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…
Tag: writing
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…
Accept the Challenge-Sweaters
Welcome to week three of our September challenge and this one is all about clothing. It could be an opening sentence, the final one or even planned deep withing your story but someone in your story needs to use the follow piece of dialogue… “It definitely feels like it’s sweater season now.” Have fun and…
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….
Monday Writing Tips-Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to learn to write is to just write. The more you practice, the more you get into the habit of putting words on a page, the better the writer you’ll be.
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.
Accept the Challenge-Sunflowers
This week your story prompt is a summer favorite and it’s a sunflower. Have fun and happy writing.