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
Coffee Shop Etiquette Like most writers, I put on the pretence of doing my writing in a coffee shop. I therefore have a great deal of experience of the type of people who frequent them. Not as much a pubs but I still consider myself expert enough to tell you how to go on. Ordering … More Coffee Shop Etiquette
Black Eye Friday Christmas time, mistletoe and wine; sounds like a recipe for disaster, not least on Black Eye Friday. There are many sacred Christmas traditions, midnight mass, snoozing through the Queen’s speech, getting lashed up and fighting on the last Friday before Christmas. Black Eye Friday is a tradition that goes back decades and … More Pub Etiquette (Black Eye Friday Special)
In the past year I have guided you on how to behave in the pub and at your Christmas party. I’ve taught you how to avoid embarassing faux pas on public transport and how to become a mildly less annoying cyclist. I’ve given valuable advice on how to make the perfect Full English and even let … More What does the future hold?
In my last blog I tried to explain a little bit about what I get up to when I am being a writer. I only got as far as Wednesday in the first week so I’m going to carry on from where I left off and see where I end up. Working alone has its … More Bingo, Jazz Bands and pigeons. (What does a writer do all day? Part 2)
There are as many writing routines as there are writers. Some lock themselves away from the world until their book is done, slowly going mad, then come out blinking into the sunlight with 200,000 words of rambling nonsense. Others will balance children, pets, spouses and a day job whilst jotting down a few hundred words … More Word counts, naps and blood transfusions. (How to get your book written.)
Alan Parkinson 