Writers are often told to keep every scrap of writing, every half-finished idea, every abandoned paragraph, no matter how insignificant or directionless it seems at the time. For years, I did this almost compulsively, stuffing note apps with fragments, saving hundreds of stray files on my laptop, keeping dialogue snippets on my phone, and hoarding … Continue reading Writing as Archaeology: Unearthing the Story Buried in Notes
I’ve just finished the first draft of my current work-in-progress, a biography-horror hybrid that’s consumed more of my thoughts than I’d like to admit and is sure to consume more. It’s a strange, unsettling project that blurs the boundary between truth and fiction, and somewhere in that blur, I’ve found myself trapped between the two … Continue reading The Ghost of the First Draft: How the Earliest Version of Your Story Haunts All Revisions That Follow
Research at University: The Foundations When I think about research at university, I picture myself surrounded by open books and tabs of academic databases, scribbling notes in the margins of articles while glancing at the clock to make sure I stay on track. The goals are usually clear and structured: find a handful of reliable … Continue reading Digging Deeper: Research Beyond the University Walls
There’s a particular kind of paralysis that creeps in when you stare at a blank page for too long. You’ve got the idea. You’ve got the characters (or at least a whisper of them). You’ve got the mood, the spark, the itch to write. But then your brain, ever so kindly, decides to intervene: “Hang … Continue reading The Art of Writing Without Overthinking: Discovery Writing and Trusting Your Instincts
The moment I've been waiting for (and nervously anticipating) has finally arrived – sign-ups are officially open for ARC copies of Short Sharp Shock! It’s surreal to be this close to sharing my collection of horror stories with the world, and I’m excited to offer a sneak peek to readers who crave chilling tales and … Continue reading Get Ready for a Shock: ARC Sign-Ups for Short Sharp Shock Are Now Live!
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
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
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
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
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 