Writing advice and short stories

Advice and comment on writing and some examples

This is where we share presentations from the writing group on all aspects of writing, from ideas to publication and everything in between. We also include some fiction writing as we try to put our advice into action.

Writing advice blog: repetition and variation

Susie Helme I’d like to say something about repetition and variation. Repetition is one of the principles of design, and it adds balance to your work. Beginning with a certain phrase, idea or piece of dialogue and ending with a repetition of that same element is one good way to structure a short story. If…
Writing advice blog: character voice

Elaine Graham-Leigh At our BGBW meetings, we have a regular slot where one of us does a presentation on an aspect of writing. It can be something we know we’re struggling with, something where one of us has done some thinking recently, or just a topic we’re interested in. We’ve decided we’ll start sharing these,…
Editorial consultancy from Bounds Green member Susie Helme

Susie Helme has launched a new editorial consultancy. She says: “Every good writer needs an editor. Building on my experience in journalism and subediting and on my work with Bounds Green Book Writers, I am now offering freelance services in proofreading or developmental editing. I can edit your nonfiction work–essays, theses etc–but I would most…
A new poem from Bounds Green writer, Rajes Bala

Rajes reflects from lockdown on the birds in her garden. Read her new poem here.
Out now: Looked After Boy by Lynda Brennan

We’re very pleased to announce the publication of Looked After Boy by Bounds Green Writer Lynda Brennan. Topical and hard-hitting, this is a story for 11+ readers about County Line gangs and the care system in which fourteen-year old Joe Mac struggles to find his own voice in a hostile world that constantly disempowers him.…
Out now: The Lost Wisdom of the Magi by Susie Helme

We’re very pleased to announce the publication of The Lost Wisdom of the Magi, by Bounds Green Writer Susie Helme. Set against a background of the Jewish Revolt against Rome of 66-70CE, The Lost Wisdom of the Magi tells the story of Sophia, a Babylonian Jew who learns ancient languages at the royal archives of the Parthians…