Writing tips

Wouldn’t it be easier to just believe in yourself?

To mark the publication of her debut novel Under the Rainbow, author Celia Laskey joins us to share some brilliant advice about our pesky inner critics! About six months ago, I started using an app to try find some relief from the migraines that had been plaguing me for… Read More

Steve Frech: Confessions of a First-Time Crime Writer

Today we publish Steve Frech’s brand new novel, the gripping crime thriller Secrets to the Grave! To celebrate, Steve joins us on the HQ blog to share his ‘confessions of a first-time crime writer’! Almost two years ago, my debut novel, Dark Hollows, was released. It’s a psychological… Read More

Katie King on writing World War Two Saga

To celebrate the release of her latest World War Two saga, The Evacuee War, author Katie King shared with us her journey and tips for writing the genre. How to Write or, More Precisely, How Not to Write a Romantic Historical Saga Trilogy When the… Read More

Mick Finlay: Six things I try to avoid when writing a novel

Today we publish the fourth book in Mick Finlay’s gripping Arrowood mystery series, Arrowood and the Meeting House Murders! To mark the occasion, we’ve asked Mick to tell us a little bit about his writing process. Here’s what Mick tries NOT to do when writing! 1. Telling people what… Read More

Kerry Barrett on historical research

Kerry Barrett’s latest historical timeslip novel, The Secrets of Thistle Cottage, is out in eBook now. To celebrate, we asked her to share her inspiration and research process for writing her novels. Kerry Barrett on Historical Research I love writing historical stories. I like that… Read More

The inspiration behind Out of Sight

To celebrate the release of the latest DCI Warren Jones novel, Out of Sight, we asked author Paul Gitsham to discuss the inspiration behind his novel. The perils of keeping our true selves Out of Sight.  “…it never ceased to amaze him… Read More

Lana Kortchik’s Top Five Writing Tips

To celebrate the release of her second historical novel, Daughters of the Resistance, author Lana Kortchik shares her top five writing tips. Lana Kortchik’s Top Five Writing Tips For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with historical fiction. As a child, I always… Read More

A.M. Castle’s top five tips for writing Thrillers!

Are you trying to write a thriller but have no clue where to begin? Are you looking for some writing advice? Have no fear, A.M. Castle is here! The author of The Invitation, the upcoming new locked mystery, is here to share her top five tips… Read More

Writing fight scenes with Alex Shaw!

Fight scenes are at the core of the action thriller. The rules for writing fights are not set in concrete slabs of the type used to bury bodies, but they do exist. Get these wrong and the scene won’t work. Here are a few rules I follow:   The scene… Read More

Sally Gardner’s Inspiration for The Snow Song

The Snow Song by Sally Gardner is a spellbinding fairytale and magical love story, but what inspired her to step into Edith’s world in a small village in Transylvania? Sally shares some of the historical, literary, and cultural influences behind her enchanting story with us. What… Read More

NaNoWriMo is Over…Now What? With Karin Nordin

November has ended, and with it so has NaNoWriMo. If you’re trying to work out what to do next, don’t worry. Karin Nordin, author of Where Ravens Roost, is here to help. Read on to hear her reflections on November, NaNoWriMo, and advice on what to do… Read More

Tessa Harris on Writing Historical Fiction

As we come to the end of NaNoWriMo, you may be thinking of a new project or tips to help with the one you’re currently writing. Tessa Harris, author of Beneath a Starless Sky, is here to help! Here is her masterclass in writing historical fiction.   Writing… Read More