Category: On Writing
The Unglamorous Part Of Writing
Writing is a solitary profession and extremely unglamorous. When I write, I need zero distractions: no Twitter, dirty dishes, Rightmove, eBay, Netflix or wine. In order to finish my book, I knew I needed to remove myself from all of these things, which is how I ended up in a rudimentary cabin on the moors, […]
On Writing The Tattooist Of Auschwitz
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on an incredible true story. Those words are stamped on the front cover of my book. What they don’t say is how finding and telling a true story can change the life of the writer forever. Let me tell you about Lale Sokolov. You can read his story in […]
When Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction . . . and Then Becomes Fiction
My book began as a list of men’s names scrawled on the back of a cocktail napkin. I was at drinks with friends, relating the details of my latest Match.com dates. I’d been dumped before the first kiss, donned full HAZMAT gear on a third date, and, been set up with another date’s mom. I’d fallen—hard—for a […]
Crossing The Lines Of Genre Fiction
As an author, there are many reasons to incorporate more than one genre in your story. We all know that life isn’t one dimensional, so books shouldn’t be either. A bit of humor, mystery and romance all add to the fabric of a book. Life isn’t all one thing or another. It blends sorrow and […]
Why Do We Write Romance? By Sara Dobie Bauer and Em Shotwell
Sara Dobie Bauer Author of the Bite Somebody series and Enchanted trilogy contributor Well, for the sex, obviously. Just kidding—sort of. All stories of every genre should be about people relating (or not relating) to other people. In romance, you get to make two fictional characters do the most amazing thing possible. No, not sex. […]
Q&A with Allison Winn Scotch – PART II
New York Times bestselling author, Allison Winn Scotch, is the author of The Department of Lost and Found, Time of My Life, The One That I Want, The Song Remains the Same, The Theory of Opposites, In Twenty Years, a Library Journal Best Books of 2016 selection, and now the magnificent BETWEEN ME AND YOU […]
From Visual Artist to Author
My debut historical fantasy novel, ‘Stone Circle’ has just been released. It’s been an interesting and intense time, as I’ve learnt about the practical aspects of releasing a book. Distribution, approaching libraries and familiarising myself with the various methods of marketing have all presented me with a learning curve. Up until seven years ago I […]
A Day In The Life Of A Narrator
It is dark save for a tiny light and a computer screen illuminating the room. And I am happy It is cold. And I am happy. It is quiet. More quiet than any place I have ever been. And I am happy. Where is this place, you ask. It is my home or my home […]
Elevating the Role of Food in Fiction
Stop for a moment and consider how much brain space and activity we allot to the subject of food each day: planning menus, shopping for groceries, preparing meals, dining at restaurants, dieting. In some cases, perhaps wondering where our next meal might come from, or about the safety of a child with a severe peanut […]
How to Create Accurate Historical Heroines in Fiction
One of the best attributes of the romance community is the agency and power it represents for women. You’ll find it in the industry itself—dominated by women both as producers and consumers. You’ll find it in the stories—eloquently illustrated in the depiction of strong and independent fictional heroines. And you’ll find it in the daily […]
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