Looking for short snippets of writing advice?

Written by Lisa Clifford, author, journalist, and founder of The Art of Writing, our blogs cover thought-provoking insights about everything "writing."

Articles

Wishing you a beautiful Christmas.

Lisa Clifford

One thing I always wish for our Art of Writing writers is time to write over the holidays. Not necessarily hours at a desk, not even grand resolutions. Simply pockets of time where you...

Wishing you a beautiful Christmas.

Lisa Clifford

One thing I always wish for our Art of Writing writers is time to write over the holidays. Not necessarily hours at a desk, not even grand resolutions. Simply pockets of time where you...

A big fat thank you!

Lisa Clifford

I want to begin with gratitude to the State Library of New South Wales for their investment in me as a Fellow. I have just completed some training days and...

A big fat thank you!

Lisa Clifford

I want to begin with gratitude to the State Library of New South Wales for their investment in me as a Fellow. I have just completed some training days and...

How to Build a Scene (Without Losing Your Mind)

Lisa Clifford

Writers often ask me, ‘But how do I actually create a scene?’And I always give the same answer: Ask your character what they want. What do they want right now,...

How to Build a Scene (Without Losing Your Mind)

Lisa Clifford

Writers often ask me, ‘But how do I actually create a scene?’And I always give the same answer: Ask your character what they want. What do they want right now,...

Scene and Heard

Lisa Clifford

I love setting up a new scene. I really do. It’s exciting. A new scene pops into my head and I get this tiny buzz. And apparently, heaps of writers...

Scene and Heard

Lisa Clifford

I love setting up a new scene. I really do. It’s exciting. A new scene pops into my head and I get this tiny buzz. And apparently, heaps of writers...

RIP Toto the Wonder Dog

Lisa Clifford

Many of you have known me for a long time, so you’ve met my dog, Toto. He was with our family in Florence, Italy, for 18 years and passed away...

RIP Toto the Wonder Dog

Lisa Clifford

Many of you have known me for a long time, so you’ve met my dog, Toto. He was with our family in Florence, Italy, for 18 years and passed away...

Power Into 2026 with Zoom Craft Clinics (and do...

Lisa Clifford

A new year, a new focus! If you’re ready to lift your writing to the next level, join me for The Art of Writing 2026 Craft Clinics. Once-a-month starting from January 17, we will run...

Power Into 2026 with Zoom Craft Clinics (and do...

Lisa Clifford

A new year, a new focus! If you’re ready to lift your writing to the next level, join me for The Art of Writing 2026 Craft Clinics. Once-a-month starting from January 17, we will run...