BRIDGET WHELAN writer

for writers and readers….

Why Fiction is More Interesting…Eleanor Roosevelt QUOTES FOR WRITERS

The reason that fiction is more interesting than any other form of literature, to those who really like to study people, is that in fiction the author can really tell … Continue reading

November 26, 2023 · 2 Comments

What We Hope For…Anton Chekhov QUOTES FOR WRITERS

Anton Chekhov in a pessimistic mood reflecting on the things we hope for…

November 19, 2023 · 4 Comments

Mrs Finnegan’s Almanac: Avoiding Flaming Tar Barrels

Discover what Bonfire night was like in 1836 Brighton and the 13th century saint who wrote about everything from alchemy to zoology (and a lot of other ologies)

November 14, 2023 · 4 Comments

Seeing the Familiar in a New Way – Donald Maass, New York Literary Agent QUOTES FOR WRITERS

…making me see the familiar in a wholly new way and making the unfamiliar a foundational part of me… 

November 12, 2023 · 2 Comments

How to Become a Famous Writer – Samuel Johnson

It is advantageous to an author that his book should be attacked as well as praised. Fame is a shuttlecock. If it be struck at one end of the room, … Continue reading

November 5, 2023 · 4 Comments

Think of it from the Blank Canvas’ Point of View – Philip Pullman QUOTES FOR WRITERS

The mind has plenty of ways of preventing you from writing, and paralysing self-consciousness is a good one. The only thing to do is ignore it, and remember what Vincent … Continue reading

October 29, 2023 · Leave a comment

Mrs Finnegan’s Almanac: Special Halloween Issue

If Halloween doesn’t make you as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs you must have nerves of iron…

October 25, 2023 · 3 Comments

Readers Take What They Want…John Steinbeck QUOTES FOR WRITERS

A man who tells secrets or stories must think of who is hearing or reading, for a story has as many versions as it has readers. Everyone takes what he … Continue reading

October 22, 2023 · 2 Comments

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

October 14, 2023 · 3 Comments

Mrs Finnegan’s Almanac: You’ll be Surprised What a Few Cloves Can Do

Onion skins, very thin. Mild winter coming in; Onion skin is thick and tough. Coming winter, cold and rough. An Old English rhyme. Winning the Battle Against Bedbugs A housekeeper … Continue reading

October 11, 2023 · 6 Comments

People Watching for Writers – Nora Zelevansky QUOTES FOR WRITERS

I study the people around me and think, “Someone, somewhere, was once in love with you.” Then, based on anything I can assess about their appearance, what they’re carrying, the … Continue reading

October 1, 2023 · 4 Comments

Mrs Finnegan’s Almanac – Offered: a Job Where You are Obliged to Do Nothing

As a non-riding equestrian, I have very SERIOUS advice for ladies riding side saddle which will prevent injury. The saint of the week has wings and there’s a job on offer…

September 26, 2023 · 9 Comments

The Difference Between Novels and Films – Nathan Bransford QUOTES FOR WRITERS

Novels need to make more sense than movies. That’s because when we read, we’re busy co-creating the world in our own heads. When it’s unclear why exactly a character is … Continue reading

September 17, 2023 · Leave a comment

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

September 16, 2023 · Leave a comment

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