Photo of a one way sign

Starting a Story

Two more weeks to go, and I’m really excited about this years NaNoWriMo. Apart from a couple of short stories, it’s been a year since I actually sat down and made something completely new. At the risk of sounding like a nutter, there is something quite magical about starting a story and creating a world from scratch. A few weeks ago this story existed as little more than a whisper of an idea. Now that idea is written down, becoming something more than an idea. I wouldn’t go as far as calling it the bones of the story, it’s not that advanced, just a short synopsis. But it’s coming, slowly but surely. And by the end of November, it should be an …

Five Tips to Prepare for NaNoWriMo

Nanowrimo, the writing event of the year for many is around the corner. In my last post I did my very best to persuade you to give it a go. If somehow I’ve managed to convince you, and the idea of writing 50,000 words in 30 days hasn’t sent you running for the hills, then congratulations! Your sanity may be questionable, but committing to this endeavour is commendable. Welcome to the club.  If you’re one of the foolhardy souls who’ve participated before, then you know what to expect. If this is your first time however, you may be wondering what you’ve let yourself in for. Don’t panic! You’re in for a treat. I’ve seen Nanowrimo through to the bitter end three …

5 Reasons You Should Give NaNoWriMo a Go

Summer is officially over. Leaves are turning brown, the ice warning on my car went off this morning, and people are quoting Game of Thrones more than usual. But it’s not just winter that’s coming; in less than a month NaNoWriMo will be upon us. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure, NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, is where thousands of people all over the world commit to writing 50,000 words over the course of 30 days in November. Last year 310,000 brave/foolish people signed up for the challenge. Maybe you were one of them. Maybe you’re thinking of giving it a shot this year. Or maybe you think that sounds like the craziest, stupidest thing you’ve …

A view from the balcony of a swimming pool, with the ocean in the background

The moments between the madness

As I write this, I’m sat on the balcony of an apartment in Spain, on the La Manga strip to be precise. To the right, the sun sets over the Mar Menor. On the left, the Mediterranean stretches out (see photo). I’m with good friends, enjoying hot weather and being by the sea. And for the first time in a long while, it’s quiet. Beautifully quiet. A dog barks somewhere in the distance, a parakeet in the building opposite occasionally whistles inappropriately, but otherwise all is still. Life generally seems to be comprised of one mad event following another, and I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that way. Whether it’s the small things (“Who’s nicked my milk?”) or the …