Start writing and keep writing until you hold your beautiful book in your hand

Over the years, around 25 thousand of you have visited my blogposts about how to start writing, keep writing, refine your skills and persist through the tortuous climb to publication. On certain days of the week, groups of you (especially in the United States) would drop by and I sent you all my special support and the warmth of my heart. Recently though, sadly there’s been an invasive change in the pattern of visits. So I’ve taken the posts down* and am treating them as the rough first draft of a new book.

I hope you’ll bear with me while I finesse the book and do my best to find a publisher. Meanwhile, I send you all my very warmest wishes and encouragement – only you can tell your stories and I can’t wait to read them when they’re published. Happy writing!

*I’ve put a couple back by popular request:

A publisher or agent is interested – what happens next? and my most popular post of all

Through-line – the single most vital trick in writing a novel

What’s coming up?

QUIET WRITING with Rosie in Chapters Coffee & Books, Sturry High Street, near Canterbury, Kent. Our next date is Wednesday 19 November, 2025 from 6.30 for a 7pm start. It’s the space all writers need, to write privately, as freely as you like, about whatever you like, to your heart’s content and meet other writers too. This get-together is free. No need to book but you can contact the shop on 07912 510559 laura@chaptersofsturry.com if you have any questions.

This cartoon hangs in my hall