Writers Blog

It's just a hobby

19/5/2023

As a writer, I often hear the phrase, "Oh, writing is just your hobby, right?" And every time, I can't help but roll my eyes. Sure, writing may be a hobby for some people, but for many of us, it's a full-time profession that requires just as much skill, dedication, and hard work as any other job.
I mean, imagine if someone told a doctor, "Oh, medicine is just your hobby, right?" Or if someone said to a lawyer, "Law is just a fun little hobby of yours, isn't it?" It would be insulting, right? So why is it that writing is often treated as something less than a "real" job?
Perhaps it's because writing is a creative pursuit, and creativity is often seen as something frivolous, something that's only done for fun. But the truth is, writing is hard work. It takes time, effort, and skill to craft a compelling story or article. It takes research, editing, and revision to make sure your words are clear and effective. And it takes a thick skin to handle rejection and criticism.
But just because writing can be difficult doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. In fact, for many of us, writing is a passion that we can't imagine not pursuing. It's a way to express ourselves, to connect with others, and to make a living doing something we love.
So the next time someone asks me if writing is just a hobby, I'll smile and say, "Actually, it's my profession. And a damn good one, at that." Because writing may be challenging, but it's also rewarding, fulfilling, and yes, even amusing at times. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Are you tired?

7/5/2023

Are you tired of hearing the same old advice about finding time to write? "Wake up earlier!" "Stay up later!" "Write during your lunch break!" Yeah, right. As if we're not already sleep-deprived and overworked.
But fear not, fellow struggling writers, because I have found the ultimate solution to our time-management woes: time travel.
Imagine it. You're sitting at your desk, staring at a blank page, and suddenly you're transported back to the age of the dinosaurs. You whip out your laptop and start typing away while a T-Rex roars in the background. Or maybe you find yourself in ancient Egypt, scribbling furiously as Cleopatra looks on in awe.

Of course, time travel comes with its own set of challenges. Like, how do you explain your futuristic technology to the people of the past without getting burned at the stake? And what if you accidentally step on a butterfly and mess up the entire course of history?
But hey, at least you'll have plenty of time to write while you figure it all out. So forget waking up at the crack of dawn or sacrificing your Netflix binges. With time travel, the only limit to your writing time is your own imagination (and maybe the laws of physics). Happy writing!

In truth finding the time to write has long since been a problem writers throught all of time. Managing our day to day activities, including work, child rearing, house painting, chores and so the list can almost write itself, has always and will always be trouble.

My advice is this; it is always important to take time for yourself, some choose to goto the gym, whilst others may choose a nice walk, run or swim. Personly I don't choose any of these, instead my choice is watching a tv series or movie. Why not take only 20 mins out of your choice to write.

My question for you is...What works for you?

Writers group challenge.

5/5/2023

Joining a Writers Group: The Challenges and Laughs
As a writer, joining a writers group can be a great way to improve your craft and connect with fellow wordsmiths. But let's be real, it can also be a bit of a challenge. Here are some of the ups and downs of joining a writers group, told with a dash of humor.

Challenge #1: Finding the Right Group
When you're looking for a writers group, it can feel a bit like dating. You want to find the right fit, but it can take some trial and error. There are groups that are too serious, groups that are too casual, and groups that are just plain weird. But fear not, dear writer, your perfect match is out there.

Challenge #2: The Critiques
Getting feedback on your writing can be incredibly valuable, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking. You're putting your work out there for others to critique, and that can be a vulnerable position to be in. But hey, at least you're not alone. Everyone in the group is putting themselves out there too, so you can all commiserate over the critiques together.

Challenge #3: The Scheduling
Trying to coordinate schedules with a group of busy writers can feel like herding cats. One person can only meet on Tuesdays, another can only meet on weekends, and someone else can only meet on the third full moon of the year. It can be a bit of a logistical nightmare, but it's worth it when you finally find a time that works for everyone.

Challenge #4: The Socializing
Let's be real, writers aren't always the most social creatures. But being in a writers group means you have to interact with other people. You might even have to make small talk before the meeting starts. The horror! Just remember, these are your people. They understand the struggles of being a writer, so embrace the socializing and maybe even make a new friend or two.

