Creative Writing Exercise Number 6 from the Archive
We need to make the most of the summer so today’s exercise is very simple: go outside to write whenever you have the chance. But do it in a way … Continue reading
Creative Writing Exercise Number 5 from the Archive
Bestselling crime writer Elmore Leonard, who died last month aged 87, had 10 Rules for Writing. Number three was Never use a verb other than “said” to carry dialogue. The … Continue reading
Creative Writing Exercise Number 4 from the Archive
This is a lucky dip romance…. Pick your numbers and you’ll have your two characters and what brings them together…but no scrolling! It’s much more fun if you do this … Continue reading
Creative Writing Exercise Number 3 from the Archive
A very straightforward creative writing exercise today…all you have to do is write and keep on writing until you’ve managed to incorporate all the words on the scrabble board. (Did … Continue reading
International Nonfiction Essay Competition
As the oldest literary and arts review in the UK, The London Magazine has a long history of publishing great essayists; works by the likes of T.S. Eliot can be found … Continue reading
Creative Writing Exercise Number 2 from the Archives
THE BLUE MAN OPENED HIS EYES AND SAID…. I took the photograph in Mill Cove House in Castletownbere, West Cork in 2010. The art gallery and cafe are surrounded by … Continue reading
Creative Writing Exercise Number 1 from the Archive
Want to write about the seriously wealthy but when you look out the window for inspiration the view is dominated by grey pebbledash and black bin liners spilling a week … Continue reading
International grants for writers and artists with children
The Sustainable Arts Foundation is offering $5000 awards to writers and artists with children. The money can be used for costs such as child care, workspaces, new equipment, research and travel. The Sustainable … Continue reading
I’m having August off…so there will a lot more posts here
No, I’m not taking a holiday to devote myself entirely to this blog. Much as I love it and you, dear reader, that wouldn’t be sensible as I’m sure you’d … Continue reading
Nothing really ends, said Kurt Vonnegut – bad news for short story writers. QUOTES FOR WRITERS (and people who like quotes)
Nothing ever really ends. That’s the horrible part of being in the short-story business—you have to be a real expert on ends. Nothing in real life ends. ‘Millicent at last … Continue reading
A Portrait made of layers – ART FOR WRITERS
Another striking portrait this week. This is by Syrian artist Aula Al Ayoub who usually paints women. She starts three or four projetcs at a time and keeps alternating between … Continue reading
International Writing Competition and you don’t have to be even a little bit Scottish…
The Highlands and Islands Short Story Association are running their annual competition again this year. Enties are welcome from all over the world and you or your entry don’t need … Continue reading
I want to write about the air we breathe – Arundhati Roy QUOTES FOR WRITERS (and people who like quotes)
Of course, as a novelist, I never want to write about “issues” like “the Indian family.” What I want to write about is the air we breathe. These days, I … Continue reading
A revealing portrait – an example of showing, not telling ART FOR WRITERS
I don’t think I have to say much about this week’s inspiring picture. It’s an arresting face staring back at the viewer, devoid of hope. The title tells us everything … Continue reading
BRIDGET WHELAN writer 