
Trashy Novels, Treasure Troves: What Writers Can Steal
Trashy novels aren’t really trash – they’re lessons in disguise. We explore what writers can learn from so-called ‘trashy’ fiction.

17 Ways To Think Like A Writer Every Day
Want to become a better author? Discover 17 practical ways to think like a writer every day and strengthen your writing skills.

A Quick Start Guide To Writing First & Last Lines
Learn how to write powerful first and last lines with this quick-start guide, complete with clear examples to inspire your writing.

Why The Silence Of The Lambs Is A Masterclass For Thriller Writers
Discover why The Silence of the Lambs, based on the novel by Thomas Harris, is a masterclass in thriller writing.

Write A Page-Turning Book Blurb In Just 5 Steps
Discover a simple 5-step formula to write a page-turning blurb that grabs attention, builds intrigue, and drives clicks.

10 Weird Things Writers Do
Authors are dear to our hearts, and we find that a lot of their charm lies in their eccentricities. This blog is about the weird

The Sci-Fi Genre That Feels Too Real – What Is Mundane Science Fiction?
Discover what defines the mundane science fiction genre, its core characteristics, and standout story examples.

What Is A Character Bible & Why Do I Need One?
If you’ve ever felt as if the inmates have taken over the asylum when it comes to the novel you’re writing, you probably need a

Master Body Language In Writing With These Easy Cheat Sheets
What is body language and how do you use it when you write? Use these cheat sheets to master your body language descriptions.

Weird Habits Of Famous Writers
Writers are a special breed – whatever it is you do to get yourself to create, you are not alone. Here are 5 weird habits

Who Are The 3 Characters Driving Your Plot?
Who is responsible for moving the story along in your books? In this post, we write about the three characters driving your plot.

So You Want To Be A Writer? By Charles Bukowski
This post includes a poem from Charles Bukowski on wanting to be a writer.

Is There Merit In Telling And Not Showing?
In this post, we explore if there is merit in telling and not showing in the books you write. Danielle Steel, who has sold 1

5 Ways Setting Affects Your Characters
Setting shapes us, and where we were born and where we grew up make a difference. We have put together a list of 5 ways

3 Ways To Use Inverted Dialogue In Your Story
In this post, we discuss three ways to use inverted dialogue in your story.

3 Lines To A Better First Draft Of Your Novel
We talk about writing 3 lines to help you write a better first draft of your novel. It is a great test for your story

Short Story Day Africa – 21 June
‘Short Story Day Africa has established a day, 21st June – the shortest day of the year – on which to celebrate the diversity of

5 Ways To Kick-Start Your New Short Story
Are you struggling to start your short story? In this post, we give you 5 ways to kick-start your short story.

How To Identify Your Protagonist And Antagonist
If you are writing a story, we have put together this post to help you identify your protagonist and antagonist in more detail.

Neil Gaiman On Making Good Art
In this post, we’ve shared advice from British author, Neil Gaiman on making good art.