The 23rd January is National Handwriting Day. There is a significant decline in handwriting as we utilize technology with multiple devices to 'do' our writing for us from simple texts to digital note taking for study lectures, to writing systems on our laptops. I...
While most of us have experienced the dreaded layovers at airports, there are some ways to make the time more pleasant, especially as writers. We can utilize the time to write a new chapter or scene for our current project, or plot out a whole new story idea. I did...
As writers and authors we know we need capture our readers attention. After a potential reader has picked up our book, possibly due to the cover artwork and reading the blurb, the first line or two can clinch the deal. So the most worked on, pondered and despaired...
As many of us know 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse, whcih actually begins on 17th February. This allows us time in January to delve into what we want to accomplish this year, whether personally, or professionally. The Fire Horse characterises enthusiasm,...
When I was writing my steampunk novel, The Commodore's Gift, I was sure the main character, Owena would be a strong independant woman, even though the genre's setting is a combination of Victoriana and the Industrial Revolution. While most women were restricted in...
Did you have a clear idea of the plot for The Ruby Cradle? I did. As the second book in the Gemstone series, it had to pick up with the same characters as in the first. But there had to be a definite twist, we were going back in time to learn more about the dragons....
Today is High Five a Librarian Day - yes every day seems to have some sort of celebration - right? Anyway, librarian's and libraries are worth celebrating at all times. I am lucky to have the most incredible local library, where I host my monthly writers circle and...
I'm sharing a short story from a prompt at my last writer's circle meeting. The prompt was write a scene, or story that includes a piece of candy. Let me know what you think. The Sweetest Story I gazed at the store window with its jars and boxes of candy. Every colour...
The joy of reading books gives us the ability to travel to places that might not be possible in real life. A writer might use a real location that inspired the narrative, whether on their travels or somewhere they have actually lived. Knowledge of a place gives the...