inspiration
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I was delighted to be featured as a guest writer on The Writers Bureau’s blog yesterday: It was when one of my students had a reader’s letter published that the idea for my latest book started to take shape. “It’s only a reader’s letter,” she said, “but it means the world to me. I’m published!”
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Next week I’ll be announcing the launch date for my latest book, Publication Guaranteed (well, almost!). Here’s an extract from the beginning of the chapter on writing competitions: Is it a dream of yours to win a writing competition? To have your writing truly recognised? To know your story was the best? As a winner
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Last week, I brought you news about the title of my first book in the A Helping Hand for Writers series – Publication Guaranteed (Well, Almost!) Want to know more? Here’s the blurb: Fed up with rejection after rejection? Not sure how to target the right market, or what to write about? Writers Bureau tutor,
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Going on holiday soon? What a perfect time to write! But surely holidays aren’t for writing? Holidays are for relaxing and doing nothing. For some they are but for others, they’re a time to see the sights and enjoy new experiences. This is excellent fodder for novels, stories and articles, as well as fillers and
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Step Back in Time Watching a history documentary? Reading about a time from long ago? Events/people/places from a time in the past can start you thinking what if that didn’t happen? What if something completely different occured instead? An alternative history could make an interesting and compelling story or book. ***
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Make your characters real It’s often the attention to the little details that brings a character to life – their mannerisms, the way they say things, what they say, how they look etc. Imagine your character in your mind; even write down some characteristics and what they look like. This will help you to make
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One way to instantly hook your reader’s interest in your story is to introduce your main character to them and to make them care for that character. The result – your reader will immediately feel involved in your story: “Please. No…” Hannah looked at the big, balding man, her lower lip trembling. An adult would
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Family Photos – more than just a memento Photos of loved ones, including the beloved family pet, can often be found on our mantelpieces, windowsills or walls. The women’s weeklies all publish photos of babies, pets, special anniversaries and parties. Wedding photos, whether it’s our own, a family member’s or friend’s, could be amongst the
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Do you find it difficult to start writing? Not sure what to write about? Try writing about the first thing you see when you look around the room. A book of stamps? What instantly comes to mind? A love letter? Who is the letter to? Is the love reciprocated? What if it’s not? Or pehaps
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Whether you’re writing an anniversary piece, an article about a place, person or event, you’re likely to come across all sorts of information. Some of the information might not be relevant to what you’re currently working on, but could you use it for something else? Look out for dates of importance. There might be an
Esther Chilton 