Signing a two-book deal with Bloomsbury Raven (What’s New With Nicola?)
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
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
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
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
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
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5 things I learned from my unpublished ‘drawer novel’
Like most writers, I have a ‘novel in a drawer’; an unpublished masterpiece (lol no) that I think about every … Read More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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
‘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
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