2022-08-29 20:16
What are your “favourite” unsolved crime stories?Here's something to interest the crime writer's desire for inspirationAnindya Kar lists 19 of his favourite unsolved crimes1. The… Read More
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The smash hit Netflix documentary Tiger King took the world by storm, providing some welcome relief in these trying times, but what made the story just so entertaining?
The docu-series reportedly started out as an exposé about how animals are mistreated by private owners across the US. It didn’t take long, however, for it to morph into something completely different, thanks to the colourful characters and the bizarre scandal that surrounds them.
2022-08-22 19:58
Crime behind the stories: True Crimes MICHAEL GOTTSCHALKA police officer on a motorbike drives past the main entrance to Berlin's iconic Kaufhaus des Westens department storePerfect cri… Read More
2022-08-15 19:41
Female Criminals & Detectives…A detective and a criminal have a relationship but not a pretty one. A detective is someone who investigates a crime. A detective can be a priv… Read More
2022-08-08 19:08
A Writers experience: from magazine articles to poetrySarah M Davies I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer. I’m not saying I had any idea what it really… Read More
2022-08-01 08:55
Poisonous Love“I love your sad tenderness –when I’ve hurt you –That’s one of the reasons I could never be sorry for our quarrels.”–Zelda… Read More
2022-07-25 09:00
Through Life’s Storms to Amazon Best-SellerThe inspiring story of Amanda J CampbellA lifelong passion for readingI love reading and have dabbled with words over the years in the… Read More
2022-07-18 07:00
The Journey for WritingBy Alexandra Ely I grew up wild and free under the hot, dry southern California sun among the Joshua trees and juniper bushes. Along with my horse, dogs, an… Read More
2022-07-11 09:07
The Journey of a Bookworm! - Amatullah PadghawalaThe desires of a child are like a flickering light bulb. As we change calendars, children change their desires. Children ca… Read More
2022-07-11 09:00
Remembering my first storyby Penelope Gracefield If you’ve grown up in a large family you might be able to relate to there being quite a number of people around the dinner table… Read More
2022-07-04 07:00
Remembering my first storyby Becky Cartledge If you’ve grown up in a large family you might be able to relate to there being quite a number of people around the dinner table… Read More
2022-06-27 09:00
On Becoming John Lugo-TrebbleBy: John Lugo-TrebbleTo borrow from The Golden Girls, Picture it: The year is 2012, a young olive skinned man finds himself in a complete state of crisis. Everyt… Read More
2022-06-20 09:49
They are all ...What drives speculative fiction? Speculative Fiction and its sub genres are as vast and diverse as human imagination. Be it utopian, dystopian, science ficti… Read More
2022-06-13 09:24
Review by David Russellseven luminous paths by Tom RubensHappy London Press 2022 ISBN: 978-1-921951-37-6 David Russell is a writer of poetry, literary criticism, speculative fictio… Read More
2022-06-06 09:35
Summary of Tom Ruben’s poetry book 2MEMORY MININGS, AND OTHER PROBINGS In the 21st century world of poetry, Tom Ruben’s Memory Mining’s and other Probing, a collection of c… Read More
2022-05-30 08:42
Tom Ruben poetry collection vs. T.S. Eliot and Carol Ann Duffyby Neelam ShahDiscussion on the Similarities and differences of the poetry collection of works between Carol Ann Duffy, To… Read More
2022-05-16 07:00
Speculative Fiction - Is it really just an abstract man’s world?Speculative Fiction - recap from last blog postSpeculative Fiction is a gift to literature, film and TV. Not… Read More
2022-05-09 18:21
Speculative Fiction : Part 1speculative fiction (noun)Learn to pronouncenoun"A genre of fiction that encompasses works in which the setting is other than the real world, involving supernatur… Read More
2022-04-12 09:34
The mysterious success of mystery storiesWhen I was 10 years old, I found a book in my mother’s stash of books she used to buy every now and then. She was a member of a boo… Read More
2022-03-29 15:39
