Beat the block
November 9, 2020
Struggling to write during lockdown? Covid wiped out your creativity?
You’re not alone. … More Beat the block
Category: Writing
Parting Shot
June 20, 2020
With Alan Bennett due to revive his Talking Heads series on BBC this week, I’m probably not going to be the first Alan people search for when looking to watch a monologue. I have however dipped my toe into the monologue scene for the first time and my screen debut, Parting Shot, premiered last week. … More Parting Shot
My writing life – some changes
September 25, 2019
Four years ago, I handed my notice in to embark on a full-time writing career. I didn’t know how long it would last. I didn’t know how I would make a living. And I didn’t know how I’d adapt to working from home rather than being part of the office life I’d known for so long. … More My writing life – some changes
Do reviews matter?
January 27, 2019
Do reviews matter? Writers, we’re a strange bunch to please. Toiling away, day after day, wondering if the words we are hammering into our keyboards are ever going to be read. Cycling through the emotions from elation at a sparkling new idea or line of prose, to the crippling self doubt of wondering whether someone … More Do reviews matter?
Crossing The Tees Short Story Award
December 12, 2018
Crossing The Tees Short Story Award I don’t write a lot of short stories. I had a brief spell of writing some when I first became a full time writer three years ago, some of which can be found on my website, but it’s never been a passion of mine. As it’s my job, I … More Crossing The Tees Short Story Award
How to self publish. (Creating a publishing checklist. Part Two.)
November 28, 2018
How to self publish. (Creating a publishing checklist. Part Two.) In a previous blog, we covered the publishing steps taken up to formatting. In today’s blog I will talk a little about the steps after that and what happens up to publishing and beyond. Decide on a price With paperbacks this is partly dictated by … More How to self publish. (Creating a publishing checklist. Part Two.)
How to self publish. (Creating a publishing checklist.)
November 19, 2018
I am often asked about how I self-publish. In this blog I give some advice on how to self-publish and what goes into a self-publishing checklist. … More How to self publish. (Creating a publishing checklist.)
Call centre inspiration for author’s new novel.
November 13, 2018
Call centre inspiration for author’s new novel. An author has used Sunderland call centres as the inspiration behind his fourth novel. Alan Parkinson launched Troll Life at Sunderland Museum as part of the Sunderland Libraries Literature Festival in October. Set in Southwick and Doxford Park, it tells the story of an online troll who is … More Call centre inspiration for author’s new novel.
The final edit. (How long does it take to write a novel Part 6)
October 22, 2018
The final edit. (How long does it take to write a novel Part 6) It was way back in June when I last did one of these blogs on how long it was taking me to write my fourth novel, Troll Life. At that stage I was up to 271 hours (40 planning, 80 writing … More The final edit. (How long does it take to write a novel Part 6)
Launched Into The Unknown
October 17, 2018
Launched Into The Unknown I’m at a bit of a loss today. For the past couple of years, amongst other projects, I have been working on my fourth novel, Troll Life. The humorous tale of an online troll being exposed, and having to work in the very call centre he has been trolling, has been … More Launched Into The Unknown
