The Dragon’s Ring by Fil Reid – Out Today!

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of my writing buddy’s debut novel. Check her out on http://www.filreid.com or find the book on Amazon UK or Amazon US. Or click on the Amazon link via Goodreads and it should take you to your country’s Amazon.  This time-travelling Arthurian fantasy was a fun ride

All Alone!

Characters might spend time alone, either before or after significant events. Preparing and processing is important for character motivation and consequential actions. It can also keep throughs out of busy scenes where it might distract from the moment. Here are a few things I like when reading or writing characters on their own.  Keep it

Random Update!

Don’t forget to check out my Reading Ranting for thoughts on reading and book reviews. Feel free to ask about my Writing Ranting Discord group @lovefantasy#0367. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok. Writing is going really well. I rewrote the intro the Out of Ashes, which is now with a couple of writing friends for

Writing a Series!

Writing a series can boggle a writer’s mind before you get things figured out. If you plan to write multiple standalones with overlapping characters and world-building, then you have more freedom with plots. But if you plan for your series to be one massive story with shorter installments in each book, then you need to

Everyone Judges a Book by Its Cover!

Writers go on about the first page or chapter of a book being a deal-breaker, and it is as far as the words go, but sometimes, the cover is what catches a reader’s attention before they even check the blurb or read a sample.  A dull or low-grade cover will put me right off. I

Work/Life/Writing Balance!

It’s ironic that my last post was about how writing is the same as running a small business, and then I go and do almost nothing writing related this month. Normally, I’d feel bad about that, and the lack of creative outlet would drag my mood down. But it’s done nothing of the sort. I’ve

Writing Is a Business!

Writing is a business, especially if you plan to self-publish. You need to start thinking like a business owner as well as a writer. Make time for the various writing tasks the way you would at any other job.That’s if you want to make an income from it, otherwise, write however you want. Or write

Shadows

I once walked in the dark, a shadow of the woman I used to be. More shadows followed me, fears and unfulfilled desires. I became the shadows, chasing what I thought I wanted. Time taught me to let go and stop chasing. But now you’re my shadow, watching when I no longer want you. You

Unravelling Writing Advice – Every Scene Must Move the Story Forward

I completely agree with this. But there’s often some misunderstandings as to what elements are capable of moving a story forward. Most people think of plot movement, which is like the skeleton of a story. It’s the structure that holds everything together, otherwise your story is just a mass of flesh and gooey gross body

Having an Online Presence Isn’t so Scary!

Treat for my writing buddy T-Rex who is always supporting me in my writing, so here’s some hopefully helpful thoughts on getting online. Blogging and staying active on social media to promote your brand is time-consuming and overwhelming when you have a million and one other things to do, but if you want to make