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOOK INTO THE EYES OF A KILLER?This is the second book in the Aberrations Series, a collection of ten new, short stories to tease and tickle.How would you feel if you… Read More
2022-03-28 12:43
The sound for storiesA few years ago I took a job that required a two hour commute, and that was when traffic was good. I left home early, mostly in the dark, to make my way across cou… Read More
2022-03-16 16:04
The annual global event for the literary world LBF 2022 5 - 7 April 2022 at Olympia LondonLondon Book Fair is one of the biggest book fairs and also said to be the “largest spr… Read More
2022-02-21 19:40
Intrigue, suspense and contract killings A journey into the dark through the eyes of a killerby Carola KolbeckIn some of our previous blog posts we have extensively talked about horror stori… Read More
2022-02-08 11:02
Short story for podcasting - could yours be a winner?Audio drama and scripted fiction with no visual aspect can accomplish things that no other media can. The sound of words provides a speci… Read More
2022-01-30 19:15
10 Short story authors to inspire your short story writingby Carola KolbeckLearning from the best writers to help you writing your own story - below check out our new competitionLast w… Read More
2022-01-17 19:01
Short stories - Magic in small packagesby Carola KolbeckShort stories have been around in print since the early 19th century and have since become a staple in the literary world. … Read More
2022-01-04 22:31
Exploring the dark world of black magic to set the scene for a crime thriller by Carola KolbeckBlack magic has long been a dangerous and dark power that has woven a mysterious net throughout… Read More
2021-12-15 16:18
It was the 1960’s horror movies that fuelled our desire for crime thriller fictionShowing scenes of blood, violence and death that stimulated anxiety, fear, anger, confusion and a lot… Read More
2021-12-07 19:50
A philosophical delight - An interview with Tom Rubens - Author of Seven Luminous Paths Interview by Carola Kolbeck @chameleoninhighheels Tom Rubens is the author of ou… Read More
2021-11-30 19:05
Why Is Poetry So Important in Today's World?Words by Carola Kolbeck @chameleoninhighheels The power of poetry is in its ability to cast a "sideways" light on the world, allowing t… Read More
2021-11-30 18:11
Squashing those little creatures are our friends, not foes. But their looks inspire great stories...By Carola Kolbeck @chameleoninhighheelsWith Halloween just gone, how many spider web decor… Read More
2021-11-29 23:33
For the love of wasps - Why it’s about time to drop the prejudice...Let’s talk about wasps. Do you like them? No? Then you’re certainly not alone. Wasps g… Read More
2021-11-24 23:26
Squashing our disdain for insects and creepy crawlies - why those little creatures are our friends, not foesBy Carola Kolbeck @chameleoninhighheelsWith Halloween just gone, how many spi… Read More
2021-11-09 19:13
No more quiet, Colour of SilenceSaving our World starts under our feetBy Chameleon Inhighheels Saving our planet starts at home Did you see the first ever Earthshot Prize Awa… Read More
2021-11-09 19:12
"It is our collective responsibility to protect the world we all live in" Dalai Lamaby Carola Kolbeck (@chameleoninhighheels)As COP26 has arrived, hopes are that, given it coincide… Read More
2021-11-09 18:36
Is our childhood love for nature silenced by adulthood and modern life? Colour of Silence insights that show nature is specialBy Carola Kolbeck @chameleoninhighheelsWhat are your childhood m… Read More
2021-11-06 19:57
"It is our collective responsibility to protect the world we all live in" Dalai Lamaby Carola Kolbeck (@chameleoninhighheels)As COP26 has arrived, hopes are that, given it coincide… Read More
2021-11-01 23:01
"It is our collective responsibility to protect the world we all live in" Dalai Lamaby Carola Kolbeck (@chameleoninhighheels)As COP26 has arrived, hopes are that, given it coincide… Read More
2021-10-27 15:35
No more silence This is a sobering wake up call to save our PLANET“No more empty summits, no more empty conferences.” Greta Thunbergby Chameleon Inhighheels … Read More
2021-07-23 10:00
