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”.”
Category Archives: Indie author advice
Character development at the supermaket: a great idea from Lit Hub
Considering what your character would buy instore is a great experiment for creative writers.
Is it deduce or deduct? And what about deduction?
Learn the difference between deduce and deduct.
Lumps and bumps are a part of the creative process: embrace imperfection as a starting point
Achieve the right mindset. You’re bound to hit lumps and bumps in the creative process.
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.
Hitting the research sweet spot: Bernard Cornwell’s advice on avoiding info-dumping.
Learn how to balance research and storytelling in your fiction. Discover tips to avoid info-dumping and keep your readers engaged, no matter your genre.
Improve your writing craft in 2025 – free and paid options
Looking to improve your writing craft in 2025? Join the free Cherry Edits Writing Craft Facebook group or invest in 1-to-1 coaching for personalised support. Let’s make your writing shine!
Can I use song lyrics in my novel?
“Wondering if you can use song lyrics in your novel? This video explains what writers need to know about copyright and permissions. Originally shared in my FB writing craft group as part of #TipThursday, it’s a must-watch for authors tackling this common question. Editing slots available from June 2025; writing coaching opens in the new year!
“Never name an emotion,” says K.M.Weiland in Helping Writers Become Authors
Explore K.M. Weiland’s insights on crafting deeply emotional fiction in this blog post inspired by the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast episode, ‘6 Tips to Write Deeply Emotional Fiction.’ Discover why emotions should arise naturally from your story’s context and why ‘naming an emotion’ should be a last resort. Share your thoughts and learn how to master showing emotions through subtext, actions, and reactions. Join the conversation now!
When body parts wander: how to avoid disembodiment in your writing.
It’s spooky season, and we’re diving into the quirks of body parts going for a wander in your writing! But even in spooky stories, context and nuance are key. Join me as I break down when these ghostly limbs work and when they don’t—watch the video to see my editorial thought process in action.
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