writing tips

When Nature Takes Over by Polly Crosby

To celebrate the release of her atmospheric historical mystery, The Unravelling, Polly Crosby explores how her fascination with nature inspired the idea for the book. I’ve always been fascinated by nature. I was the kind of child who made dens and rooted around in the earth in search of… Read More

Kerry Barrett on historical research

Kerry Barrett’s latest historical timeslip novel, The Secrets of Thistle Cottage, is out in eBook now. To celebrate, we asked her to share her inspiration and research process for writing her novels. Kerry Barrett on Historical Research I love writing historical stories. I like that… Read More

Ten things Paul Gitsham has learnt in ten years

Today marks ten years since Paul Gitsham first introduces us to DCI Warren Jones. To celebrate, Paul is here on the blog sharing the ten things he has learnt over the past ten years. Keep your eyes peeled on our social today for a sneak peak at what is to… Read More

A.M. Castle’s top five tips for writing Thrillers!

Are you trying to write a thriller but have no clue where to begin? Are you looking for some writing advice? Have no fear, A.M. Castle is here! The author of The Invitation, the upcoming new locked mystery, is here to share her top five tips… Read More

Writing fight scenes with Alex Shaw!

Fight scenes are at the core of the action thriller. The rules for writing fights are not set in concrete slabs of the type used to bury bodies, but they do exist. Get these wrong and the scene won’t work. Here are a few rules I follow:   The scene… Read More

Sally Gardner’s Inspiration for The Snow Song

The Snow Song by Sally Gardner is a spellbinding fairytale and magical love story, but what inspired her to step into Edith’s world in a small village in Transylvania? Sally shares some of the historical, literary, and cultural influences behind her enchanting story with us. What… Read More

NaNoWriMo is Over…Now What? With Karin Nordin

November has ended, and with it so has NaNoWriMo. If you’re trying to work out what to do next, don’t worry. Karin Nordin, author of Where Ravens Roost, is here to help. Read on to hear her reflections on November, NaNoWriMo, and advice on what to do… Read More

Tessa Harris on Writing Historical Fiction

As we come to the end of NaNoWriMo, you may be thinking of a new project or tips to help with the one you’re currently writing. Tessa Harris, author of Beneath a Starless Sky, is here to help! Here is her masterclass in writing historical fiction.   Writing… Read More

Why I Write Mysteries with Faith Martin

Writing often means experimenting. Authors like to challenge themselves by writing outside their comfort zone. Continuing in our NaNoWriMo series Faith Martin, author of the Ryder and Loveday series, is here talking about why she decided to turn to writing mysteries. Why I Write Mysteries Many people have asked me… Read More

Jenny O’Brien’s Crime Fiction 101

Are you trying to write crime this NaNoWriMo, but aren’t sure how to tackle the genre? Have no fear – Jenny O’Brien is here to help you out. Author of the Detective Gaby Darin series, O’Brien is the perfect person to give you a crash course in writing crime fiction… Read More

Jane Bettany on Writing Police Procedurals

This NaNoWriMo, we’ve loved sharing author tips to help you with your writing. Any police procedural writers will be please to know it’s their turn! Jane Bettany, author of In Cold Blood, is on the blog today sharing her top six tips for writing police procedurals. Writing Police… Read More

Finding Inspiration with M J Hollows

As we hit the half way point of November, we’re also half way through NaNoWriMo. Are you still looking for inspiration to drive your novel? Is there one scene you need help creating? M. J. Hollows, author of The German Nurse, tells us how he found… Read More