The start of a new calendar year almost forces you to reflect on where you are and where you’re going as an author. Why am I still doing this? Basically because a voice inside my head says write. I’ve heard lots of presenters at conferences and in articles say—“Write what your heart tells you toContinue reading “Reflections at the start of 2025”
Tag Archives: writing
Dear diary
Today I dug out an old manuscript from my bottom drawer. You know the drawer? The drawer of discarded dreams. I was thrilled with it when I set it aside. I’d had some nibbles from editors of the bigger publishing houses—well-written, very evocative of Finland, and I should know because a family member is married toContinue reading “Dear diary”
Can I interest you in a trope?
Tropes are a feature of romance novels, whether the novels be sweet, spicy or dark. Sophie Pembroke suggests a trope is a plot, theme, device or character used so often that it has become a convention within the genre. I’ve heard category romance editors argue that you have hooks and tropes, with the hooks relating to charactersContinue reading “Can I interest you in a trope?”
Writing the little black dress
Do a web search for “little black dress” and you’ll discover that fashion historians credit Coco Chanel for this 1920s design. It’s a clothing item that’s so well known it’s often referred to as “LBD”. The LBD is intended to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, and widely accessible symbolising class, business, elegance, and sexiness. I’ll have whatContinue reading “Writing the little black dress”
Jennifer Raines 