Writing
A Lesson in Creativity.
There is a joyful expression of language, or music, or art that we have instinctively as children. Until at some stage someone tells us that we are not necessarily doing it ‘right’.
My true love gave to me…creativity, self esteem and joy – First Story Interview
“Seeing your own experiences reflected back to you in the stories you have written being read aloud, that can absolutely raise your self esteem.”
Bad Nut!
There were a few where the needle wouldn’t penetrate the stalk end, but a quick poke in the middle and it slipped right in. I put them in a ‘Not sure: To Re-test’ pile.
Heads up, everybody!
Sometimes, occasionally, I remember that I’m not driving a car. That I am allowed to take my eyes off the road…
Layers not Lines
I’ve been trying to explain how I write – without formalising a plot (I think this makes me what is called a Pantser) – to writers who are more used to devising their plot before they start (Plotters). So here goes.
Architecture, Writing and Life: Three things that should be hard work.
I do think that writing should be hard. That you should push yourself to make it the best you can, or else why bother? Not just writing in fact. Life.
Reading out of the box
This summer, motivated by the irk, as well as a pause in the day job, curiosity and a desire to improve my own writing, I embarked upon project ‘Reading out of the box’.
Gone Fishing
I had forgotten how much my brain needed airing.
Writing what we love
How do we match up writing what we love with writing what publishers want to sell?
It is never the right time.
There is a conspiracy amongst inanimate objects and just about everyone else in the world to provide valid excuses to you, The Writer, for why you are have not yet completed and submitted your manuscript.
Short stories – seducing writers and readers alike
Your next weekend could be a wonderful, novelicious monogomy-fest or it could be a promiscuous fiesta of short fiction.
The Cutting Room Floor
I confess to you here, my darlings are not dead.
July is peachy
In the roller-coaster of writing, months like this don’t happen very often…
Jackanory
Why storytelling rings my bell, plus Bristol Short Story Prize 2010 Shortlisting and high degrees of chuff.
Babelfish for character voice – the next big thing?
When we are creating our characters’ voices, how do we move from inspiration to appropriation, now we are all grown up?
If it isn’t David it has to go.
I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition…
Where’s your garret?
Are you a Martini writer or do you vant to be alone?
You can’t get there from here…
…but you can get here from there.
It’s wrangly.
When wrangling writing, career and motherhood becomes an extreme sport.
