Jan 12, 2022 Posted by Simon Rose

People plotting: Creating unique characters – Part one

Let’s imagine that you’ve thought of a great premise for a story and even crafted a general plot. You then need to develop some characters to inhabit the world you’re intending to create. So where do ideas for characters come from? How do successful authors invent people for their stories, those imaginary men, women, children, and even animals that are a perfect fit for the story? Let’s be honest,... read more

Jan 8, 2022 Posted by Simon Rose

The Many Benefits of a Writing Coach

A professional writing coach is someone with whom you can consult, ask questions and receive constructive feedback. They act as a guide as you build your career as a professional writer. A coach can help you conquer a stumbling block, regain momentum or make a start on a new project. My program helps you progress as a writer. You decide what you want to work on during a personalized, one on one... read more

Dec 29, 2021 Posted by Simon Rose

Seeing the Light: Writers and Seasonal Affective Disorder – Part Six

Regular physical exercise can help with stress relief and prevent the onset of SAD. Feeling more fit makes you feel better about yourself overall and generally improves your mood. Giving in to those winter blues can also be stressful and lead to overeating, overindulgence in alcohol or other unhealthy pursuits, so you need to take care of your body, watch your diet and get enough sleep. Make time to... read more

Dec 21, 2021 Posted by Simon Rose

Seeing the Light: Writers and Seasonal Affective Disorder – Part Five

Many people are adversely affected each year by the winter blues and writers are no exception. There are many ways to combat SAD, including antidepressants and other medications, but bright artificial light treatments are common as a means to give the body more exposure to the light that is lacking once winter approaches.  For SAD sufferers, shorter days and long nights can initiate depression,... read more

Dec 18, 2021 Posted by Simon Rose

Seeing the Light: Writers and Seasonal Affective Disorder – Part Four

In ancient Greece and Rome, the works of Plato, Aristotle, Virgil and others may have been composed at night, with very little illumination. Monks in the Middle Ages would also have worked all year round and such works as Beowulf or the Anglo Saxon Chronicle would never have been written if everyone in the scriptorium had SAD.  Did Shakespeare only write in the spring and summer? Candlelight was his... read more