I started writing a book out by hand a few weeks ago, and reading it out to someone was so helpful for motivation! I will be honest and confess that I haven’t touched it for two weeks – eek! But honestly the biggest thing pulling me to get back into it is the fact that…
Ever thought about writing out an entire book by hand? It’s probably a crazy idea. Probably one that causes a whole lot of extra work down the line. But something in me decided it would be a good idea for this project. How on earth did this come about Nika? If you’re wondering why on…
Have you ever had an idea, a spark of inspiration that felt too big? I have too. I’m one of those people who always has more interests and hobbies than time to do all of them. I have so many dreams, and want to follow all of them! But some, well they feel too big,…
If you are anything like me, and tend to start plenty of first drafts, you have been on the brink of starting a first chapter. But maybe this is your first time writing a book. All of us can agree that preparing to write the first chapter is something that can change our story. I…
Being a pantser myself, plotting books is something that tends to be a rather brief affair. But that doesn’t mean the plotting stage is for nothing. I know that you may be thinking “if she is a pantser, why is she plotting at all?”. But although I don’t call myself a plotter, there is always…
New book ideas are such fun. They always make me realize why I love writing so much, and what this journey is all about. Writing can start to feel like labour, simply a number of words we have to get down, or a goal we need to reach by the end of the month. New…
I have never plotted my books ever since the beginning. From being a child, writing little stories down on paper, to now – nothing has driven me on like not knowing what will happen next in my story. I want to tell you the top ten things I love about NOT plotting my books. But…
Really, this is the question that plagues all us writers. Why does our book even matter? Why should we write it? Is all the planning, writing, revising, editing, learning, publishing ordeals even worth it? Writing a book is such a lot of hard work, and not something that is to be underestimated. I think those…
I am a lover of romantic things – but more the Pride and Prejudice type of romantic than Hollywood romantic. I do think there’s a difference! What is it about Pride and Prejudice, A Room With a View, and Far From the Madding Crowd that draws us in and has us savoring every tiny exchange…
I am part way through editing my novel Swimming with Lupins. It has been a whole new journey of learning and having patience with the process. This being the first of my books I’ve edited, everything is new and confusing. But I think I’ve cracked the start of this thing, and am here to tell…