Influences - Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
Every author of epic, dark fantasy owes a debt to Bridget Jones’s Diary - or is it just me?
Author Focus – Bjørn Larssen
My Author Focus blog articles are aimed at highlighting talented writers whose work I admire and who I believe deserve a wider audience. This month, it’s the turn of Bjørn Larssen.
The Importance of Readers
Everyone knows how important readers are for an author but it’s not for the reason you first think …
Author Focus – The Dex Legacy by Emily Inkpen
The first in an occasional series aimed at putting the spotlight on talented new writers whose work I admire. This month, I’m featuring Emily Inkpen.
What Does Writing Success Look Like?
Hall of Bones was published just over a year ago, which got me thinking about what being a successful writer really means.
Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off – Part 2
My reflections on reaching the Finals of this year’s SPFBO contest.
Summer Reading Recommendations
In this post I’ve summarised my favourite books of the past 12 months. I’d thoroughly recommend each of the following if you’re looking for late summer reading material and in need of some inspiration.
Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off – Part 1
After a bit of an absence, I’m back with my thoughts after having entered this year’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off.
Some Thoughts on Marketing
This month I share my thoughts and experiences so far when it comes to marketing as an author.
Influences - Neil Gaiman’s Sandman
This blog post looks at another of the key influences for my own writing. This month, I examine the impact of the Sandman graphic novel series, written by Neil Gaiman.
World Building
In this post I look at the importance of world building in writing fantasy literature.
Influences - Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
In the first of an occasional series of blog posts, I’m going to look at the work of other writers I admire and whose work I’ve found influential.
Writing Craft Part 3 – Writing Technique and Use of Language
This is the third of three blog posts on the subject of writing craft. This week’s post examines the use of language and some writing mistakes that are best avoided. This simple stuff can easily trip you up, despite knowing all the theory.
Writing Craft Part 2 – Characterization, Description and Dialogue
This is the second of three weekly blog posts on the subject of writing craft. This week I’m focusing on writing technique and how to develop and execute your ideas.
Writing Craft Part 1 – Dramatic Structure, Plot and Pacing
This series of posts are for writers who may be new to this business or looking for a few pointers as they try and wrestle their novel into shape. In the first of three weekly posts on writing craft I’m going to briefly look at the overall dramatic structure of a novel, as well as plot and pacing.
Author mindset
In this post I examine the mindset you need to have as an author, as well as some practical routines I’ve found useful in helping me to be productive and keep on track.
Why write?
If you’re not selling thousands of books and making a living off your writing then what’s the point? This post looks at the value of creativity in and of itself …