Changes

Regular readers may have noticed a few changes to this blog. I've changed the cover photo and title, [with the help of the awesome Michael] though the website address will still be the same so you can still find your way here. I've also only got a few categories now, instead of the 30 or so I had before. I've done this to reflect the fact that I want this blog to encompass more than just books and writing - I want it be a place where I can also share my thoughts on living in London, my travel adventures and my general musings as well.

I initially chose to write about just books and writing because I thought it would be helpful for me to have a narrow focus, as my previous blogs were a bit of a mish - mash, there was nothing tying the posts together, no common thread. The narrow focus did help me for a bit, it enabled me to discuss two of my greatest passions at great length, which is something I really enjoyed doing, but now I want to talk about some of my other passions as well, since they've been creeping into this blog more and more recently. I will still be talking about books and writing, but now travel and life in London will be given equal weighting, as I think it will keep the blog fresh and interesting...

I hope you enjoy watching this blog evolve with me...

Here's To New Horizons

So....I'm now a published author!

It's announcement time! My first completed novel From London To St Ives has been turned into an e-book by the wonderful people at Thought Catalog and is now ready to download! I'm really excited about this, as it now means that one of my writing dreams has come true - it's really great finally seeing my work in a format that other people can access, and not just as a word document on my computer!

So without further ado, here's the book's summary:

Olivia Johnson needs to get a life. She hates her job, hasn't seen her friends in ages, hasn't had a date since university and has no idea what her purpose should be. After a particularly bad day at work she decides to quit her job and take an impromptu holiday to Cornwall. Once there, she finds she doesn't want to leave...so she makes the spontaneous decision to up sticks, despite the fact that she doesn't know anyone in St. Ives and is now unemployed. Did she make the right decision or will she come to regret leaving London?

And here's what the book looks like:

If you want to download a copy for your kindle then click here, if you have a different kind of e-reader click here and if you're based in the United States, then click here. I'd recommend my book for anyone looking for a quick, summery beach read or for people who are at a crossroads in their life. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

My Love Affair With Blogs

I've been reading blogs since I was about 16, and now they're a huge part of my life. The first blog I ever read was called 'mo pie' which was essentially a blog about a woman trying to get healthier, as well as find her sense of purpose. Mo Pie sadly does not exist anymore, otherwise I would direct you there, but it provided me with hours of reading entertainment - I loved how honest she was as a blogger, how much of her life she shared.

Mo Pie got me hooked on blogs, so I hunted around for more blogs to read, often stumbling upon great ones by accident. I once found a terrific blog by typing into google 'David Tennant is gorgeous' [which is not something I'm so sure about anymore, but hey people change] and after a year of reading her posts, I actually ended up buying the blogger's book [I would highly recommend it by the way] since I liked her writing style so much! This proved to me the power of blogs; effectively this woman I'd never heard of persuaded me to buy her book by making me laugh on the internet - I felt connected to her even though I'd never met her.  

Actually he is still quite cute...

The main difference between blogs and books is that blogs feel like a conversation, each time they post, a blogger is essentially trying to communicate how they feel about something. Obviously authors are trying to do that as well, but in most cases the author feels separate from the reader, but when I blog I do feel connected with you guys, writing this blog feels more intimate than writing my novel did - I often feel like I'm laying myself bare on here.

 Even if a blogger isn't talking about particularly personal things, you still get a fascinating glimpse into another person's mind whenever you read a blog - it's all laid out for you to explore. Blogs are very individual, and just from reading a few posts, it is easy to see what inspires a blogger, what they like, what they don't like and what they stand for. In case you were wondering, I like books, I am inspired by creative people, I don't like people who are unsupportive and I stand for being true to yourself as an individual and nurturing creativity. This is a book blog, but I like to think it gives an insight into how I'm wired as well.

Another thing I love about blogs is that you can see a blogger evolve over time, admire them as their posts become more focused and start to reach bigger audiences - you can go on a journey with them and effectively grow with them [whoops, sound a bit trite now...oh well, it can't be helped]. When I look back on my own blog, I can see that I've improved in the space of a year, though I've still got a long way to go.

