Hello everyone! I hope I find you well. For those of you continuing with their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to share five tips I’ve learned over the course of the year to keep improving my grades during this difficult time. Concentration is challenging (I’m finding I’m reading sentences in module texts over…
Category: Writing Life
How Writing Can Help You Through COVID-19
Hi everyone, I’m sorry I haven’t posted in a few weeks! Normally when I talk about writing on janedoewrites.com, I’m referring to prose fiction; but during the current circumstances, let’s face it, any kind of ink on the paper counts, and I’m finding myself trying out new things. So whatever kind of creative writing interests…
How to Get Fiction Inspiration From Your Family History
As I write this article I’m holding a hairdryer, trying to melt a block of frozen soup away from its non-microwavable container. I’m sure my ancestors had a better system, but then again they didn’t have freezers. Often unconscious of the fact that Caveman Joe, Erik the Beardless and Sophie Hairdryer Soup Queen are the…
The Breakfast Club Writing Routine
As I mentioned in my last post, my 2020 writing goals have fallen by the roadside; with cackling, smug weeds growing through the cracks! I realised a while ago that simple routines are more effective. And yet the amount of writing I’ve been expecting from myself this year has probably been too hot to handle….
Travelling Tips for Fiction Writers
Although many authors travel abroad for the intention of research, I wanted to explore the way in which we can expand our writing horizons when it’s not our main intention. Whether it’s a family holiday or a weekend getaway, there’s always an opportunity to collect information that can be used later: in the form of…
What I Keep in My Writer’s Notebook
My writer’s notebook is ‘pulchritudinous.’ Wait. What? I just found out that this is another word for ‘beautiful’ and just had to squeeze it in somewhere. Who would’ve known there was such an ugly word for something so pretty? Anyway, I digress. This post is all about what I put in my notebook, not any…
How to Be a Better Creative Writing Student
Note: this post is written for ALL creative writers dedicated to self-improvement, even if not an enrolled student. Unlike many of the ideas I get for posts, this one wasn’t a sudden inspiration. On three separate occasions: while looking over my textbooks, during a workshop and then in the discount aisle of a supermarket; I…
10 Fine Websites for Writing Tips
As creative writers, we’re well acquainted with the more familiar websites for writing tips, from Writer’s Digest to Write to Done. There are however, hundreds of other websites offering equally good advice, many of which (in my opinion) offer more original insights than the top dogs. Here are ten of my current favourites to share!:…
How to Create a Homegrown Writing Retreat
This morning I was green with envy after seeing photos of writing retreats in exotic locations. Yet as fabulous as they were, the prices were high enough for my toast to go down the wrong way. Undeterred; after a cup of hot, dislodging tea, I decided to explore ways we could create the same experience…
Fiction Writers: Expectation vs. Reality
After watching some ‘expectation vs. reality’ videos on YouTube, I was mightily inspired to write something similar about fiction writers. So without further ado… 6am: A Pact to Wake up and Write Early Expectation: What a beautiful day! I’m inspired to write jewel-like prose almost immediately on a stolen napkin! (I’m a creative, thank you,…