Writing Tips Blog

Nov 17, Writing Prompt #121

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:19:04 GMT

Writing Prompt #121

What if you were living a modern day fairytale?

Which one would it be? Which character would you be? How would you modernise the story? Would there be a lesson in the story?

Nov 13, Writing Prompt #120

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:54:29 GMT

Writing Prompt #120

Here is another in our 'What if' series.

What if you woke up, got dressed, went to put on your shoes and they no longer fitted you?

If they fitted you yesterday, why don't they fit you today? Has your body changed overnight? Are they, in fact, your shoes? If not whose are they, and what happened to yours?

Nov 11, Writing Prompt #119

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:58:04 GMT

Writing Prompt #119

What if you get home from doing your shopping and the bags in your hand contain things different from what you bought?

Do you keep them or return them? Who's bags do you have? Was it a mistake or intentional? How do you find out whose bags they are?

Nov 11, Writing Prompt #118

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:41:14 GMT

Writing Prompt #118

How about another 'What if' question to get you writing?

What if somebody you knew (or somebody your character knew) appeared on the front page of the national newspaper revealing a secret you never knew?

It could be something good, or something bad. They could be a millionnaire, a criminal, a prince/ss, a hero, a spy. The list just goes on and on and on. Consider picking the person you are going to write about and then pick the revelation that is the most unbelievable or perhaps one that you have been wondering about. Have fun.

Nov 9, Writing Prompt #117

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:29:03 GMT

Writing Prompt #117

Another thought for you - if a public telephone rang as you passed it in the street, would you answer it?

Would your main character? What would happen? How would you react? Does it mean anything?

Nov 7, Writing Prompt #116

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:18:50 GMT

Writing Prompt #116

Today instead of a first line I have a concept for you. However, you can use it as a first line if you wish, or a title, or the essence of your story, or in fact whatever you choose.

So here is the concept. Where would I be without my credit card?

Nov 6, Writing Prompt #115

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:44:57 GMT

Writing Prompt #115

A pack of cards lay fanned out on the table ...

Oct 31, Writing Prompt #114

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:21:35 GMT

Writing Prompt #114

'We hadn't expected a scream ...

Oct 29, Writing Prompt #113

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:47:39 GMT

Writing Prompt #113

Here's today's first line and a situation that I expect most of us have been in at least once.

'Isn't it beautiful?' she said, her voice bubbly and high.

I paused for a second looking at the hideous ...

Oct 28, Writing Prompt #112

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:59:08 GMT

Have you noticed that many people are either word or number people? There are a bundle of people who are good at both word and number activities, but on the whole (from my experience) there seem to be more people who are good at one and not so good at the other.

Just a little observation I thought I would share with you.

So the question is: Are you a word or number person, or are you one of the elite who is excellent at both?

Writing Prompt #112

Write a story that revolves around the above concept. It could be totally fictional or totally autobiographical or perhaps somewhere in between. Have fun

Oct 24, Writing Prompt #111

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:27:32 GMT

Writing Prompt #111

Another story starter for you - The footsteps were heavy and rhythmic ...

Oct 23, Writing Prompt #110

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:54:10 GMT

Writing Prompt #110

Todays' first sentence is - I hate forms, I always have. Still I took the one that she handed me ...

Oct 21, Writing Prompt #109

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:38:37 GMT

Writing Prompt #109

And your first sentence for today is ... (drumrole please) ... It was a weird reaction, and certainly one I hadn't expected.

Oct 20, Writing Prompt #108

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:22:47 GMT

Writing Prompt #108

Here's another first line to get you going - hopefully. In the distance bulging grey clouds hung ...

Oct 16, Writing Prompt #107

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:08:06 GMT

Writing Prompt #107

Your first line for today's story is - 'Just grab it and pull!'

Oct 14, Writing Prompt #106

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:14:57 GMT

Writing Prompt #106

Write a story relating to an announcement made over a loud speaker at a conference.

The story could be about the response to the announcement, it could be about the announcer, it could be a monologue of your announcement, or anything you else fits the suggestion. Have fun.

Oct 12, Writing Prompt #105

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:56:04 GMT

Writing Prompt #105

Today's first sentence writing exercise starts with - There's something fascinating about train stations. ...

Oct 12, Writing Prompt #104

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:39:55 GMT

Writing Prompt #104

Here's a first sentence for you to work with. Have fun.'It wasn't until the book flew from her hand that I knew there was a problem. ...

Oct 8, Writing Prompt #103

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:16:04 GMT

Writing Prompt #103

The early morning sun glinted through the tiny ...

Oct 8, Writing Prompt #102

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:12:43 GMT

Writing Prompt #102

Here's a first line for your story, "If I had a chance,' he said, ...

Oct 7, Writing Prompt #101

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:05:58 GMT

Writing Prompt #101

Here's a first sentence (or at least part of a first sentence) for you to work with. 'She stood there, looking truly like an angel ....

Oct 5, Writing Prompt #100

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:35:01 GMT

Writing Prompt #100

Your writing exercise for today is to write a story or autobiographical piece about a perfect breakfast.

Oct 4, Writing Prompt #99

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:39:02 GMT

Writing Prompt #99

Write about a bill/invoice you never want to have to pay.

Sep 30, Writing Prompt #98

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:58:39 GMT

Maybe it is a sign that I haven't had breakfast yet but I was sitting here thinking of a writing trigger and I came up with a food one, surprise surprise.

Writing Prompt #98
Think about what your least liked food is, and then write a story about it. You don't have to be eating it, you don't even have to be in the story, but the food does. Have fun.

