I've written a total of nine books, seven of them full-length novels. So is it easier to write a book when you've already published a few? Practice Makes Perfect ... Naturally, if you've written one novel, it's easier to write another one. Well, in theory, it is. For me, it took three novels … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Combat Writer’s Block
Are you unable to finish that novel but don't know why? If you suffer from Writer's Block, here are five ways to deal with it. What is Writer's Block? I have to come clean: before I was writing my latest (7th) novel, due out later this autumn, I didn't even believe in Writer's Block. I agreed with … [Read more...]
New Book Releases: The Breaking of Liam Glass by Charles Harris
Welcome to the second of my series of New Book Releases. This month I'm talking to Charles Harris, a best-selling author and award-winning writer-director, whose debut novel, The Breaking of Liam Glass, was published by Marble City in June 2017. Please start by telling us about your writing. … [Read more...]
How a film inspired The Nordic Heart Romance series
Have you ever wondered what inspires authors to write their stories? I find this a fascinating subject, especially as no one author, or story, is the same in this respect. My books are inspired by several things: memories, places I visit, other novels or just something I've overheard. I often also … [Read more...]
New Book Releases
This is the first of a monthly series, New Book Releases. My aim is to introduce you to new authors and books you may not have heard about. The books will be in various genres and I may even throw in the occasional non-fiction title. The posts will be up on 2nd Thursday of the month. This … [Read more...]
Advice for New Authors: Five sure-fire ways to find your book’s genre
You’ve finally written your book and now people keep asking you what genre your book falls into. But the last thing you want to do is to pop your valued, unique work into a box, so you say, ‘It doesn’t really fit into any genre.’ Wrong, I'm afraid. On Amazon Kindle store there are thousands of … [Read more...]
Advice for New Writers Part 9: When to Start Editing?
When should you start editing your work? This can be a tricky decision. Do you wait until you've reached a certain amount of words? Or when there's an 'r' in the month or a full moon? Perhaps you've got into the habit of editing as you go along? Editing while you write I used to edit while I wrote … [Read more...]
Writing over Easter
Over this Easter weekend, I've been busy writing the next novel in The Englishman series. Or trying to! Although I imagined I had the plot all sewn up, I've realised during these less busy days of Easter that there was something missing from the story. The plot just didn't click with me. Until … [Read more...]
Novel London Reading at Waterstones and Free Books
Novel London Reading If you happen to be in London this Friday 7th April, please come along to a Novel London event at Waterstones Covent Garden, where I will be reading from the prequel to THE ENGLISHMAN series, THE FINNISH GIRL. There will be just the two readers, myself and Andrew Smith, plus a … [Read more...]
Five Warming Winter Reads
When the weather gets cold outside, I go all Nordic and get a bit of 'hygge' going, and settle down on the sofa with a good book. These are my current favourite reads to warm up this winter. When looking for a good book to engage me for a longer period, I usually want the novel to take me … [Read more...]
