Here’s some articles and links about writing you might find useful. I’ve also included some about the publishing process. On Twitter? I tweet links at @reynoldsauthor
Writers’ retreats
My article on Writers’ retreats: DIY, UK and going abroad
La Muse near Carcassonne, France – I’ve been three times now, so please contact me if you want any details.
Inspiring writers
Cryssa Bazos – a charming Canadian romance writer who sets her novels in the Interregnum, like me!
Matt Cain – looking for some fun chick lit in a glamorous setting? He’s your man. He’s also given me some excellent advice about publishing.
Tracey Chevalier – Girl With A Pearl Earring is my go-to book when I want to immerse myself in Dutch culture.
Bernard Cornwell – My literary hero. if I can create something half as good as Sharpe, I’d be happy.
Samantha Ellis – I’ve known Sam since university. Her How To Be A Heroine book is inspirational.
S.J. Parris – another university friend who, as she phrases it, “murders Elizabethans for a living”.
E.M. Powell – an author who writes about medieval knights and a real cheerleader with gives me boatfuls of sound advice and encouragement.
Jessica Redland – writing heart-warming romances set on the Yorkshire coast. Also a generous and insightful source of advice for a fledgling author.
Plotting
There are two types of writers: plotters and ‘by the seat of your pants’ters. I’m the latter, as is my hero Bernard Cornwell. However it does help to have an overview. I cannot recommend the following book more highly, it will transform how you look at your story arc:
The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler
Getting your submission together
How to Write A Capitivating Opening Sentence by Verily Merry Mary
8 Awesome Steps to Revising Your Novel by Writer’s Edit
The Synopsis: Demystifying The Mystery by John Gilstrap
Finding your agent
How To Get A Literary Agent Without Dying of Old Age
The Agent’s View – A Guide to Finding And Working With An Agent (PDF) by Jonathan Pegg
Meet The Agents – Tips from Literary Agents
I thoroughly recommend attending a “Genre In The Court” fan evening at Goldsboro Books in London. I didn’t meet any agents at History In The Court but there were many enthusiastic authors happy to share tips.
Marketing tips
The Writer’s Guide to Building Your Email List
Have a great suggestion?
Then please leave a comment.
I wanted to tell you what a lovelu y website you have. Also, I found you on Twitter with the other #Seventeenth Century enthusiasts thread. I’m not great on Twitter, so figuring out what thread is what can be confusing. I write in the Seventeenth Century as well. And like you I was inspired by the PBS show By The Sword Divided. I live in the states, so it was shown on Saturday nights. I also fell in love with Pamela Belle’s series Moon In the Water, Chains of Fate, and Alethea. Which was set in the 17th Century. I don’t know what ever happened to her. Se was the one who introduced me to the period, and I love it.
Tis nice to meet you.