Author Advice – Titles

When scrolling through social media, I always see writers asking about what would be a great title for their book. They can write a whole novel, but find it difficult to find its name. My latest book ‘It Won’t Happen Again’ was originally called Behind Closed Doors. At first, it seemed a fitting title, butContinue reading “Author Advice – Titles”

Thursday Tale

This is my post from 17th June last year. I have reposted for https://fivedotoh.com/2022/06/17/fandangos-flashback-friday-june-17th/. Each time Thomas would take control, she would take it back. That way her marriage could survive like the roses in her garden. The sturdiest of all her plants. Summer heat or temperatures below zero – they could survive it all.Continue reading “Thursday Tale”

Author Advice – First drafts

There is a famous saying – everyone’s first draft is rubbish. It’s true. Even the greatest authors in the world will not write a perfect narrative first time round. Whether you type on a computer, or write by hand – let the story guide you. Don’t worry about the mistakes that inevitably will be there.Continue reading “Author Advice – First drafts”

Author Advice – Do you write what you know?

When I first started writing, then I wrote what I had experienced. I was bullied as a child. I wanted to show, through my writing, that bullying was a problem that needed to be spoken about, even if I couldn’t speak out myself. However, It Won’t Happen Again wasn’t born from experience. I found outContinue reading “Author Advice – Do you write what you know?”

Author Advice – Does reading matter?

I have seen comments on social media from new writers wondering whether they need to read books to be able to write them. In my opinion, reading is important, but you don’t necessarily need to be reading. You can be listening too. Audio books are becoming more popular, and a great way to be partContinue reading “Author Advice – Does reading matter?”

Monday Snippet

‘I was in Morrisons last week, Tabitha was with her. Oh Thomas, she’s such a beautiful little thing. I thought, well I thought if we talked properly. I could persuade her to apologise.’ Martha felt his hand gently push into the middle of her back. ‘We’ve discussed this, Laura has made her own choice.’   ‘IContinue reading “Monday Snippet”

Author Advice – Self publish or traditional?

I would be lying if I said I chose self publishing over traditional. Traditional is the dream every writer aims for. Not only because they are able to market your book in a way that generate sales, but it it someone else to believe in something you have worked hard to complete. Writing a bookContinue reading “Author Advice – Self publish or traditional?”

Sunday Snippet

Chapter Five Martha NOVEMBER Despite his heavy drinking the night before, Thomas got up bright and early.  ‘Do you want any breakfast?’ Martha asked, putting the kettle on to boil. At the kitchen table, he gave his order, ‘Scrambled eggs on toast.’ She quietly flitted around the kitchen. The coffee was brewed first it wasContinue reading “Sunday Snippet”