quite manage? Here are some of my ideas as to why you may be finding it hard to write your book / novel and then I will go into some advice on how to make… Continue reading Reasons why you find it hard to write a book / novel
Category: Writing Tips
Writing Podcast Ep 2: How We Write
In today's episode, we are discussing the different ways three writers write. Everyone is different, that's what makes writing so special! Click to play! Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pocket Casts to subscribe for more like this (more episodes available there).
Writing Podcast Ep 1: Why We Write
My best friend and fellow writer Charlene Antrobus and I have started a podcast called Don't Quit Your Daydream! You can find it on Spotify, Pocket Casts, and Apple Podcasts. Here is episode one where we talk all about why we write and why we wanted to do this podcast in the first place. Click… Continue reading Writing Podcast Ep 1: Why We Write
The problem with reviewing art (films, tv, books)
Lately I’ve been trying to review the things I watch and read more than I used to. Why? Because it encourages me to engage more critically and closely with these things. To consume with a keen eye. This in turn helps me develop my own writing and my own tastes. However, I’ve noticed how difficult… Continue reading The problem with reviewing art (films, tv, books)
How to create natural tension and conflict in your narrative
Tension and suspense are key to gripping your reader. Conflict is what makes a story interesting but there is boring conflict and then there is natural and tense conflict! You want the latter if you can! I will be talking today about natural conflict and tension using the latest Planet of the Apes franchise to… Continue reading How to create natural tension and conflict in your narrative
Preptober – how to prepare for NaNoWriMo (or simply writing a novel quickly)
For those of you who don't know, I wrote my 84,000-word novel this year in about 5 weeks. This did not include writing every day. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is about writing 50,000 words in a month, so in a way, I did that this year already! However, I do want to do a… Continue reading Preptober – how to prepare for NaNoWriMo (or simply writing a novel quickly)
NaNoWriMo 2022 – what I’m doing
I’m making my own rules for this year's NaNoWriMo. For those who don't know, NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. Usually, writers and novelists all over the world will try to write 50,000 words in a month. This is usually in November. Although I'm quite busy, I would like to participate. However, I'm making my… Continue reading NaNoWriMo 2022 – what I’m doing
What to do about creative confusion
Many creators talk about writers block or feeling creatively stuck but what about feeling confusion in your creativity? When you have a lot of ideas and feel confused and unsure about where to go with them. This is how I feel at the moment. I started writing a semi-autobiographical story. It felt like a really… Continue reading What to do about creative confusion
I want stories to tell
I realised today that I am not a writer. Yes, I write. Yes, I can write well at times. But I am not a writer. A writer, to me, sounds like someone who is an expert; or enjoys it; or is well-practiced in the wielding of words. Words are their tools. They’re a wordsmith. Maybe… Continue reading I want stories to tell
Writing my novel this summer
I did it. The first draft of my adult dystopian fantasy is complete. 84,000 words written in 5 weeks (36 days) - not all of which were writing days. Started 26th July and finished 30th August. I got the idea sometime in June I believe. The time has come and gone so quickly. I really… Continue reading Writing my novel this summer
S. R. Crawford 