Troll Life – Coming Soon Whilst Life In The Balance only came out in June of last year, I started work on my fourth novel, Troll Life, long before that. After what seems like a lifetime working on it, over 300 hours writing and editing and many more with the publishing process, it will finally … More Troll Life – Coming Soon
I’ve been a little busy recently and have neglected my blog a bit. There’ll be some more detailed blogs coming soon but I thought I’d give a quick update on what I’ve been up to and what’s coming up in the next month. A lot of my time has been spent on freelance writing. I … More The busy life of a full time writer.
Should you edit already published work? As a writer, or even an artist, a filmmaker or any other creative type, there is a temptation to look at your previous work and wish you could have done it slightly differently. The general rule is that you should keep moving forward and not dwell on the past. … More Should you edit already published work?
Like most people from Sunderland, Roker Pier & Lighthouse means a lot to me. It’s a famous landmark, the highlight of our stunning coastline and it hosts beautiful sunrises. It’s something to focus on and take your mind off a coastal run and somewhere that all Mackems will have wanted to explore as a child. … More Roker lighthouse as you’ve never seen it before.
Being the perfect guest. On the list of things I should do more of, guest blogging is there, but it’s not something I’ve ever quite got around to. I did a blog for 99% Perspiration and another one for Sunderland’s City of Culture bid last year but I’ve never quite followed it up with any … More Being the perfect guest.
As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I recently ‘finished’ my fourth novel, Troll Life, and I am awaiting feedback from my trusted team of reviewers. As they are doing me a massive favour, I am working to their timescales and they will read it whenever they are ready. So, how does a writer fill … More What a writer does when awaiting feedback.
It’s been quite some time since I last gave an update on my editing process. Back in October I was up to 197 hours worth of effort in writing and editing my fourth novel, Troll Life. This week I hit a major milestone when I finally sent copies to my review team for their critiques … More Time to write. (How long does it take to write a novel? Pt 5)
Ever wondered what the writer in your life wants from you? Here’s a handy guide. … More What writers want.
One month, nine venues, eighteen events and nearly five hundred attendees, I think it’s fair to say that the Sunderland Creative Writing Festival has been a bit of a success. I’m not sure when Iain Rowan first asked me if I wanted to be involved, it was probably in a dream or something. I’d run … More Tweets, Beasts and Writing Treats (The story of the Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018)
Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018 It’s been non stop in Parkinson Palace this week. I had a couple of freelance blogs to finish, I’d committed to doing my Winter Olympics blogs and I’ve finally begun to get my half marathon training back on track. Most exciting of all, the tickets went live for the Sunderland … More Festival Fever (Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018)
Alan Parkinson 