A dozen of the best articles on the Writers’ Know-How website in 2019.
Read MoreUsing preverbs to break writer's block
How to use an Oulipo technique involving proverbs to get through writer’s block.
Read MoreA brilliant animated cartoon
You don’t always need words to get your meaning across!
Read MoreReview of The Penguin Book of the Prose Poem
If you are a teacher of English or creative writing, you will find this book to be a rich source of material to discuss and analyse with your students. And if you are a writer, this book will I’m sure prove to be a good investment in extending your craft.
Read MoreFilm Studies as a way to improve your writing
You may not believe this, but film-making and film studies on the one hand, and writing on the other, have a great deal in common.
Read MoreReview of the Penguin Book of Oulipo
The word Oulipo is an acronym of a French group, Ouvroir de littérature potentielle. This is usually translated as Workshop of Potential Literature, although given its association with the sharing and critique of work on creative writing courses, the word ‘workshop’ might be ditched in favour of ‘work room’.
Read MoreRevoke of the Penny Borough of Ourselves
One of the techniques employed by the Oulipo is known as N+7. This is where you take each noun, and replace it with a word that is seven words on in the dictionary. Of course, results vary according to what dictionary you use. The following article is an N+7 version of my review of the Penguin Book of Oulipo. Enjoy!
Read MorePhotoprompt #21: Water under the bridge
I like the ‘noir’ feel of this picture.
Read MoreALCS Educational Writers Awards
The shortlisted books for the annual ALCS Educational Writers’ Awards were as beautiful and informative as ever this year.
Read MoreGood reading for would-be good writers
I’ve spent the last term on a course called Great European Short Stories. Here are my views on the course, the tutor, and the other courses of his that I’ve attended.
Read MoreMy non-writing writing day
Not every day for the writer has to involve actual writing.
Read MoreWant to write? Develop a thick skin
There’s nothing wrong with legitimate criticism — in fact, it should be welcomed. But don’t mistake nasty put-downs for useful advice.
Read MorePhotoprompt #20: steps
What sort of story or article does this conjure up for you?
Read More12 Ways to get repeat work as a freelance writer
You've successfully pitched the editor, so the hardest part is over. Now what can you do to maximize your chances of getting further work from the same outlet? Here are 12 things I've been doing for years with quite a bit of success. Maybe they'll work for you, though there’s no guarantee of course -- they don’t even work for me 100% of the time! But hopefully they’ll give you a better than average chance of continuing commissions.
Read MoreReview: Short-Form Creative Writing
Short-form writing is neither quick nor easy, but the effort is, in my opinion, worth it. This book explores the form with useful information, challenging exercises, and interesting examples.
Read MoreShort story adventures
My first foray into the world of Oulipo.
Read MoreUtility: AZZCardfile
Head in the clouds? Updated
Writing in your head, or prewriting, can be a good idea -- and you don't always need to type it out.
Read MoreAn insane way to keep you focused Updated
If you fond it difficult to stay focused on your writing, then maybe this is just the boot up the backside you need....
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