Sep 29, Writing Prompt #97

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:45:18 GMT

Writing Prompt #97

Today's writing exercise is to write a story that includes the three following items: a mug, a rose, and a slice of cake. Have fun

Sep 27, Did You Miss My ABC Interview About Stolen Moments?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:59:06 GMT

If so, the interview is now available online, just click the link to the ABC site and follow the prompts. It's a short interview, only around 10 minutes.

Sep 27, Writing Prompt #96

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:49:17 GMT

Writing Prompt #96

Imagine you are one side of a glass wall, on the other side of the wall is a person you need to get a message to. This is the basis of your story.

What is your message? Can you see something happening that they can't? How will you get your message across? How crazy are you prepared to look to get their attention?

Sep 22, Radio Interviews for Stolen Moments

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:42:02 GMT

In Australia, it's Dementia Week. So as you might guess with our book 'Stolen Moments' being about Alzheimer's Disease we have have invited to speak on a variety of radio stations, which is always nice and flattering.

Anyway, thought I would pass on the times for those that would like to hear the interviews.

720 ABC (local) Tuesday at 2.15pm with Geraldine Mellet
TwinCitiesfm (89.7fm) Thursday 10.30am with Trish Duke.
ABC (National) Thursday at 8.45pm ish with Tony Delroy.

Happy Listening

Sep 22, Writing Prompt #95

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:29:06 GMT

Writing Prompt #95

Write a story that includes a street lamp, a traffic light and a broken torch.

Sep 19, Writing Prompt #94

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:45:48 GMT

Writing Prompt #94

Write a story that revolves around the need to 'Spring Clean'.

Sep 19, Perth Book Signing

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:31:19 GMT

Are you looking for something to do this Sunday?

If so, why not call into Myer, Perth, between 2pm - 4pm? Apart from a wonderful choice of shopping specials you'll also find me and Pamela Eaves doing a 'Stolen Moments' booking signing on the 3rd floor.

It's all to do with National Dementia Week, but what a great opportunity to also stock up on early Christmas presents (I know it's only September, but there's no harm in planning ahead.)

So, go on, call in and support Myer supporting local community.

Sep 18, Writing Prompt #93

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:16:30 GMT

Writing Prompt #93

Here's a first sentence for you. 'It wasn't till the water reached my knees that I started to panic ...

Sep 17, Writing Prompt #92

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:49:59 GMT

Writing Prompt #92

Imagine you are going along with your daily business when without warning you start hearing music.

How would you react? Where is it coming from? Does everybody else hear it too? Is it constant, or more like a grasshopper's clicking, disappearing everytime you get close?

Have fun.

Sep 16, Writing Prompt #91

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:48:52 GMT

Apologies to everyone who has been waiting for my next writing prompt. The dreaded flu bug took over our house - yet again!

Writing Prompt #91

Write a story revolving around somebody who can not talk. They could be mute, have lost their voice, been given orders from a doctor, or might even be a mime.

Voice is one of those things that most of us take for granted until it's not there. If you doubt that, why not try not speaking for a day? Have fun

Aug 8, Register Now

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:43:29 GMT

Aug 8, Writing from the Heart

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:28:01 GMT

Writing From The Heart, book now for this ever-popular online writing course on autobiography and personal essays.

Aug 8, Online Writing School

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:02:46 GMT

Book in now for our online writing school courses, all written by professional writers who are happy to share their secrets of success.

Jul 29, How do I get published

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:43:26 GMT

Are you wondering how do I get published? Or perhaps, why haven't I been published? Here are some easy steps

May 2, Planning to Self Publish

Fri, 02 May 2008 04:42:06 GMT

Writers, planning to self publish your book? Be sure to ask yourself these questions before visiting a printer.

May 2, Self Publishing Tips

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:18:42 GMT

This Self Publishing Tips article might not guarantee a best seller, but it will avoid a heart-breaking,

May 1, The Art of Personal Essay Writing

Thu, 01 May 2008 05:44:06 GMT

Learn secrets to the art of personal essay writing. With the paying market for these stories ever growing learn tips that will increase your chance of being published.

May 1, Writing And Publishing A Book

Thu, 01 May 2008 03:19:46 GMT

If you're looking at writing and publishing a book read this information before you do anything. All styles of publishing have advantages but do you know the disadvantages too?

Apr 21, Submit A Blog Entry

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:52:24 GMT

Now an easier way for you to submit a comment or response to the www.writing-information-and-tips.com blog. Try it out.

Apr 18, Do I Need An ISBN

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:31:59 GMT

If you're a writer self-publishing have you asked yourself, Do I need an ISBN ? If you have, here's your answer.

Apr 18, What is an ISBN

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:18:21 GMT

For any writer who is looking at self-publishing, ensure you know the answer to this question, What is an ISBN ?

Apr 13, Ask About Writing

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:18:56 GMT

Have you ever wanted a writing coach you could ask about writing ? If so, this is your chance. If your writing query

Apr 13, How To Finish Stories

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 04:09:16 GMT

Do you have so much trouble deciding how to finish stories that you never write an ending? Ask About Writing offers

Apr 10, Short Story Writing Tips

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:03:18 GMT

Discover the Short Story Writing Tips. If you've ever wanted to know the secrets to writing a well-balanced story in a limited word count, here they are.

Apr 6, Writing A Good Query Letter

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:20:34 GMT

Want to write articles? Increase your chances of being published and save time by doing what freelance writers do. Read on to discover all about writing a good query letter.