Blog Tour for ‘Creativity Matters’, a new inspirational anthology compiled by Wendy H Jones

I’m pleased to be hosting a stop on the blog tour today for an exciting new anthology for writers, Creativity Matters, the third of a series published by Scott and Lawson, and compiled by Wendy H Jones. Wendy H Jones is a fellow author who has been a great encouragement to me and many otherContinue reading “Blog Tour for ‘Creativity Matters’, a new inspirational anthology compiled by Wendy H Jones”

Writing Stories That Grow Legs and Run Away From You

  In my creative writing class at Lancaster University years ago, our tutor said to us:  Once written and completed, your work is A Thing on the Table.  The world can make what it likes of it.  It doesn’t belong to you any more.” More recently, novelist Susan Hill, speaking at a local author event,Continue reading “Writing Stories That Grow Legs and Run Away From You”

Exciting Plans as Publication Day Draws Closer for “A Passionate Spirit”

Publication date draws ever closer – 28th November! My new novel “A Passionate Spirit” has now been sent to print and will be ready in the next couple of weeks.  Meanwhile Matador’s ebook department are converting the manuscript to an ebook.  When the ebook has been uploaded to online retailers, it will also be onContinue reading “Exciting Plans as Publication Day Draws Closer for “A Passionate Spirit””

A Passionate Spirit About to Go to Print!

My new novel A Passionate Spirit is about to go to print, after several rounds of revision to the typeset proofs. I’ve recently been contacted by a journalist who sought my permission to quote me in a book he’s writing – and coincidentally I’ve also quoted him in an appendix to my novel! He wantedContinue reading “A Passionate Spirit About to Go to Print!”

Signs and Omens at Gloucester for A Passionate Spirit

Many have through the centuries seen signs or omens from the natural world. In my article on Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes “How Can Carl Jung’s Theory of Archetypes Help You In Your Creative Writing?” which I wrote for ezine articles in January 2012, I mention the archetype of the animal spirit guide/messenger. This runs as a themeContinue reading “Signs and Omens at Gloucester for A Passionate Spirit”

A Passionate Spirit – My New Thriller / Suspense Novel

I’m excited to present the cover design for my new novel A Passionate Spirit, due to be published by Matador on  28 November 2015. Do let me know in your comments what you think of the design! Here is the Advance Information provided by Matador: Zoe ran through the wood in gathering dusk, her heart racing. SheContinue reading “A Passionate Spirit – My New Thriller / Suspense Novel”

Sherlock Holmes And Creative Writing

Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft tells Watson in the latest BBC recreation of this much-loved character, has the mind of a scientist or a philosopher; yet he chose to be a consulting detective. When he was a child he wanted to be a pirate. And Conan Doyle tells us Holmes is also a consummate actor. He willContinue reading “Sherlock Holmes And Creative Writing”

How Can Carl Jung’s Theory of Complexes Help You in Your Creative Writing?

Among the writings of Carl Jung, we find the psychological concept of  “complexes”. A complex may be defined as “a core pattern of emotions, memories, perceptions and wishes in the personal unconscious organised around a common theme such as power  or status.”  Many of us have probably heard someone described as having an inferiority /  guilt / martyr complex.  AndContinue reading “How Can Carl Jung’s Theory of Complexes Help You in Your Creative Writing?”

How Can Carl Jung’s Theory of Archetypes Help You in Your Creative Writing?

Among his many theories, Carl Jung includes “archetypes”. An archetype may be defined as “a universally understood symbol or term or pattern of behaviour”.  If you read Robert McKee’s Story, you will find that the key to writing a great novel lies in “building archetypal elements into the story.” So what exactly are these “archetypal elements”? And how exactlyContinue reading “How Can Carl Jung’s Theory of Archetypes Help You in Your Creative Writing?”

What’s Creative Writing? Tips for New Writers

Creative writing starts with passion. Therefore, if you want to be a creative writer, the first thing to do is identify your passion.