Despite my constant reminders that a writer should write everyday, tonight I’ve decided to give myself some time off. It’s the end of the week, I’m tired and the regulars in a chatroom I visit every Friday night have deserted me. I’ve also finished the rounds on the internet and my eyes are [...]

Filed under: Cat's Eyes, My Writing:, Personal | 2 Comments »

Let’s face it, writers abuse themselves. They sit in front of a computer for countless hours. They sit up half the night then can’t sleep because the scenes continue playing in their head. When they fall asleep, they don’t stay asleep for the number of hours that is healthy - instead they [...]

Filed under: Writing Habits, Writing: | 3 Comments »

Have you heard of the KISS technique? No, it doesn’t mean you go around giving everyone a big sloppy kiss in the hope of getting published. It means to keep your writing simple.
KISS = Keep it simple stupid
Some writers feel they have to use big, impressive words to be successful but, often, by [...]

Filed under: Style & Voice, Writing for Children, Writing: | 3 Comments »

Last night I reported having difficulties with a fight scene. I persevered and managed to get the scene started. Hopefully, this evening I’ll be able to pick up where I left off and continue on to the end.
The problem with these scenes (for me) is that so many things are happening at once, [...]

Filed under: Cat's Eyes, My Writing: | 4 Comments »

Chapter 6 is moving very slowly. There is a scene where the antagonist attacks my protagonist group. However, I can’t seem to visualise the scene. For those of you who know me well, you’ll shake your head and think “after all this time, she still locks up with fight scenes”, and you’ll [...]

Filed under: Cat's Eyes, My Writing: | 3 Comments »

Some published authors detest fan fiction, while others don’t mind it one bit.
There are good and bad points to consider when thinking about this issue.
Firstly, I think it’s a huge compliment that the reader feels so highly of your world, and characters, that they want to return there again and again by writing about it. [...]

Filed under: Writing: | 4 Comments »

Once a writer becomes serious about their craft, reading no longer has the power to entertain them because a writer develops an editing mind and that mind has its own “little red pen”. Gone are the hours lost in other worlds, and other people’s lives. What once was fun and relaxing, suddenly becomes [...]

Filed under: My Writing:, Personal | 6 Comments »

To put it simply…for me, to be e-published or to have a book self-published is the same as not being published at all. Why? Because anyone can produce an e-book, anyone can go down the POD or vanity press road. Anyone.

Filed under: Agents, Publishers & Assessors, My Writing:, Writing: | No Comments »

It’s true, it’s only day sixteen and I’ve already written a third of the manuscript.
Chapter 5 turned out to be difficult to write but I took it slowly and gave myself plenty of time to “think”. As you know, I’m a planner. As far as I’m concerned, planning is essential but [...]

Filed under: Cat's Eyes, My Writing: | 2 Comments »

For some people life is just beginning. Welcome to the world, William Johnson, first son of Darren and Jo.
For others, the first stage of their life is ending and it’s time to move onto something new. Today, in Australia, is the last day of school for Year 12 students. This traditionally is [...]

Filed under: General: | 2 Comments »