Anyone who actively follows my blog must have noticed I've been feeling a bit icky creatively. It's only last week that I reminded myself that I'm not in a creative catastrophe! This is not a creative slump. I finished writing a novel's first draft only at the end of August, just two months ago. That… Continue reading How to Create Actively: Redefining Success and Creative Habits
Tag: authors life
How to ask for feedback as a writer
Writers need feedback to get better. Whether this is from friends, critique partners, beta readers, an agent, or editors. There’s no avoiding it. But how do we get the right feedback from people who perhaps aren’t in the professional field? What kind of questions do we actually need answered? Here’s some of my thoughts on… Continue reading How to ask for feedback as a writer
Writing and Reading Revelations – changing the way I do things this autumn-winter
I’ve realised a number of things about my writing and the books I’m reading that I thought I’d share in case they resonate with any of you, too. Writing the wrong way I think that I really enjoy writing in notebooks, but I rarely write my actual stories in them anymore, just notes. This is… Continue reading Writing and Reading Revelations – changing the way I do things this autumn-winter
Finishing your novel and feeling unsure about it
Last week, I finished writing another novel. Yay! I feel really good about this one. It’s definitely my strongest work and I felt sure I would pursue it for publishing. Now, I’m not so sure… Debut considerations Even though I have self-published three books in my early twenties, this next book will be my official… Continue reading Finishing your novel and feeling unsure about it
What type of writer are you?
It’s important as a writer to know what kind of writer you are. (I mean this in terms of a story writer but it might be applicable to other types of writers, too). It can help you to optimise your writing process, set appropriate goals and expectations, and find your groove. Night, day, morning, all… Continue reading What type of writer are you?
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
How I plan to consistently write this summer
I plan on having a writing-heavy summer! This means having a plan and also being flexible. I think that's where we can fall short with any of our goals; not having a clear plan to follow even when tired or confused, or not being flexible enough with our plans so that we can veer off… Continue reading How I plan to consistently write this summer
Feeling Resistance When You Sit Down to Write?
Sometimes when you sit down to write, you're excited and ready to get words on the page. Other times, not so much. Here are some quick tips to get you writing when you're feeling inner resistance! Get up and move your body instead; endorphins = energy and ideasHave a plan; if you know what you… Continue reading Feeling Resistance When You Sit Down to Write?
Am I a good writer?
You're not a real writer if your writing isn't literary. If you don't stay up all night bent over a keyboard or notebook, hand aching. If you dwell in the fantastical and impossible, instead of augmenting the real and important. My entire life I've been a writer and yet I've spent my entire life doubting… Continue reading Am I a good writer?
S. R. Crawford 