Meet a bestselling novelist with a passion for teaching – a member of the Beach Hut Writing Academy
Araminta Hall – the basics. Araminta worked for 10 years as a journalist before studying for a MA in Creative Writing at the University of Sussex. Her first novel, Everything … Continue reading
Science fiction gets its own review column
The NEW YORK TIMES will publish a bi-weekly column devoted to book reviews of science fiction and science fantasy. Very good news for authors and readers of a genre that … Continue reading
New Year quotes for writers (and people who like quotes)
Neil Gaiman I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, … Continue reading
When did reading become a competitive sport?
Are you a fan of reading challenges? 52 books in a year that kind of thing. Or do you support the call for slower, more thoughtful reading?
2015 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog. Here’s an excerpt: The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about … Continue reading
The story so far…you work out where it goes from here
This chain story was started before Christmas, but I want to find out what happens in the end so let’s carry on. Join Glen, Vanessa, Loretta, Gail and me and … Continue reading
Beginning with a sense of dread and trepidation: Susan Sontag Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)
I always begin with a great sense of dread and trepidation. Nietzsche says that the decision to start writing is like leaping into a cold lake. Only when I’m about … Continue reading
You have to follow what the book needs says E.A.Bucchianeri Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)
…The Book is more important than your plans for it. You have to go with what works for The Book – if your ideas appear hollow or forced when they … Continue reading
The Accidental Bestseller
Two years ago Alison Waines’ psychological thriller set in contemporary London was published. Suddenly in 2015 sales figures took off. According to The Wall Street Journal, the former psychotherapist found … Continue reading
New Chain Story – join in and take it to new and interesting places
Everyone can have a go and you can have as many turns as you like, but they can’t be consecutive – in other words you have to wait for someone … Continue reading
One very surprising thing about a list of the 10 best British novels…
BBC Culture recently conducted a poll of 82 book critics to discover their favourite British novels. None of the critics live in the UK; they come from USA, Europe, Asia, … Continue reading
The novel combines freedom with intimacy says JANE SMILEY Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)
To me as a reader, this greatest thing about the novel…is that it gives access to the mind of the writer. Our Mutual Friend is a perfect example of this: … Continue reading
Our Weird and Wonderful Chain Story – Number Two
This is the story that finished last Sunday. Thanks to Danny, Sue, Laurie, Gail, Veronica, Justine and Loretta for contributing. Here’s our story in full – I topped and tailed … Continue reading
Bestselling book for writers – now less than half price
WANT TO WRITE? Not sure where to start? Try one of the 30 imaginative exercises in BACK TO CREATIVE WRITING SCHOOL gifgifs Until next midnight Sunday December 6th you can … Continue reading
BRIDGET WHELAN writer 