Some people love it, to others it’s anathema – I’m talking about the process of de-cluttering. My mum was a hoarder (in an inoffensive sort of way). She worked for an auctioneer and, as a child, our house was always packed with beautiful, but mismatched, furniture. Her wardrobe bulged with clothes that she could never bring herself to send to...

Writing your autobiography or memoir is a great way to preserve your history for the future generations of your family. We all have something of interest to pass on – even if it’s a list of what not to do with your life! So, how do you start writing your autobiography or memoir? The tips below will help you start and maintain your writing ha...

Using Social Networking to Promote your WritingSocial networking can be a great way to promote yourself and your writing and, these days, most people will expect you to have a presence on Twitter, Facebook, LinkdIn and any number of other social media sites. But, whilst social media can offer you the chance to promote yourself and connect dire...

Make That First Fifteen Seconds Count!So, you’ve finished your short story and you’re itching to approach a magazine or website with it. Fifteen seconds, that’s all the time you have to hook an editor. No matter how interesting the middle and ending of your short story are, it won’t see the light of day if you bore the editor in the fi...

Avoiding Competition ScamsWe all know how tempting it is to enter competitions. The thought of being chosen as the winner is exciting and you start imagining yourself on the podium, accepting your award and prize money. Okay, that may be a little over the top, but you get the idea. I’m sure we’ve all looked at those ads for a poetry or shor...