Challenge #5: The Rewards
Despite the challenges, being in a writers group can be incredibly rewarding. You get to share your writing with others, learn from their feedback, and improve your craft. Plus, you get to be part of a community of writers who understand and appreciate the importance of storytelling. And who knows, maybe you'll even have a few laughs along the way.

So if you're thinking about joining a writers group, go for it! Embrace the challenges and the laughs, and enjoy the journey of improving your writing.

To be or not to be, part two.

2/5/2023

Traditional publishing offers a number of benefits for authors. Firstly, it provides a sense of validation, as a publisher has deemed your work worthy of publication. This can be particularly important for first-time authors who are looking to establish themselves in the industry.
In addition, traditional publishers have expertise in editing, design, and marketing, which can help to ensure that your book is of the highest quality and reaches a wide audience. They also have established relationships with booksellers and distributors, which can make it easier to get your book into stores and onto shelves.
Traditional publishing also offers the potential for financial rewards. While advances and royalties can vary widely, successful authors can earn significant sums of money through traditional publishing.
In addition to financial rewards, traditional publishing also offers a level of prestige and credibility that can be difficult to achieve through self-publishing. Being published by a reputable publishing house can add a level of legitimacy to an author's work, which can be valuable not only in terms of book sales, but also in terms of future opportunities such as speaking engagements or media appearances.
Furthermore, traditional publishers often have a team of professionals who work with the author to edit, design, and market the book. This can be particularly helpful for authors who may not have the skills or resources to do these tasks themselves. The publisher's marketing efforts can also help to increase the book's visibility and reach a wider audience.
However, it's important to note that traditional publishing is not the only path to success as an author. Self-publishing has become increasingly popular and can offer more control and flexibility for the author. Ultimately, the best path for each author will depend on their individual goals, preferences, and resources.
However, it is important to note that traditional publishing does have its downsides. It can be difficult to get published by a traditional publisher, and even if you are successful, you may have limited control over the final product. In addition, traditional publishing can be slow, with lengthy publishing timelines and long lead times for getting paid.
Ultimately, whether traditional publishing is best for you as an author will depend on your individual goals and priorities. If you are looking for validation, expertise, and potential financial rewards, traditional publishing may be the way to go. However, if you value control and flexibility, self-publishing or hybrid publishing may be a better fit.

To be or Not to be, this is the question?

2/5/2023

Not being a traditionally published author can be a challenging experience, but it also has its advantages. Often, self-published authors have more creative control over their work, from the cover design to the story itself. They also have the ability to publish on their own timeline and can often earn a larger percentage of royalties.
However, self-publishing also means that the author is solely responsible for editing, marketing, and distribution. Marketing can be particularly challenging, as self-published authors must find ways to promote their work without the backing of a traditional publisher. This can include utilizing social media, attending book festivals and conferences, and seeking out reviews from book bloggers and trusted reviewers.
In addition to the challenges of marketing, self-publishing also requires a significant amount of work in terms of editing and distribution. Here are some tips that can help with these aspects:

Editing: Consider hiring a professional editor to review your work and provide feedback. You can also join writing groups or workshops to receive feedback from other writers. It's important to take the time to edit your work thoroughly, as this can make a big difference in the quality of your final product.
Distribution: Self-publishing platforms like Amazon and Smashwords can make distribution easier, but it's important to take the time to research which platforms will work best for your book. You may also want to consider offering your book in multiple formats, such as ebook and print-on-demand, to reach a wider audience.

Remember, self-publishing can be a challenging process, but with dedication and hard work, it can also be a rewarding one.
Despite these challenges, there are many successful self-published authors who have found great success both financially and creatively. With the rise of digital publishing, it has become easier than ever to self-publish and reach a wide audience. Ultimately, whether an author chooses to pursue traditional or self-publishing is a personal decision that should be based on individual goals and preferences.

Telling people you're an author

25/4/2023

Have you ever told someone that you're an author and then eagerly waited for their reaction? It's like waiting for a surprise party that you know is coming, but you don't know when or how.

