BRIDGET WHELAN writer

for writers and readers….

It’s Not Finding The Time To Write, It’s Finding The Right Time – Kelly Link QUOTES FOR WRITERS

American short story writer Kelly Link couldn’t work out why she hated doing the one thing that she wanted to do most in the world until she discovered it was all about timing.

April 2, 2023 · 4 Comments

Throwing It All Into The Book – Paul Harding QUOTES FOR WRITERS

A quote from novelist Paul Harding – author of Pulitzer-Prize winning, Tinkers – reveals where he gets his inspiration

March 12, 2023 · 5 Comments

Nick Cave on Writing a New Song for 2023 QUOTES FOR WRITERS

“…I’m actually scared…” Nick Cave on the hard, hard work of writing and not being sure if you will make it this time

February 12, 2023 · 10 Comments

The Trouble with Inspiration – Crime Writer Peter Temple QUOTES FOR WRITERS

Inspiration isn’t to be trusted says crime writer Peter Temple

November 6, 2022 · 2 Comments

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

June 22, 2020 · Leave a comment

Originality is non-existent – so steal, advises film director Jim Jarmusch QUOTES FOR WRITERS

Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street … Continue reading

April 5, 2020 · 6 Comments

Developing empathy – what fiction does for us: Laila Lalami QUOTES FOR WRITERS

Stories help us see the world through the eyes of others: We see what they see; we’re provoked or inspired or amused; we take sides or withhold judgment—but in the … Continue reading

February 3, 2019 · Leave a comment

What inspires us – Seamus Heaney QUOTES FOR WRITERS

‘Inspiration…it’s a large ancient word. It means something that tempts you, that suggests you could go ahead – a little flicker of energy. It doesn’t need to be dramatic, just … Continue reading

January 27, 2019 · 2 Comments

Resist the urge to do housework, says Pat Barker. QUOTES FOR WRITERS

Keep your bum glued to the chair. It’s extraordinary how, if a piece of writing is going badly—and sometimes even when it’s going well—other activities become steadily more attractive. Not … Continue reading

September 16, 2018 · 13 Comments

Inspiring Pictures for Writers over the holidays: THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS EVE

I don’t know if it has a title, but I would be tempted to call it Trolly Rage. Is that what it feels like at the moment? Or are you … Continue reading

December 23, 2016 · 1 Comment

Poets can wait for inspiration, novelists can’t – Neil Gaiman QUOTES FOR WRITERS (and people who like quotes)

If you only write when you’re inspired you may be a fairly decent poet, but you’ll never be a novelist because you’re going to have to make your word count … Continue reading

November 27, 2016 · 1 Comment

Five Tips for writing flash fiction plus one inspirational exercise that will deliver a plot to your keyboard

I originally wrote this post for the Hysterectomy Association when I was writer in residence of their annual writing competition earlier this year. Flash Fiction goes by many names: micro … Continue reading

November 3, 2014 · 7 Comments

Can’t write? Do the housework instead – Chuck Palahniuk Quotes for writers (and people who like quotes)

Alternating the thoughtful task of writing with the mindless work of laundry or dish washing will give you the breaks you need for new ideas and insights to occur. If … Continue reading

May 18, 2014 · 4 Comments

Why writers write: Philip Larkin — Quotes for writers (and people who like quotes)

It seems as if you’ve seen this sight, felt this feeling, had this vision, and have got to find a combination of words that will preserve it by setting it … Continue reading

April 6, 2014 · Leave a comment

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