I'm working out more and more what I want this blog to be as I go. For instance, in my earlier posts, I kept promising to review books, but I never did, because actually I really don't enjoy reviewing books and there are tons of book review blogs to be found, which I have recommended myself in the past. In writing Candle and Book, I've realised that I want my blog to be a bit different, I want to discuss books and writing and life without analysing each book I read to death or writing boring essays. I want my blog to be fun, and I want it to be something that I would enjoy reading as well. I also I want to put my own slant on things, and I think I have managed to do that.  I can't wait to see how this blog evolves in the future. Gosh this is an ego-centric post, isn't it? Oh well, we've all got to do some navel gazing from time to time....  

 

Blog Birthday!

Candle and Book turned one this week! I feel proud of myself for persevering with it, because when I was a child I was constantly stopping and starting creative projects, but Candle and Book is here to stay! In order to celebrate the blog's first birthday, I thought I would share links to my five favourite posts of the past year; you can check them out whilst listening to Altered Images below:

1. Ways That Books Have Helped Me

"Yesterday I was feeling incredibly lonely and miserable so I stopped off at Foyles on the way home. I had a book in mind [Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse by the Comedian David Mitchell] which I knew would comfort me..."

2. What It's Really Like Working In A Bookshop

"Three years ago, before I was a nanny, I worked part-time in a university bookshop. Now, you would think that since I love people and I love books, that working in a bookshop would be my dream job [and before I started working there, so did I!] but actually working in a bookshop wasn't that much fun..."

3.  Things Not To Say To Aspiring Writers

"We all know creative people - there will be at least someone in your group that will want to write, draw, paint, make music, make films or photograph [or something equally creative] for a living. That person needs your support....it can be difficult enough believing in and pursuing a dream at the best of times, without someone saying something unhelpful or negative to them...."  

4. On The Awesomeness Of Libraries 

"Being a bookworm, it is unsurprising that I have a huge fondness for libraries and have done, ever since I was a small child. I'm sure that many blogs dedicated to books and writing have done a feature on this topic, but libraries are so important to me, I couldn't resist doing one of my own...

5. Life After Travel

"Part of me is still in travelling mode; whilst I am glad to be back in London [it's so lovely having my bed back for one thing] there are certain things I miss about being on the road..."

Thanks for keeping this blog going by reading it - here's to the next year!

Writing Daydreams

Hello and welcome back to Candle and Book! I don't really believe in New Year's resolutions as I never ever stick to them, but being a writer means that I spend half my time day dreaming about things that I'd like to happen in my career. I know that my daydreams are unlikely to come true [but hey, you never know] but I derive joy from just imagining the possibilities of where my words could take me. I'd thought I'd share some of my writing daydreams [not resolutions] with you, because I'm a generous soul...

Daydream 1 - Having a Play put on at the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square

I've only seen one play at the Royal Court, but the experience has stayed with me. I feel that the venue would be perfect for my work - the stage where I saw the play is intimate and smallish; the audience could see everything that's going on - it's a really immersive theatre. When watching the play there I got so lost in the story that I sort of forgot my friend was sitting beside me, and when they turned the lights on, I felt like I'd been away on a trip. I can see the play I'm currently writing being performed there - in fact I visualise that one stage in particular whenever I write it. I'm also interested in the Royal Court because they really believe in giving new writers a chance...which means that maybe, just maybe..this dream isn't as far fetched as it sounds.

Daydream 2 - Being interviewed by the Sunday Times Magazine

This fantasy goes back years. When I was eleven, I decided that being interviewed by the Sunday Times was the ultimate sign that you'd made it as a creative person, and I still do think that. Sadly, I don't think my work is highbrow enough for this dream to become reality, but if it ever does happen, I'll be prepared with my answers and ready to talk for hours...

