This week marks the 50th Anniversary of the Moon landing, and to celebrate, we’ve gathered together a list of the best ‘Moon’ related books, for both adults and children. var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); 1. The Moon: A History for the Future by Oliver Morton As heard on Radio 4 ‘Book of the Week’, Oliver Morton explores the history and future of humankind’s relationship with the Moon. Advanced technologies, new ambitions and old dreams mean that men ..read more

Not many people win the Nobel Prize for Literature, or the Man Booker – but ‘Winning’ could be finishing a first draft, or finally holding your own self-published book in your hands. Everyone can be a writing winner, in one way or another. You just need to do some hard work… var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); 1. “You’re not obligated to win. You’re obligated to keep trying. To the best you can do everyday.” ― Jason Mraz 2. “One should always play fairly whe ..read more

In the northern hemisphere we’re just past the longest day – but how hours of writing does it take to write a novel? For these ten famous authors, not as long as you might imagine. var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); 1. Michael Crichton Author of Jurassic Park Michael Crichton churned out on average 10,000 words per day. However, he was very keen on editing his own work. “Books aren’t written – they’re rewritten,” he said. “Including your own. It is one of ..read more

Picnics can be wonderful things especially if you are one of the Famous Five and have brought along lashings of ginger beer. However, many writers, as you can see from the quotations below, can have a rather more jaded view of picnics than Enid Blyton… var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); 1. “Never plan a picnic’ Father said. ’Plan a dinner, yes, or a house, or a budget, or an appointment with the dentist, but never, never plan a picnic.” ― Elizabeth Enright, The F ..read more

It’s getting close to the mid-point of the year, and if you haven’t achieved all of your writing goals as yet in 2019, entering a competition can be a great way to get inspired, write something new to a deadline, or polish up something you’ve previously worked on and abandoned. var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); 1. YorkMix Poems for Children Competition Details: A competition for poems to amuse, excite or inspire children. Your poem can be of any length. Entry ..read more

Whatever your thoughts about religion, it’s certainly a very chocolate-y time of year. And if you’ve given it up for Lent, then it’s not that long to go until you can indulge again. We hope you enjoy these calorie-free literary chocolate treats! var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); 1. “Charlie grabbed it and quickly tore off the wrapper and took an enormous bite. Then he took another…and another…and oh, the joy of being able to cram large pieces of something sweet an ..read more

It’s Spring, and hopefully you’re full of energy, bounding around like a frisky hare, and raring to get going on your entries for these new writing competitions. var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); 1. Glimmer Train New Writers Short Story Award Details: A competition for stories of between 300 and 12,000 words by emerging writers whose work has not appeared in any print publication with a circulation of over 5,000. Entry Fee: $18. Deadline: 30th April 2019 Pr ..read more

Writing a novel is a lengthy process, and many people give up after a few chapters. But these tips from guest blogger Freddie Tubbs can help you make it to the finish line. var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); Find a writing buddy Find a friend, an acquaintance or just someone online who can be your writing buddy – someone you can share your doubts with, talk out elements of plot, read first drafts, second drafts, and help you proof read. Having someon ..read more

It’s World Book Day tomorrow, and to celebrate we’ve gathered together twelve inspirational quotations from children’s books, some classics, some more modern. var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); 1. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” – JM Barrie, Peter Pan 2. “Happiness can be found even in the darkest times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” - JK Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philo ..read more

The process of developing your manuscript from the initial idea into a fully-fledged book is a long and laborious journey that can take many months, or even years. But you need to put as much effort into marketing your book as you did writing it. This article from guest blogger, Joel S. Syder will help you avoid the ten most common marketing mistakes made by self-publishing authors. var switchTo5x=true; stLight.options({publisher: "e7de1c7b-0576-413d-b5dc-61857a9c67c2", doNotHash: false, doNotCopy: false, hashAddressBar: false}); It’s only once you’re ready to release you ..read more