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
A short post today. Well, it’s official – the final edit of Short Sharp Shock is done! I’ve just finished going over the paperback proof, and I’m really happy with how it’s all turned out. But, and here’s the thing, the release date is now TBC.I had hoped to get the book out in time … Continue reading Final Edits Done, but Release Delayed: Here’s Why
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
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
I’m sitting with my laptop, fingers poised above the keyboard, heart racing. I’ve been here before. The cursor blinks at me mockingly, as if saying, “What makes you think you can do this?” This, my friends, is imposter syndrome, and it’s an all-too-familiar companion on my writing journey.Let’s rewind a bit. When I first started … Continue reading Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Writing: A Personal Journey
Every writer, at some point, encounters the dreaded creative slump. You sit down to write, but the words just don’t come. That’s where writing prompts come in handy. Last week I discussed different ways to overcome your writer's block, today I will discuss one of those methods in greater detail. Writing prompts are simple ideas … Continue reading Using Writing Prompts to Spark Creativity
I'm discovering that there's something truly magical about short stories. These bite-sized tales pack a punch, capturing the essence of a moment, a character, or an emotion in just a few pages. If you're someone who loves storytelling but isn't quite ready to commit to a full-length novel, writing short stories can be a rewarding … Continue reading The Art of Short Story Writing: A Casual Exploration
Recently I've been thinking about book covers and what other authors do to create theirs. As usual, I asked my followers on Twitter for their thoughts: Don’t judge a book by its cover, the old saying goes. But let’s face it, we all do. A cover is usually the first thing that you see of … Continue reading Book Covers: How? Why? When?
I've been doing the VSS writing prompts on and off for a year or so now, but like most people, I tended to do separate little stories, scenes or poems. But when it came to September, I had an idea. If you don't know what I mean by VSS365 writing prompts let me quickly explain. … Continue reading Who Lives Beneath: A VSS365 Story
Gareth Ellis - Author 