Have you written as far as you can go and edited as much as you can? If so, a manuscript appraisal could be the next…
Five ways to get back into writing your novel
New Year’s resolution: finish that novel. So this is the year you’re going to finish that novel. Hoorah! But where do you start? Or maybe…
Hyphens are here to help
Hands up if you’re sometimes unsure about when to use a hyphen. I know I was before I studied editing. Here’s a tip: a hyphen…
Show don’t tell – its subtle power
You are probably aware of the writing mantra: show don’t tell. There are loads of really helpful posts about it, often illustrated by the pitch-perfect…
What’s the difference between editing and proofreading?
Sometimes these words are used interchangeably, but there is a very clear difference, especially in the publishing world. Here’s the short answer: Editing is finessing…
Is your book ready send to an editor?
How do you know when your book is ready to send to an editor? I often receive very raw drafts from writers asking for a…
Getting from brain dump to first draft
Are you struggling with your first draft? Have you started with a brain dump and don’t know what to do next? If you prefer to…
Three essential questions to ask before you start writing
Have you ever found yourself totally stumped halfway through writing a paper, briefing or report? Perhaps you’ve covered all the background and context, made some…
Smooth transitions can help your story flow
Do you feel you need to account for every moment and movement in a scene? I’ve found a lot of new writers do. But look at this extract from Emily Bitto’s beautiful novel ‘The Strays’.
Head hopping can break the spell
I’ve just finished reading a book in which about 90% of the story was from the point of view of the central character, Jo, (limited…
Same sex marriage survey and the semicolon
I needed the subtle power of the semicolon to show the relationship of these two observations. This is when a semicolon is at the height of its powers
Two-minute tip: check your spell check settings
spell check is a handy but fickle friend – useful but not to be totally relied upon, especially if the settings are not quite right.