Here's one that's been doing the rounds on Facebook: "In your status line, list 10 books that have stayed with you in some way. Don't take more than a few minutes and don't think too hard - they don't have to be the "right" or "great" works, just the ones that have touched you." Here…
A Poor Choice
Some of you may already be aware that occasionally I write an opinion piece under the category Belllettres Bulletin. I write about topics, trends and current events that catch my attention, or about which I feel so strongly that I simply have to say something. Outspoken? Opinionated? Me? Let's start today's Bulletin with a question. It’s winter…
Of Grief and Naked Bottoms
I've just been published in a New Zealand literary journal called JAAM. The 2013 issue, JAAM 31, was officially launched on Friday night. For those of you new to my blog who may not have trawled through all my fiction yet, I'm going to post the story here again. I edited it quite a bit before…
That “Aha!” Moment
I've just had an "Aha!" moment. It was one of those moments we writers live for, when a sudden flash of elucidation sets your writing morning on fire, reminding you why you're sitting at your desk sweating blood, struggling to get your story down on the page. This particularly sweet "Aha!" moment came as a…
The Paperback Collective
A few months ago a very enterprising young woman called Jayde-Ashe (you can visit her lovely blog right here) had an idea. She wanted to establish a monthly online magazine of creative talent, showcasing stories, essays, poems, articles and photographs from contributors around the world. So she did it. And I'm in Issue Four, which you…
Grammar – Its important
I am a Grammar Nazi. I am one of those infuriating people who can't help pointing out the redundant commas, misplaced apostrophes and spelling mistakes in any written document. Some of the authors are appreciative. Others immediately cross me off their Christmas party invite list (I'd point out all the errors on the invitation, for…
Music to Write By
If I'm lucky, every week I spend a number of happy hours by myself, writing. Music is often my only companion. If I'm really concentrating - trying to craft a particularly tricky sentence, or juggling a complicated plot sequence, I turn it off, but most of the time it is the perfect accompaniment. I'm like Pavlov's dogs: the minute…
How to Write a Successful Media Release
A bit of practical writing advice today gleaned from my years working first as a journalist and then in PR and Marketing. Perhaps you work for a community organisation and you want your local newspaper to publish stories about your work. Maybe you are a member of your local theatre / kindergarten association / sports club…
Characterisation – The Naked Truth
Some of you will be aware that I do musical theatre. I've performed in many shows through the years including Chess, Blood Brothers, Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. My latest role, however, is making me feel rather vulnerable. You'll understand why in a minute, but first let me take you back a few…
Through the claws of the stars
You may have read my earlier post relating the survival story of our little tabby cat Lucy. In case you haven't, it's here. In it, I wrote about our other cat Samantha, who was 17 and in such surprisingly good health that she seemed virtually indestructible. I called her my cockroach cat because I was sure she…
Patricia Bell, Author 