Welcome to Lorna's Turning Pages

Not sure if it’s my neurodivergency or just a quirk all writers share, but when I’m working on a story, it plays out in my head like I’m watching a cosy murder mystery series on telly. You know the kind—crackling fires, nosy villagers, a suspicious vicar, and the odd scone thrown in for good measure. Visualising it helps me build each scene: the lighting, the mood, even the way Orla might fidget with her teacup while Adrian stares too long at a suspect.

Since it's Easter, I thought I’d chat about one of my favourite parts of writing—leaving little “Easter eggs” for readers to find! Not the chocolate kind (though I won’t say no to those), but the sneaky little clues, callbacks, or hidden gems tucked into your story. While editing Teas, Scones and Righting Wrongs—the very first Mistlefield mystery—I’ve had so much fun weaving in subtle nods to things that will become important later in the series. Maybe it’s a character who seems minor now but pops up in a big way later, or a passing comment that takes on new meaning once you know the ending.

Ever tried writing in the third person? It might sound a bit formal at first, but honestly, it can open up your storytelling in some brilliant ways. When I started the Mistlefield Murder Series, writing in the third person gave me the freedom to dip in and out of different characters’ heads—one minute you're with Orla sensing something’s off, the next you’re following Adrian drooling over a menu. You can use third person limited (sticking close to one character’s thoughts) or third person omniscient (where you’re more like a narrator with a bird’s-eye view). The pros? Flexibility, tension-building, and a bigger scope. The cons? It can be trickier to make the voice feel personal and warm—something I had to work on in the early drafts. But it’s worth playing with! If you usually write in first person, try switching it up for a chapter. It might just unlock something new in your story.

I should have known this would happen. Just as I’m deep into my other projects—each at a critical stage—my brain has decided it’s the perfect time to start something new. The idea for a novella, The Right Her, has crept in, and now it’s taking up mental space when I should be focusing on finishing my existing stories.

As if I haven't set myself enough goals this year, I've decided to try my hand at writing some short stories. Not known for doing things by halves I've set my sights on the BBC National Short Story Award 2025. I'm assuming that it will open in January 2025 for submissions, so today I have been crafting my entry in readiness. I have my first draft under way and on the whole I'm pleased with how it's going. I have to start this early because knowing my flighty ADHD brain I'm sure to get distracted with other fleeting thoughts and distractions. If you are thinking of being creative why not start with some short stories ? or even Flash Fiction ? It's a great way to start - give it a try! Some Flash Fiction competitions have a maximum of 250 words. Telling a story in that few words would take real skill ! 

When it comes to naming characters, I always try to find the right fit—something unique but not too unusual, and hopefully not a name I’ve overused (almost had too many Margarets at one point!). But as someone called Lorna, I’ve always felt like I belong to a pretty exclusive club. I mean, there aren’t that many of us, right?

Welcome to my blog! I’m excited—really excited—and I can’t wait to take you on this journey with me. Now, I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a huge fan of traveling in the physical sense (thank you, neurodivergence), but this metaphorical journey? This feels right. It feels like the start of something that I’ve been waiting for, the place I’m meant to be, where I can thrive and create—my happy place.