On conducting research for my current book The Fisherwomen of Auchmithie, it’s been tough going finding information on the lives of fisherfolk in the 19th century. I began to read The Antiquary (Walter Scott), as cited on some websites. However, there’s but one description of the inside of a fisherman’s Read more
How to find an agent, or no agent at all? I felt inspired on the subject of how to find an agent by this quote from K.Welsh: “When I was querying agents with The Wages of Sin, I posted the opening chapters to my website on the off-chance someone might Read more
I received a lovely present in the post today: a book! Not just any book, but a gift from one of my clients. Very charming of Roobens to bother to send me a copy with a small note of thank you for helping him proofread the final version. The book Read more
I’ve been asked by some inquisitive readers why my novella Shattered Roses tells Rose’s fragmented story. And why this old lady’s story is told through the eyes of 16-year-old Megan? To answer this question requires talking about the writing process. It can be so much fun to explore new Read more
Past or passed? Personally, I find it easier to learn how to use these words correctly through examples as we tend to use it in English in certain ways. So I hope the following lists will be useful for your creative writing. Basically, ‘Passed’ is the past tense of ‘to Read more
In describing the theme of the book Waterstones says: “One of our greatest living novelists resurrects the short life of Hamnet Shakespeare, in this lyrically written and emotionally devastating account of the Bard’s only son. Utterly immersive and convincing, Hamnet is a poignant period tale that not only shines a Read more
Surprised I managed to finish it, what with juggling work and writing and some time for relaxation and mental health, but this month I read the above novel. And I am struck by the characterisation of The hippopotamus, and thus delved deeper into Stephen Fry’s writing psyche. But not Read more
Post-Brexit, coronavirus, whatever the current political or global crisis writers keep writing. Don’t they? Not always. During 9/11 it has been noted that creativity took a nosedive… okay, I’m going to be honest here… I couldn’t find my original reference. Some years ago I read something related to something. Just Read more
Some form of writing is required in all careers. And before a young person even reaches the point where they are working day-to-day making use of those skills is invaluable for university/MA/PhD applications. Does this makes you wonder about your own writing skills? With that said, here are some tools Read more
Cut these filler words to tighten your writing. Cut those words and still stuck? If you would like futher proofreading help get in touch. I can help you with a quick typo check, or more detailed grammar check. Who is Emma? Emma is a proofreader with 18 years of writing Read more