Occasionally scenes write themselves. Most don't. As authors, we know this, and in the 'most don't' category, there are many sub-categories. So, for this blog I'm sharing the different dilemmas we encounter while writing scenes. 1. The scene we thought was perfect, until continuity raised its head. I can think of two recent examples with …
Do not start writing unless you love it! – Guest blog by Christian Baines
Christian Baines is an author friend who recently posted the rant below on Facebook. Like me, he is on the indie side of the author scale, and what he wrote here is full of truth. He gave me permission to republish his words. Do not start writing unless you love it and are willing to …
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The ingredients for a successful writing group
Over the past years I've been part of three writing groups. All had their merits, but the one I've rejoined this year is the best for several reasons. First off, it's small. There are only four of us so every week, we each have time to present a scene and get feedback. I've realised how …
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Getting feedback
It's no secret I enjoy my writers' group. Last week, one of the members reminded me why this type of feedback is important. There are only four in our group which allows us to get a lot done during our three hour sessions. We read our scene out loud while our fellow scribes follow with …
The importance of a good Writing Group
I've returned to my favourite Writing Group. I was away for a year for personal reasons but in the meantime, joined another who met fortnightly on Saturdays. There were some really great writers there, but we only had five minutes to read and five minutes for feedback. But I continued until the organiser said something …
Growing older
Last year I turned sixty-one. My husband, Warren, has been with me for three and a half decades, and he is two and a half years older. This has meant I've had insight into how I'll view life in coming years, no matter what age I am. At times I haven't understood his point of …
My friend used my novel for his AI assignment!
A friend of mine is studying AI. He is doing the course for his job and at one stage asked if he could use one of my manuscripts for an assignment. At least, that's what he tells me. I don't recall. The thing is, he used an unpublished manuscript I asked him to read because …
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Tinkering with a polished manuscript
I'm entering a competition. It's for a chance to be published with a well respected publisher. I seriously don't think I'll be one of the finalists judging from past winners, but it gives me a chance to be seen by local industry professionals. Some would say, 'why bother?' Well, first off, I'm a paid member …
Literary Speed Dating
Last week I did my second Literary Speed Dating event. This event was online unlike the previous one I did. Back then I joined a large number of eager authors waiting in line to impress representatives from publishing houses. We rehearsed our spiel, performed for an acquisitions editor, answered questions, then joined the next queue hoping …
When AI steals your cover art
Some freaky things are happening. Authors are receiving emails with AI generated praise to convince them to sign up for paid promotions. Several of us have been comparing these in online writers' groups. Two popped into my inbox in just as many days and they sound like this: I just finished reading about Drama Queens …
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