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Turning Pages is a space dedicated to the art of storytelling, where every word counts and every narrative has its place.
Have you ever tried to get a bit creative with your Word document ā say, by adding shapes, text boxes or little āpostersā to jazz up a chapter or give a story that scrapbook, noticeboard, or character-doodle vibe?
Thereās something quintessentially British about stumbling across a forgotten gem in a charity shop. This week, I did just thatāand I still canāt quite believe my luck. Tucked behind a row of dog-eared novels and mismatched crockery was a vintage Mulberry briefcase. Yes, Mulberry. The kind of classic piece that smells faintly of old leather, long-lost meetings, and maybe the occasional clandestine affair. Naturally, it had to come home with me.
Thereās something oddly comforting about a good murder mystery.
Not sure if itās my neurodivergency or just a quirk all writers share, but when Iām working on a story, it plays out in my head like Iām watching a cosy murder mystery series on telly. You know the kindācrackling 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 Iād chat about one of my favourite parts of writingāleaving little āEaster eggsā for readers to find! Not the chocolate kind (though I wonāt say no to those), but the sneaky little clues, callbacks, or hidden gems tucked into your story. While editing Teas, Scones and Righting Wrongsāthe very first Mistlefield mysteryāIāve had so much fun weaving in subtle nods to things that will become important later in the series. Maybe itās 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 charactersā headsāone minute you're with Orla sensing somethingās off, the next youāre following Adrian drooling over a menu. You can use third person limited (sticking close to one characterās thoughts) or third person omniscient (where youāre more like a narrator with a birdās-eye view). The pros? Flexibility, tension-building, and a bigger scope. The cons? It can be trickier to make the voice feel personal and warmāsomething I had to work on in the early drafts. But itās 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.
Sorry for being a little quiet latelyāitās been one of those whirlwind spells where life speeds up, the to-do list grows legs, and somehow writing manages to steal every spare minute (in the best and most chaotic way!). Iāve been deep in edits, cups of tea, and Mistlefield-sized mysteries, which means the blog took a little nap. But donāt worryāI havenāt vanished! Iāll be back very soon with more updates, writing chats, and behind-the-scenes peeks into the world of Orla, Adrian, and all the twists I can throw their way. Thanks for sticking with me! š
I should have known this would happen. Just as Iām deep into my other projectsāeach at a critical stageāmy brain has decided itās the perfect time to start something new. The idea for a novella, The Right Her, has crept in, and now itās 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 !Ā
As I sit down to write today, my two elderly cats, Bonnie and Pinky, are curled up together, fast asleep in their favorite spot. They look so peaceful, I couldnāt resist taking a photo to share with you all. It's a rare moment of calm, as usually, these two are anything but quiet. At nearly 17 years old, theyāve earned the right to be demanding! Whether itās asking for attention, food (again), or the perfect sunny spot to nap, Bonnie and Pinky certainly keep me on my toes.
When it comes to naming characters, I always try to find the right fitāsomething unique but not too unusual, and hopefully not a name Iāve overused (almost had too many Margarets at one point!). But as someone called Lorna, Iāve always felt like I belong to a pretty exclusive club. I mean, there arenāt that many of us, right?
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