Daydream 3 - Writing in a beautiful old house that I happen to live in

I can picture this one so clearly it sometimes does feel like it's already happened. In the fantasy, I'm about thirty -five years old, sitting at an old, and worn desk, in a light and airy room, which has white walls and contains shelves and shelves of books. The floor is wooden and creaks a lot. My desk is situated beneath a large window which overlooks a wild and tangled garden. It's a grey, Winter's day [my favourite kind of day] and there's a large mug of steaming coffee beside me. I am perfectly content, sitting at this desk, and I'm creatively inspired, typing away, lost in my own world of words.

     
Daydream 4 - Being published

This is of course the ultimate writer's dream, but also one that I can imagine clearly. I can see myself getting the news that I'm going to be published in an email, and then rushing to the phone to tell people my news. I can see myself signing the contract, and feeling jubilant when I hear about my first sales. Of all the fantasies I've talked about, this one would probably mean the most to me if it came true.

Do any of you have writing daydreams? Or daydreams relating to another vocation?

Blogging is not a waste of time

I've been writing this blog for nearly a year now, and it's true to say that blogging has really helped me as a writer in more ways than one. Here's why I think blogging isn't a waste of time:

1. It teaches you discipline

To be a good writer, you must write regularly. Writing this blog on a weekly basis is a commitment; one that I choose to uphold as much as possible. Honouring this commitment gets me in the frame of mind to complete my other writing projects; it's like a snowball effect. Writing this blog quite simply makes me want to write more. I've definitely been more productive in 2014 in terms of how frequently I'm writing, and that is all because of Candleandbook.    

I like this quote...it's not over the top.

2. It makes you more creative

Thinking of new ideas for blog posts week in, week out can be quite challenging, but it has definitely made me more creative. Having to think of new material constantly for this blog means that my brain is now faster at generating new ideas, and I find that I hardly ever get writer's block these days. Ideas seem to attract more ideas.

From o5.com

3. It gets your work noticed

This blog actually got me a writing job, since my boss saw it and asked me to write for her PR company part-time. If I hadn't been writing this blog she would have no idea that she'd liked my writing style; this blog effectively showed what I can do - if you're a creative person, blogging is a great platform to show off....and you never know where it might lead.

                                         

From http://www.fscinteractive.com

4. It gives you the space to experiment

I think that blogging allows writers an opportunity to play around a bit, which again is great for creativity. No other forum gives you such complete creative control, and having the chance to experiment with ideas on a regular basis helps me work out what I enjoy writing about, and what I don't. Blogging also teaches me things that will help me professionally, such as the importance of SEO and key words, but it does it in a way that is fun.

Day in the Life of An Unpublished Writer

One of my favourite columns in the Sunday Times is the 'A Life in the Day' column, which goes into detail about what different people do with their day. I like the column because I am inherently nosey - I love hearing about other people's routines [surely this can't just be me?] and so I thought I'd do a run down of my own Thursday writing routine [just in case anyone was wondering what it is I do all day when writing at home!] Bear in mind I'm only a part-time stay at home writer...the other three working days of the week are largely spent running around after small children [although I do still manage to write when they're at school!] but I'm afraid I can't go into my adventures with those persons here. Also bear in mind that my routine isn't set in stone, but this is what an ideal writing day should hopefully look like for me.  I've only been a stay at home writer for a few weeks, so It's taken me a while to actually get into a routine. So, here's what I try to get up to when I'm working at home on a Thursday:

9 am - This is usually when I get up. Yes, some writers like to get up at the crack of dawn and eek out a thousand pages before breakfast, but I'm not one of them! 9am seems like a reasonable time to me, it's late enough that I'll have had a decent lie-in, but not so late that I can't get anything done. I have an unimaginative breakfast of toast with oodles of butter [I have been told off for the sheer quantities of butter I consume, but we all have to have our vices] accompanied with a cup of instant coffee [I actually prefer instant coffee to real coffee, I have also been told off for this]. I'll put some laundry on, as sorting out my life puts me in a productive frame of mind. I usually wash at night in case people think I'm unhygienic.

