For thousands of writers around the world, November is all about NaNoWriMo: the online challenge to write a book in a month. It’s a great way to get the creative blood pumping, connect with other writers, and get those words – all 50,000 of them – down on the page. But what if NaNoWriMo isn’t […]
Reader's block
I read a lot. Anything between two and five books a week, often with several on the go at once. I read hardbacks, paperbacks, proofs and e-books. I read newspapers, magazines, blogs and columns; and if there’s nothing else to read, I’ll read the back of the cereal packet. It’s compulsive. My reading selection is […]
Book covers: what draws you in?
A library in Cumbria is wrapping books in plain paper, to encourage readers to expand their choices and pick up something they wouldn’t normally read. It’s not a new idea (Google ‘blind date with a book’, and you’ll see what I mean) but it’s a great one. Covers are hugely important. as I write this, […]
Guest post: The Missing One, by Lucy Atkins
I recently read The Missing One by debut novelist, Lucy Atkins, which comes out on 16 January. It is a compelling and at times uneasy read, about a woman looking for the truth about her mother, and I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed it so much I asked Lucy to explain how the story […]
Ten things not to say to a writer
1. Wow, you’ve got a publishing deal! I bet you’re raking in the cash now. Yes, absolutely. In fact I’m struggling to type this, so bejewelled are my fingers. 2. Will you dedicate your book to me? I’ve only met you about three times. I don’t even like you. Why on earth would I dedicate […]
A Misunderstanding at the Pharmacy
Over the last few years I have accumulated quite a cache of drugs. Nothing wildly out of the ordinary, just an array of prescription painkillers with a sprinkling of sleeping tablets thrown in for good measure. Most of the packets were out of date and several were untouched so I thought it wise to get […]