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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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]