As writers, we continually seek inspiration, new techniques, and fresh perspectives to push the boundaries of our craft. Every so often, a novel emerges that challenges our preconceptions about storytelling, structure, and genre. Samantha Harvey’s Orbital, the groundbreaking 2024 Booker Prize winner, is precisely such a book. Hailed as “slim, powerful, and uplifting,” and oftenContinue reading “The Gravity of Words: Insights from Samantha Harvey’s ‘Orbital’”
Tag Archives: Writing
The Creative Hangover
Why Your Brain Feels Depleted After a Major Writing Project (And How to Recover) For months, perhaps even years, the world of your story, with its intricate plotlines, evolving characters, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect sentence, occupied a significant portion of your cognitive and emotional landscape. Then, one day, it’s finished. You typeContinue reading “The Creative Hangover”
Crafting Characters That Stick: Psychology for Writers
Creating characters that resonate with readers is key to a compelling story. Ever wondered how authors manage to make fictional individuals feel so alive? The secret often involves grounding characters in psychological depth. We’ll explore how a basic understanding of psychology can be a powerful tool for crafting memorable characters. Forget dense textbooks; we’ll focusContinue reading “Crafting Characters That Stick: Psychology for Writers”
Forging Worlds from Broken Shards: What Writers Can Learn from N.K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth Trilogy
N.K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth Trilogy isn’t just a significant work of speculative fiction; it’s a great example of narrative craft and thematic depth. Made up of The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, and The Stone Sky, the series managed the impressive feat of each book winning the Hugo Award for Best Novel. For writersContinue reading “Forging Worlds from Broken Shards: What Writers Can Learn from N.K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth Trilogy”
Navigating Exile, Memory, and Connection: An In-Depth Look at Hisham Matar’s “My Friends”
Hisham Matar, a literary voice shaped by profound experiences of exile and a deep engagement with art, has once again captivated readers with his latest novel, “My Friends.” Published in January 2024, this work delves into the lives of three Libyan friends navigating the complexities of displacement in London, against the backdrop of significant historicalContinue reading “Navigating Exile, Memory, and Connection: An In-Depth Look at Hisham Matar’s “My Friends””
The Reimagined River: Percival Everett, James, and the Dialogue with American Literary History
Percival Everett’s novel James arrived not merely as another publication but as a significant literary and cultural event, marked by widespread acclaim and prestigious accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award. Its publication by Doubleday in 2024 ignited immediate discussion, fueled by its provocative and necessary premise: a radical reimaginingContinue reading “The Reimagined River: Percival Everett, James, and the Dialogue with American Literary History”
The Million-Dollar Pen: Unveiling the Secrets to Financial Success in Writing
The allure of writing for a living is undeniable. Visions of bestselling novels, blockbuster adaptations, and adoring fans dance in the minds of aspiring wordsmiths. But behind the glamorous facade lies a challenging economic landscape, where financial success is far from guaranteed. In fact, for most writers, making a living wage is a constant struggle.Continue reading “The Million-Dollar Pen: Unveiling the Secrets to Financial Success in Writing”
From Flatshares to Corfu: The Enduring Appeal of Simon Nye’s Storytelling
Simon Nye is a name that might not be instantly recognisable to everyone, but his work? That’s a different story. Nye has been a quiet giant of British television for over three decades, the creative force behind some of the nation’s most beloved and enduring shows. From the laddish antics of Men Behaving Badly toContinue reading “From Flatshares to Corfu: The Enduring Appeal of Simon Nye’s Storytelling”
The Art of Observation: Three Writers, Three Perspectives
What truly stands out in a writer’s voice? Is it their subject matter, tone, or the way they approach the act of writing? Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the distinct literary worlds of three contemporary writers: Paul Theroux, David Sedaris, and Tim Dowling. We will analyse each writer’s unique style, recurring themes, andContinue reading “The Art of Observation: Three Writers, Three Perspectives”
The Art of Character Creation: Techniques for Writers
The enduring power of storytelling lies in its ability to connect with audiences emotionally, and the characters populating the narrative are at the heart of this connection. Memorable characters linger in readers’ minds long after they turn the final page, their triumphs and tribulations resonating deeply. The ability to forge this connection hinges on theContinue reading “The Art of Character Creation: Techniques for Writers”
The Original Writers Group 