I recently did a creative writing course. Here are my reflections on it.
Read MoreCreative Writing
Review of the American Gothic course at the City Lit
Why has doing a course on American fiction been so enjoyable, and useful to me as a non-fiction writer?
Read MorePhotoprompt #2
Today’s photo prompt is a photo I took with my phone in the back streets of London.
Read MoreLove and relationship writing -- same old pap?
Why creative writing courses are good for your soul as well as for developing your writing technique.
Read MorePhotoprompt #1
Images can be quite useful for sparking off the imagination, so I thought I’d post photos or drawings when I can, for people to use as prompts if they wish. Let me know if you do!
Read MoreThe Caxton Printing Press in action
As far as I’m concerned, it’s important for writers to become acquainted with other aspects of their craft, and to explore areas that are not immediately perceived to be “relevant”.
Read MoreFarewell to a brilliant writer
My personal tribute to the sports writer Hugh McIlvanney.
Read MoreAn interesting literary event
Late Lines is an event run by the City Lit adult education institute in London. Here’s a brief report of the most recent one, plus key dates for your literary calendar.
Read MorePublished at last!
I recently tried my hand at a completely different form of writing. So what did I learn from the experience?
Read MoreCan creative writing be taught?
Some people say "of course creative writing can be taught", while others say the opposite. I take a slightly more nuanced view.
Read MoreJune 21st: National Writing Day
Today is National Writing Day!
Read MoreEveryone needs a special writing day
What's a special writing day? And what's so special about them?
Read MoreWhat I've been reading: Killing Hope
OK, so this is a review of a fiction book -- but I think we can learn a lot about great use of language, convincing research and pace from reading it.
Read MoreTeachers and writers
Teachers and writers have more in common than you might suppose -- a theme I explore in this article written in 2008.
Read More3 minute inspiration: empty benches
Vacant park benches and the like can be very evocative, and a source of inspiration for the writer.
Read More7 Things that every serious blogger should do
If you're serious about blogging, here's a list of things you must do.
Read MoreThe joy of monochrome
Not everything in life is black and white -- but perhaps more of it should be.
Read MoreMonochrome pictures and the writer: a heads-up
Can taking monochrome photographs enhance a writer's creativity?
Read More4 things that writers must do
Here is a list of four things that I think you have to do in order to a writer. Well, I do anyway!
Read MoreWhat I've been reading
What I've been reading this week. It's not my usual reading tipple, and I've been thoroughly enjoying it! A good fiction book that I believe has something to teach humorists.
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