I have lots of students who tell me that they don’t think their writing is good enough, it can’t compete with bestselling authors. Don’t ever compare yourself with anyone else. Always remember that even bestselling authors were once beginners.
Tag: authorship
Monday Writing Tips-The Writer’s Notebook
My first tip to students is always the same. Carry a notebook with you at all times. You never know when you’re going to get an idea for a story, a character or even a location. Jot down anything that comes into your head. Believe me when I say, one day you’ll use it in…
Book Stop Tour-Helen Gillespie author of The Goodbyes
Please welcome author, Helen Gillespie on her book tour for her latest book, The Goodbyes… TWL-Why and when did you decide to become an author? Although writing a novel took many years, I had previously written many newspaper articles that centered on personalities and their achievements. I found myself on this trajectory when I signed…
Monday Writing Tips-Writing Isn’t Easy
Most of the writers I mentor and coach tell me the same thing, writing looks easier than it is. I often tell them it’s a bit like one of those circus acts…you know the one where they keep all the plates spinning at the very same time. There’s plotting, characters, point of view, narration…. Write…
Monday Writing Tips-Finding Your Why
Why do you like to write, why do you want to be an author? Write your response on a sheet of paper and keep it close to the place where you write. Next time you get a rejection letter or it’s a tough day, look at that sheet of paper and remember why you’re going…
Monday Writing Tips-Writing is Drama
Something has to happen in your story. No one wants to read about a character who faces no challenges. What’s standing in the way of your character’s goals? Who and what is stopping your character from being happy? Figure that out and you have the beginning of a great story.
Book Tour Stop-Marc Macdonald
Please welcome Marc Macdonald to This Writer’s Life. This is one stop on his book tour to support his novel Between Two Seasons. TWL-Why and when did you decide to become an author? I was one of many writers how finally sat down to write the novel living in their heads during the COVID-19…
Wednesday Guest Author-Ella Braeme author of Rekindled Flame
Please welcome Ella Braeme, author of Rekindled Flame to This Writer’s Life…. Book Details Book 1 in the Burning Hearts series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRV Publication Date: September 3, 2025 37,000 words / 137 pages Available in Kindle Unlimited and as paperback Perfect for fans of Susan Stoker and Zoe York. Blurb When old flames reignite, sparks fly….
Accept the Challenge-The Vintage Car
It’s the final week of the August challenges and the story prompt this time is all about a vintage yellow car. What sort of story can you create featuring this vehicle? Have fun and happy writing.
Monday Writing Tips-Write the First Draft and…
Relax. Don’t sweat the first draft because no-ones going to read or critique it. The main thing is to get it written.