A collaborative article by Becky Bye & Jennifer Newbury

A creepy house sparks a flame of inspiration in Becky Bye, and she begins to write a story. Part way in, Becky realises she’s been influenced by a novel she read recently. This poses the question: is there a difference between inspiration and influence?

by Stephen Pellow

Have you ever produced something that has had a negative effect on someone you know, or your relationship with them?

Interactive storytelling or grand world building design?

by Stephen Pellow

“…writing in video games is beyond simply the narrative, the lines of dialogue and scripted cut scenes. Video game writing is at it’s best when you don’t notice it. It’s the experience of the story, a believable and immersive world built and presented that makes sense…”

By Jennifer K Oliver

Usually, when a writer has finished a story or taken a story as far as they can, they send them out to critique groups or beta readers for feedback. As the author, it’s difficult disconnecting from a story’s headspace, and that makes it tricky to judge if everything is working. This is where critique groups and betas are invaluable: the fresh eye, the new perspective, the telling reactions. These all help author see where a story might still need work.

By Jennifer K Oliver

There are loads of reasons to be a regular writer. Writing regularly makes you a stronger writer. Writing regularly makes you a more focused writer. It helps with memory and recall, and with spelling, grammar and punctuation. It can be rewarding. It provides structure. It's brain exercise, and that can only be a good thing.

There are things you can do to ease you into a writing life. And if you plan to have a writing career, you really can't afford not to write regularly.

By James Broomfield

James discusses Dan Harmon’s notes on story structure: it’s not necessarily what makes a good story, more what our brains recognise as being a story on a very basic psychological level.