Maybe it's because I'm older. But as I'm officially in the later stages of my life, I'm not as gung-ho as I used to be about my writing. I think it's because I've had to re-evaluate what's still on my bucket list, while my health still allows me to do it. At the time of …
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 most sophisticated Book Club scam I’ve received
Authors get them constantly. Those AI generated flattering emails asking you to give permission for a book club to discuss your book. But one I received a few weeks ago made me do my research. This email came from a gmail account, asking if I'd like to be interviewed online for The European Book Club. …
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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 …
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 The thing is, he used an unpublished manuscript I asked him to read because …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 …
Book Review – The Last Love Note by Emma Grey
They say, write what you know. This is evident in Emma Grey's beautiful novel, The Last Love Note. It's the story of Kate, a thirty-something woman who is married to her soul mate, Cam, a young English professor who is suffering from Alzheimer's. This story begins several years after Cam has passed, then flits back …
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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 …
