how to write – Page 5

Three things I’ll never write in my author bio

Even before I started writing novels, I’ve always loved reading authors’ bios. When I try out a new novelist, I usually read the first page and then flip to the inside back cover. If they’re both well written and interesting, I feel more confident about my chances of connecting with the author and the story… Continue reading Three things I’ll never write in my author bio

How to write accents and speech patterns

I’ve written a couple posts about accents – specifically, about how to write a character who has a different accent to you, and some subtle differences in British and American English. Today I want to talk about an amazing debut novel that I think handles accents brilliantly – In for a Penny by Rose Lerner.… Continue reading How to write accents and speech patterns

Differences in British and American English (for writers)

Pop quiz. What’s wrong with these sentences? 1. The Ireland rugby team are playing today, so my husband will be glued to the TV. 2. If I hadn’t got up so late, I would’ve got the bus. 3. I’m going to work at the weekend. Answers

Your story, written by someone else

It’s every unpublished writer’s worst nightmare—browsing the bookstore shelves and discovering that someone else has written the same story you’ve sweated over for a year. Only they’ve written it faster. And—that obnoxious little voice tells you—they’ve probably written it better. You have two options. One: pretend you never saw it, then let the questions eat… Continue reading Your story, written by someone else