Signing a two-book deal with Bloomsbury Raven (What’s New With Nicola?)
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I’ve neglected my blog over the past two years, but I’m back, baby. Yes, blogging has a ring of 2003 … Read More
Dead Ringer wins fiction prize at Lakeland Book of the Year Awards
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I bumbled up to Penrith last month for the 2021 Lakeland Book of the Year Awards, the very picture of … Read More
5 things I learned about writing from Succession
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Succession isn’t only the most twisted-funny show on TV, it’s also a masterclass in great writing. Here are a few … Read More
Dead Ringer longlisted for Lakeland Book of the Year
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I’m delighted that my debut novel, Dead Ringer, has been recognised in the 2021 Lakeland Book of the Year longlist. … Read More
How overcoming my fear of public speaking inspired my short story in this week’s The People’s Friend
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Two years ago, I would’ve rather taken my chances before a firing squad than got up in front of an … Read More
5 reasons your novel’s main character sucks
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They’re so smart (allegedly), they’re so charismatic (allegedly), but here are some of the reasons you might have a sucking … Read More
5 things I learned from my unpublished ‘drawer novel’
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Like most writers, I have a ‘novel in a drawer’; an unpublished masterpiece (lol no) that I think about every … Read More
6 things to know if you want to write a novel this year
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If your new year’s resolution for 2021 is to write a novel, then you’ve picked a great goal. Writing keeps … Read More
5 writing mistakes that drive me nuts
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Ever been so annoyed by a book you’ve wanted to throw it across the room? Maybe it’s a character or … Read More
Write the story from the sidekick’s perspective, too – Things I learned while writing Dead Ringer
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During one particular rewrite of Dead Ringer, I felt like I’d tied myself up in knots. My protagonist was breaking … Read More
One word you should remove from your writing vocabulary
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You might assume this is a philosophical or motivational blog post, and I’m going to tell you there’s no such … Read More
Revisiting Gone Girl: 5 things writers can learn from it
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Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl defined and popularised the psychological suspense genre. These days, the crime fiction shelves are packed with … Read More
Let your readers hear your protagonist’s thoughts – Things I learned while writing Dead Ringer
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Dead Ringer started life as a third-person novel, until my agent suggested I make it first-person. This was a big … Read More
How my new mantra is helping me stay sane (and productive)
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I’ve recently put in place a simple new motto and it’s amazing what a help it’s been, in terms of … Read More
Why growth mindset is the number one thing you need to become a better writer (and a better person)
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‘Growth mindset’ might sound like one of those annoying buzzwords, but it describes an attitude shift that has helped me … Read More
Make your protagonist the type of person who jumps into the fray – Things I learned while writing Dead Ringer
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In life, I’m a risk-averse person. I always weigh up my options and try to act prudently. In novels, I’ve … Read More