Category Archives: Writing

My Top Ten Books for a Reading Group!

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Della Galton

Have you ever been in a Reading Group? I haven’t, but I was recently asked for my top ten Reading Group Books – interesting question. It made me think. So I’ve reproduced them here – in reverse order. Would love … Continue reading →

Posted in The Reading Group, Writing | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

The Long and Winding Road – to a Book Deal!

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Della Galton

‘Whatever the struggle – continue the climb – it may only be one step to the summit.’ Diana Westlake This is a quote I keep over my desk – because blimey it’s so true of writing. The road to success … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Deals, Inspiration, News, Writing | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Creating Characters – How well do you know your imaginary people?

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Della Galton

Sometimes a character comes into my head fully formed. Sometimes they are shadowy. Sometimes they are shy like real people and I have to get to know them slowly.  Interviewing them is good. These 21 questions are one of my … Continue reading →

Posted in ideas, Inspiration, Tips on writing, Writing, Writing exercises | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Writing Courses – are they worth it?

Posted on July 31, 2016 by Della Galton

There are so many writing courses around these days. Universities run them, publishers run them, magazines run them. In fact every Tom, Dick and Harry (if you’ll excuse the cliche) runs writing courses. Even the smallest town has a literary … Continue reading →

Posted in Short stories for magazines, Tips on writing, Woman's Weekly, Writing, Writing conferences & schools | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Tips on Writing Flash Fiction

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Della Galton

Flash Fiction is a term that can be applied to anything under 1000 words but more usually it’s shorter. For the purposes of this blog let’s say between 300 and 500 words. It shouldn’t be anecdotal, i.e. it should still … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction, Tips on writing, Writing | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Five Tips to Stay Inspired With Your Writing

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Della Galton

Got an idea for a story? Write more than one opening paragraph – it takes the pressure off having to get it perfect. Keep writing openings until you feel the inspiration kick in.  This can sometimes take me a while. … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Tips on writing, Writing | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

The Short Story Writer’s Toolshed

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Della Galton

The Short Story Writer’s Toolshed was first published as a series in Writer’s Forum. I later decided to compile it into a handy little book. Here is an extract I thought you might like. How The Toolshed Works Every writer … Continue reading →

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The Biggest Occupational Hazard of Being a Writer!

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Della Galton

Today I’m writing about the biggest occupational hazard of being a writer.  No, I’m not talking about writer’s bottom! Although that is a hazard, I have to say. Especially when combined with Easter and all the chocolate I’ve recently consumed! … Continue reading →

Posted in ideas, Writing, Writing Ramblings | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Literary Devices and their Use in Fiction

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Della Galton

We’ve been talking about literary devices in my classes, which, perhaps oddly for a writing class, we rarely do. We’re usually focusing on dialogue or characterization or some other element of short stories. So here are just three literary devices … Continue reading →

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Is Your Writing Smelly Enough?

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Della Galton

Using the senses in your writing, especially the sense of smell, really helps to take the reader into your story.  However, it’s just as easy  to be cliché with smells as with any other writing so choose carefully and be … Continue reading →

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