Mmmm....Instant coffee

From around 9.30 or so I start writing. I'll usually begin with this blog [as I am doing right now] as firstly it's fun [honestly, I would happily blog full-time] and secondly it gets me in the frame of mind to do the less interesting stuff later. I think it's important for me to keep up this blog, as it hopefully showcases the fact that I have some kind of writing ability to potential employers/readers. The blog usually takes a couple of hours to write [it's putting the images in and sharing it that actually takes me the longest amount of time] but I'll admit I could probably write it much faster if I was under duress.

From basicblogtips.com

Around 11, I'll stop to take a break - I seem to write best when I have frequent breaks. I can only write in short, concentrated bursts otherwise I get a bit cantankerous and my brain starts to protest! This usually involves watching something on 4OD. At the moment, I'm favouring The Mindy Project or The Apprentice, You're Fired.  At 11.30, I'll eat my lunch, which usually consists of tuna, red onions and potatoes [or something similar!] Yes, it's early, but that's when I get hungry for some reason.

Around 11:50, I'll get to the most tedious part of my day namely, writing to Literary Agents.  I am currently trying to get my first novel published, and this means that I have to metaphorically knock on the door of as many agents as I can. The only trouble is, each agent requires something different from me, some want a synopsis and the first three chapters, some want a letter of introduction, some want an author's autobiography, some want to know what my literary plans are. It's not a matter of copying and pasting the same cover letter again and again - each agent has different interests, so I do my best to appeal to what they're looking for. I do have a basic framework for a cover letter on hand, but I find that more often than not I have to adapt it each week to match the agent's specifications. On average, I write to three agents a week, and it takes me two or three hours to successfully compile everything they're looking for.

Dear Mr Agent...Please will you publish my novel. Thanks. 

3pm - I have to take another break, as at this point I feel mentally exhausted. Sometimes I might venture outside for a walk or I might read in bed for a good 45 minutes, as I find nothing more relaxing than reading.

From 4 to 5pm - I might apply for a writing job during this time, as even doing unpaid writing work will help me build up my writing portfolio. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll have gained a position writing articles [even if I don't get paid for it] and if that is the case, the I'll use this hour to write the articles. If I don't manage to finish writing the articles during this time, I'll carry them over to Friday.

Dear Miss Employer...Please will you give me a writing job. Thanks. 

5pm - is dinner time, and the end of my working day. To anyone who thinks I'm lazy, bear in mind that I work ten hours pretty much without stopping the other three days, and that I actually write 15 to 20 hours a week on average, and that I'm only paid for 6 of those hours. I also don't think I'm lazy as I actually use my days off to further my career, rather than just sitting round doing nothing [defensive writer is defensive!]

Friday's routine is more relaxed - it's my creative day, my 'play around with words' day, where I might work on my second novel, or work on a play or a short story. Friday is the day where I'll enter writing competitions, finish any unfinished articles and do any additional writing admin or life admin, such as doing my invoices or my taxes [fortunately I only have to do this once a year!] and if I ever get lucky enough to have an agent, this will hopefully be the day I'll meet up with them if they need me to.  I also tend to finish a bit earlier on Fridays, as writing for two days each week [and 6 hours during my other working days] actually takes quite a bit of mental energy.

I hope I haven't put anyone off trying to be a writer, it may be hard going, but it is also really rewarding!  

Problems that Writer's Face

I'm writing this post primarily to give myself a kick up the behind, because I've been finding it hard to get my creative juices flowing this week.  As a way of unlocking my writing mojo, I'd thought I'd explore the difficulties of being a writer, because it's always a good idea to face your problems head on...as that way you can begin to tackle them [here's hoping anyway]. Writing is my one true love, but it can be an incredibly difficult and tedious thing to do at times. Here's why:

1. There's no instant reward

Many would advocate that doing something creative is its own reward [and that is something that I do believe as well] however, sometimes no matter how much you've enjoyed the creative process, you still want instant recognition. If you're a concert pianist, people clap you each time you perform. If you're a writer, you can't hear someone commending you for your work [unless they're in the same room as you and they happen to like you] each time they read what you've written. There's usually a physical distance between the writer and the reader, whereas other art forms can be more inclusive.

