When you compete with Shakespeare there’s only going to be one winner….Virginia Woolf Quotes for writers (and anyone who likes quotes)
I read Shakespeare directly I finished writing. When my mind is agape and redhot. Then it is astonishing. I never yet knew how amazing his stretch and speed and word-coining … Continue reading
Writing about women – SALLY WAINWRIGHT Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)
Why wouldn’t you put them on screen? I find women more interesting. They’re more heroic. The banality of the day-to-day; the reality of it; coping with the problems on a … Continue reading
The Seven Deadly Sins of Short Story Writing and how to avoid them
This post grew out of an article I originally wrote for the Hysterectomy Association when I was writer in residence of their annual writing competition earlier this year. I recently … Continue reading
The benefits of list-making – Rhodri Marsden Quotes for Writers (and people who like quotes)
Aside from heavy drinking, the creation of lists is the most effective temporary form of anxiety relief that I know of, and, as a bonus, it’s substantially cheaper and results … Continue reading
Do you know a poem by heart?
Does Wordsworth or Rosen or Gerald Manley Hopkins trip off your tongue? Are whole poems hard-wired into your memory so they are with you always – you don’t need a … Continue reading
How she did it. Kath McGurl’s 11 year Route to Publishing a Novel
The guest post this week comes from Kath McGurl and I am very glad to welcome her. I know Kath through her popular blog where she offers advice and information … Continue reading
“Coal miners don’t get coal miners’ block” John Green’s Dad — Quotes for writers (and people who like quotes)
I delete about 90% of my first drafts…so it doesn’t really matter much if on a particular day I write beautiful and brilliant prose that will stick in the minds … Continue reading
What book makes you happy?
The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays in the UK. Children can sign up at their local library, then read six library books of their … Continue reading
A Criminal ADVENTure – call for Christmasy short stories with a twist
I’ve just been contacted by a former City Lit student to tell me that she is now part of a group of aspiring crime writers who want to create a … Continue reading
Elizabeth Hein’s Route to Publication – a lesson in learning the craft, a lesson in not giving up or giving in…
I am very glad to hand over my blog today to Elizabeth Hein who lives in North Carolina. We have only met online – but as a regular reader of … Continue reading
Full house for ‘Dancing with words’
It was a wonderful night at Brighton’s Amnesty Bookshop – a great launch for DANCING WITH WORDS. Ann Perrin has captured some of the fun in her popular blog. Thanks … Continue reading
If you can read you can write – not so says Richard Hugo, even if you have a Phd — Quotes for writers (and people who like quotes)
Scholars seem to assume that if you can read you can write. It’s sad to see someone with a fresh Ph.D. coast for a few years, understandably after such a … Continue reading
Tomorrow – the launch of a very special book
DANCING WITH WORDS – the Brighton charity anthology in aid of Martlets Hospice – will be launched at 7pm on Saturday September 20th at the Amnesty Bookshop in the heart … Continue reading
Given up on a novel or a memoir? Need a manuscript MOT? Join me on a Saturday workshop and get back on the road…
It started so well. Your word count was rising and your creative satnav was set to ‘go’. And then around chapter four, you lost your way and ground to a … Continue reading
BRIDGET WHELAN writer 