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Using Prompts for Writing
I try to write something every day, but sometimes idea run dry and I find it difficult to come up with a topic or theme for my piece....
authorvalpenny
Jun 142 min read
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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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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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Why I Write by Tracy Stewart
It is my great pleasure to welcome my fellow author and SpellBound Book stable mate, Tracy Stewart, to the blog to discuss why she...
authorvalpenny
Nov 23, 20246 min read
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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
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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
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Cutting It by Morwenna Blackwood
I have had the pleasure of knowing bestselling author, Morwenna Blackwood for many years and recall the impact her amazing debut novel,...
authorvalpenny
Jul 27, 20244 min read
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How to Fix Writing Errors
I tutor, lecture and teach writing. I have also penned eight bestselling novels, and have found that authors often struggle with some...
authorvalpenny
Jul 6, 20244 min read
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How to Include Humour in Your Writing
Writing gives us as authors lots of leeway to tell our story in the way we want to. We want to use humour as a way to engage our readers....
authorvalpenny
Jun 15, 20242 min read
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How to Plot a Novel
There are several way to plot a novel but this is one method that should help authors, whatever fiction genre you write and whatever...
authorvalpenny
Apr 6, 20243 min read
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Where do You Get Your Ideas From?
As an author I am asked many questions about my craft. Is it just a hobby? How did you get into that? How much time do you spend writing?...
authorvalpenny
Mar 30, 20244 min read
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How to Write a Synopsis
Let me start by assuring you that you nobody finds writing a synopsis easy. After all, if your story could be told in one thousand words,...
authorvalpenny
Mar 9, 20241 min read
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Looking Back at The Writers’ Summer School at Swanwick 2022 by Allison Symes
I’m thrilled to share Looking Back at Swanwick 2022 this week. This post was a sheer joy to write. It shares a little of what it is like...
authorvalpenny
Nov 9, 20226 min read
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Drafting a Novel before Submission
Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. I was once advised by author, Allison Symes, "You better like your first book because you'll...
authorvalpenny
Oct 26, 20222 min read
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How to Write a Book and Work Fulltime
Before you start writing a book, accept that the undertaking is a marathon, not a sprint. It will require time, imaginationa dn...
authorvalpenny
Mar 15, 20212 min read
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How to Write Your First Novel in 7 Easy Steps
1. Before you put pen to paper or start typing, it is always worthwhile thinking about what you are doing. Firstly for yourself, and then...
authorvalpenny
Jan 29, 20219 min read
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