Category: On writing
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Get serious, it’s only romance
Romance writers and avid romance readers are used to criticism. When naysayers are being polite, they suggest romance is fluffy make believe. Harsher critics will go for the jugular and claim that romance is simple, trite and adds nothing meaningful to the literary world. Well, ask a publisher and they…
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The exhilaration of terror: tips for creating tension and suspense
This week I return to the Sydney Writers’ Festival for my wrap up of the session on Tension and Suspense, where authors Caroline Overington, Hannah Richell and Julienne van Loon revealed their tips on how to keep readers turning the pages. And they should know – take a look at…
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Tell it like it is: a beta reader wish list
Oh, beta readers, where would we be without you? I’ve previously highlighted the virtues of beta readers here and why it’s so important to have them, but recently it was brought home to me just how essential it is to find the ‘right’ beta readers. So what do I mean…
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Writing women on the run
Interesting fact: there is more interest in books where women are in jeopardy. Does this mean we’re still a long way from achieving equality or are we simply hooked on reading about enterprising women outsmarting evil villains? I attended the session called ‘Women on the Run’ at the Sydney Writers’…
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Sydney Writers’ Festival: Monkeys and Typewriters
Weren’t able to make the Sydney Writer’s Festival? Not to worry, I braved the cold and rain (yes, it does rain from time to time in the harbour city) and was excited to see a a very talented array of writers discussing their craft. Over the next couple of weeks,…
Belinda Williams 