Explore our blogs
The best writing tips, straight to your inbox
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
A Wee Backstory Reminder
RESIST! You know the moment. Your character walks into a room, looks at an old photograph and suddenly we are dragged through her childhood, her parents’ marriage, the death of...
A Wee Backstory Reminder
RESIST! You know the moment. Your character walks into a room, looks at an old photograph and suddenly we are dragged through her childhood, her parents’ marriage, the death of...
If I Wanted a Summary, I'd Read the Back Cover.
Every week I open a manuscript full of promise, only to discover the best bits have already happened. 'They argued.' 'She was devastated.' 'He fell in love.' Thank you. That's...
If I Wanted a Summary, I'd Read the Back Cover.
Every week I open a manuscript full of promise, only to discover the best bits have already happened. 'They argued.' 'She was devastated.' 'He fell in love.' Thank you. That's...
Word count and why I keep asking about it.
It always sounds as if I’m hassling everyone about their word count because I'm worried about numbers. That’s not it at all. I look at word count because every stage of your...
Word count and why I keep asking about it.
It always sounds as if I’m hassling everyone about their word count because I'm worried about numbers. That’s not it at all. I look at word count because every stage of your...
Too Much Showing, Not Enough Telling
I've spent the past week reading manuscripts from writers all over Australia and overseas. Fabulous historical fiction from Florence, spot of memoir, quite a bit of climate fantasy, and a...
Too Much Showing, Not Enough Telling
I've spent the past week reading manuscripts from writers all over Australia and overseas. Fabulous historical fiction from Florence, spot of memoir, quite a bit of climate fantasy, and a...
What a Reality TV Show Taught Me About Storytel...
Last week I was flown to a secret location to teach manners and etiquette to twelve contestants on a reality television show that will air later this year. I can't...
What a Reality TV Show Taught Me About Storytel...
Last week I was flown to a secret location to teach manners and etiquette to twelve contestants on a reality television show that will air later this year. I can't...
Finding Your Way Back to Your Story
Most writers don't struggle because they lack talent. They struggle because somewhere along the way they lose sight of the story they are trying to tell. The manuscript becomes tangled....
Finding Your Way Back to Your Story
Most writers don't struggle because they lack talent. They struggle because somewhere along the way they lose sight of the story they are trying to tell. The manuscript becomes tangled....
Would you like to be updated on blogs?
Be the first to know about new blogs, covering expert tips and reflections on writing.