This week, the Author Spotlight is on Patricia Greasby as she shares insights into writing historical fiction, navigating the self-publishing process, and bringing her latest novel to life.
Tag Archives: books
Author Spotlight: Brian Terence on sci-fi, short fiction, networking, and sharpening his craft.
Join us for an chat with speculative fiction author Brian Terence, where he shares insights into writing classic sci-fi, the appeal of short fiction, and the value of manuscript assessments. Discover his approach to networking in the writing world, his rationale for submitting to competitions and magazines, and how he sharpens his craft as an indie author.
Book Review: Really Good, Actually – by Monica Heisey
Really Good, Actually is … not bad, actually. I can see why its rating on Goodreads is 3.14, but I rounded my 3.8ish up to four stars. Partway through, I was tempted to put the book down and move on — the main character is grating and completely self-obsessed, with a friendship group that rubsContinue reading “Book Review: Really Good, Actually – by Monica Heisey”
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.
Indie authors: why not tell your story as an after-dinner speech?
After delivering my first after-dinner speech to a local Rotary Club, I discovered the power of sharing our indie publishing journeys. Learn how indie authors can inspire communities by stepping up to tell their story.
‘We remember not the art but the impact’ – advice for fiction writers from Donald Maass
How many of you own or have read The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass? Today I’m interested in these ideas: “How many novels have moved you to tears, rage, and a resolution to live differently? How many have left a permanent mark, branding you with a story that you will never forget? TheContinue reading “‘We remember not the art but the impact’ – advice for fiction writers from Donald Maass”
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.
Reading outside your genre can help you learn storytelling tricks.
Discover how reading outside your genre can improve your storytelling skills. Learn practical tips, like mastering scene transitions, and explore how techniques from thrillers, romance, and more can enhance your writing.
Let’s talk need vs desire in storytelling. Here’s what John Truby says.
Need and desire are two distinct yet crucial story elements, often misunderstood as a single step. In The Anatomy of Story, John Truby explains how need drives internal transformation while desire propels external action. Understanding and balancing both can elevate your storytelling and deepen audience engagement.
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