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”
Tag Archives: books
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.
James Scott Bell says: Write your blurb before your outline. Thoughts?
James Scott Bell suggests that writers should write their back cover blurb before they start writing. Before they even start outlining. He says:“When you are comfortable with your LOCK elements [Lead, Objective, Confrontation, Knockout – a system to work out a basic plot; described earlier in the book] move on to the writing of yourContinue reading “James Scott Bell says: Write your blurb before your outline. Thoughts?”
The Value of Community in Writing and Editing | A Gratitude Post
✨ A Gratitude Post to See Out the Week ✨ I joined a Zoom meeting the other night and felt nervous while waiting. It was a writers’ group, and their agenda mentioned editing. I thought it might be helpful to join, hoping I could offer something valuable to the discussion. Even if I stayed quiet,Continue reading “The Value of Community in Writing and Editing | A Gratitude Post”
CherryEdits 