I’m going to say something that will shock you. Adverbs aren’t the enemy. (I know!) It’s even okay to use them in your writing. The trick is in using them well. But even when you don’t, they can serve a very useful purpose.

As bad a reputation as adverbs have, they’re helpful red flags that tell you, “here’s where you have an opportunity to flesh out what your character is doing.” They’re like your brain telling you about the emotional state of your character, and pointing out a place you might want to examine further. Read the rest of this entry »

Thanks to Helen for last week’s blog. What she had to say about improving your chances of success is spot on – as I’ve found from years of working with would-be writers. So ignore it at your peril! Read the rest of this entry »

Writing is a scary business. Showing or reading your work to others is exposing in lots of ways but for those of us who want to be published, inviting judgement is the only way. Read the rest of this entry »

Thanks to Vanessa for last week’s blog. I think we’re all guilty of procrastination to a greater or lesser degree. The run-up to Christmas is probably one of the worst times for writers. We’re all feeling tired and frazzled after fighting the crowds in shops, battling the elements and trying to keep everyone around us happy. It’s so easy to slump in front of the TV or computer screen… and do nothing.

Is a Writers’ Group right for you?

But with Christmas behind us and 2012 nearly here, it’s time to take a reality check. If you’re not already a member of a writers’ group, why not give it a try? The NAWG has a directory where you can track down your nearest writing group. Or, pif you live in London, you could consider the London Writers Café which provides ‘a place for creative writers to read out their work for constructive feedback in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere’.

The Costa Book Awards

January 4th sees the announcement of the winners of the Costa Book Awards in the usual five categories: novel, first novel, biography, poetry and children’s book. The shortlists always provide me with ideas for good books to read during the dark days of January and February. All the ‘first novel’ contenders sound interesting and I hope that Andrew Pain will be successful in the ‘novel’ category with Pure. If you’ve not read his first novel, Ingenious Pain, I’d recommend it.

Closing Date for Competition

If you have already forced yourself to stop procrastinating, there’s just time to enter the Writers Bureau Poetry Competition. It was due to close on 31st December but we’ve extended the deadline until 6th January to take account of entries delayed by the Christmas post. But if you prefer to enter online we’ll accept your entries, too, until the new closing date. And if you want some inspiration in the New Year, why not try Freelance Market News which is packed with markets to write for, competitions to enter and general advice on writing.

Next week my guest will be Helen Yendall with some tips on improving your chances of success – but you’ve got to take the plunge and get your writing out there.

Happy New Year to you all!

I’m sorry everyone, but we had a hitch last week and, as you’ve probably realised, Vanessa’s blog didn’t appear as promised.  So here it is, with apologies to Vanessa. I’d just like to wish everyone a very happy and, above all,  peaceful Christmas. Put those mince pies to one side, refuse that extra glass of wine and get on with your writing.  On second thoughts, perhaps not!  Save that for your New Year resolutions.

It’s the time of year when the writing world grinds to a halt. January editions have been put to bed, there’s a lull in writing competitions and Christmas lunches are in full swing. What better time to look back on 2011 and plan your writing goals for 2012? Read the rest of this entry »