Here we are, a week into November and, for the first time in nearly two years, a week since I have visited Ambeth. I’ve been writing my YA series about my fantasy world pretty much non-stop since last January, so it feels very strange not to be there. Oh sure, I’ve written other things inContinue reading “A Month Without Ambeth”
Category Archives: Writing
Dig Deeper
I’ve been thinking about this post for a little while, unsure whether or not to share it, but then decided I had to. The spirit of this blog is that it’s my journey to publication, lessons learned, paths taken, decisions made. And so here it is… A little while ago I was offered a publishingContinue reading “Dig Deeper”
In Praise of Nothing
So tomorrow I’m going to have a day where I do nothing in particular. I like to do this once in a while, usually during school holidays, as the morning rush of uniforms and breakfast and walking to school interferes somewhat with the idea of having absolutely nothing planned. Just to be clear, I’m notContinue reading “In Praise of Nothing”
The Domain of Ambeth
A few days ago I received an email from someone stating that they were the owner of Ambeth.com, letting me know it was up for auction online if it ‘met my needs.’ So I went to have a look, curious to see what value might be ascribed to a domain name based on my fantasyContinue reading “The Domain of Ambeth”
Believe
My daughter, who is awesome, gave me this painting she’d done a little while ago. You can see what it says, right? ‘Mummy’s book published, and this will really happen!’ So that’s me on the stage with my books, bunches of roses and apparently a whole lot of cash from all the people buying myContinue reading “Believe”
Heart’s Desire
As I walked home from school after dropping my daughter off the other morning, I pondered, as I usually do, the latest plot twists in the book I’m writing. Then it struck me that this is what I do now. I thought back to a couple of years ago, before I started writing about AmbethContinue reading “Heart’s Desire”
A Little Update
I’ve just submitted another guest blog to the Writers and Artists website, and here it is: https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/2014/09/in-praise-of-beta-readers It’s all about you lovely beta readers (you know who you are), and how valuable I consider you to the writing process. Thank you to each and every one of you for the insights and time you’ve givenContinue reading “A Little Update”
Green Eyed Monster
Another weekend, another article in the paper about a new writer getting a great publishing deal, being touted as ‘the next big thing.’ ‘Why not me?’ I think to myself, shuffling the pages resentfully. ‘When will it be my turn? Huh, bet they know someone in publishing, bet they’ve met an agent somewhere, had someContinue reading “Green Eyed Monster”
You’re So Vain
Vanity Publishing: Whereby a writer pays a publisher to produce their work, often signing over rights in return for royalties. Not to be confused (although it sometimes is) with self-publishing, where the writer retains the rights and manages the publication and marketing themselves. I really dislike the term ‘vanity publishing.’ I’ve been thinking about thisContinue reading “You’re So Vain”
Back To School
The house is quiet. Blissfully so; a warmth and silence to the air. Daily walks have resumed, looking for our favourite cats and trees and birds along the way, discussing the day and what’s to come, or what’s already happened. Work continues, writing for myself and for others – pitches to be made, submissions toContinue reading “Back To School”
Helen Glynn Jones 