Writers: don’t think of it as rejection – Barbara Kingsolver Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)
This manuscript of yours that has just come back from another editor is a precious package. Don’t consider it rejected. Consider that you’ve addressed it ‘to the editor who can … Continue reading
9 famous authors rejected by publishers (comfort for emerging writers)
I enjoyed reading the article published by The Writers Circle website about famous authors who were not only rejected (in one case 800 times), but also had to suffer crushing … Continue reading
Publisher looking for new crime thriller writers launches short story competition
To celebrate Oldcastle Books 30th birthday the publisher has set up a new short story competition for its crime fiction imprint, No Exit Press. It is open to any unpublished … Continue reading
The writer’s most natural style…Kurt Vonnegut Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)
The writing style which is most natural for you is bound to echo the speech you heard when a child. English was Conrad’s third language, and much that seems piquant … Continue reading
A free writing competition with a BIG difference – they want you to show off your marketing skills as well
Neil Raphel, acquisitions editor of Brigantine Media, says: “… publishing success or failure depends on our authors’ commitment to marketing.” Brigantine Media, based in Vermont, started life 30 something years … Continue reading
Names invented by Writers
Just back from a wonderful and very productive writing residency in Portugal . As I need to catch breath, unpack and get to grips with unanswered emails I thought I … Continue reading
A hint…a suggestion…Orson Welles Quotes for Writers and Playwrights (and people who like quotes)
I want to give the audience a hint of a scene. No more than that. Give them too much and they won’t contribute anything themselves. Give them just a suggestion … Continue reading
Test your knowledge of English…and weep
Which of the following is the “correct” plural of octopus? Which are acceptable variants? Which are “wrong”? octopuses octopi octopodes This old blog (the original post was written five years … Continue reading
International Humour Writing competition in honour of Mark Twain
Against the assault of Laughter nothing can stand — Mark Twain This is the second annual competition organised to raise funds for the Mark Twain House and Museum in Connecticut USA … Continue reading
Mentoring for Novelists – from the inside
I’m delighted to welcome Laura Wilkinson to my blog. She is many things, including a succesful novelist and busy mother. She is also a professional writing mentor. On May 1st … Continue reading
What women writers need…Lorrie Moore Quotes for Writes ( and people who like quotes)_
If I had a staff of even one person, or could tolerate a small amphetamine habit, or entertain the possibility of weekly blood transfusions, or had been married to Vera … Continue reading
Free Poetry Workshop in Brighton – book now
CREATIVE FUTURE – the national organisation that nurtures marginalised artists and writers – is running a free creative writing workshop on May 19th in Brighton Two poets will lead a … Continue reading
Writing is a humbling occupation – Paul Auster Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)
Each book is a new book. I’ve never written it before and I have to teach myself how to write it as I go along. The fact that I’ve written … Continue reading
This is a first for me….
I’m performing in a horse box next Friday and Saturday at Brighton Festival Fringe. I’m told it’s a very nice horse box and it is sited right next door to … Continue reading
BRIDGET WHELAN writer 