An introduction to me and my writing

One of the best things about publishing my novel in the last few months has been talking to people about it. As an independent author, I don't want that to stop there, I want to get to know you and what you like about my stories. In this short video, I start by introducing myself. …

Set boundaries to protect your creativity

  In modern times the idea of boundaries have picked up a bit of a bad rep. You wouldn't be blamed if images of a glass ceiling, elitism or even xenophobia came to mind when boundaries were mentioned. This is the notion that there is a boundary stopping you,  holding you in, or keeping you …

My Author Journey – Keeping the Faith

As an unpublished writer, keeping the faith in a project is hard. With no one to tell you to keep going, no hooked readers, trickles of sales or even friends and family passing on comments of encouragement -  having constant motivation can be elusive. Yes, I have a compulsion to write - that's why I …

My Author Journey – The Importance of Rest

It's May bank holiday Monday here in a very sunny England and I haven't done any writing for five days. It feels good to say that actually, normally I'd say that with some sense of shame - because I love writing - but this week I've needed the rest. For the past two months, I've …

My Author Journey – six steps to help you write your first novel

I'm an English teacher with a dream to write novels. It's something that's been in the background of my mind for years but recently I made the decision to get started. I've been working on it over the last few months, and now have - by hook and crook - a (very rough) first draft. …

Bring the magic of short stories to your classroom

I love storytelling, I suppose that's not surprising as a teacher and a writer. As such, I try to bring stories into my classroom at every opportunity. 

Do you read thrillers? I’m looking for beta readers for my first novel

As I've discussed before on the blog I'm currently writing my first novel and it's nearly finished! Read my post here about how I've done that alongside being a full time teacher. I'd like it to be read by a few people who read thrillers frequently and have the time to give me a few …

Being a teacher AND realising a dream (in my case writing a novel)

Firstly, let me get something clear, I love teaching. When you've thoroughly planned a lesson, it's going well and the students are on board, there's nothing better. This is not a post (the sort you sometimes see) by people jaded with the profession about a "plan B" or "getting out while you still can". This is about being able to do something you really want to, as well as be a great teacher.