Five compelling ways to end a chapter

Five compelling ways to end a chapter

Last updated Sep 5, 2024 | Blog

The phrase “page-turner” is synonymous with our idea of a good book. Go onto any bestseller’s Amazon reviews and I am willing to bet a fair few say, “I couldn’t put it down!”. Think of all the really good books you’ve read to which you found yourself saying “just one...
Five compelling ways to begin a chapter

Five compelling ways to begin a chapter

Last updated Sep 5, 2024 | Blog

Deciding how and where to begin a chapter is an important part of writing a novel – but it can be daunting. As a writer, it’s your job to begin each new chapter in a way that grabs the reader’s attention, leaving them with no choice but to carry on reading because...
Head-hopping: what it is and why you shouldn’t do it

Head-hopping: what it is and why you shouldn’t do it

Last updated Sep 5, 2024 | Blog

What is head-hopping? It’s when the point of view (POV) character switches abruptly in the middle of a scene. Take a look at this excerpt: ‘Something wrong with the food, Miss Annalise?’ Elias asked. Why was she acting all prim even when no one else was around, like...
30 top historical fiction literary agents

30 top historical fiction literary agents

Last updated May 2, 2025 | Blog

If you’re looking to be traditionally published, having a literary agent in your corner can significantly improve your chances. Not only can they pitch your manuscript to the most suitable publishers and negotiate the best possible deal, but they can also work...
An ode to overlooked sources: using ballads and poems for research

An ode to overlooked sources: using ballads and poems for research

Last updated Dec 14, 2023 | Blog

In my work as an author of both factual history books and novels, I like to make the background details and the lives of my characters as authentic as possible. Official contemporary documents can provide some evidence – who did what, when and where – but they don’t...
What do you do for fun around here? Entertainment throughout history

What do you do for fun around here? Entertainment throughout history

Last updated Sep 5, 2024 | Blog

Every generation thinks it’s the one that knows how to have fun. After the past year, we’ve all come to appreciate how entertainment is a necessary part of a happy life. Changes to the form and venue of entertainment continue to come and go as they’re affected by the...