+ Writing
by Emily
Now, I hope that this blog post makes sense. I generally don’t plan these things – I just log in, and start writing whatever is on top of my mind at that moment. And right now, I’m thinking about the 6000 words that I wrote of my next novel the other day. Six thousand words is certainly a lot. It amazed me, actually, when … Read More A Good Writing Day
+ Writing
by Emily
Now, I’m aware that this is probably quite an interesting subject for many of you out there, and I really welcome your comments and thoughts! Paying for guest blogs is something that has been on my mind a lot recently, and so I thought I would share them with you. I have had many different – although all talented – authors guest blogging here … Read More Should we Pay for Guest Posts?
+ Writing
by Emily
Thank you so much to everyone that gave me such positive feedback on my last blog post – it has certainly been too long! I thought that I would look this week at writing hated characters. How do you go about writing someone who you want your readers to hate, but make them just as engaging as your other characters? Baddies are fun. They … Read More Writing Hated Characters: A Study in Snape
+ Writing
by Emily
When I was a teenager, I went shopping on my own one day because I wanted to buy a new dress. I had been invited to a 16th birthday party, and my crush was going to be there. I had to get a new dress. (The chances of him having ANY idea who I was, or what clothes I already own was minimal, but … Read More Getting Stuck Halfway
+ Writing
by Emily
Procrastination – it happens to all of us, right?
+ Writing
by Emily
I’ve been working on a novella for the last couple of weeks. And when I mean working, I mean thinking really, really hard. In fact, for the first three weeks – apart from a thousand word synopsis – I didn’t write anything at all. I’m not sure whether I was putting it off, or just had too many other things going on. Family, work, … Read More Writing Too Fast
by Emily
The great and terrible thing about books when you are an author is that there are so many of them. Like, literally thousands. Sometimes it can be really disheartening to see all of the millions (that’s what it feels like) of books that everyone else is buying and enjoying…whilst your book stays resolutely at 455,987 on Amazon. So what is it that everyone else … Read More Four Reasons No One is Buying Your Book
+ Writing
by Emily
We’ve all done it. We’ve been writing away, and suddenly that hilarious turn of phrase that your grandmother uses every Christmas Day pops into your head. It’s funny, it’s endearing, and it would be perfect coming out of the mouth of one of your characters. But is it allowed, using our nearest and dearest as the basis of our characters? It’s something that my … Read More Writing about Real People you Know and Love
+ publishing, regency, Writing
by Emily
So, for those of you who have already read my series on author royalties, I have exciting news for you! If you haven’t yet read my four part blog series that opens up and unwraps the secrets behind how authors get paid for their novels, then check it out first, and then come back. I received confirmation of my first advance today. It is difficult … Read More A Real Advance In My Career!
+ Writing
by Emily
I know this post may sound a little strange, and I know it is definitely a first world problem, but it’s something that I’ve been struggling with for a while, so I thought I’d share it: I am really struggling to write a second book. I know that sounds mental: it’s supposed to be the first book that’s difficult! And for many people it … Read More Struggling to Write Second Book
Emily E K Murdoch 