The Element of Surprise

Surprises come in all shapes and sizes.  We've all attended the surprise party that is the worst kept secret this side of Area 51.  Or there is the rude shock - the mother of all unpleasant surprises.  Yet when a surprise is pulled off properly it is a truly marvellous thing.  I should know. I …

Own Goals

When it comes to writing, I know I'm still in the honeymoon phase.  Every time I learn something about the craft I'm certain my writing will improve because of it.  The publishing industry is exciting and full of possibilities, and for the most part the internet is the place I'm meeting many new friends and …

A Fresh Perspective

My last blog post was entitled Good Things Take Time, however at one stage it was going to be called Staring Up at Mount Doom...  Get the feeling I was having a bad day? A glass-half-empty-kind-of-day?  I was struggling to find time to write, I was tired and I hadn't blogged for a few days.  I …

Good Things Take Time

It takes a long time to write a book.  Okay, let me rephrase that: It takes me a long time to write a book... "Here I am!" I declare to the world.  "Writing!" Time passes. "Yep still writing," I say. More time passes. "Yes, still the same book...". January. February. March... "You could read some …

The Joy Thief

Before I had the desire to write anything, I loved a good book. There are so many good memories: Curling up under the covers with a torch until the battery ran flat; reading in the family room on a rainy day - tears streaming down my face because Aslan let the white witch kill him …

Variations on a Theme

Have you heard the old adage - everybody has a book in them - and then worried you might only have the one in you?  I must admit I've had a few self-doubt wobbles around this area in the past.   But when I had a good look at the writers I most enjoy and admire, …

A Word about Waymarkers

Knowing where you're going is the most important part of any journey.  In the real world it will be a tangible destination.  Depending on how far you're going you might rely on word of mouth, map, GPS or navigation by the stars to get you there.  But whether you're headed around the corner (trust me …

Plays Well with Others

This weekend it appears I've been tagged for all sorts of blog awards and challenges.  For a new blogger just reaching out into the big wide world - it's great to feel the world reaching back.  Thanks to you all.  So just this once, (because I know I'm the kind of soul that could just …

Chasing Words

What motivates me to write? And in this fast paced, information overloaded world we live in - why do so many of us want to get published? I was asked these questions this week and to my surprise I didn't have a quick answer.   I am a writer.  It's what I do.  Although these statements …

Sustenance for the Road

Sometimes even the best of us get a little weary and start wondering why we bothered to set out on the great writing adventure in the first place.  Especially when we could be curled up on the couch reading someone else's book. The truth is - it's hard to scrape out writing time when you …