craft of writing
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Paint chip poetry
How did I not discover this until now? Paint chip poetry. Utterly wonderful! It seems there are a couple of ways to play this game – and I do invite you to play. Start by…
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The book you must write and the one you can publish
So, Elizabeth Gilbert has a podcast. And that’s fun because she has a lovely voice and valuable insights to share. Take, for instance, this gem from her first episode. “There is the book that you…
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Not feeling confident?
I’m delighted to hear it!I received an email from one of my wonderful clients recently. It went something like this: Feeling worried about this book. I am not going to give up, but it’s so hard to be consistent…
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How to look more professional
Want to know the simplest way to look more professional in your writing? Ultimately, my friends, it’s all about style. I’m not talking here about grace or glamour, nor the seemingly effortless ease with which…
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The importance of crafting your written expression
It happened in an art gallery. Of course. Amid the burble of opening night chatter, surrounded by inspiring artwork, an idea arrived surprisingly in my mind. “I could start a business,” I thought. “I’ll call…
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Books that live on my desk
To begin with, there’s the dictionary. It’s always a good place to start. I have a thicket of dictionaries (collective noun, anyone?) scattered about my shelves, including a hefty, two volume New Shorter Oxford. But…
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New year’s advice for writers
I’m not really one for making new year’s resolutions. I don’t see the point. If you’re hoping to change your habits, your activities or the whole glorious jumble of your life, why wait until 1…
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Reflections of a literary pilferer
Here’s a question you won’t find popping out of a Christmas cracker any time soon: What do Winnie-the-Pooh, Japanese haiku, Tove Jansson’s Finn Family Moomintroll, Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable and the complete works…
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An inspiring and beguiling writing tool (or why the Rogetsthesarus is my favourite dinosaur)
I choose my words carefully. It’s what I do. Whether I’m writing for a client, for publication or for my own inclination, I consider the words I use. I weigh each one in my mind,…
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Murder, unkindness and storytelling
It began with ravens. A flurry of birds, persons and other wondrous beasties hurried thereafter. But it did begin with ravens. I read an interesting article about these sleek creatures and it led me to…
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Simple advice for becoming
a better writerI’m curious. When was the last time you read a poem: a) aloud b) at all? If your answer to the first question was “Umm…” and the second was “Does a Leunig cartoon count?” then…