Anyone attending LA WorldCon this year? I’m on panels! While I’d love to be flying straight to LA for this, alas, I can’t. So I’ve been placed on the online worldwide schedule, woohoo! LA WorldCon , here I come! Find out more about the event and buy your in-person or virtual tickets here. See you…
10 (mildly) controversial thoughts on publishing (I hope I don’t regret this)
Publishing is a funny industry. It’s creative and commercial, collaborative and solitary, magical and maddening — often all at the same time. After quite a few years of being part of it, I’ve collected a handful of thoughts that’ve risen from the muddy madness of it. So, here goes. 1. It can feel too hard…
How many drafts does a novel need?
Quick answer… Most novels go through 3–10 drafts, depending on the writer, the complexity of the story, and whether the book is self-published or traditionally published. Some writers produce relatively clean first drafts and need only a few rounds of revision. Others go through many more. There is no magic number. The goal isn’t to…
What is a zero draft? And should writers use one?
Quick answer… A zero draft is the roughest version of a story. A messy, exploratory draft written before what many writers would consider a proper first draft. It exists to help you discover the story rather than perfect it. If you’ve ever written a novel by wandering through the dark with a torch and a…
Journal#28 – Learning to do a lot in very little
While it may SEEM that very little is happening, there’s actually a lot bubbling beneath the surface. Once again, I seem to be a little overwhelmed with projects. And while it’s a lot to balance all at once, they’re all exciting. They’re all wonderful. And they’re all HAPPENING. Like, actually happening. All at once. Isn’t…
Q&A with Newcastle University
This World Book Day, I sat down with Newcastle University to discuss my journey from student to storyteller.
Dialogue that sounds real — techniques, examples & common mistakes
Realistic dialogue in fiction doesn’t just mimic real conversation. It creates the illusion of it. Discover how to write dialogue that drives plot and character development, every time.
Instagram Live with A Box of Stories
Instagram Live on Friday 13th February, 9.00pm.
Journal #27 – Life update
A life update about all things writing, home, and mind.
How playing D&D can make you a better writer
Playing Dungeons & Dragons isn’t a distraction from writing — it’s storytelling practice in disguise. From character agency to dialogue and pacing, D&D trains the narrative instincts writers rely on, every single day.
Caroline Hardaker Author 