In my last blog, I traced the development of my writing voice by looking back at the first reviews I wrote for the music paper Sounds. If you haven’t read it yet, click here. I identified eight learnings about how you might find your voice in the written word, which I’m now going to dig into in more detail. NB: These learnings apply to fiction and non-fiction, but please note I am not a … [Read more...] about Eight things you need to do to find your voice as a writer
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How did I develop my voice as a writer?
I often refer to myself as “the accidental journalist”. Becoming a professional writer wasn’t part of my career plan. I had trained to be a secretary, and that’s what I was – until I started working for the editor of Sounds, a rock music paper, and a year later found myself writing my first gig review and having it published under my pen name, Betty Page. I benefited from the “anyone can do it” … [Read more...] about How did I develop my voice as a writer?
What’s really in a name?
I love language. Well, to be more specific, I love the English language. I love its words and how they fit together. I love the rhythm of a well-structured sentence and a story well told. And I’m fascinated by etymology – the origin of words and how their meanings change over time. I’m currently visiting The Mumbles, a seaside town near Swansea in South Wales. Out on the front, pondering my … [Read more...] about What’s really in a name?
How I found meaning in The Mumbles
When I want to feel connected to my roots I come to The Mumbles, a seaside town near Swansea. I've been coming here since I was a little girl, so it feels like a home from home.I’m currently staying a short walk away from the pharmacy that was once a hair salon run by my paternal grandparents and the two-up two-down where my mum was born and grew up.But the place that’s most resonant for me here … [Read more...] about How I found meaning in The Mumbles
Releasing the writer within
I count myself lucky that, from an early age, I’ve found it easy to express myself in writing. At primary school I received consistent praise for my compositions and my confidence built from there.And even though I didn’t plan to become a journalist, it was a good fit for my natural talents and I learned the craft on the job, becoming a disciplined writer and editor in the process.I understand … [Read more...] about Releasing the writer within
Is being too nice holding you back from having an impact?
If you’ve ever been called ‘nice’ – and most of us have, at some point in our lives – you may feel as if you’ve been damned with faint praise. Being nice – agreeable, pleasant, easy-going – is a good thing, some of the time. But sometimes it can be a curse, especially when you’re a creative type who wants to be seen and heard. Nicky says: I realised early on in life that I had a natural ability … [Read more...] about Is being too nice holding you back from having an impact?