I regard writing as in some ways like sculpting with clay. In sculpting the starting point is a design and an armature (the framework on which a clay sculpture is moulded), with writing most of us begin with a general idea of the story we want to tell and the arc it will follow even … Continue reading Revision, revision, revision
Writers and writing
Language in Historical Fiction
I suppose I am getting ahead of myself blogging about the way I write historical fiction when I have nothing published yet, so these are as much the thoughts of a reader as a writer. While the details of place, and manners and customs play a large part in creating the historical world, the style … Continue reading Language in Historical Fiction
And Then Mine Enemy by Alison Stuart
This is the latest swashbuckling 17th century historical romance from the pen of Alison Stuart - the first book in a two book series (FEATHERS IN THE WIND) spanning the years of the English Civil War from 1642- 1645. AND THEN MINE ENEMY A family ripped apart in a country divided by war . . … Continue reading And Then Mine Enemy by Alison Stuart
A Favourite Quote – Mark Twain
'When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction.' The image comes from the twentytwowords site where you can find more delightful photographs of Mark Twain and his cats.
Not What it Used to Be by Livi Michael
This interesting article by Livi Michael, published in Historia Magazine, looks at the way the writing of historical fiction has changed over the last fifty or so years in response to developments in historiography and the contemporary world view. In the course of my lifetime, historical fiction has been on a journey, from mass-market romance … Continue reading Not What it Used to Be by Livi Michael
Opening lines
Lately, there have been a number of lists floating around the web of great opening lines from literature. One the basis of these single sentences most people would want to read further. Here I have put together the opening one or two lines of a dozen of my favourite books. While most of them do … Continue reading Opening lines
10 John Donne Poems Everyone Should Read
John Donne is my absolute favourite Metaphysical poet - this list from the Interesting Literature site includes some of his best. The list also includes links to the poems as well as critical analysis. The best and most essential poems by John Donne (1572-1631) John Donne’s poetry is a curious mix of contradictions. At once spiritual … Continue reading 10 John Donne Poems Everyone Should Read
Hilary Mantel’s Rules for Writers
There are many, many articles out there containing advice for new and developing writers. I skim through most of them, head nodding, thinking 'Yes, I do that'. The other day I stumbled across this article on writing from 2010 by Hilary Mantel which raised some points I hadn't thought much about before. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/feb/22/hilary-mantel-rules-for-writers Several of … Continue reading Hilary Mantel’s Rules for Writers
Catherine Meyrick 