motivation
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Well, I hate to say it, but it is all Dad’s fault. I couldn’t wait to tell him about my e-book of short stories. “It’s not a proper book though, is it?” he said. “Yes,” I replied indignantly. “But I can’t hold it,” he said, miming the action of holding a book as if I…
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Last week saw the last in my current series of writing challenges. The results were brilliant. Please read them below. This week, I’m starting a new series of writing challenges – flash fiction. I’m going to start off small. This week, I’d like to see your tales in ten words. Here is an example: Fear…
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A number of you have contacted me to say how much you enjoyed this series so I thought I’d give you some opening words to help you shrug off the writers’ block and to inspire you into writing a cracking story: I’ve always had a thing about the cupboard under the stairs. You would think…
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Well, here it is – the last in the ABC of My Weekly Writing Challenges and yes, it’s Y and Z‘s turn. My themes for those are Yearn and Zombie. I can almost hear you shouting, “Eeek!”, so for some prompts and ideas click on the following link: https://esthernewtonblog.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/monday-motivationsthe-abc-of-short-story-ideas-part-nine/ Last week, the challenge was to…
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Some time ago, I added a cat magazine to my ‘Market’s For Freelancers‘ Page. So I thought it was about time I redressed the balance and added a dog magazine. ‘Dog Fancy‘ is a US publication, which uses mainly freelance contributions. They are always on the look-out for new contributors. They require articles of between…
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We’re almost to the end of the alphabet themed writing challenge. This week it’s ‘V‘, ‘W‘ and ‘X‘ that take centre stage, with the themes of ‘Victory‘, ‘Water‘ and ‘X-ray‘. For inspiration, you’ll find some ideas on these themes if you click on the following link: https://esthernewtonblog.wordpress.com/2014/08/18/monday-motivationsthe-abc-of-short-story-ideas-part-eight/ Last week’s writing challenge invited stories and poems…
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Many of you will be familiar with the writers’ bible that is The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook. For those of you who aren’t, buy a copy!! It’s full of listings including book publishers and magazines. It’s also packed full of information on all aspects of writing. Most bookshops sell the yearbook but if not, you’ll…
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The fifth installment in my series of how to open a short story and hook your reader focuses on addressing your reader directly, which compels him to feel part of your story. In a monologue, the main character often does this, as if he/she is confiding in the reader and sharing his/her story e.g.: Just…
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Tiptastic Tips! Readers’ tips are big business these days. More and more magazines are publishing them. Add to that the fact that for only a few words and a photo, you can earn up to £60 and readers’ tips are certainly not to be ignored. A lot of the tips pages feature tips with or…
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If you’re looking for a way to earn some cash with a quick filler, take a look at ‘Love It!’ magazine. It’s a woman’s weekly packed full of real life true stories and filler slots. If you click on the website: http://www.loveitmagazine.co.uk/ and the title ‘My Love it’ you’ll see several opportunities. The first one…
