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Stories play out in all sorts of locations. You might think of those venues for drama as a stage, where characters collide, declare their love or spit their vitriol. The stage itself seems to [...]

I’ve been listening to a long and fascinating book by Naomi Klein called Doppelganger – about the confusion caused when thousands of people mistook her for another writer, also a Naomi – Naomi [...]

One of the most interesting of all writerly processes is how a story slowly – or sometimes quickly – takes shape. Here’s an evolution of a story. Trish and I booked into an Airbnb over Christmas [...]

And a very happy, if belated New Year to you, too! I love new years and the opportunity they afford us to start afresh with new projects, new determination and a tankful of refurbished energy. [...]

A theme that has turned up time and again in these little essays is the virtues of restraint and limitation. I’m not sure whether this is not something that applies in life in general – I suspect [...]

Need some instant inspiration to get writing? Who doesn’t. Here are ten of our Monday Motivations, all focusing on story, sure to spur you on. Read them all at once, or one a day, to gain advice, [...]

Stories drive us. They’re what help us make meaning – and so, sense of our world. They help us make decisions about our own existence. Stories of one sort or another power the world. They’re the [...]

Each scene in a story is linked to one that came before it – even if not directly before it. Something happens in one scene, which causes a development in one that comes after. That gives a [...]

Have you ever wished for a gentle guide who prods you to write each day? Someone who coaches you on best practice? Who is on your side? That’s what we’re offering with our creative writing [...]

I am approached all the time by people who tell me they’re keen to write a book, and when I ask what it’s about, they say … the Indian uprising of 1857, or the Irish troubles, or the Great War… [...]

“Hey Audrey.” Jane appeared in her office doorway. “It’s Friday. Shouldn’t we reward ourselves with a drink?” “Great idea. Giles at 6?” “Perfect. I’ll see you then.” I keep discovering little [...]

Characters may be the most important part of a narrative, but they’re not all you need to hold us. Last week I made the point that startling events are not all we need if we’re to be drawn into a [...]