It's fair to say that unless you've written a play, writing is not really a performance art, and that means recognition is usually delayed, by which point you'll probably be involved in another project, and less concerned about garnering praise for something you've previously written [although of course the praise will still be appreciated!] The lack of instant recognition can be demotivating at times. To be a writer can mean constantly having to tell yourself that your work is good enough, even if no one else is saying that's the case or applauding you.

2. It can take a long time to establish yourself

I think that most creative people struggle with this. Creating your own brand, finding your voice, actually making a living or earning from your work can take a huge amount of time and energy, and until you succeed it can feel like you're always facing an uphill battle. Until you are a bonafide professional author, blogger or freelancer [and even after you've accomplished that] there's always another agent you need to chase, another article to write, another novel to pen just to prove that you are an actual writer, and not just another wannabe. In order for people to think of you as a genuine writer, you have to show them that you are...again and again.

Get ready to prove yourself!

3. It can be difficult to know where to begin

Sometimes you may have an urge to write, but you have no idea what it is you want to say. As a writer you are quite literally picking words out of thin air. You have to create something out of nothing and everything, you have to sift through all the ideas and influences surrounding you and find something that resonates with you, and that can be quite challenging. I have an idea for a new novel, but as of yet, I only have half of the plot and I can't work out what the other half is supposed to be!

Now, I don't believe in rigorous planning, I believe that it's good to let the story unravel before you...but despite this belief, the novel's lack of direction is making me reluctant to start writing it. I know that once I actually force myself to begin it, inspiration will come to me and that I will begin to find out what shape the novel should take, but before starting any piece of writing work, there's a usually a fear of the blankness of the screen. In my case, that fear is not caused by a fear of rejection or failure, rather it is a fear that I won't be able to express myself properly, that I won't be able to get my readers to understand what it is I'm trying to communicate, as I hate misrepresenting myself.

I've got nothing.

Now that I've identified the problems I have with writing, let me end on a positive note. Yes, being a writer can be incredibly trying at times, but it is also incredibly rewarding and invigorating, and whilst these problems may be difficult to contend with, they are not insurmountable. They are certainly not enough to deter me from pursuing my passion - and if you read this blog because you also love to write, then don't let them deter you either!

        
 



  


    

Things Not to Say to Aspiring Writers

We all know creative people - there will be at least someone in your group that will want to write, draw, paint, make music, make films or photograph [or something equally creative] for a living. That person needs your support...it can be difficult enough believing in and pursuing a dream at the best of times, without someone saying something unhelpful or negative to them. So here's a list of things you probably should avoid saying to your creative friend, unless you want to annoy them. The list is written from a writer's perspective, but could apply to any creative field:   

1. Why don't you write more like so and so?

As a writer, I'm naturally inspired and influenced by other writers...I can't help it really. Yet, even though I may draw on my influences a lot, I don't want to write exactly like someone else. I never want to lose sight of my own distinctive voice or the things that make my writing original and distinctive. Being told to write like someone else is a bit insulting, it implies that your writing style isn't good enough, and whilst every writer could probably improve in some way, copying another writer's style completely is not the answer. You've got to stay true to your own writing style and voice, even if that voice is constantly evolving.    

No two writers should be completely alike, even if they are similar...

2. Why don't you try writing in a different genre?

This is similar to number one. If I'm interested in writing teen fiction, don't tell me I should be writing sci-fi. Yes, there are some writers who like to try lots of different genres, and that's great, but don't tell someone that one genre is less worthwhile than another. I've been told that I shouldn't waste my time with writing chick-lit, that I should focus on writing literary fiction instead. I take umbrage with this, as there are great writers in both camps - some chick lit writers, such as Marian Keyes write fantasically well about a whole range of subjects. I just don't see the point in doing something that I'm not personsally interested in, just because someone thinks that one genre is somehow 'better' than another.

