I recently read Writing the Other by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward, which is designed to help writers approach and navigate the potential pitfalls of writing characters who are very different from themselves. I would highly recommend reading this book to all writers, but below is a distillation of the most important lessons I learned […]
Category: Blog
Weeknotes – S02E41 – Very Little To See Here
Summary: Very little going on this week. Tuesday: I went through Writing Magazine and added more upcoming submission opportunities to my rolling spreadsheet. I also wrote a letter to Writing Magazine about cultural appropriation, in response to a letter from another reader in this month’s edition. Wednesday: I wrote some reviews.
Weeknotes – S02E40 – Still Ticking Along
Summary: Some good progress and a couple of decent sessions, with lots of planning. So, everything still ticking over. Monday: I formatted and sent over four different pieces for the first Etre prompt. They’re looking for short stories, non-fiction essays, poetry and short lyrical pieces, so I sent one of each to see what […]
Weeknotes – S02E39 – A Whole New Story!
Summary: All I needed were a couple of decent stretches of scheduled writing time and look at all the things I achieved! Monday: I went to a Write For Your Life session after work, which was fun. I think I prefer the more creative side of No Grammar Required, but I’ll happily go to […]
Weeknotes – S02E38 – Good Holidays Mean Little Writing
Summary: Trips away usually result in a lack of writing productivity, unless they are writing retreats, so very little work done this week. Big plans for the next couple of weeks, though! Monday: I brainstormed a story for an upcoming submission opportunity and came up with the first inkling of a workable plot. […]
Weeknotes – S02E37 – Creeping Ever Onwards
Summary: One decent writing session planned and executed, but I still don’t feel like I’ve got back into the swing of things properly yet. Tuesday: I wrote a review. Wednesday: I took the opportunity of a gap between work and going to the theatre to sit in a cafe, drink tea and write […]
You Might As Well Submit It
This month, I’ve had a very good reminder of the value of submitting work for publication. There was an anthology I was very interested in subitting for, and I came up with what I thought was a good idea for a short story, which might fit what they were looking for. I brainstormed the […]
Weeknotes – S02E36 – Little Bits Here and There
Summary: Little bits here and there build up to multiple days of writing activity across the week, though no major writing sessions undertaken. It’s good to keep my hand in, but I’d like to get back to a more rigorous schedule. Monday: I combined a GYWO challenge involving telling a story from a list […]
Weeknotes – S02E35 – NAWG-Fest!
Summary: NAWG-Fest was over in a flash but well worth attending. Great workshops, opportunities to catch up with good friends, and generally a good time all round. Monday: I wrote a brief review of a film. Tuesday: Despite an annoying cold, I went to meet Hannah after work and finished the Great Artisan […]
Weeknotes – S02E34 – Cafe Writing A-Go-Go!
Summary: Good use of planned time with other people to find extra time to work on writing projects. Monday: A truncated writing session with Ann today, but I still managed to get my scheduled three Artisan chapters done, plus an extra one. Saturday: The rest of the week got away from me, so […]