Being a Good Writer How do you know you’ve told the best story?by Hunter LiguoreWhen a writing student asked me how to know if he was a good writer, my heart felt a little heavy… Read More
2021-07-16 09:00
Discovery of great novels – Books that schools inspire us to take up readingby Cavan WoodWere your school days the best days of your life? A cursory readingmuch of literature… Read More
2021-07-02 09:00
Why the metaphysical poets matter by Cavan WoodsMetaphysical poetry is a form that sought to explore faith and love. It was especially popular in the 17th century. Despite it being abo… Read More
2021-06-25 09:00
What are the best opening lines of a novel?A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the… Read More
2021-06-18 09:00
How much violence is too much violence in a novel? By John FaganFirst establish what the level of 'misfortune' is needed for your protagonist to have to deal with, let the natural… Read More
2021-06-11 10:00
Who were the heroes in world’s first novels?The first novel documented was written in 1008. The characters of The Tale of Genji do not possess birth names, but instead are assigned sob… Read More
2021-06-04 09:00
What is the Right number of characters for a novel?By John FaganAt Happy London Press we recommend : For novels that require an intimate plot line, a good start for the right number of chara… Read More
2021-05-28 10:00
"Are you in touch with all of your darkest fantasies?" ― Lana Del ReyFrom antagonists to podcasts: writing spellbinding ‘dark’ fantasy shorts; talking about author Mar… Read More
2021-05-21 10:00
Murder most foul... or ladies who like to kill by Cavan WoodsDetective fiction has often been criticised that it is strong on plot and weak on characterisation. Edmund Wilson wrot… Read More
2021-05-14 10:00
“Badly done Jane”? Was Charlotte Bronte right about Jane Austen and her characters? by Cavan WoodWriters can often succumb to a feud with a fellow a… Read More
2021-05-07 10:40
When Worlds Collide by Julie AndersonPerhaps it's the clash between different world views, or a physical conflict, like a war or a revolution; sometimes it might be between the past and the… Read More
2021-04-30 10:00
Don’t Read this Alone. Why book clubs matter and why you need to start one as a reader or writer.by Hunter LiguoreOne of my first book clubs began in 2007 with the book, Almost Mo… Read More
2021-04-23 10:00
Dear Author… Why authors love getting letters and why you should write one.by Hunter LiguoreFor one year, once a week, I made the commitment to buy and read a book from at least… Read More
2021-04-16 10:00
The Lure of the First PageWhat is it that hooks us into a book?by Hunter LiguoreOne of my favorite activities as both a writer and reader is to go along the bookshelves in a library or books… Read More
2021-04-09 10:00
“If you get stuck, walk away from your desk. Don't just stick there scowling at the problem or make a telephone call or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour i… Read More
2021-04-02 11:00
Subscribe The influence of literaturein vegetarianismBy Neelam ShahAuthor Franz Kafka had an epiphany..“Suddenly he began to speak to the fish in their illuminated tanks… Read More
2021-03-26 11:00
Elizabeth Gaskell verses J.K. RowlingQuests for moral justice – Could J.K. Rowling be the Elizabeth Gaskell of our day? By Anna PriceElizabeth Gaskell and J.K. Rowling are two hig… Read More
2021-03-19 11:00
The Romanticism of the Great “What If?”By Bronte ApplebyPlease note: The following article contains spoilers for “Persuasion” by Jane Austen, “A Midsummer… Read More
2021-03-12 11:00
“I know size of a book can be daunting but don't be afraid” – Robin WilliamsHow long does your novel need to be?by John FaganHow long should your novel be? How many wo… Read More
2021-03-05 15:41
"Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self."– Cyril ConnollyShould you write a novel for the market or for yourself? by John FaganM… Read More
2021-02-26 11:00
"Is this a prologue, or the posy of a ring? Ophelia: 'Tis brief, my lord. Hamlet: As woman's love." - William ShakespeareShould you write a prologue for your novel? by John FaganPrologu… Read More
2021-02-19 10:00
