Describing characters falls into two key areas – firstly what the character actually looks like and then secondly how to actually describe your character to your reader. Deciding what your character looks like can help inform other aspects of your story, and certain characteristics can be a key plot point. Look at the Wheel of … More Top tips for decribing your characters
“Can we please slow down a bit? I need a rest.” “I need to rest,” Davi said, sitting heavily on the dirt track, “please.” “We don’t have time, Davi,” Tabatha grabbed him by the arm and hauled Davi to his feet again. Everything ached, his head pounded, and his wounds were starting to leak again. … More Slow Down
It’s impossible to know what the future will hold. It’s impossible to ascribe a value to that future – a good or bad, a right or wrong. Because it’s not known. You can’t tell whether the decision you make today will be the right or wrong. All you can do is make the best decision … More Future
This month has been a month of exploring new ways of trying to write. I’ve got some new noise cancelling headphones, and in an attempt to try and change up how and where I write, I’ve been trying with the dictation function on Word. It’s not perfect, it certainly doesn’t like made up fantasy references, … More March Update
You write for the younger you. For the younger you who always dreamed but never believed you really could. For the younger you who wished with all of her heart to create a dream. For the younger you who saw no limits. For the younger you who still dreams today. For the you that still … More The Dream
You might think that having all the time in the world to do your writing is a good thing. You have these images of people with unlimited time sitting there with a candle burning, a notebook and a pen on their desk, wistfully staring out of the window and contemplating existence. However, I don’t think … More Having all the time in the world isn’t always a good thing
“You said you had a plan for this?! Flying into the port with no approvals is not a plan.” Taelew looked over at his co-pilot. Yivonn was not one for breaking the rules, which is why he hadn’t told her of the plan until they were on the final descent. “I do have a plan,” … More This is not a plan
First drafts are fickle creatures. They are hastily thrown together (especially if you are a “gardener” writer like myself) and need work to form the story that you see in your mind’s eye. Editing your first draft can feel like climbing a mountain without a guidebook – there is simply so much to fix, and … More Editing a First Draft – Top Tips
Flowers can teach us a lot. They can teach us about what it takes to grow. That you have to be fed with the basics of human needs before you can truly flourish. That everyone grows at their own rate, and that other people’s journey cannot be compared to your own. They teach us that … More Lessons from Flowers
This month has been a waxing and waning of writing inspiration and time. Sometimes I find there are weeks I can sit at a desk and write a lot, other times I have to go and rest on the sofa. I was really struggling to get back into my novel until I spoke with one … More February Thoughts – Welcoming Spring
Alex.J.Cobalt 