Do exercises really help writers to write?
Kate Mosse, bestselling author of Labyrinth, says that writers ought to practice writing in much the same ways as musicians practice the scales. She is not alone in suggesting that … Continue reading
Read HILLS LIKE WHITE ELEPHANTS if you’re coming to my new writing course, or even if you aren’t…
I’ve handed out copies of Hemingway’s famous short story to students I’ve met who are enrolling in my new course and I thought I should also mention it here. It … Continue reading
So, the theory is that I don’t HAVE to read anything ever again…because I’m going to die
Over at Literary Hub, Emily Temple has worked out how many books you are likely to read before you die – combining life expectancy tables and working on the basis … Continue reading
Sign up for my creative writing newsletter – and get a free gift to kickstart your writing new year!
The next issue will be sent out on Sunday January 1st and it contains more news, opportunities and writing exercises than ever before. I only send it out three or … Continue reading
FREE 100 word short story competition for adults and children
Reader’s Digest are running a free 100 Word Story Competition on any subject. However, it has to be EXACTLY 100 words long (not including the title). The story must be … Continue reading
Let’s write a scary chain story together
I’m in Mexico for the Day of the Dead right now – I’m posting about it on my other blog At A Gentle Pace – so I’m very tuned into* … Continue reading
Wanted: a topical Jewish play from UK writer
Matthew Frener (Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Free Rayne Artists) and Michaela Stern (Co-Founder of Collaborative Artists) are looking for new full length plays that tackle topical issues and which … 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
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
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
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
What was on Facebook’s Creative Writing page last week…
Have you really got a story? 10% off Under Their Skin: character masterclass with a bestselling thriller writer and a senior NHS psychologist A cartoon about all the things you … Continue reading
International Poetry competition – one of the biggest and best
One of the world’s biggest and most prestigious poetry contests, the National Poetry Competition is now open for previously unpublished poems of up to 40 lines on any subject. (Publication … Continue reading
How to Write a Covering Letter to an Agent or Publisher
Writing a decent covering letter – or query letter as they are known in America – is one of the hardest things a new writer has to tackle. Here’s good … Continue reading