The thrilling account of Dracula inspired vampire Anno DraculaIn this last in the series of four blog posts, I finally come to my favourite gothic novel, the first one I read and the o… Read More
2021-02-12 10:00
Intriguing differences and influences of Dorian Gray and A Discovery Of Witchesby Sarah DaviesIn this third of a series on gothic horror stories, I’m going to confuse you by intro… Read More
2021-02-05 10:00
Jekyll and Hydeor A Discovery of Witches?by Sarah DaviesThis is the second in a series of blog posts where I look at one of the seminal works of 19th century gothic fiction and pair it… Read More
2021-01-29 10:00
Subscribe Fascination for Frankenstein’s influenceby Sarah Davies Frankenstein/The HistorianThis short series of blog posts looks at four of the seminal works of go… Read More
2021-01-22 11:00
Writing Fantasy of Jessica Renwick Magical and mystical objects and world building: writing captivating children’s fantasy of Jessica Renwick by Lydia CutmoreHello!… Read More
2021-01-15 10:00
"Hope means Optimism, that leads to achievement".John Twisleton examines our capacity to look for a brighter horizon during adversityWhat is Hope?“Hope” is commonly used to… Read More
2021-01-08 10:00
Self-awareness to help improve this new era and make it goldenThe first step in preparing yourself for a new season of well being is understanding your past. First find your triggers fo… Read More
2020-12-22 10:00
This is her timeBy Rachel Allen She has butterflies in her tummy. A sense of disbelief that this moment is actually happening. Yet at the same time, a sense that everything in the… Read More
2020-12-18 12:00
“I have not broken your heart - you have broken it; and in breaking it, you have broken mine.” Emily Brontë, Wuthering HeightsViewpoint in the Storyby Amber Duivenvoor… Read More
2020-12-11 11:00
Connecting ...human thoughts now flow together luminously across the globeJohn Twisleton reflects upon fulfilment of philosopher Pierre Teilhard de ChardinPierre Teilhard de Chardin, a… Read More
2020-12-04 11:00
Why the Hurry?John Twisleton puts the brakes on‘Quick’s dead and Hurry’s in its grave' my Grandma used to say.
I cannot remember the things that caused me to h… Read More
2020-11-27 11:00
Amelinda Bérubé: Setting a spectacular scene for your fantasy narrativeBy Lydia CutmoreThis week I spoke to Amelinda Bérubé, delving into the importance of settin… Read More
2020-11-20 20:53
Digital Fantasy: writing an awe-inspiring ‘quest’ in 2020; Phoebe AvisonBy Lydia CutmoreFantasy is a thrilling and liberating genre. Think magic, think fairy tales, think ne… Read More
2020-11-13 11:30
Are you a Pantser or Plotter?Do you thrive in Organised Chaos when preparing your story?How important is it to outline your novel?by John Gerard FaganSo you have an idea for a novel but don… Read More
2020-11-06 12:00
“The law of attraction: You don’t attract what you want. You attract what you are.” — Wayne W. DyerLaw of Attraction aka Vibe attracts Tribe By Sean StroudAfter… Read More
2020-10-30 12:00
No more glory - The stark despair of second world war poetryby Cavan WoodWhy is the poetry of the First World War much better known than that of the Second World War? Perhaps the collective… Read More
2020-10-23 11:00
Going Down of the Sun heartfelt poetry of the Trenchesby Cavan WoodIt is mid-morning on November 11th , 1918 and the church bells are ringing to signify the end of the war. Susan Owen hears… Read More
2020-10-16 10:00
Surely Love is a wonderful thing. It is more precious than emeralds, and dearer than fine opals. Pearls and pomegranates cannot buy it, nor is it set forth in the marketplace. –&n&hell…Read More
2020-10-09 10:00
The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea: Toxic Hierarchy in Octavia Butler’s Wild Seed By Crystal Anderson“Anything to do with Humans always seems to involve contradictions;”… Read More
2020-10-02 11:00
“Plan your writing and write your plan.” Napoleon hillHow do you plan a novel?By Dr Charley BarnesThere are – and I don’t feel any trace of hyperbole in saying t… Read More
2020-09-25 11:00
How do you edit a novel? "With every refinement in writing, I'm coming nearer to where I would like to arrive" ― William ZinsserEasy! Cross out all the words you don’t… Read More