 I'm not saying that I would never take on board someone else's suggestions - if for instance I was     commissioned to write something for someone I would do my best to do the subject justice, but if I'm writing something of my own accord [like this blog] and I'm not collaborating with anybody else then I'll write about what I like to write about. If you're not interested in my subject matter or the style I choose to employ, then you don't have to read it.    

3. One day you'll be rich and famous...like J.K Rowling

Maybe other writers don't mind being told this...but I find it a bit irksome. I don't have a problem with J.K Rowling [she is one of my favourite writers after all] but I just don't like how she's always used as the ultimate standard of success for writers. We all have different definitions of success and to me, even just being published would mean that I was successful in my own eyes. I genuinely don't write to be rich and famous, I write because I enjoy it and I find it fulfilling. Yes, I want to be a professional writer and I would love to be able to make a living from doing this...but I don't need to be a megastar to be happy with my own work, or to be a 'success'.  

4. Are you really going to stay at home and write?

I've told quite a few people that from September onwards I will be working part-time in order to focus more on my writing. Most people have been more than lovely about it, but a couple of people have rolled their eyes and looked at me in confusion. Why would you take a pay-cut and write? These people see writing as a waste of time or as a bit of a dead end...they only see the decision in terms of the finacial loss I will be making. Well, my answer to them is that life is short, and this is something I want to pursue. Even if I never make any money from my writing, I'll still be richer for spending more time doing what I love.     

 5. Is it any good? 

I had an ex- boyfriend who used to ask me this everytime I mentioned my writing to him [mutters darkly to herself] and it was supremely annoying. Now, I'm not claiming to be some kind of writing genius, a lot of what I've written in the past has been poorly constructed or a bit slapdash and I confess that I'm an absolutely terrible poet....but I do believe I have some kind of writing talent, otherwise I wouldn't do it. So, if I tell someone that I'm happy and proud of a piece of work, and then they ask me 'but is it any good?' I find that utterly demoralising. I can take constructive criticism, especially from an expert such an editor or a writer who is successful, but please don't assume it's bad before you've even read it. If you read it, and find fault with it, then fine, I will take your criticism on board - but don't assume it's crap without even trying it, that's just unfair. 

So there we are...rant over. Most of you are lovely and wonderful about my writing dream, so thanks for that!

Relieving Writer's Block

One of the things I love most about the writing process is that inspiration can strike at any time. It can come from anywhere or anything; fom overhearing a particular sentence, or from a tv clip, or from going for a walk outside, or even from hearing a song. Sometimes however, even the most creative of writers can get stuck for ideas and suffer from writer's block.  Here's what I do when it happens to me:

1. Lie down

I seem to get all my best ideas when I'm lying down, something to do with more blood going to the brain perhaps? I'm not the only one to advocate lying down to generate ideas - in fact Google offices  famously have hammocks in to promote creative thinking.  

2. Read something

Nothing gets me in a writing mood faster than reading an extract from whatever book I'm currently reading. Surrounding yourself with the words of others really does help to unlock words of your own.

3. Do some free writing

Free writing is the process of just letting yourself scrawl down any words or phrases that come into your head for a designated period of time, say 15 minutes. The words don't have to make sense or be gramatically correct. Just the act of writing, even if its not coherent can get the creative juices flowing again.

4. Work on a different bit

If you're working on a novel or even a short story and you're stuck on a particular section, why not spend some time on a different part? I don't necessarily believe that novels or stories have to be written in a particular order, though some authors might argue it makes the story more consistent if you do. I think that as long as you have some kind of plan and you know where the story is headed, then it's ok to work on something else when you're stuck, and I find that doing so gets me in the frame of mind to tackle the part I'm having difficulty with.     

5. Leave it and come back to it

If you've tried all of the above, don't force it. Give yourself some space away from the work [maybe even a few days, unless you're on a deadline] and then come back to it. Sometimes it's easier to find a solution to a problem if you're not in the thick of it.   

