A Writer’s Journey This is the first of a 5-part series where I’ll share the ins and outs of one of the most fulfilling experiences of my writing life: developing a pre-school kids’ animation series for TV. This 6-year rollercoaster ultimately ended in failure, but there were some amazing successes along the way. So, after grappling…
All posts in Writing
How to Choose Writing Competitions
Earlier in the year, I shared some tips for those who want to write professionally. One of my tips was about building your track record, which included entering writing competitions. Reader Question Frank got in touch to ask how you identify which writing competitions increase the likelihood of getting shortlisted or winning a prize. So today I’m…
The Art of Adaptation: from Picture Book to Animated Film
The most fun and fulfilling writing experience of my life was adapting my children’s picture book into an animation. Here I’m going to divulge some tips about the art of adaptation and share my journey of taking ‘Hopscotch and the Christmas Tree’, from book to screen. If you’re considering writing an adaptation yourself, I hope…
Get Back on Track with a Writing Goal
So, it’s the beginning of February. Are you on track with your writing goal or New Year’s Resolution? If you’ve fallen off the wagon, don’t panic. Here are some strategies to help you get back on track. Be Kind Firstly, instead of beating yourself up for not sticking to a goal, try self-compassion. Loads of research…
Three tips if you want to write professionally (or semi-professionally)
Today’s article is short and sweet and was inspired by a discussion at a recent session of the London Writers’ Meetup. I hope you find these suggestions useful if you want to write professionally. Writing is a craft It takes a while to master it, so don’t expect success from just one piece of work.…
5 Simple Tips If You’re Feeling Blocked
At a recent London Writers’ Meetup, a question came up about what to do if you’re feeling blocked, and a wide range of suggestions were shared. I thought you might find them helpful too. What can you do if you’re feeling blocked? Keep Writing! Paul said – Just keep writing, even if it’s just a stream…
Ten Lessons I’ve Learnt on my Journey to Becoming a Writer
I’ve been refreshing my website recently and it’s made me do some deep thinking about my writing journey. I’ve come up with this list of my top 10 lessons to becoming a writer. I hope you find them helpful! My Top 10 Lessons to Becoming a Writer Stamina. Becoming a writer can take a really…
4 Strategies to Help you Write the Messy Middle in a Calm but Creative Way
Have you heard the phrase the ‘messy middle’? Well, I had a great question from a reader recently. Jess got in touch to say: – I’ve written a strong beginning and ending to my play but I’m struggling with the middle! Do others have this problem too and if so, what should I do? Firstly,…
Having trouble sitting down to write? Use ‘The Four Tendencies’ Framework
Today I’m going to tell you about ‘The Four Tendencies’ – a fab personality framework that can help us meet our writing goals (and any other goals or habits, for that matter). (Hey, if you need help with your own writing goal or block, sign up for one of my coaching programmes: I LOVE helping…
The Surprising Benefits of Writing Just For Fun!
I often talk about writing with a specific goal in mind – whether it’s getting your draft finished or selling your work. I think it’s good to be clear and focused. But what about writing without a goal in mind? In other words, writing just for fun? Does that sound like a waste of time?…