This article in the Guardian, about a report published by the literacy charity Quick Reads, set me to thinking about my own reading and writing. http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/04/to-kill-a-mockingbird-atticus-finch-voted-most-inspiring-character-harper-lee-hobbit-hunger-games Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mocking Bird is certainly an inspirational character, though his popularity is undoubtedly aided through being played by stalwart Gregory Peck in the film … Continue reading Inspiring fictional characters→
An article in the Guardian newspaper made me think about what books I’ve recommended, and given as presents to friends over the years. http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2016/jan/12/best-books-to-share-with-others-stories-giving I’ve read several of the titles mentioned, and one of them Stoner is a favourite of mine. It was recommended to me by an American friend three years ago, so I borrowed it … Continue reading Recommending books to friends→
I’ve been following the work of Gavin Aung Than, who is a freelance cartoonist based in Melbourne, Australia. His Zen Pencils cartoon blog adapts inspirational quotes into comic stories and is well worth a look. http://zenpencils.com/ Try these two stories for inspiration in your work as an artist: http://zenpencils.com/comic/calling/ http://zenpencils.com/comic/kevinsmith/
Most of us have heard of the phrase the power of positive thinking, which came from Norman Vincent Peale’s bestseller. It can be hard to see the good in situations that have stalled or plainly failed, and making lemonade when life hands you lemons is only temporary refreshment. I once read a definition of the human … Continue reading Staying Positive→
I’m currently reading Lawrence Block’s Spider Spin Me A Web – A Handbook For Fiction Writers. Chapter 20 is called Reporters and Imaginers. Block’s interest in the two types of writers was raised by a colleague at a literary conference, Arno Karlen who writes largely non–fiction. He gave a lecture in which he postulated that … Continue reading Are you a Reporter or an Imaginer?→
Two days after turning officially old, following my 65th birthday in February, I came across a writing competition that reassures me that I’m actually ‘Ageless’. Mind you, there have been a few debut authors of mature years, such as Mary Wesley, 71, when her first adult novel was published), Tim Finch (debut at 51), Diana … Continue reading Ageless Authors→
Inspiration can come to a writer while asleep. It’s a fascinating topic, as for one thing, while the body rests during sleep, the brain remains active, getting recharged, but monitoring functions such as breathing, cramp and how full your bladder is! It also thinks. It’s said that sleep has two phases: shallow non-REM and a … Continue reading In Dreams→
I’ve completed a third campaign of querying agents and I sort of got into it, in a masochistic way. Initially, I fired off a salvo of 13 submissions, including a couple to newly promoted agents who are looking to add to their roster of clients. To my great surprise, one answered within 48 hours, which … Continue reading The Language in Rejection Letters→
The original muses were nine minor goddesses in Greek mythology who provided inspiration for artists. Calliope might be the most useful for writers. In an old post Seeking Divine Inspiration, I asked if writers prayed to their muse or god? In real life, it’s sometimes true love and the one that got away, which inspires … Continue reading Muse→
Writing may be joyful, but making a living from your words is a long, hard slog. I returned to creative writing in 2013, since when I’ve self-published 45 titles as ebooks, written a dozen unpublished short stories and novellas and five crime novels. I’m glad that I didn’t upload my first Cornish Detective novel in … Continue reading The Long & Winding Road→