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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Monday creative writing exercise because it’s a good way to start the week. And here’s a story starter…
This week it’s a very short exercise but a goody! Don’t ask why it’s so short and late…Oh, go on, do. My new shiny BIG pc is doing everything brilliantly … Continue reading
Monday Creative Writing Exercise because it’s a good way to start the week — WHAT IF….
Journalists ask who, what, why, where and when. Fiction writers ask WHAT IF. This is a good WHAT IF for a Monday and it could turn into almost anything: a … Continue reading
Did you know that the King James Bible…
has inspired the lyrics of more pop songs than any other book. Source: QI
Quotations for Writers (and people who like quotations) STEPHEN KING
I have never felt like I was creating anything. For me, writing is like walking through a desert and all at once, poking up through the hardpan, I see the … Continue reading
