How to Win at a Writing Competition without Claiming First Prize
Agents take notice of the results of writing competitions and competition organisers often have strong links with agents.
My Year in Books – Lists Upon Lists
There is something seductive about articles called The TEN Best Books…or 16 Desert Island You Must Visit or even 101 Cats Foods for Fastidious Felines. Lists are like letters, we … Continue reading
My Year in Books – The Craft of Writing
I’m not a huge fan of books on writing that are long on discussion and short on showing. I can take the chat if somewhere all along the line I … Continue reading
Words are Dangerous…in this Comedy Sketch
This is one of my favourite YouTube videos. I gather it’s become a regular feature in many High School classrooms. If you know of any others that have made you … Continue reading
Learn to Write a Sijo and Enter a Free International Competition
Poets! Discover a new poetic form and have a go at a free-to-enter international competition
So, what does your bookcase look like…?
Glen Donaldson, Australian writer-blogger-player-with words, appealed to readers to send him a photograph of their home bookcase. I sent pictures of my four in what I would like to think … Continue reading
Dartington Trust Gardens are looking for a Poet in Residence
The position is open to any poet in the UK and will run from January to December 2022. The poet in residence will make four weekend trips to Dartington, one … Continue reading
Poems by Phone…because sometimes you need a shot of magic
I’ve just read that a new bright blue telephone booth has been installed in Dubuque, Iowa to give callers a direct line to poetry. It is a year long project … Continue reading
A Publisher Reveals 9 Things You Should Never Put in a Plot (probably)
Blind Eye Books is an American publisher of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance novels featuring LGBTQ protagonists. Editor in Chief Nicola Kimberling has decided not to say what she … Continue reading
START THE WEEK with a writing exercise using the power of ART and GOOGLE
Today it’s time for an ekphrastic exercise – writing about or inspired by a painting. In Dostoyevsky’s novel The Idiot, characters see a painting of Christ that is supposed to … Continue reading
START THE WEEK with a creative writing exercise – reclaim the word NICE
Hope’ is the thing with feathers –That perches in the soul –And sings the tune without the words –And never stops – at all – And sweetest – in the … Continue reading
START THE WEEK with a creative writing exercise – start a memoir with a drawing
There’s a big difference between thinking about a story concept or the way a character develops and thinking with a pen in your hand. Writing – even when you know … Continue reading
START THE WEEK with a creative writing exercise that will work for ever and ever….
Actually, this isn’t a writing exercise at all. It is a writing prompt. There’s a difference: an exercise is designed, it is crafted and – ideally – should be tested … Continue reading
START THE WEEK with a writing exercise: a character lucky dip
I love the random nature of this exercise. Most of the time it is just writing practice, exploring how to reveal emotion and develop character, but it is a bit … Continue reading
BRIDGET WHELAN writer 