writing ideas

  • Your new five-word challenge is here. Last week, I wanted to know what you thought about your BLOG. This week, I want to know about your HAIR. So can you tell a story in five words, using the word HAIR in it somewhere? Here are your BLOGs from last week: Ritu: I blog, therefore, I…

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  • What To Write Next?

    As many of you know, my first writing craft book, Publication Guaranteed (Well, Almost!) is coming out on the 27th June. Thank you to those of you who have already pre-ordered the book. I have so many ideas for the next book in the series. Would you like to see one about actual publications to…

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  • Markets For Writers

    I was very surprised to spot a magazine solely devoted to short stories, flash fiction and poetry when I stopped off at the services recently. Popshot is quarterly magazine full of entertaining writing. If you fancy a read, you can subscribe or buy it from bookshops and WHSmith. They’re always on the look out for…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    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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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    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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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    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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  • Write Something New!

    With a new year fast approaching, many of you may be making resolutions and thinking about trying something new. Why not apply that to writing? Ever thought about writing for children? Writing for children can be fun as well as rewarding. In fiction, you can unleash your imagination to the full, transporting young readers to…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    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…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    Re-read, Re-write and Re-submit Do you save all your old stories? I do and now and then I’ll have a look back through them. I’ve discovered pieces I’d completely forgotten about. Most of you will be familiar with these – the ones you’ve entered into numerous competitions or which have done the rounds with the…

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  • Bite Size Writing Tips

    Ever thought about writing a true-life tale for one of the women’s weeklies? Many writers cringe when it’s suggested they consider writing a true-life feature for one of the women’s weeklies. Take a look at the cover of some of them and it’s easy to see why. ‘Gunned down by her mum’s gold digging  killer’,…

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