How to get reviews for your books – honestly! For many of us writers, getting reviews is becoming very difficult. Some statistics say that very few people actually go to the trouble of reviewing the books they read. For those of us who have completed and published books, this makes it hard to sell them on […]
Archive | Blog
Writing in the Sun
Are you writing in the sun? I am – let me explain: we are enjoying a very unusual and very hot 31 degrees here in Galway and the sky is a beautiful blue. This makes a welcome change from the grey clouds and rain. I am usually prone to a bit of seasonal affective disorder but […]
The Stinging Fly Stories Anthology
The Stinging Fly Stories Anthology is a new collection of stories that were published in the Stinging Fly literary magazine over the last twenty years. It’s not easy for a literary magazine to survive in these changing times. But the Stinging Fly has not just survived but has thrived. Their continued success is a huge credit […]
Creating a Character – Sweet Little Things
Creating a character can be difficult sometimes. Yet other times it can be very easy. Personally, I mostly seem to find a character first and as I write a little about them a story begins to develop around them organically. I often find characters who have played a minor role in one book can develop further […]
A Story for Halloween and Other Scary Stuff
It’s that time of year again and I hope you’re all busy writing. I know I am. Lately, I’ve been feeling a wee bit overwhelmed. It happens to all writers. It’s all to do with marketing. I love writing but hate marketing. Problem is if you want to be an independent writer then you have […]
Keeping Your Writing A Secret
Keeping your writing a secret is something many of us, including myself, have done. For a fledgling writer this is the best way to protect your writing mind and your work, as you develop your skills. WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR WRITING A SECRET Too much criticism too early on in a career can stop […]
One of the Best Writing Tips
One of the best writing tips I heard recently is also one of the easiest to understand – and implement. I heard it today on a podcast. I am a big fan of podcasts and one of my favourites is Simon Whistler’s, Rocking Self-publishing Podcast. I listen regularly, often when walking my dog. I love […]
Does Life Imitate Art? The Grenfell Fire Tragedy
Does life imitate art, or is it the other way around? For me, that question has always been easy. I believe that art imitates, or reflects the life around us. But it can sometimes seem like the opposite. I have written about many subjects and explored many themes. Coincidence and synchronicity are bound to happen […]
Short Extract From A Work In Progress – by Grace Jolliffe
This is a short unedited extract from a work in progress and relates to an article I wrote about whether art imitates life or if it is the other way round. You can find ‘Does Life Imitate Art? here. Extract from When The Sun Shines by Grace Jolliffe After work, Josie got on the bus […]
Zero Content Books
Zero content books seem to be the latest ‘thing.’ This idea is being pushed hard by ‘writing gurus.’ They even tell you how – all you have to do is register for their seminars. Sound tempting? Well, not to me. If you look closely at these adverts you will see advice such as – be […]