Submissions should be received by the end of 28 February 2026.
Check this page for more details and how to take part: www.bats.org.uk/our-work/con...
Submissions should be received by the end of 28 February 2026.
Check this page for more details and how to take part: www.bats.org.uk/our-work/con...
Sometimes a simple word has more impact than an unusual one. Unusual words are great when you want to attract attention (to a sound, a texture, etc), but they also slow things down. Do you want your readers to stop and think? Or do you want them to move on?
Sometimes a simple word has more impact than an unusual one. Unusual words are great when you want to attract attention (to a sound, a texture, etc), but they also slow things down. Do you want your readers to stop and think? Or do you want them to move on?
When we write a first draft we often introduce stuff that gets cut at the second stage, either because it's unnecessary, or repetitive, or doesn't contribute anything. Don't think of it as wastage; more as scaffolding, in place until you don't need it any more...
When we write a first draft we often introduce stuff that gets cut at the second stage, either because it's unnecessary, or repetitive, or doesn't contribute anything. Don't think of it as wastage; more as scaffolding, in place until you don't need it any more...
youtube.com/shorts/MXZ-d...
youtube.com/shorts/MXZ-d...
Having a day job doesn’t mean you’re not a proper writer. Writing for children doesn’t mean you’re not a proper writer. Being unpublished doesn’t mean you’re not a proper writer.
Oh, and there’s no such thing as a proper writer. Only writers, and those who don’t.
Having a day job doesn’t mean you’re not a proper writer. Writing for children doesn’t mean you’re not a proper writer. Being unpublished doesn’t mean you’re not a proper writer.
Oh, and there’s no such thing as a proper writer. Only writers, and those who don’t.
Here's a loose outline I've pulled together to guide us.
Here's a loose outline I've pulled together to guide us.
Introduction to Proofreading
Our Proofreading course for beginners,
with Publishing Scotland's regular tutor Denise Cowle.
(Earns 3 CIEP upgrade points)
Online
10 & 12 Feb 2026
Get your tickets here:
www.tickettailor.com/events/publi...
Introduction to Proofreading
Our Proofreading course for beginners,
with Publishing Scotland's regular tutor Denise Cowle.
(Earns 3 CIEP upgrade points)
Online
10 & 12 Feb 2026
Get your tickets here:
www.tickettailor.com/events/publi...
Wrting a short story is no easier than writing a novel. In fact, it's somewhat harder, because the form is less forgiving: you can get away with a certain amount of bagginess in a novel, but a short story needs to be perfectly structured; not a word out of place.
Wrting a short story is no easier than writing a novel. In fact, it's somewhat harder, because the form is less forgiving: you can get away with a certain amount of bagginess in a novel, but a short story needs to be perfectly structured; not a word out of place.
Your characters need to eat, sleep, play, and do things that don't serve the plot. Characters that exist only to serve the plot seldom come across as convincing.
Your characters need to eat, sleep, play, and do things that don't serve the plot. Characters that exist only to serve the plot seldom come across as convincing.