Tag: Writing
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Chapter word count: long or short?
My new novel, Murder on Milverton Square, is currently up for pre-order. This book came from the rough first draft I frantically threw down back in November for NaNoWriMo, almost a year ago! Now, seven drafts later… While finalising the manuscript I wondered how much story we had in each chapter. Chapter breaks can sometimes…
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Tim Te Maro and the Alphabet Book Club podcast
Today’s post is centred around an LGBTQ YA novel set in a magical boarding school, a podcast catch up about the book itself (with guests including the author and me!), and the Alphabet Book Club who do such great work getting books like this out to Kiwis! Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues…
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Recent reads and TV: royalty, reflections, romance, and hilarity
I’ve enjoyed some fantastic books and TV shows recently, so I thought I’d pull together a couple of each that really stood out for me. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston British royalty, American politics, celebrities, secrets, and big gay dramas. This book is so much fun! It’s been floating near the top of…
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Works in progress: status update
I first shared an earlier version of this little progress tracker graphic a couple of months ago with my mailing list. I updated it earlier this week for them and thought I’d share here too. This graphic is pretty dense, but I think it summarises quickly what I’m up to for my three main projects.…
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Cover design voting results: Squat Lifts and Smashed Avocado
Arthur and his mates are at the gym, then out for brunch – a typical catch up. Arthur hasn’t told them he’s gay. He’d thought he was comfortable in the closet… But with events conspiring against him, it’s getting increasingly awkward in there! This is a prequel short story, kicking off Arthur’s tale just a…
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Solid writing advice from this Netflix romcom
On the weekend I watched the romantic comedy Set It Up, a 2018 Netflix film, with my partner and a friend. It was great fun and had some excellent lines – I would recommend the watch! However, it was the unexpected writing advice that caught my attention in particular. The scene starts at about the…
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Camp NaNoWriMo
Hey campers, who’s joining me? It’s my first attempt at what the folks at NaNoWriMo have pitched as a “virtual writing retreat” where you set your own focused writing goal for the month of April. I had no plans to join until a writer friend prompted me yesterday and I realised it was just what…
G. B. Ralph 