There’s not a writer’s course or ‘how to’ book in existence today that doesn’t touch on the subject of ‘showing’ vs ‘telling’. Having said that, it’s still an area where a lot of writers (including me) struggle. Looking at these terms from a writing perspective is important, but first, let’s take them back to the…
The Empty Nest
As the year draws to a close, and for some parents this means teenagers completing high school, I thought it timely to re-share this post as they head off into the wilds in pursuit of adventure, further education, work placements and future careers. To you all, I wish you the very best. Leaving home to…
Writing Related Websites to Help Kickstart your New Year MOJO
Without going into the year that was, because honestly, who wants to dwell on it any longer – today’s post is about finding inspiration, support and the knowledge needed to help you on your writing journey. Whether you’re starting out, or looking to add to your writing portfolio, I hope you find something to incite…
The Appeal of Korean Dramas
After my last Teens and Young Adults post about Living with Anime Fans, my daughter suggested I follow up with one about Asian dramas. It didn’t take much convincing really, as we love them. A couple of years ago, she asked me to sit and watch a show with her on Netflix. I did assume…
Writing Hiatus?
Of late, I’ve seen a number of social media posts where people have spoken openly of lost motivation, writer’s block, and/or a loss in confidence in their abilities. Some over the short term, others longer. While I’m glad to see more writers and authors dispelling the false image of how effortless it is to create…
Living With Anime Fans
Anyone who has multiple offspring, will be well aware of how different they all can be. Each have their own personality, loves and dislikes, emotional wiring and thoughts. It’s what makes us all individuals. As a parent, I try to learn more about whatever it is that takes their interest. In the case of today’s…
When Your Story Does A Runner
Have you ever been in the midst of penning an epic tale, only to have the story or plot throw you a curve? This happened to me a few weeks ago, and I’ve been contemplating how best to address it. When the twist occurred, I thought, “Where the hell did that come from? That’s not…
Building and Safeguarding Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
Self-esteem and self-confidence are precious commodities. None more so, than in young, vulnerable, and impressionable souls. Both need to be fostered, nurtured and protected. As I’ve discovered through my research for this post, the internet is saturated with articles on self-esteem and self-confidence. Clearly, it’s a universal topic affecting a lot of people. In our…
Choosing Your Genre
You know you want to write. There’s a deep-seated, gnawing sensation in your gut. Your own reading tastes are quite broad – how do you pick between them? This predicament is common amongst new writers (myself included), and there is so much conflicting advice it’s difficult to know what best to follow. Some will tell…
When Low Motivation Affects Creativity
I could make a comprehensive list of reasons why I haven’t been writing of late. But being honest, apart from a couple of genuine circumstances, the rest are just excuses. What began as a misfortune that required my undivided attention, quickly spiraled into a low motivational rut. We’ve all been there! During this period my…