Six Indispensible Things You’ll Need to be a ‘Pro’ Writer

After years of research, I finally have a definitive list: 1) A word processor. Apple is preferred, but Windows and Linux based options make you look like you’ve suffered for your art, rather than been gifted a fifteen hundred quid PC. Whether you buy it, get given it or nick it, no writer can liveContinue reading “Six Indispensible Things You’ll Need to be a ‘Pro’ Writer”

Writing The Damn Synopsis!

I’ve been quiet for a while, trying to finish the first draft of my novel, almost dreading the moment it would be finished, because then – like all novelists- I face that dreaded Armageddon of Self-Belief when I have to write the synopsis.  Many would say I’m now returning to the blog only because IContinue reading “Writing The Damn Synopsis!”

More on the DNA Mystery

Another thought struck me today.  It relates back to my previous post and it’s this: If evolution depends on random chance (i.e. on random mutations of genes which are preserved when they provide a positive effect), then what you need is a lot of those random trials, and the way to have a lot of those randomContinue reading “More on the DNA Mystery”

A Question of Tense – part 2

Now I’ve had some time to stew on the question of ‘tense’ and its relation to narrative voice, I’ve come to an unexpected conclusion: ‘Tense’ isn’t a part of narrative voice, unless you deliberately mess with it.’ I was struck by the number of books I’ve read recently in which the tense changes. ‘The Goldfinch’,Continue reading “A Question of Tense – part 2”

A Question of Tense

OK, now getting close to the end of Week One of the book edit. I’ve hit all the 6 a.m. mornings, so feeling quite proud of myself. However, the problem of voice and style, and in particular tense have been troubling me much. I have four narrators and they refuse to stick to one timeContinue reading “A Question of Tense”