I love National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Every November writers worldwide are encouraged to get 50,000 words of a writing project done. No need to worry about editing or getting it exactly right -- just get it done! This year is my third NaNoWriMo. 2017 - saw Passage to a New Life take shape... Continue Reading →
Writing inspiration: often where you least expect it
We've all been there. No inspiration to write, but desperately wanting to at the same time. While I don't always apply the following tips myself, when I remember to I certainly find them useful. So we sit down to write, using whatever medium seems appropriate, waiting for the inspiration. Some of us might even change... Continue Reading →
Genealogy – interesting plots delivered to you by your ancestors
I love genealogy. It delivers me history and plots all in the one package. The novel that I am working on (in between short stories that is) is the fictionalised story of one of my ancestor couples. Note I said fictionalised. Part of that fictionalisation is name changes. I have many reasons for making the... Continue Reading →
The ups and downs of NaNoWriMo
Thank the Lord that is finished! And I'll do it again next year. But it certainly takes it out of you ... Yes, I'm talking about NaNoWriMo - the National Novel Writing Month. The name is deceptive: no longer national, it occurs worldwide, where authors sign up with the intention of encouraging each other to... Continue Reading →
Heart of a child
Busy, busy, busy with NaNoWriMo but had to take the time out for the big announcement: I will have two stories in the upcoming anthology from Authors' Tale! The two stories are Tell Us a Story, Pa and Goodnight - and God Be With You All. Very proud to have been selected for this wonderful anthology and... Continue Reading →
Something for All Hallows Eve
Okay - it's Halloween. I prefer All Hallows Eve: has more of a supernatural ring to it. Either way, thought it might be a good time to share some spooky stories. 10 things you didn’t know about the history (and mystery) of Halloween Supernatural stories: 9 amazing British folktales Enjoy! Cheers Kerry
Planning NaNoWriMo – leading me onto exciting paths
As you know, I am busy planning my 50,000 word project for NaNoWriMo. My original idea of extending my novel is now nowhere to be seen. And I have also moved from an anthology of stories from pre-history to modern day, to just Medieval! There is such a richness of information and stories in that... Continue Reading →
Changed my mind again – an author’s prerogative
At the risk of quoting Britney Spears - yep, I did it again! I was all set to go with NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) entry: had renamed Better Shoes T' Walk In to Sunset to Sunrise, had designed a book cover and it was all uploaded to the NaNoWriMo site. I was ready! Just needed to... Continue Reading →
Now to do the hard stuff: grammar, filler words, exposition, climax and denouement
Those of us in the Heart of a Child workshop entered our final week of critiquing on Monday. And it is huge. Not only are we looking at grammar, filler words, exposition, climax and denouement - we are conscious that we are the last critique before works are finally submitted and passed over to the judges! Each story as two readers, so... Continue Reading →