Author Archives: Della Galton

Tips on writing emotion

Posted on July 5, 2015 by Della Galton

Writers are in the business of selling emotion.  I don’t remember who said that, but it’s spot on. If a reader doesn’t emotionally connect with a character they won’t care about them and they won’t read on. So getting emotion … Continue reading →

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Ten Inspiring Quotes About Writing

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Della Galton

1. Talent is not as important as authenticity. 2. Editing makes it perfect but raw is sometimes better. Don’t polish out the sparkle. 3. The best way to find your voice is to write more. 4. What comes from the … Continue reading →

Posted in ideas, Inspiration | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Finding Time To Write

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Della Galton

As every writer knows, there are always a dozen more pressing things to do than actually write.  But if you really want to, then you will find the time.  Below are some suggestions which I have found helpful. What time … Continue reading →

Posted in Tips on writing, Writing | 4 Comments

Short Story Writing Courses

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Della Galton

Just a couple of forthcoming courses to tell you about today. 10th – 12th April 2015 ‘Write a Short Story in a Weekend’ at the Royal Agricultural University – Cirencester (above) A step by step guide to writing a short … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Retreat, Wednesday Writing Spot, Writing | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Submitting stories to magazines – should I send a cover letter?

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Della Galton

Here is another question from my Dear Della page that I get asked regularly. Q Whenever I submit a short story to a magazine, I give basic details and contact information on the cover sheet. Is it always necessary to … Continue reading →

Posted in Dear Della, Questions from Dear Della, Short stories for magazines, Tips on writing, Writing | 6 Comments

Writing Courses, Plagiarism and Promotion Fairies

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Della Galton

Here are another couple of questions from my Dear Della page in Writers’ Forum that I get asked quite frequently – and the answers. Q I believe I have a good plot and idea for a short philosophical story. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest Posts | 3 Comments

Wednesday Writing Spot – A Short Story Anthology – Guest Blog from Helen Yendall

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Della Galton

Today, I am talking to the lovely Helen Yendall about her venture into self publishing an anthology called Paperchase. And it’s a subject close to my heart, short stories. Isn’t it a fabulous cover. So without further ado… Q: Why … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest Posts, News, Wednesday Writing Spot | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Morning After The Life Before

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Della Galton

It’s publication day for me. The Morning After The Life Before is now out in the world. Oh gosh. I don’t think there is anything quite as scary.  I used to think that finishing the book was the end, but … Continue reading →

Posted in first chapter, Ice and a Slice | 2 Comments

Happy Ever After – or is it? How do you get a good end?

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Della Galton

For me, endings have always been the most difficult thing to get right.  But a bad ending can ruin an otherwise excellent story. There are all sorts of bad endings. You probably recognise most of these. They don’t really need … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Questions from Dear Della, Tips on writing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Novel I Should Never Have Written!

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Della Galton

Writing The Morning After The Life Before was probably one of the worst commercial decisions of my writing career. I knew when I began it – after discussions with my agent – that this book would not be taken on … Continue reading →

Posted in Ice and a Slice, News, Writing | 20 Comments