As well as writing my books I also like to design the covers. I am not a trained artist, just an enthusiast. I also like messing around with photograph manipulation in a digital format. I do draw and paint as well, but I find digital to be a both quicker and less messy in the … Continue reading Cover by Design
writer
Considering Putting Down the Pen
I was wondering lately if it was all worth it? The writing I mean. It takes up a lot of my time. When I am not writing I am thinking about writing. I meditate on plots, characters, themes, stories. What I do not seem to spend a lot of time on is the one thing … Continue reading Considering Putting Down the Pen
The Mechanics of Writing
I have always enjoyed writing stories. When I was younger I did it to entertain myself. Later, as I became more confident, I shared my work with close friends. I have always had a good imagination but I must admit that many of my ideas then were heavily influenced by the books I read as … Continue reading The Mechanics of Writing
Why Write if not for the Fun of It!
In September I wrote about Following the Muse and not the Market, suggesting that as a writer I feel more inclined to write what I enjoy than what fills a market niche. I was recently thinking about this topic again and it occurred to me that my last novel, ‘Mesozoic’, very much illustrates that very … Continue reading Why Write if not for the Fun of It!
Following the Muse and not the Market
September is coming to a close and I have not done anywhere near as much work as I had hoped. My recent surgery and the many complications that have arisen as a result of it certainly have not helped. However, I do not feel like having another moan. Although I have been somewhat discomfited by … Continue reading Following the Muse and not the Market
That Disability Thing!
I had a reader ask me why there seemed to be a disabled person in every one of my books to date? My answer was, if not me who else was going to do it? One of the tenets of writing is to write about what you know and having been born disabled I know … Continue reading That Disability Thing!
I Write Because I Enjoy Telling Stories
So, 'The Blade's Fell Blow' has gone to be published and will be delivered to any pre-release purchasers on the 951st anniversary of the Battle of Hastings! Of course I am very pleased about this as it is the culmination of a lot of work. I was very impressed when Amazon linked all three of … Continue reading I Write Because I Enjoy Telling Stories
What Kind of Novel should it be?
I have been busy writing a fantasy novel, which has gone very well. Indeed, it has gone much better than I had expected it to. I seem to have a story that has evolved quite naturally and that has given me a lot to write about. It is peopled by a large number of characters … Continue reading What Kind of Novel should it be?
What Kind of Author Should I Be?
One of the themes that I have picked up on recently while doing some research on promotional work is that an author should identify their audience and tailor their writing accordingly. I have to admit that this idea has never really convinced me. It seems to have been borrowed from the commercial market. I suppose … Continue reading What Kind of Author Should I Be?
Promotion, Promotion, all this Self Promotion
I have touched on this subject previously, I know, but it is a subject that I keep returning to so I thought I might as well write about it again. As an ‘independent author’ I have to do everything myself. I write my book, I design the cover, I upload it to Amazon and other … Continue reading Promotion, Promotion, all this Self Promotion
Peter C Whitaker 