Category Archives: blog

When Etc. Should Be ‘Et Cetera’ — With Special Reference to Fictional Dialogue

Wondering when to use et cetera instead of the abbreviation etc. in your writing? Especially in fictional dialogue, getting this small detail right can make a big difference in authenticity and flow. Learn why et cetera should always be written in full when characters say it, and avoid common styling mistakes that can pull readers out of the story. Perfect tips for writers who want polished, professional fiction!

Stories from the North – A Night Out with the Cumbrian Book Crowd

A joyful reflection on the Lakeland Book of the Year Awards 2025 — celebrating Cumbrian writers, books about Cumbria, and the region’s rich literary community. Highlights include local authors, publishing diversity, and the importance of nurturing young creative voices.

Recognize ideas “when they show up”.

From Stephen King’s On Writing. Let’s get one thing clear right now, shall we? There is no Idea Dump, no Story Central, no Island of the Buried Bestsellers; good story ideas seem to come quite literally from nowhere, sailing at you right out of the empty sky: two previously unrelated ideas come together and makeContinue reading “Recognize ideas “when they show up”.”

Can you end a sentence with a preposition?

Here we have a video about ending sentences with prepositions. In short, it’s fine! Go right ahead. But be aware of context and clarity. Here’s some further useful info, including where this preposition ‘rule’ came from. More information here: https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/prepositions-ending-a-sentence-with

Genre helps readers “predict and plan” – writers should take this into consideration

Explore how genre acts as a framework for understanding texts, guiding readers’ expectations and enhancing both reading and writing experiences.