Tips for Writers
Free articles written by writers for writers, all designed with one aim in mind – to help you become the writer you always dreamed about becoming.
“Write the book that’s burning away inside you
15 Years’ Experience
My writing journey has so far spanned more than a decade. In that time I’ve learned a lot, and things might have run a lot smoother if I’d have known then what I know now. In this section I share with you – fellow writers and aspiring writers – hints, tips and advice to hopefully help you along the way.
Hmm, what does a writer do now?
If I remind myself why I read and why a lot of other people read – it’s to get away from all of that – escape, relax and enjoy, even if it’s just for the length of time we’re immersed in those beautiful pages.
5 must-haves for your romance novel
Publishers will often say there is no format when it comes to writing in this genre, which is often criticised for being formulaic. Is that the truth?
Creating a book trailer
How to create a book trailer at zero cost
Getting the media interested in your book
Ever seen an article in a local (or even national) magazine, newspaper or online about an author you’ve never before heard of who has a new book out, or tuned into the radio and heard an interview with the same? Ever wondered how they managed it? Here’s how…
How to read – actively
Of course, if you’re not trying to be a writer, the best way to read is probably, well, just to read, without being consciously aware of tenses, point of view, etc. However, if you are looking for trends, tendencies in genre, and the like, then active reading is definitely worth a go.
Want to write – get a change of scenery
Work, the dreaded ‘life admin’, juggling a family and chores make up a full-time job. How is it possible to do all this and write?
How to market your book – and actually sell some
These days, small publishers will want to see that you have an active profile online before they’ll consider publishing you. Smaller publishers do not have the budgets of the bigger boys, and therefore rely on the authors to promote their own works and make sales.
Find the confidence to submit your writing
So what if your colleagues think you’re more sex obsessed than Michael Douglas on Viagra – better that than being known as the one who steals the toilet rolls.
How to find the enthusiasm to write after your squillienth rejection
Agents and publishers receive thousands of submissions every year. They’re often reluctant to say how many, but on one agents website I was reading last week, it said the figure was in the region of 2,000 a year. The same agent said they took on around two new authors a year.
Dos and Don’ts when submitting to agents and publishers
Even those who still accept post will not thank you for packages containing glitter bombs or any other quirky method of communication.
Should I write in first or second person? Top ten tips to help you decide
If you every find yourself with the same predicament, here are my top ten tips, which might help you decide
How to write sex scenes – top 10 tips
No-one thinks Martina Cole goes around torturing people or JK Rowling can actually perform magic. It’s fiction. Get over it and write it all down.
Top tips for writing erotic fiction
To celebrate the release of my new erotic short story, Secrets of the East Wing, I thought I'd share some tips that I've learned along the way of writing erotic fiction. Here are my top five. Don't leave it too long before the first erotic scene takes place. Readers...
Writing fiction for magazines
I was very excited yesterday when I was flicking through Prima magazine, only to find a story I'd written in it. I'd obviously remembered my first attempt at a magazine story had been accepted for their November issue, but hadn't realised that was the issue I was...
Why aspiring writers should never give up
I now have two books under contract, awaiting release, which is a marvellous feeling, but for every acceptance there are 10, 20, 30 or more rejections. Unless you're one of the lucky few (and it does happen) who get accepted with their first or second go, this is a...
Where to send your erotic romance when looking for a publisher
I’ve been researching worldwide publishers who accept unagented manuscripts, and I thought I’d share my findings in case anyone else out there is writing erotic short stories and is looking to find a publisher.
Getting published without an agent
Contrary to popular belief, you don't always need an agent to get published. There are now a number of completely reputable, professional publishers who accept manuscripts from unagented authors. Here are some of the ones I have discovered: Bookouture Bookouture is...
An Exciting Insight into the Publishing Process
I have recently signed with a publisher and am quickly learning about the publishing process. I have to say, I was clueless as to how it all worked before, but am finding the whole thing fascinating as it unravels. I naively thought you write a book, they decide if...
3 ways to improve your writing
I've taken a break from writing recently. I felt I wasn't really getting anywhere and needed to hone my skills by doing something different, rather than ploughing on relentless. Time will tell whether this detour has helped my writing, but in the meantime I'm...
Tips from successful writers
I firmly believe that if you work hard enough to achieve something it will happen - even if it costs you blood, sweat and tears in the process. Despite this belief, from time to time I need an injection of inspiration from people who've been there, done it and...
Tips for proof reading
Generally on this blog I steer clear of giving tips, mainly because, since I'm still to realise my ambition of becoming a professional writer, I don't consider myself qualified for offering advice quite yet. However, as I've spent the last five years or so proof...
Top tips to finding the time to write when you have young children
When I'm on a writing course I enjoy being surrounded by people with whom I have something major in common - the love of writing and the passion for penning something that may one day be published. This coupled with the support they offer in believing in each other's...
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