Forgeting and remembering: light and dark, says Scottish historian and thinker Thomas Carlyle. Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)
Oblivion is the dark page, whereon Memory writes her light-beam characters, and makes them legible; were it all light nothing could be read there, any more than if it were … Continue reading
Bob Dylan wins the Nobel Prize, but he’s been on the short list for years
I am delighted that Bob Dylan has won the 2016 Nobel Prize in literature. Shock has been expressed by some and it’s the first time the award has gone to … Continue reading
Write a poem for children about kings and queens
The Emma Press is looking for poems about British and Irish kings and queens, for a new anthology aimed at children aged 8+. The book will be called The Head … Continue reading
Salvador Dali’s precise definition of a cliche QUOTES FOR WRITERS (and people who like quotes)
The first man to compare the cheeks of a young woman to a rose was obviously a poet; the first to repeat it was possibly an idiot. Salvador Dali
Granta Literary Magazine welcomes unsolicited submissions for 2016 and 2017
Granta calls itself the magazine for new writing but that simple description doesn’t do it justice. One of the best Christmas presents I’ve ever had was a subscription so I … Continue reading
“Every fictional plot contains hints and traces of the stories it has excluded…” Susan Sontag QUOTES FOR WRITERS (and people who like quotes)
Every fictional plot contains hints and traces of the stories it has excluded or resisted in order to assume its present shape. Alternatives to the plot ought to be felt … Continue reading
International Spine-chilling short story competition
The Creative Competitor – an author service organisation – have been running writing competitions for over five years. This month they want something scary in 1000 words or less (and … Continue reading
“…a writer has the duty to be good, not lousy…” E.B. White QUOTES FOR WRITERS (and people who like quotes)
A writer should concern himself with whatever absorbs his fancy, stirs his heart, and unlimbers his typewriter. I feel no obligation to deal with politics. I do feel a responsibility … Continue reading
Feeling jaded? Take a 15 minute Samuel Beckett break
If you are wondering why you bother, why you even try to choose words that maybe someone else might want to read or hear someday; or pick up a paintbrush … Continue reading
“I don’t think writer’s block actually exists…” Philipp Meyer QUOTES FOR WRITERS (and people who like quotes)
I don’t think “writer’s block” actually exists. It’s basically insecurity — it’s your own internal critic turned up to a higher level than it’s supposed to be at that moment, … Continue reading
Brilliant residency opportunity for writers with a head for heights
Maison de L’Ecriture, Montricher. Photo © Claudine Garcia This is a writing opportunity that is the epitome of cool… A Swiss Foundation is offering writers the chance to live and … Continue reading
7 Point Story Structure [Resources]
Originally posted on Word Hunter:
In response to a question to me, I have not created a 7 Point Story Structure, but have shared many of them. Here’s an amalgamation…
“…writers who believe one word is as good as another…” Gore Vidal QUOTES FOR WRITERS (and people who like quotes)
For every Scott Fitzgerald concerned with the precise word and the selection of relevant incident, there are a hundred American writers, many well-regarded, who appear to believe that one word … Continue reading
Children only: write a scene for Horrible Histories
CBBC is running a writing competition for 6-14 year-olds across the UK. They want a short sketch for Horrible Histories. The winning script will be turned into an actual sketch … Continue reading
BRIDGET WHELAN writer 