Tag Archives: Writing advice

Tricking Myself Into Writing by Juliet Kemp

Posted on 18 May 2021 by Jacey Bedford

Sometimes, whilst busily procrastinating, I consider whether writing is more something that I want to have done, than something I want to do; but then once I finally get myself over the hump and sit down to apply words to … Continue reading →

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Where do you get your ideas? by David Allan

Posted on 27 April 2021 by Jacey Bedford

Many SFF writers say they get asked this. Neil Gaiman has said he’s responded ‘from a little ideas shop in Bognor Regis’. On the same lines, Harlan Ellison is reputed to have said ‘Schenectady’. Another response that I’ve come across … Continue reading →

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The Problem with Prologues by Guy T Martland

Posted on 17 November 2020 by Jacey Bedford

At the time of writing this, I’m currently editing a novel for the nth time. In doing so, I’ve realised that the prologue has been removed and inserted as many times as I care to remember. This got me thinking … Continue reading →

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Twelve Ways To Be Better at Writing by David Gullen

Posted on 6 October 2020 by Jacey Bedford

I believe there are only two rules of writing, true rules that are unbreakable in the same way ‘Ye canna break the laws of physics’. (Except with the laws of Physics  we’re still not sure whether we have the full … Continue reading →

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8) The irresistible end by Colin Brush

Posted on 9 September 2020 by Jacey Bedford

The last instalment in Colin Brush’s series on how to write the perfect blurb for your book. ‘But wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest a … Continue reading →

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6) Middling: the power of opposites to structure your blurb by Colin Brush

Posted on 25 August 2020 by Jacey Bedford

‘Elric knew that everything that existed had its opposite. In danger he might find peace. And yet, of course, in peace there was danger. Being an imperfect creature in an imperfect world he would always know paradox. And that was … Continue reading →

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5) Beginnings or How to Get People’s Attention by Colin Brush

Posted on 18 August 2020 by Jacey Bedford

‘It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.’ Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell We’re just over the halfway point in my guide to writing blurbs and you’re probably wondering when we’re going to get around … Continue reading →

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4) Pitching your story’s emotional hook by Colin Brush

Posted on 13 August 2020 by Jacey Bedford

‘I never take on a client unless I can pitch their book in twelve words.’ UK literary agent The pitch is perhaps the most crucial aspect of understanding and selling your book. It is how you connect it to other … Continue reading →

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1) How to Sell Your Book in a Few Words by Colin Brush

Posted on 21 July 2020 by Jacey Bedford

This is the beginning of a series of weekly how-to posts by Colin Brush. Follow this blog to get all the instalments. ‘If you think you have a book evolving, now is the time to write the flap copy – … Continue reading →

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Handy Habits by Ben Jeapes

Posted on 7 July 2020 by Jacey Bedford

Will it sound unbearably smug if I say that lockdown hasn’t really affected me? Apart from getting a new computer. Otherwise normal service has continued pretty well without interruption. I don’t want it to sound smug, because I know people … Continue reading →

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