Writing without Readers

For the past few weeks I've neglected this blog, because I've felt disheartened at the lack of readers. It's difficult to keep on writing new posts each week when it feels like you're just writing into a void, with no-one there, and when your main source of blog traffic is spam. I realize it's partly my fault that I don't have a huge readership, and that is because I haven't really focused on the social media aspect of blogging. In this day and age, it's very difficult to get anywhere without a lot of self -promotion and so from now on, I will be putting each new blog post on facebook. Hopefully, this will generate more followers and a greater degree of interest in my writing. However, even if it doesn't, I came to the conclusion today that even without readers, writing is still a worthwhile activity in itself. I love being able to express myself through this medium, it is always immensly satisfying for me to put pen to paper on in this case to type out my thoughts. Yes, I ultimately want to get published, and have a career as a writer, but even if that dream never becomes a reality, all the many hours in my life that I have spent writing and creating have been fulfilling ones, and I hope to continue to enjoy writing for myself for years to come. 

    A detail from an empty notebook I have, waiting to be filled with ideas!     

Writing Advice

In the past ten years I've come across alot of different advice about how to be a good writer. I've gained this advice from various sources; from books and articles and from participating in a writer's group when I was younger. Below are the five most common bits of writing advice that I've heard or read again and again. I hope you find them useful.  

 

1. Be persistent

 As with anything worth doing, you can't give up at the first hurdle. Or the second. Or the third.So what if you've never been published, or if your short story has been rejected umpteen times. Don't let it put you off trying again - thousands of successful writers were once sent rejection letters too, but they didn't let it stop them and now their work can be found in bookshops everywhere, as well as online. Roald Dahl, Stephen King, J.K Rowling and George Orwell are just some of the many famous authors who were once turned away by publishers, not once, but repeatedly. If you're feeling downhearted because you're convinced that you'll never be published then read this article by Michelle Kerns: http://www.examiner.com/article/30-famous-authors-whose-works-were-rejected-repeatedly-and-sometimes-rudely-by-publishers 
 Remember, if you're not happy with the way something is sounding, then you can always rewrite it!

2. Read Avidly 

I think it's very difficult to write well if you do not read often. Reading is fuel for a writer; it generates ideas, helps you to have empathy with people and teaches you how to structure your work properly. If you find that you do not enjoy reading, you probably won't enjoy writing. To me, the two acts are inextricably linked.
   

3. Show, don't tell

This is one I struggle with. It applies more to fiction writing than non-fiction, in particular novels. Basically it means try not to give away everything all at once and keep the reader interested by letting them work out things for themselves. So for example, rather than just tell the reader that 'Sophie is a hopeless romantic', give the reader clues that she is - her home could be full of romantic novels for instance.   

4. Think about what you're trying to say

Try to keep your writing to the point - don't wonder off on irrelevant tangents and make sure every word counts.   

5. Be disciplined

Try to make writing a habit. If you don't write regulary, you'll find it harder and harder to write each time you do sit down to do it. Writing is something that can only get better with practice. Use it or lose it!   

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

                                My favourite place to be is...in bed reading.

Firstly, I should point out that this isn't the first blog I've ever started. This blog has two predecessors [that I hope you don't stumble across on your internet travels] which ultimately failed because they weren't specific enough, and as a consequence I gave up on them too easily, after just a couple of months. I am attempting to do this again, because I now feel that I have a better understanding of how blogs work [though I'm still on a learning curve] and the kind of things I would like to blog about; namely anything and everything to do with reading and writing. 

Now, I'm not proclaiming to be some kind of expert on the subject of reading and writing [though I did recently try and drunkenly get past a bouncer by telling him I had an English degree, which did a fat lot of good], I'm merely making it the focus of my blog because reading is my passion, and my ultimate goal is to become a professional writer. I believe that if I truly want to be someone who writes for a living, then I should explore every avenue and try and make my presence known. I also want to write a blog because writing regulary makes me happy and even though I know this about myself, I still somehow always manage to put it off. 

Hopefully, having a blog will give me the incentive to write more often. My final reason for writing a blog is that reading blogs is one of my favourite pastimes, and I find myself wanting to be a part of the blogosphere more and more. It just looks like fun.