Category Archives: Writing

How do I stop my romances becoming predictable?

Posted on October 4, 2015 by Della Galton

Here’s another question from a recent postbag at Writers’ Forum. This one comes up quite a bit.  We’re talking fictional ones by the way! Q A common cause for the rejection of short stories (I know, because I’ve received many!) is … Continue reading →

Posted in Dear Della, Questions from Dear Della, Short stories for magazines, Tips on writing, Writing, Writing problems and solutions | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Talking to Michelle Ward on Phoenix98 FM

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Peter

A while back I was delighted to be interviewed by the very lovely Michelle Ward on Phoenix FM. Actually it was a very long while back. But I’ve finally managed to post it. Here’s me chatting about writing and stuff … Continue reading →

Posted in Me on the radio - eek!, Writing | 7 Comments

Holidays for Writers – are they worth it?

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Della Galton

I’ve recently been lucky enough to spend time at two well known writers’ Summer Schools.  The Writers’ Holiday at Fishguard (Pembrokeshire) and Swanwick the Writers’ Summer School (Derbyshire). So what can you do at a writers’ holiday? Apart from network and enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Retreat, Writing, Writing conferences & schools | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Do all stories need conflict? and How do unknown writers get published?

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Della Galton

A couple more question from my post bag at Writers’ Forum 🙂 Q: Do all stories have to feature conflict, resolution and growth, with false hopes and disappointments along the way? I appreciate that a straightforward happy little narrative would … Continue reading →

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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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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

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

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