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To Plot or Not to Plot
Authors generally fall into one of two categories, those who plot or those who don't. When I first started my writing career, I admit...
authorvalpenny
Feb 223 min read
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Avoiding a Mucky Middle
We learn early on in our writing journey that every story must have a beginning a middle and an end. We are also taught that our main...
authorvalpenny
Feb 153 min read
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Are Writing Prompts Useful?
Sometimes I have difficulty settling down to write and at other times I may struggle to decide what to write about. It is at times like...
authorvalpenny
Feb 53 min read
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Bad for Good by Graham Bartlett
I met up with Graham Bartlett again at Newcastle Noir, in December. The festival is run by the inimitable Jacky Gramozi Collins (aka Dr...
authorvalpenny
Feb 13 min read
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The Importance of Setting in DI Hunter Crime Thrillers
The main setting for the DI Hunter Wilson Crime Thrillers is Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. It is a beautiful city but relatively...
authorvalpenny
Jan 302 min read
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Red Daisy by Gemma Owen-Kendall
I am thrilled to be part of the tour for the new novel, Red Daisy by Gemma Owen-Kendall arranged by Lynsey Adams of Reading Between the...
authorvalpenny
Jan 253 min read
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Stranraer - Authors Invade Scotland 22-23 August 2025
I am taking part in the two day event that is the international book signing taking place in August. It is being arranged by authors...
authorvalpenny
Jan 221 min read
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New Year, New Plans, Independent Minds
The start of a new year is always exciting with the opportunity to look forward rather than back. This year my publishers, SpellBound...
authorvalpenny
Jan 182 min read
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Red Daisy by Gemma Owen-Kendall
I have just finished reading a book, Red Daisy , by an author new to me, Gemma Owen-Kendall. Not only that, but the genre, fantasy...
authorvalpenny
Jan 152 min read
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Why I Write by Sharon Cook
Today it is a delight to welcome my friend and fellow author Sharon Cook to the blog to explain her compulsion to write. Sharon's debut...
authorvalpenny
Jan 113 min read
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A Good Way to Start a Novel
I thought for the new year I would start at the beginning so let's look at how to start your book in a way that will grab the readers'...
authorvalpenny
Jan 84 min read
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Why I Write by Allison Symes
It is always a joy to welcome my friend and fellow author, Allison Symes to the blog. She is not only a talented writer but also an...
authorvalpenny
Jan 43 min read
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A New Writing Year
Before I review last year, may I wish you a very Happy New Year for the year ahead. The past year has been busy. Not only have I been...
authorvalpenny
Jan 14 min read
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My Writing Life by K.D. Sherrinford
It is my great pleasure to welcome author K.D. Sherringford to the blog today to discuss her journey to become a bestselling author. ...
authorvalpenny
Dec 28, 20244 min read
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Christmas Books
One of the things I like best about Christmas is that my elder daughter and I often swap books that we have read and enjoyed during the...
authorvalpenny
Dec 25, 20242 min read
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My Writing Journey by Martin J Lake
It is my great pleasure to welcome my friend and fellow author Martin J Lake to the blog today. Martin's debut novel, Beyond The Stones:...
authorvalpenny
Dec 21, 20245 min read
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The Bruntsfield Book Group
It was a thrill to produce my first collection of short stories in time for Christmas. It includes stores about DI Hunter Wilson and his...
authorvalpenny
Dec 18, 20244 min read
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My Writing Journey by Liz Pacey
It is a pleasure to introduce you to Liz Pacey this week. While Liz's journey is at an early stage I hope her thoughts will encourage...
authorvalpenny
Dec 14, 20245 min read
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The Brotherhood by Jo Fenton
It is my great pleasure to welcome author Jo Fenton to the blog today. Her crime fiction novels are always an excellent read and I'm...
authorvalpenny
Dec 11, 20245 min read
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A Day in the Life of an Author by Richard Robinson
I am pleased to welcome author Richard Robinson to the blog today to describe a day in his life as a busy, professional author. Thank you...
authorvalpenny
Dec 7, 20245 min read
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