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    • Home
    • About
      • About
      • Facilitators
      • Testimonials
      • Contact
      • How to enrol
    • Courses
      • Venice Writing Retreat
      • Creative Writing Course
      • Stow-on-the-Wold Writing Weekend
      • Karoo Writing Retreat | Memoir & Fiction Getaway in South Africa
    • Shop
    • Free resources
      • Free offerings for writers
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    Archives

    Tag Archives for: "how to write suspense"
     Monday Motivation: Ha, ha, the joke’s on us
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    By Richard Beynon
    In Monday Motivation, Richard Beynon's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted December 12, 2022

    Monday Motivation: Ha, ha, the joke’s on us

    An article in the New York Times alerted me to an existential threat confronting all writers. It’s an artificial intelligence construct called ChatGPT. The NYT calls it “quite simply, the […]

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     Monday Motivation: The writer as voyeur
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    By Richard Beynon
    In Monday Motivation, Richard Beynon's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted December 5, 2022

    Monday Motivation: The writer as voyeur

    “I’m in London in a hotel listening to a couple behind me about to embark on an affair. It’s very exciting. I noted him putting his wedding ring in his […]

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     Monday Motivation: Don’t rush things
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    By Richard Beynon
    In Monday Motivation, Richard Beynon's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted November 28, 2022

    Monday Motivation: Don’t rush things

    How do you communicate a character’s sense that someone they’ve encountered is somehow “off”, not right, not to be trusted, possibly even homicidal? The question arose during a discussion [...]

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     Monday Motivation: Putting Jeremy Clarkson through hell
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    By Richard Beynon
    In Monday Motivation, Richard Beynon's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted January 31, 2022

    Monday Motivation: Putting Jeremy Clarkson through hell

    Creative writing is not, as some suppose, an arcane art over which only the select few are ever granted mastery, or to which there is access via a magic key, a secret skill available only to the [...]

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     Monday Motivation: Mud beneath our feet, stars above
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    By Richard Beynon
    In Monday Motivation, Richard Beynon's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted January 24, 2022

    Monday Motivation: Mud beneath our feet, stars above

    Creative writing is not, as some suppose, an arcane art over which only the select few are ever granted mastery, or to which there is access via a magic key, a secret skill available only to the [...]

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     Monday Motivation: Writing’s “secrets” are in plain view
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    By Richard Beynon
    In Monday Motivation, Richard Beynon's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted January 17, 2022

    Monday Motivation: Writing’s “secrets” are in plain view

    Creative writing is not, as some suppose, an arcane art over which only the select few are ever granted mastery, or to which there is access via a magic key, a secret skill available only to the [...]

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     Monday Motivation: The power of The Power of the Dog
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    By Richard Beynon
    In Monday Motivation, Richard Beynon's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted December 13, 2021

    Monday Motivation: The power of The Power of the Dog

    The usual suspects are talking up The Power of the Dog as a likely Oscar winner, and Benedict Cumberbatch an Oscar favourite for his role as the cowboy Phil Burbank. For Jane Campion, whose The [...]

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     Monday Motivation: Six strategies for generating drama and suspense
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    By Richard Beynon
    In Monday Motivation, Richard Beynon's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted September 27, 2021

    Monday Motivation: Six strategies for generating drama and suspense

    The most successful drama series of the year in the UK offers us a number of insights into the variety of means writers have at their disposal whenever they need […]

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     Writing Secrets: Revelations need not bash readers over the head
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    By Jo-Anne Richards
    In Jo-Anne Richard's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted December 3, 2019

    Writing Secrets: Revelations need not bash readers over the head

    Readers are clever. They pick up the subtlest clues and don’t need the point hammered home for them. Last week I spoke about the subtle way Barbara Kingsolver leaves a […]

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     Monday Motivation: Here’s how to write a bestseller
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    By Richard Beynon
    In Monday Motivation, Richard Beynon's blog
    Posted May 20, 2019

    Monday Motivation: Here’s how to write a bestseller

    How do you write a best-seller? Shouldn’t be difficult. Bestsellers, after all, aren’t vaunted works of literary magnificence. For the most part, they’re just fast-paced stories, chockablock with [...]

