Tag Archives: inspiration

How do I become a full time writer? I want to give up my day job.

Posted on August 10, 2018 by Della Galton

This is a question I get asked a lot.  Both through my column for Writers’ Forum and also by strangers (and friends) who know what I do. Mostly the people who ask me want to write fiction.  (it’s much easier, … Continue reading →

Posted in Being a full time writer, Dear Della, Questions from Dear Della | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Inspiration, Tips on writing, Writing, Writing problems and solutions, Writing Ramblings | Tagged , , , | 2 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

Six tips for writing shorts for Nanowrimo

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Della Galton

As I mentioned in my last blog I’m busy doing Nanowrimo this month. But as usual I’m writing 50k of short stories in November not a novel. This is more useful for me, being as shorts are my day job. … Continue reading →

Posted in ideas, Inspiration, NaNoWriMo, Tips on writing, Writing | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

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 →

Posted in Tips on writing, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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

Ideas – a poem that inspires a story

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Della Galton

Recently, a lady wrote in to my Dear Della column in Writers’ Forum and asked me about turning a poem she had written into a story.  She wanted to know how to go about it. This is something I’ve done … Continue reading →

Posted in ideas, Inspiration, plotting, Writing | Tagged , | 8 Comments