Receiving critique on your work can feel like stepping into a spotlight where everything about your writing is laid bare. As writers, we often develop a deep connection to our work, and sharing it can feel like revealing a piece of ourselves. I’ve felt this acutely during my final university modules, where my creative pieces … Continue reading Navigating Critique
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Writing a Screenplay in My Final Year at University
As I enter the final year of my university course, everything feels like it’s been stepped up a notch. There’s a palpable shift in intensity compared to previous years—assignments feel more demanding, deadlines carry more weight, and the pressure to make the most of every opportunity is ever-present. One of the biggest challenges I’m currently … Continue reading Writing a Screenplay in My Final Year at University
Navigating the Anxiety of Returning to University for Final Year as a Mature Student
As summer draws to a close, the anticipation of returning to university stirs a familiar sense of anxiety. But this year feels different—it’s the final year. For many, including myself as a mature student, this year holds even more significance. The journey has been longer, the stakes feel higher, and the hope of transitioning into … Continue reading Navigating the Anxiety of Returning to University for Final Year as a Mature Student
The Journey from Manuscript to Published Book: My Self-Publishing Experience
As I near the end of editing my current book, a short story collection, the familiar feelings of excitement and anxiety have started to creep in. After months of working through drafts and revisions, the finish line is finally in sight, but that also means it’s time to think about the next step: publishing. Every … Continue reading The Journey from Manuscript to Published Book: My Self-Publishing Experience
The Challenges of Writing a Sequel: Navigating the Path to the Next Stage
Writing a book is a journey, one that is often fraught with its own set of challenges, from conceptualising the initial idea to seeing it through to the final draft. However, when that book is successful and resonates with readers, the task of writing a sequel can feel even more daunting. I’ve recently found myself … Continue reading The Challenges of Writing a Sequel: Navigating the Path to the Next Stage
How to Write Realistic Villains: Techniques for Crafting Complex Antagonists
When I embarked on writing my novel *The Next Stage*, I was determined to create villains that were more than just obstacles for my protagonists to overcome. I wanted them to be realistic, nuanced, and truly threatening. Crafting such antagonists requires a careful balance of traits and motivations that make them compelling and memorable. If … Continue reading How to Write Realistic Villains: Techniques for Crafting Complex Antagonists
Writing Flash Fiction: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Powerful, Concise Stories
Flash fiction is a unique literary form that offers a captivating blend of challenge and creativity. With word limits typically ranging from 100 to 1,000 words, flash fiction requires writers to distill a story down to its most essential elements, crafting a complete narrative in a space where every word matters. This brevity, while challenging, … Continue reading Writing Flash Fiction: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Powerful, Concise Stories
Writing Dialogue that Feels Real: Techniques for Natural, Believable Conversations
Dialogue is the heartbeat of a story. It reveals character, advances the plot, and immerses the reader in the world you've created. Writing dialogue that feels real and believable is an art, one that can significantly enhance your storytelling. Here are some techniques to help you craft dialogue that resonates with authenticity.1. Know Your CharactersBefore … Continue reading Writing Dialogue that Feels Real: Techniques for Natural, Believable Conversations
How to Develop Compelling Characters
Creating compelling characters is an essential part of storytelling, whether you're writing a novel, a short story, or even a screenplay. Characters are the heart of your narrative, and if your readers can connect with them, they'll be more invested in your story. As I continue to learn and grow in my own writing journey, … Continue reading How to Develop Compelling Characters
The Impact of Reading on Writing
As writers, we often hear the advice that to improve our writing, we must read widely. This counsel is not only a staple in creative writing courses but also a well-worn truth embraced by authors across the ages. Reading is an essential component of honing our craft, providing a foundation upon which we build our … Continue reading The Impact of Reading on Writing
Gareth Ellis - Author 