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     Writing Secrets: Drama leaks away in retrospect – in life and story
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    By Jo-Anne Richards
    In Jo-Anne Richard's blog, Tips for Writers
    Posted April 3, 2019

    Writing Secrets: Drama leaks away in retrospect – in life and story

    We come upon our character lying in bed (or in a restorative bath, for that matter). She sighs, overcome by the dramatic events which have lately overtaken her. Events which […]

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    Recent Posts
    • How to Write a Memoir: Essential Tips from Published Authors
    • How to Write Compelling Scenes Using Sensory Writing Techniques
    • What to Include in Your Memoir: Choosing Your Story
    • The Road to Publication: Expert Author Publishing Advice
    • Unlock Gripping Stories: The Power of What Your Character Wants
    • Transform Your Writing Through Observation: Webinar Replay & Actionable Tips Download
    • Recharge Your Creative Spirit: Join Our Cotswolds Writing Weekend in Stow-on-the-Wold
    • Observation: The Secret Weapon of Successful Storytellers
    • Finding and Fixing Your Story’s Critical Flaws
    • Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing
    INSTAGRAM
    📚Calling all memoirists - aspiring and accompli 📚Calling all memoirists - aspiring and accomplished! Join acclaimed memoirist and editor @joanne.hichens and @merlelevinwriter, who recently published The World According to Merle @nbpublishers @melindafergusonbooks, for a FREE webinar on Wednesday 4June 

They'll be diving deep into the emotional and creative journey of writing from life, covering everything from finding your unique voice to deciding what to reveal. Whether you're just starting your memoir or deep in the writing process, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.

Get ready to be inspired, informed, and truly ready to write your story!

🔗 Link in bio to register for free!

#MemoirWriting #WritingCommunity #AspiringAuthor #WriteYourStory, #MemoirTips  #AuthorLife #Storytelling #CreativeWriting #WritersOfInstagram
    The path to publication isn't always straightforwa The path to publication isn't always straightforward, but our latest webinar brings you insider guidance from those who've successfully navigated it.

Featuring conversations with debut author @bonnieespie, thriller writer @marinaauer_sa, and publisher Stevlyn Vermeulen, we unpack:
📝 Crafting effective writing routines
📝 Overcoming "writer's reluctance"
📝 Navigating the revision process
📝 Understanding what publishers look for
📝 Setting realistic timeline expectations

Plus, we've created a FREE downloadable guide with practical tools to support your publishing journey.

Link in bio to watch the replay and access your publication guide!
#WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #PublishingTips #WritersOfInstagram #BookPublishing #WritingAdvice #AuthorAdvice #WritingJourney #AmWriting
    🍾 📚 Join us for a special webinar featuring 🍾 📚 Join us for a special webinar featuring All About Writing alumna @bonnieespie whose darkly witty debut novel Making A Killing has just been launched. 

Bonnie will be joined by acclaimed psychological thriller author @marinaauer_sa (Single Minded, Double Edged and the soon to be released Three Echoes) and their publisher Stevlyn Vermeulen from Kwela Books.

Together, they’ll explore their writing journeys, the path to publication, and the creative process behind their compelling stories. Bonnie’s journey from All About Writing student to published author offers a particularly inspiring example of where dedication to craft can lead.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about the publishing process directly from authors and a publisher, with time for your questions. 

Don’t miss this celebration of literary achievement within our community!

Register via the link in bio.
    👁️ THE WRITER'S EYE: Learn to spot what other 👁️ THE WRITER'S EYE: Learn to spot what others miss

"We all think we notice people and events, but most of us don't."

In our recent webinar, Jo-Anne and Richard shared how the best writers train themselves to observe details others overlook—and how you can too!

Did you know that focusing on just the right distinguishing detail can replace paragraphs of description? 

Or that watching people interact in a language you don't understand can actually improve your ability to read body language?

Our participants discovered exercises to sharpen their observation skills and techniques to translate everyday moments into vivid prose.

