Fine, I admit it, I have bought a LOT of books in the last month or so since my no-buy at the start of 2026. Since my birthday, I've splurged! Firstly, intentionally, and then, it sort of just happened. Let me explain! I've visited charity shops a lot in April, due to my birthday, my… Continue reading Justifying book buying: owning more books than I’ll likely ever read
Tag: authors
Authors whose careers and styles inspire me
I am learning more about my reading tastes but I'm also learning which authors' careers and styles I would like for my own author journey. Why it's good to know this Comp Titles - these are comparative titles, as in books that are similar in style or genre to your work, which you will need… Continue reading Authors whose careers and styles inspire me
What if you and the story just aren’t connecting?
Speaking with a friend and fellow writer, I’ve finally summed up my issue with my writing at the moment. Connection. Sometimes, a story is great. It works. Or it has narrative promise, strong characters and fits the genre and industry well. But sometimes, you still don’t connect with the story yourself. This is a problem… Continue reading What if you and the story just aren’t connecting?
Reminders for every time I plan to write
Today I wanted to share a list of things I nearly always have to remind myself before I write. Sometimes we have routines or even just a burst of energy and a desire to write, but then the fear or resistance sets in. Like we're being tortured by this desire that one moment ago brought… Continue reading Reminders for every time I plan to write
A shy writer’s guide to talking to other writers!
I wanted to write this post purely for myself! I had an encounter at work where a coworker told me someone had told them that I was a writer. This was nice and I didn’t get embarrassed (for once) but when it came time to actually talk writing and books, I panicked. Luckily, he had… Continue reading A shy writer’s guide to talking to other writers!
The power of going slow when writing (and in life)
This week, I started a new novel. I’m very excited about this one as it’s slightly different from the ones I’ve done before, but it is inspired by the last three high fantasy novels I’ve written over the last two years. However, there’s something I need to fight at the moment: the urge to rush.… Continue reading The power of going slow when writing (and in life)
Are you scared to write your novel?
Damn it, I think I'm scared to write my novel! I have a solid story idea that excites me. It makes me think of a Pixar film, which is a good sign immediately! But for some reason, there's a lot of resistance in me to write the thing. I'm off from work on Easter break,… Continue reading Are you scared to write your novel?
Why I love writing stories
I think writing is dreaming. It’s the reason I write fantasy novels. I dream of other worlds and possibilities I can’t live in real life. And writing from another character means we get to live other lives. Make different choices without suffering the consequences or the fear in reality. It’s the reason I really want… Continue reading Why I love writing stories
How to Create Actively: Redefining Success and Creative Habits
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
How to World Build for a Fantasy Novel – Writing Podcast Ep. 7
Welcome back, Daydreamers! Today we are bringing out the big guns and talking about how to build a world for your fantasy novel. Worldbuilding is a big part of being a fantasy novelist and if this scares you, don't worry, we have your back! Here is everything to consider when worldbuilding and how to write… Continue reading How to World Build for a Fantasy Novel – Writing Podcast Ep. 7
S. R. Crawford 