March was a month of variety in my reading life, one that took me from tightly wound psychological suspense to quietly devastating literary fiction, with a detour into imaginative fantasy along the way. I found myself drawn to stories centred on secrets, whether whispered through threatening letters, buried in the past, or hidden within relationships, and the consequences of those truths surfacing. Indie Stand Out Read Silent Victim Caroline Mitchell Told through multiple per

Writing flash fiction is a fantastic way to sharpen your storytelling skills. These ultra-short stories, usually under 1,000 words, challenge writers to convey powerful narratives in a limited space. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, having a collection of flash fiction ideas can help you overcome writer’s block and inspire fresh stories. Flash fiction demands precision, creativity, and emotional impact. The best way to get started is by using prompts that

When I first started writing thrillers, I quickly realised that the heart of any gripping story lies in its characters. Characters are not just names on a page; they are the lifeblood of your narrative. Without well-rounded, believable characters, even the most thrilling plot can fall flat. That’s why I’ve found that investing time in character development tips and exercises can transform my writing from good to unforgettable. Why Character Development Tips Matter Characters

February was a busy month, which meant I didn’t quite manage to get through everything on my ever-growing TBR. That said, I still had some fantastic reads across a mix of thrillers, fantasy, literary fiction, and YA. From unsettling literary explorations to addictive popcorn thrillers, here are some of the highlights from my February reading. Half His Age  — Jennette McCurdy Jennette McCurdy’s novel demonstrates considerable literary ambition, offering an unsettling, first-pe

A Short Story by Lucy Brighton “I dare you to knock on the witch’s door,” I say. “And say what?” “Run away or she’ll turn you into a frog or summat.” “I think we…I don’t know, Lolly.” Rachel’s fourteen months older than me, almost eight, but you’d think she was younger. She’s yellow. That’s what Mum calls someone who is chicken. Her lip trembles and I know she doesn’t want to cry in front of me or I’ll call her Tiny Tears. Guilt gnaws in my belly, flooding my body and mak

Understanding Narrative Construction The construction of a complex novel can be likened to weaving an intricate textile. Numerous threads: characters, ambitions, conflicts, and settings—interlace to produce a unified design. Regardless of the craftsmanship involved, the reader should perceive only coherence and inevitability. As Gustave Flaubert observed, “An author in his book must be like God in the universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere.” The labour of orchestrat

January often feels like a fresh page, a chance to set new goals and embrace new experiences. Here are my 2026 reading resolutions. If you’re looking for book recommendations or inspiration to start your own reading journey, this post will offer a detailed glimpse into a month well spent with books. Publisher Mail Cape Fever  by Nadia Davids is a richly atmospheric and emotionally resonant novel set in South Africa in the 1920s, within a British colonial society defined by ri

Tension drives thrillers. It keeps readers turning pages, heart pounding, eager to find out what happens next. Yet many new writers believe tension means nonstop action or loud drama. That’s a mistake. True tension is subtle, layered, and carefully crafted. It’s the question lurking beneath the surface, the stakes that matter deeply, the pressure that tightens with every scene. This guide breaks down a 10-step process to build tension that grips readers from start to finish.

Story Shapes “ For centuries there's been one path through fiction we're most likely to travel - one we're actually told to follow - and that's the dramatic arc: a situation arises, grows tense, reaches a peak, subsides!” (Meander, Spiral Explode by Jane Alison) Aristotle (384-322 BCE) suggested dramas should have a three-act structure, a beginning, middle and end. Beginning (Exposition/Protasis): This part introduces the characters, setting, and initial situation of the sto

Something Happened on the Way to… BCW Writing Session – 13.01.2026 At our BCW writing session on 13 January 2026 , we explored a deceptively simple but powerful prompt: Something Happened on the Way to…   Choose a Familiar Journey Think of a journey you know well — one you have travelled at least once before (and perhaps many times). Type of journey (path, train, car, walk, etc.): Where does it start? Where does it end?   Visualise the Journey Imagine this journey as if you a

If you’re a thriller author, like me, on BookTok, calls to action (CTAs) can feel… awkward. You don’t want to sound salesy.You don’t want to break the tension. And you definitely don’t want to scare readers away with “BUY MY BOOK.” The good news?You don’t need hard sells to grow an audience or sell books. You need layered CTAs —ones that match the mood of your content, train the algorithm, and slowly turn viewers into readers. Here’s how to do it. Micro CTAs for thriller aut

I was thirteen when I turned into a goblin. The world was big and I was small and my dog was my sidekick. I packed up my school bag with pencils and notebooks to make leaf rubbings and design my adventures. The fairy palace was my own creation. I drew it into being. I scrawled a tiny door on the rock, and just like that, it was real.              Major Event was the keeper and the guard who stood watch over the drawbridge.             “How do you stop the kids from storming t

Book Club Book A Tale for the Time Being Ruth Ozeki A Tale for the Time Being is a novel of striking ambition. It blends themes of time, identity, and cross-cultural connection. Ozeki’s premise—Nao’s diary washing ashore in Canada—draws Ruth into the mystery of the girl’s life. This inventive concept is initially enchanting. Nao’s voice is sharp, insightful, and often profoundly moving. Her reflections on bullying, displacement, and Zen philosophy form the novel’s emotional

October always feels like the perfect month to curl up with a dark, twisty book, and this year didn’t disappoint. Highlight My standout read for this month was Small Boat . Inspired by the 2021 Channel disaster, in which 27 migrants drowned, Small Boat is a stark, unsettling novella. It examines responsibility, complicity, and the failures of empathy. Told through the perspective of a French radio operator accused of negligence, the story unfolds as a relentless stream of th

Creating an engaging author profile is an essential step for writers who want to connect with their audience and build a loyal following. A well-crafted profile not only introduces you to readers but also reflects your personality, style, and the essence of your work. Whether you are a novelist, blogger, or content creator, your author profile can be a powerful tool to attract interest and encourage readers to explore your books . Why Engaging Author Profiles Matter An author

🍂 September Reading Wrap-Up: A Journey Through Dark Thrills and Unexpected Love Stories 🍂 September has been a month filled with dark thrills, unexpected love stories, and thought-provoking non-fiction. My reading pile took me on quite the ride. From unsettling psychological suspense and chilling cult mysteries to tender magical realism and sharp cultural critique, some books gripped me with their atmosphere. Others left me questioning believability, while a few were simpl

The Weight of Responsibility I mean, nobody wants this job, do they? Do you think I want to spend my days dishing out punishments? Judges get paid. And… they have twelve people to decide guilty or not guilty. All I have are two eyes and a heap of responsibility weighing on me. Back in the day, there was at least a bit of glamour with the job. A pretty dress and some sparkle. But not now… Now, I’m parked outside some creep’s house at 2 AM in a hoodie. A hoodie! No glamour, no

August was another brilliant reading month for me. Here are the highlights! Kindle Unlimited Highlight Tiny Daggers Caroline Corcoran...

Every author has a distinct voice that sets their work apart. This unique writing style is what draws readers in and keeps them coming...