As has become tradition, here is my review of last year. A – Arvon. My week long residential writing course gave me a new insight into how to finish my novel. B – Burying Reggie. The working title for novel number five. C – Cultural Development Fellowship. I was awarded one. Thanks Sunderland Culture. D … More My A-Z of 2019
Anyone working in creative circles will tell you that the hardest part of the job is making it pay. We all love what we do but turning it into a living wage can be troublesome. I’ve done alright. I’ve self-published four novels and along with running workshops and doing various other projects, I’ve scraped a … More My week at Arvon
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? 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?
My A-Z of 2018 (The Highlights) A – Amazon Review – This review of Troll Life is possibly the best I’ve ever received. B – Bros – After the screaming stops. Surprising TV hit of the year. C – Crossing The Tees – I don’t enter writing competitions often so surprised to find myself ‘Highly … More My A-Z of 2018 (The Highlights)
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.) 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.)
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. 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) 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)