Sometimes, people will look at you with wide eyes and say, "Wow, that's so impressive!" Other times, they'll give you a confused look and say, "Oh, really? What have you written?" And then there are those who will nod their head and say, "Oh, cool. So, are you, like, rich or something?"

Being an author seems to come with a certain level of mystique and intrigue. People assume that you spend your days sitting in a cozy coffee shop, sipping on lattes and typing away on your laptop. They imagine you as a tortured artist, pouring your soul onto the page and creating works of genius.

But the reality is often far less glamorous. Being an author means spending long hours alone, staring at a blank page and trying to summon the right words. It means dealing with rejection and criticism, and constantly questioning whether your work is good enough.

Despite all of this, there's something undeniably thrilling about being able to call yourself an author. It's a label that sets you apart from the crowd and gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment.

So the next time someone asks you what you do for a living, don't be afraid to tell them that you're an author. Just be prepared for whatever reaction they might have – and maybe bring along a copy of your book to give them a taste of what you do.

The first six stages to write a novel

23/4/2023

The first stage of writing a novel is often called the "idea phase," but let's be real, it's really the "procrastination phase." You'll spend days, weeks, maybe even months brainstorming ideas and avoiding actually putting pen to paper. But hey, at least you'll have a killer Pinterest board full of writing inspiration, right?
Eventually, though, you'll have to face the music and start outlining your story. This is the part where you'll realize you have no idea what you're doing and start Googling things like "how to plot a novel" and "what is a character arc." Don't worry, we've all been there. Just remember, even the most successful writers started with a blank page and a lot of self-doubt.
As you start fleshing out your characters, you might find yourself getting a little too attached to them. Sure, they're fictional, but they feel like real people to you. You'll start talking about them to your friends and family like they're your actual friends and family. Try not to get too weird about it, okay?
Now comes the fun part: naming your characters. You'll spend hours scouring baby name websites and consulting name-meaning books. And then, just when you think you've found the perfect name for your protagonist, you'll realize it's the name of your ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. Ugh, why does the universe hate you?
As you start writing your first draft, you'll inevitably hit a wall. Writer's block is no joke, folks. When this happens, try taking a break and doing something completely unrelated to writing. Maybe go for a walk, bake some cookies, or watch an episode of your favorite TV show. Just don't spend the entire day binge-watching Netflix. Trust me, I speak from experience.
Finally, when you've written the last word of your first draft, you'll feel a sense of relief and accomplishment. You did it! You wrote a novel! Of course, then you'll realize that your first draft is a hot mess and you have a ton of editing to do. But hey, that's a problem for future you. For now, go ahead and celebrate with a glass of wine or a pint of ice cream. You deserve it.

Using google for research

11/4/2023

Being a mystery writer can be thrilling and exciting, but it can also be a bit daunting. After all, how do you make sure that your writing is believable and accurate? Well, for many writers, the answer is simple: Google.
Yes, that's right. Google has become the go-to resource for mystery writers everywhere. Need to know what kind of poison would cause a certain symptom? Google it. Want to know how to pick a lock? Google it. Curious about the best way to dispose of a body? You guessed it, Google it.
Of course, using Google to research your mystery novel can be a bit tricky. After all, you don't want to give away too much of the plot or tip off your readers. So, you have to get creative.
For example, let's say your protagonist is investigating a murder at a bakery. You might search for "how to make the perfect croissant" or "the history of sourdough bread." Sure, it might not seem like relevant research, but it can help you create a more realistic and immersive setting for your story.
Of course, there are some downsides to relying on Google as a mystery writer. For one thing, you never know who else might be searching for the same information. Imagine the look on your face when the FBI shows up at your door because they think you're planning a murder!
And then there's the endless rabbit hole of information that Google can lead you down. One minute you're researching the best way to forge a signature, and the next thing you know you're reading about alien abductions and the Loch Ness Monster.
But despite its pitfalls, Google remains an indispensable tool for mystery writers everywhere. So, the next time you're stuck on a plot point or need to know the difference between a revolver and a semi-automatic, just remember: Google is your friend (but use it wisely!).

