I've been thinking about settings in fiction this week. Two of my favourite locations for novels are London – where I went to University – and Cambridge, where I live and work. At first glance, they appear to be quite different. I love the great, heaving mass of activity that makes up London: the diversity, … Continue reading Settings in Fiction – London and Cambridge
Category: For writers – resources
Resources for Crime Writers – in print
Last week I had a lovely time revisiting some of the online resources for crime writers that I’ve found interesting. This week I thought I’d highlight a few of the publications I’ve invested in. I’m sure there are loads more. Please do mention any you’ve found useful in the comments below.“How to” BooksI’ve read … Continue reading Resources for Crime Writers – in print
Resources for Crime Writers – online
This may look like a random picture, but actually it's Cambridge's very own Parkside Police Station (I would have gone in closer, but I didn't want to get myself arrested...) When I started to try my hand at writing crime fiction, I was naturally tempted to rely on Lewis and Rebus for any background information … Continue reading Resources for Crime Writers – online
Novelicious, Platforms and Stage Fright
There’s a lot of talk these days about the need for aspiring writers to develop a platform. Whether it’s Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest, getting yourself out there seems to be the order of the day. Having been shortlisted for Novelicious 2012, I suddenly find I have an extra platform, and how do I feel? I’m … Continue reading Novelicious, Platforms and Stage Fright
Write Stuff – Novelicious Undiscovered 2012
I am honoured and amazed to have been shortlisted in the Novelicious Undiscovered competition, and have been reeling ever since I found out. My entry – Anna in the Works – is romantic suspense, with a murder mystery to work out. (I never do seem to be able to write romance without this sort of … Continue reading Write Stuff – Novelicious Undiscovered 2012
Write Stuff – Turning the Pages
After a day of data-entry and tomato scrubbing (don’t ask) I was keen to relax and catch up with the on-line writing group I belong to. One of the lovely members had posted a link to an article by novelist, Chuck Wendig, outlining 25 reasons a potential reader might give up on your book. Sounded … Continue reading Write Stuff – Turning the Pages
Write Stuff – Help and Resources for Writers – Approaching Agents
Following a recent discussion with friends on where to find advice about approaching literary agents, I’ve realised just how many excellent resources there are. Here’s a round-up of some places to go for inside information: Help from agents themselves Carole Blake’s book From Pitch to Publication provides a comprehensive and very … Continue reading Write Stuff – Help and Resources for Writers – Approaching Agents
Write Stuff – Help and Resources for Writers – Author Events
Sarah Duncan has been giving advice on delivering author events on her blog in the last few days, and I’ve found the posts very interesting having worked in literature promotion. It also made me think back to some of the events I’ve attended. One runaway success, in terms of sales, relied very much on getting … Continue reading Write Stuff – Help and Resources for Writers – Author Events
Write Stuff – Help and Resources for Writers 5 – WriteWords
It’s well worth browsing the WriteWords website to get an idea of what’s on offer. Signing up costs £35 a year and gives you access to its full range of benefits. The site’s services include forums, online writing groups, the chance to showcase your work and useful directories featuring agents and publishers. The directory entries … Continue reading Write Stuff – Help and Resources for Writers 5 – WriteWords
Write Stuff – Help and Resources for Writers 4 – Nicola Morgan’s blog
In the ordinary way I would be blogging away about how wonderful Cambridge Wordfest was but, in fact, it was London Marathon weekend. I therefore tore myself away and spent my time watching my other half, Charlie, scorching his way round the capital instead (in 2 hours, 42 mins - well worth travelling down to … Continue reading Write Stuff – Help and Resources for Writers 4 – Nicola Morgan’s blog
Clare Chase 