Posted by on Aug 11, 2006 in Uncategorised | 2 Comments

If you want to be a writer … Learn to deal with criticism (of both the literary and the other kind) Literary criticism can hurt. When responding to a review of your work, begin by asking if you think the person giving the critique genuinely wants to help you improve your writing – if not, […]

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Posted by on Aug 10, 2006 in Uncategorised | 2 Comments

We interrupt this scheduled broadcast … … to brag Tomorrow I will return to talk about how writers should receive criticism (and what to do with it when they’ve got it) but for today, please allow me to enjoy a moment. Last night I picked up my newly arrived copy of Tell Tales 3 and […]

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Posted by on Aug 9, 2006 in Uncategorised | 2 Comments

If you want to be a writer … be a good reviewer Yesterday I was talking about receiving criticism and why it’s important that writers understand the difference between support and unconditional love. The former helps us improve our work, the latter helps us bear the former; writers, readers and (if we’re lucky) editors give […]

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Posted by on Aug 8, 2006 in Uncategorised | No Comments

If you want to be a writer … Learn to be a good critiquer Part one – taking it on the chin The feedback you get on your work will help you polish it and maybe even point you in the direction of the right publisher or publication. The feedback you give will determine, to […]

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Posted by on Aug 7, 2006 in Uncategorised | No Comments

Bunny Goodjohn tagged me with this meme, which is as good a way to start a Monday as any other – you can see her answers to these questions at Bunny’s blog and here are mine: One book that changed your life. The Once and Future King by T H White; it gave me a […]

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Posted by on Aug 4, 2006 in Uncategorised | 2 Comments

If you want to be a writer … Don’t buy a hammock! I say this in all sincerity. Very little stops me writing. Even migraine only slows me down. In fact, if you suffer from migraine, it’s a good idea to see if you can undertake technical editing when you’re feeling bad. Technical editing is […]

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Posted by on Aug 3, 2006 in Uncategorised | No Comments

One for the Brits … Chroma: Queer Literary Journal and rukus! Federation Ltd are looking for a dynamic and fearless Intern Press and PR Officer to promote Fire This Time:Queering Black History Month. The event, to be held in October 2006, is the first time Black and Asian LGBT artists and writers are joining together […]

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Posted by on Aug 2, 2006 in Uncategorised | No Comments

Linda Donovan – The Impact of Style The philosophy of To Write Well (click for website) is that writing is a complex process that begins with having something to say and proceeds through learning to say it well, mastering specific skills along the way. Their ten week online course, Impact of Style, is designed to […]

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Posted by on Aug 1, 2006 in Uncategorised | 2 Comments

If you want to be a writer … Learn the business Because it is a business. We like to think of ourselves as artists, and our works as gems of creative genius (and why not!) but each gem has to tumble its way along the conveyor belt of the publishing industry before it gets to […]

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Posted by on Jul 31, 2006 in Uncategorised | One Comment

What I did with my Sunday I interviewed Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s! It was a hot and dusty day on Clapham Common, and Jerry was running late with all his interviews, but when my turn came I found out why. He’s one of the most unassuming, friendly people it’s ever been my pleasure […]

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