FOR WRITERS

STUCK FOR INSPIRATION?

When your writing brain needs limbering up or a kick start, here's a suggestion: random word generators. We use random words at our writing group. Each person gets a word which they must use in a sentence. One sentence per person in a round of story creation. Or if you're alone at home, generate a list of words and give it a try.

TYPOGRAPHY: WHERE TO BREAK A WORD AT THE END OF A LINE.

Ever wondered what those little dots in the middle of word were in the dictionary? They're suggestions for where you can break up a word that doesn't fit at the end of a line. I found this article helpful. Finding out about the dots was a revelation!

LOCAL MARKETS: A THIRD WAY TO SELL YOUR BOOKS?

A group of local writers, including me, has just finished an 8 week trial of hosting a book stall at a local market. We added stories to the food, gems, clothes, makeup, and household goods on offer. It was great meeting people. Selling the books is a whole other thing. Sales varied from week to week. Set up costs - an account to offer card purchasing, advertising, banners etc - are less onerous when shared. But it forces you into a business and admin relationship with your fellow writers. And takes a chunk out of your weekend. On the upside you keep more of your profits than going through a bookshop (if you sell anything). Overall - worth a crack if you have lots of time, are comfortable with selling and you can collect together a like-minded group of authors.