Watch the replay through the link in our bio!

#WritingCommunity #WritingTips #CreativeWriting #WriterLife #ObservationSkills
    Observation: The Secret Weapon of Successful Story Observation: The Secret Weapon of Successful Storytellers

In this month's newsletter, Jo-Anne shares her personal journey of learning to observe—from spotting elusive eagle rays underwater to studying human behaviour as someone on the autism spectrum. She reveals how deliberate observation became not just a survival skill but the foundation of her writing craft.

Here are our top takeaways:

*It’s a matter of observing actively – training your eyes to see what is before them.
*Notice the way people speak to each other, the things they say, the way they seek love, friendship or companionship.
*A book doesn’t simply consist of plot, or even character. You want to spirit your readers into another world.
*A ‘small’ life doesn’t make for a small story. There are stories everywhere, and often the most compelling are those which are closest to home.

#ObservationSkills #WritingInspiration #WritingSkills #StorytellingTips
    ✍️ THE CRITICAL SCREW IN YOUR STORY ✍️ "T ✍️ THE CRITICAL SCREW IN YOUR STORY ✍️

"The integrity of your entire story could well rely on the solution you seek – and so it's worth whatever hard labour it demands of you."

This week, Richard explores how a single narrative flaw can determine the value of your entire manuscript.

Swipe up in our story to read Richard's practical tips on identifying and repairing those seemingly small but critical elements in your writing.

#AmWriting #WritersOfInstagram #WritingAdvice #StoryStructure #WritingCommunity #AuthorTips #CreativeWriting #WritingJourney
    ✍️NEW ON THE BLOG: Building a Community & Bran ✍️NEW ON THE BLOG: Building a Community & Brand Around Your Writing ✍️

Key takeaways from the London Book Fair 2025 panel. Huge thanks to @rosiekellett @paruledits @emmagannonuk Georgia Henry from @pitchagencyco for the great session

📝Community is more valuable than audience: Quality connections matter more than follower counts, with platforms like Substack fostering genuine engagement rather than superficial follows.

📝Focus on sustainability: Choose platforms and strategies you can maintain consistently rather than spreading yourself too thin across multiple channels.

📝Balance online and offline engagement: Create intimate in-person gatherings (like retreats or supper clubs) alongside your digital presence for more meaningful connections.

📝Social media can be valuable but only if you enjoy it: Georgia Henry emphasised that if you're not enjoying a platform, it's not worth forcing yourself to use it.

📝Authenticity is essential: Rosie Kellett noted that her most popular content comes from genuine vulnerability, while Emma Gannon advised writers to "follow your gut" and do what feels right rather than following trends.

#WritingCommunity #AuthorBranding #WritersOfInstagram #AuthorPlatform #LBF25
    ✍️ WRITING TIP: "There was a loud crash that ✍️ WRITING TIP: 

"There was a loud crash that echoed through the empty hallway."

Better: "A loud crash echoed through the empty hallway."

Eliminate unnecessary "there was/is" constructions to make your writing more direct and powerful.

Learn more sentence-crafting techniques in our Strong Sentences, Stronger Stories webinar. Link in bio to watch the full replay! 

#WritingCommunity #WritingTips
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    NEWS & TIPS
    • How to Write a Memoir: Essential Tips from Published Authors
      How to Write a Memoir: Essential Tips from Published Authors
    • How to Write Compelling Scenes Using Sensory Writing Techniques
      How to Write Compelling Scenes Using Sensory Writing Techniques
    • What to Include in Your Memoir: Choosing Your Story
      What to Include in Your Memoir: Choosing Your Story
    • The Road to Publication: Expert Author Publishing Advice
      The Road to Publication: Expert Author Publishing Advice
    • Unlock Gripping Stories: The Power of What Your Character Wants
      Unlock Gripping Stories: The Power of What Your Character Wants
    • Transform Your Writing Through Observation: Webinar Replay & Actionable Tips Download
      Transform Your Writing Through Observation: Webinar Replay & Actionable Tips Download
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