The 10 people who’ll critique your writing
Joining a writing group is probably the best thing I’ve ever done, in terms of improving my writing. Getting other people to read and critique my work has forced me to look at my stories afresh. It’s sparked new ideas. And, uh, it’s stopped me from making completely boneheaded leaps…
I gave up coffee and I didn’t die
(Trust me, I’m surprised too.)
5 YA books from the 90s that deserve a revival
Looking at the current crop of Young Adult books, it can be tough to remember that there was ever a time before Twilight and The Hunger Games. YA is now a juggernaut, spawning million-dollar box office openings, but let’s not forget that 20 years ago, it was a cute little…
What listening to audiobooks taught me about writing craft
I’m a recent convert to audiobooks. For years, I never had much patience for them. If you’re a fast reader, one who can knock out a novel in a few hours, spending 10-20 hours on a single book can feel like some kind of sick joke. What d’you mean… I…
6 books to read if you love Gillian Flynn’s psychological thrillers
I love Gillian Flynn! Doesn’t everyone love Gillian Flynn? (Real answer: No. My mum does not love Gillian Flynn. I recommended Gone Girl to my mum and she now refers to it as “that weird book you made me read”. Sad times.) However, for everyone – my mum excepted –…