Writing a novel
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Why is Writing is Akin to Gardening?
Writing and gardening are my two main activities and I would argue that they they need a similar mindset. Being Creative Of course! When I am writing it is very much a visual experience, where pictures or a film reel transposes into words. A creative mind is one with imagination, having an idea of what…
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Interesting to look back! ~ Planning and Writing a Novel way back around 2010
In order to carry out the research for the third book in my Riduna Series, I needed to search out my old research notes carried out over 15 years ago. Research for my second novel, set in WW1 mainly in the Southampton area and The Channel Islands, was substantial, and continued way past the end…
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New Year, New Resolutions to Make or Break!
Well, it is near the end of January. Here’s a review of where I am at with my writing projects: Firstly, I have a completed manuscript which is currently under review by my first editors. Chapters have also been sent to a museum in London for comment and criticism. AIM for 2026 ~ publish this…
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Music that has shaped my life and writing (5) ~ Have Faith
This is my last post in this series. My writing often reflects my faith too. I am a Christian but that does not mean that I write off the rest of humanity, and I’m not saying that the majority of Christian’s do. There was a story which always made me smile: “St Peter was showing…
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Music that has shaped my life ~ a bit of Rock and Roll?
My husband was the lead guitarist in a rock and roll band for well over 40 years called Chris Cole and the Rockets. They were well known in the Bedfordshire area, where they all lived and were very popular. Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of a dance to Rock around the Clock or the less…
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Music that has shaped my life ~ creativity working hand in hand (4)
Continuing with songs which influence my writing, but also those which tell the story of my life, oh, there are songs too numerous to mention really, including Stairway to Heaven ~ Led Zeppelin, Bridge over Troubled Water ~ Simon and Garfunkel, both iconic tracks that everyone knows, but Thank you ~ by Dido (my namesake…
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How to Create an Imaginary Setting for a Novel
Draw a map Draw out a basic map with streets, footpaths, houses, shops and any other key places. Make it large enough to add to. Link it to other towns, real or imaginary, with arrows at the edge of the page. (eg Bedford 5 miles) Add in railway stations and bus stations, if they feature…
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Why is Writing is Akin to Gardening?
Writing and gardening are my two main activities and I would argue that they they need a similar mindset. Being Creative Of course! When I am writing it is very much a visual experience, where pictures or a film reel transposes into words. A creative mind is one with imagination, having an idea of what…