Top Ten Books to get you in the Christmas Mood
Normally by this time of year - early November - I'd be well into my Christmas preparation. Presents bought, turkey ordered, things planned... But it's hard to get in the mood this year. Browsing in shops is a no-go, and who wants to give yet more money to Amazon? And...
Covid blues and writing – extracts from October newsletter
Once a month I send out a newsletter – you’re probably being asked to sign up to it right now! Subscribing lets you win freebies. But if you’re allergic to email newsletters, no matter, here are some extracts from my October newsletter. You are not alone. These are...
Top Ten Films about Writers and Hollywood’s worst misconceptions.
Writing has to be one of the most misunderstood professions. Some readers seem to think a book gets written by magic, involving no time or effort. But a book which is easy to read hasn't necessarily been easy to write. Getting published is a struggle, and even that is...
Writing help – it’s all about Literary Scotland – Extracts from September newsletter
Once a month I send out a newsletter – you’re probably being asked to sign up to it right now! Subscribing lets you win freebies. But if you’re allergic to email newsletters, no matter, here are some extracts from my September newsletter. Edinburgh International Book...
Scotland has so much more to offer than tartan…. it has amazing book festivals!
I admit it, I feel a bit bereft this year. I'm writing this in Edinburgh as the most weird of Augusts ends. No festivals! And in particular, no book festival. Edinburgh International Book Festival did host some amazing events online, which were hugely enjoyable, but...
Writing help – it’s all about feedback. Extracts from August newsletter.
Once a month I send out a newsletter - you're probably being asked to sign up to it right now! Subscribing lets you win freebies. But if you're allergic to email newsletters, no matter, here are some extracts from my August Newsletter. Are you're missing the company...
Feedback for writers: how to get it, how to give it, and do you actually want it?
You've been writing something for a while; you think it's ok but you're not sure. How do you find out? Here are the do's and don't's of getting feedback. Ok first off DON'T send it to an industry professional. Publisher, agent - whoever - you're only going to get one...
Top Ten Utopian/ Dystopian Novels
A previous month's blog featured the best of post-apocalyptic fiction, and in order to limit myself to ten on that occasion, I had to hold back some fantastic books which are not, strictly speaking, post-apocalyptic, but feature several nasty possibilities waiting for...
Top Ten Reads for a Virtual Summer Holiday: Lockdown Escapism
When you're packing to go on holiday, is your priority the reading list? It is for me; if I've got a weight limit it's always a source of anxiety whether I'm going to exceed it, or have to risk RUNNING OUT OF THINGS TO READ. If this describes your mindset, then...
Top Ten Post Apocalyptic Novels
As I write this, the world is gripped by Corona Virus madness, panic, meltdown.... I'd always intended to write a list of the best post-apocalyptic books, but the timing did seem off. Was this really in good taste, I asked myself? But apparently books about pandemics...