2020-09-18 10:00
Plague, Politics and Parliament, a London Story by Julie AndersonOn 15th September 2020 my mystery/crime thriller, Plague (Claret Press) was published, my first foray into writing crime fict… Read More
2020-09-11 11:00
“The best boyfriends are the ones in books.” Leah BlundellWho’s this story about, anyway?By Dr Charley BarnesCharacter building in novelsCreating characters for a fresh pie… Read More
2020-09-04 11:00
How to catch an ideaBy Dr Charley BarnesTo begin with, you’ll need a huge butterfly net…If only it were that easy! Actually, sometimes it can be. There's a lot of discussion aro… Read More
2020-08-28 11:00
How to withstand contradictions in character creation: Getting to the crux of your protagonists. by Anna Price Character creation is a tricky art, and the advice on how to do… Read More
2020-08-21 11:00
Macavity's a Mystery Cat: he's called the Hidden Paw—For he's the master criminal who can defy the Law.A very brief introduction to T.S .EliotBy Cavan WoodWhere do you start with… Read More
2020-08-14 11:00
"I can believe things where nobody knows if they're true or not." ― Neil GaimanDo you believe in believing?by Cavan WoodIntroducing the our new Author Series of blogs.This we… Read More
2020-08-07 11:00
Secret Life: The many facets of the short storyBy Amber DuivenvoordenAbraham Cahan maintains that Chekhov’s genius is best recognized in stories that are so “absolutely storyless… Read More
2020-07-30 20:50
CHOOSING THE POINT OF VIEW for your protagonist.By Peter la TrobeLet's think about one of the questions that writers – particularly relatively inexperienced writers – often… Read More
2020-07-24 11:00
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ― Anais Nin Hey you! Yes you! You wanna be a writer right?By Solomon HolmesYou’re reading… Read More
2020-07-17 13:12
Dear Publisher “Shark Attack!” By Peter la TrobeWelcome to our first in the new series of blog posts, written by a wonderful mix of published authors, renown writers an… Read More
2020-07-10 09:32
He said, she said: How to write unique, believable dialogue like a top authorWriting dialogue for your characters is like trying to mimic accents (which I’m terrible at!). It can… Read More
2020-07-03 09:07
Can you feel the foreboding? 3 short story climaxes that will inspire your own plot twistThe climax of a story can be a moment of retribution or chaos. It’s the summit of the moun… Read More
2020-06-26 08:05
Can short stories change the way you think?3 short fiction tales that will turn your world upside downA great short story can feel like a punch in the gut.It manages to take you on the emoti… Read More
2020-06-19 09:22
Apocalypse Now!Writing Dystopian Fiction Amidst a PandemicLast week we decided to lighten the mood and discuss comedy fiction, to escape the drama of real life for a while and find some comi… Read More
2020-06-12 09:44
How to write comedy: Bamboozled by cattywampus?Comedy words from laugh-a-minute literatureLiving in lockdown isn't easy and life has got a little too serious these days - don’t yo… Read More
2020-06-05 15:26
Mastery of Mystery Fiction:Is there such a thing as an unconquerable riddle?Welcome writers & readers to the second instalment of our mystery fiction blog: a deep dive into the mystifyin… Read More
2020-05-29 11:35
Mystery Fiction:So who is the 'Who-done-it' Mystery maker...YOU?I’ve always been fascinated by a “whodunit”-style story. From Encyclopedia Brown to Nancy Drew to Agatha Chr… Read More
2020-05-22 10:03
Spy Fiction: I spy with my little eye a subgenre full of espionage! What is spy fiction?Spy fiction is a subgenre of mysteries and thrillers that has taken on a life of its own. Fo… Read More
2020-05-15 11:26
Biographies:Telling Someone Else’s StoryWhat is a Biography?A biography is an account of someone's life written by someone else. It’s a strange concept, writing someone else&rsqu&hell…Read More
2020-05-08 12:32
Historical Fiction: Tales That Go Down in HistoryWhat is historical fiction?Historical fiction, as the name suggests, is a literary genre set in the past, made up of a mixture of factua… Read More
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