Category Archives: Inspiration

Last minute Christmas Presents for Writers

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Della Galton

So… have you finished your Christmas shopping? Is everything wrapped and under the tree? Or have you just looked at your calendar and thought blimey, is it only a week away I’d better get cracking? (pun intended!). If you fall … Continue reading →

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Four Reasons We Don’t Write – and What to Do About Them!

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Della Galton

Motivation – one of my favourite subjects. Motivating yourself to write should be easy, shouldn’t it? After all, we want to write. Don’t we? So why is it so difficult to get started? Recognise any of these excuses – er hem, … Continue reading →

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Is it possible to make a full time living writing for magazines?

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Della Galton

Is it possible to make a full time living writing for magazines? If so, how? I started writing for womags after joining an Adult Education class called Writing for Profit and Pleasure. The teacher was Jean Dynes (she writes as … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, News, Short stories for magazines, The Reading Group, Writing | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Writing The End First – Do you write chronologically? Or not?

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Della Galton

I can’t believe how long it is since I wrote a post! It’s been mad lately. I’ve been writing the last part of my series, The Reading Group.  Part Five was the Summer Holiday. Blimey, that was definitely the trickiest. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Deals, Endings, Inspiration, plotting, The Reading Group, Tips on writing, Writing | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

WRITING GOALS and the Rule of Three!

Posted on December 30, 2016 by Della Galton

Do you, by any chance, have a New Year Resolution that involves writing? This idea might help you to keep it. The Rule of Three is one of the most powerful principles I have ever learned. With thanks to Jack … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction, ideas, Inspiration, Short stories for magazines, The Reading Group, Tips on writing, Woman's Weekly, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Long and Winding Road – to a Book Deal!

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Della Galton

‘Whatever the struggle – continue the climb – it may only be one step to the summit.’ Diana Westlake This is a quote I keep over my desk – because blimey it’s so true of writing. The road to success … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Deals, Inspiration, News, Writing | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Creating Characters – How well do you know your imaginary people?

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Della Galton

Sometimes a character comes into my head fully formed. Sometimes they are shadowy. Sometimes they are shy like real people and I have to get to know them slowly.  Interviewing them is good. These 21 questions are one of my … Continue reading →

Posted in ideas, Inspiration, Tips on writing, Writing, Writing exercises | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Five Tips to Stay Inspired With Your Writing

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Della Galton

Got an idea for a story? Write more than one opening paragraph – it takes the pressure off having to get it perfect. Keep writing openings until you feel the inspiration kick in.  This can sometimes take me a while. … Continue reading →

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Is Your Writing Smelly Enough?

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Della Galton

Using the senses in your writing, especially the sense of smell, really helps to take the reader into your story.  However, it’s just as easy  to be cliché with smells as with any other writing so choose carefully and be … Continue reading →

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Writing With Emotion – Four Top Tips

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Della Galton

Writers are in the business of selling emotion. I forget who said that, but it’s true. We read – or at least I do – because we want to feel something. We might want to feel amused, uplifted, scared, touched, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ice and a Slice, Inspiration, Tips on writing, Writing | Tagged , | 7 Comments