I’m a writer of romance fiction – but romance that lives in the real-world. When I tell people I write books, they normally adopt a goofy grin and react like I’m living the dream. Which I know I am. But here’s a newsflash – living the dream takes work! Books don’t write themselves, ideas don’t spring out of the air and smoking 20 cigarettes a day does not help your productivity. I know, life sucks. Here are ten other writing truths that aspiring writers should note… Continue reading » “Ten Truths For Writers”
Tag: writing
A Day In The Life Of An Author
This month, I’m taking part in an independent author panel at LFest 2014, giving a reading from my debut novel London Calling as well as chatting about the process of writing. It’s going to be sharp, bold and sassy, and I’ll be appearing alongside other indie authors Clare Ashton, Kiki Archer and Cindy Rizzo. Above is a promo video I did for LFest, A Day In The Life Of An Author – all tongue in cheek of course. I actually spend far more time faffing around on social media every day than is shown here…
LFest is taking place from July 18th-21st at Uttoxeter Race Course. Find out more and buy tickets here.
Review: The London Book Fair 2014
This week I’ve mostly lived up to my female stereotype. No, I haven’t been baking scones or screaming at children in supermarket aisles, rather I’ve been multi-tasking like a wizened ninja. Monday was admin; Tuesday & Friday were music; and on Wednesday and Thursday I went along to The London Book Fair ready to immerse myself in its soft, papery underbelly… Continue reading » “Review: The London Book Fair 2014”
Self-Publishing: Ten Things To Consider
I recently self-published my first novel London Calling: the key words in that first sentence are ‘self-published’. The debate rages on about whether authors should put their work out via traditional publishers or do it yourself, but for me it made sense to go DIY because I wanted to get my book out this year. So is it the right move for you too? Here are the top ten things to consider when self-publishing… Continue reading » “Self-Publishing: Ten Things To Consider”
Top Ten Things That Make Me Happy
Look up happiness in the dictionary and it says: bliss, contentment, pleasure and joy. The very opposite of the natural human state then. Pharrell knows how to be happy (wear a hat, walk with plenty of jaunt, sing a song). Captain Sensible knew that it took talking and wearing silly hats (I see a hat theme). But what is it that makes you happy? I mean apart from boring old friends/family/partner/smartphone. What are the things that make your entire being fizz with satisfaction? Here are my top ten… Continue reading » “Top Ten Things That Make Me Happy”
Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions
It’s January 3rd already. I know, the year’s just flying by isn’t it? So how many of your New Year’s resolutions have you stuck to so far? All of them? None of them? Didn’t make any? I’m sat squarely in the final category but maybe I could be persuaded to change that if I could think of some really top-notch resolutions that would truly change the world. Well, my world at least. Here goes… Continue reading » “Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions”
2013: How Was It For You?
As the glitterball known as 2013 performs its final turn, it’s time to assess the previous 12 months and ponder whether you’re happy to see the back of them or if you’re clinging on for dear life. How was the year for you? Continue reading » “2013: How Was It For You?”
How To Write A Novel
I wrote my first novel when I was eleven years old. It was called ‘They Came From…?’ and it centred around the Obbobby family who’d just landed from Mars. This, unlike Alanis Morisette’s song of the same name, is ironic because flash-forward to my adult years and I hate science-fiction with a passion. Dr Who, Star Wars, Babylon 5, Star Trek – I ducked the lot. But one thing I have carried through to my adult years is a passion to write and this has come to fruition recently, as I’ve just completed my second novel… Continue reading » “How To Write A Novel”