Being an author

30/3/2023

Being an author can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from the exhilarating highs of creating a new world and characters, to the frustrating lows of writer's block and rejection letters. But there are some challenges that are unique to the profession and can be both amusing and daunting.
One of the biggest challenges of being an author is finding the time to actually write. Between work, family, and social obligations, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day to sit down and put pen to paper - or fingers to keyboard. And even when you do find the time, distractions are everywhere. Suddenly, doing laundry or watching cat videos on YouTube seems like a much more appealing use of your time.
Another challenge is dealing with the pressure to come up with new and original ideas. It's not enough to just write a good story - it has to be something that hasn't been done before, or at least, not in quite the same way. This can lead to some truly bizarre brainstorming sessions, where you find yourself contemplating things like "what if cats could talk, but only on Tuesdays?" or "what if the world was ruled by sentient broccoli?" Somedays it really can feel like your trying to squeeze water from a stone.
And of course, there's the constant struggle of dealing with criticism and rejection. No matter how talented you are, not everyone is going to love your work, and that can be a tough pill to swallow. But as any author will tell you, the only thing worse than bad reviews is no reviews at all. So even if it stings a little at first, any feedback - positive or negative - is ultimately helpful in making you a better writer.
Despite all these challenges, being an author can also be incredibly rewarding. There's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your name in print or holding your own book in your hands for the first time. And when someone tells you that your words have touched them in some way, or made them laugh, or helped them through a tough time - well, that's worth all the challenges and then some. So if you're thinking of becoming an author, don't let the challenges scare you off - just be prepared to embrace the wild ride that is the writing life.

You tube

6/12/2022

Hello and welcome.
This month has been hectic for me, learning new skills. My new skills have challenged my little grey cells, as a certain Mr Poirot would say. First, I have a brief update on my upcoming second book, which I hope to release early in the new year. I recently deleted at least four chapters and have now re-written them, adding a few more plot twists and character changes. After a solid week of writing and editing, I am writing chapter 15, which is proving to be exciting and perhaps giving Tom the most significant challenge he has ever faced. Will he overcome this and be successful? We shall have to wait and see.
Writing for me is a journey. I know where the end goal is. However, I never know what I will see along the way. The different roads explored and decisions at the crossroads I choose are always something I decide at the time of writing and are never pre-planned. If one road becomes too emotional or doesn't feel right, I will change it and take another. In this way, I hope you, as the reader, will follow and enjoy the journey and destination.
Back to my hectic week and an announcement, which I hope people will enjoy.
I have recently begun to seriously explore the possibility of an audio version of my first book and narrating by myself. This had proved to be quite the challenge. First, I researched the possibility of hiring a studio and sound engineer to help with the process. This would probably be the absolute best option if I had the budget to do so; however, as a self-published author, I did not want to waste money in this way, only to sell just a few copies. I decided to record this myself from home.
After a lot of research, by which I mean youtube, Facebook forums and other such places, I discovered a Cardioid condenser microphone with an adjustable mic gain and boom arm, along with a shield to reduce plosives.
Added to this list, an inti-vibration mic holder is essential for obvious reasons for recording. Once you have this equipment, you will need a quiet room, soundproofing and an excellent recording programme for your PC or laptop. All this can be purchased at very reasonable costs either online or from a good music store.
Then the challenge will really begin, as you will have to learn about peak levels, floor noise and many other recording terms. Sadly this is not the end of the learning curve, as now it's time to practice reading aloud. This is an area I have always considered to be a strength of mine. How wrong I was! Reading allowed is one thing; reading allowed and acting the different parts is another. I am not a trained actor. However, Youtube again came to my rescue and helped me decide the best way forward.
I posted a few smaller videos on TikTok to gauge people's reactions, with some comments suggesting I have an ASMR voice. Argh! More research for me. To see how I got on, please follow the link to my Youtube channel and post your comments; it will be interesting to read them.
Take care, everyone, and have a great month.

https://youtu.be/pxTVgn7RxII