top of page
Search


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 22, 20253 min read


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 15, 20253 min read


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 8, 20254 min read


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 4, 20253 min read


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


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


Hunter's Christmas
It was a thrill to produce my first collection of short stories in time for Christmas. If I do say so myself, it makes an ideal and cost...
authorvalpenny
Dec 4, 20244 min read


Tips to Writing on Social Media
Most of us use social media to a greater or lesser extent to promote our work and we all know that some posts work better than others....
authorvalpenny
Nov 20, 20242 min read


Auchterarder Book Festival
What a lovely day I had on Saturday! My husband acted as my lovely assistant by carrying books and driving me to the Auchterarder Book...
authorvalpenny
Nov 13, 20242 min read


Tips for Writing a Novel with more than one Point of View
The novels I write are crime novels written from several points of view. My firat editor, the wonderful Sue Barnard, had a great deal to...
authorvalpenny
Nov 6, 20243 min read


What Do I Write? by Elizabeth Ducie
It is a delight to welcome my friend and fellow author Elizabeth Ducie back to the blog to learn more about her writing and what she...
authorvalpenny
Nov 2, 20244 min read


My Writing Journey by A. J. Roberts
It is my great pleasure to welcome my friend and fellow author Andy Roberts to the blog to explain his writing journey. Thank you for...
authorvalpenny
Oct 26, 20243 min read


Plotters, Pantsers and Skeletons
Authors vary a great deal in how they prepare to write their books. Some plot carefully using rolls of wallpaper to display their story...
authorvalpenny
Oct 23, 20242 min read


My Writing Journey by Alex J. Adams
I am thrilled to introduce my readers to my friend and fellow author Alex J. Adams whom I met when I attended Books on the Beach run by...
authorvalpenny
Oct 19, 20244 min read


Goat Beginnings: The Unexpected Start - An Interview with Tracey Holland
Today I am thrilled to share the recent chat I had with my friend and fellow author, Tracey Holland whose debut novel, Faith's Folly ,...
authorvalpenny
Oct 16, 20244 min read


Loyalty and the Learner by Miriam Drori
It is a pleasure to be able to support the tour for Loyalty and the Learner , the new novel by Miriam Drori. The tour is run by Lynsey...
authorvalpenny
Oct 12, 20243 min read


The Fugitive’s Sword by Eleanor Swift-Hook
It is a delight to welcome historical novelist Eleanor Swift-Hook back to the blog. I have managed to persuade her to share an excerpt...
authorvalpenny
Oct 9, 20245 min read


The Globe Writers by Gemma Owen-Kendall
Every writer understands the importance of support and encouragement from others who understand their passion. Writers' groups, writing...
authorvalpenny
Oct 5, 20244 min read


The Little Ice Cream Shop by the Sea by Lizzie Chantree
I have always enjoyed books by Lizzie Chantree and was delighted when I had the chance to meet her when she lectured at a conference...
authorvalpenny
Oct 2, 20243 min read


Keeping Characters Dynamic
I only started my writing career after I had been treated for breast cancer and took early retirement. Who would have thought that...
authorvalpenny
Sep 21, 20242 min read
bottom of page