When we think of novels, we imagine shining covers on bookshop shelves. Libraries, stacked full of stories. Or the much-loved tomes on your bedside table. But how did what started as a single park in an author’s head turn into a physical thing that’s shared, discussed, loved? In this series, I’m peeling back the layers…
What is postmodernism in literature? A writer’s guide
If you’re a literature student, writer, or curious reader wondering ‘what is postmodernism in literature?’, this post is for you. Postmodernism can feel slippery — a tangle of paradoxes, experiments, and self-aware games. But it’s also rich terrain for a writer: fertile ground for pushing boundaries, interrogating meaning, and playing with form. While I’m not…
A Midnight Treasury of Macabre and Weird Poems
Lovely new seasonal tome incoming! I have a poem included in this absolutely gorgeous book of dark poetry. Curated for fans of the weird and macabre, the sinister but seductive beauty of illustrators such as Harry Clarke accompany the poems in a volume that will speak to those drawn to the dark. The perfect book…
Dissecting my first draft: SHITSHOW, by Chris Panatier
Read what Chris Panatier has to say about wiritng his latest novel, SHITSHOW, in a new guest post: Dissecting My First Draft.
An ode to the characters you haven’t met yet
Dedicated to the characters we create who haven’t made their way to the world quite yet.
How to ‘show not tell’ in fiction: a writer’s guide to bring stories to life
You’ve probably heard the advice ‘show, don’t tell’ more times than you can count. But what does it really mean—and more importantly, how can you actually do it?
What is whump in fiction? Why we crave hurt, comfort, and quiet pain in stories
What is whump in fiction and fanfiction? Discover the emotional power of hurt/comfort stories, why we love watching characters suffer and heal, and how whump helps us process pain and vulnerability.
How poetry taught me to write better fiction
Whether it’s the sweep of a stanza or the careful construction of a scene, there’s a curious intimacy in the act of writing. For years, I was a poet first. My early writing life was laced with line breaks, metaphor, and breath. And much of my prose still is! Though I now straddle the worlds…
Why I write the strange, the quiet, and the beautiful
There’s a particular moment, just before the sun rises above the houses at the end of our street, when the light turns the treetops copper. The shadows stretch, the birds awaken, and for a breath or two, the world feels both ancient and oddly delicate. Like something could slip through a crack in the sky…
Writer’s guide to world-building – research methods for historical fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi
Crafting immersive and believable worlds is a cornerstone of compelling storytelling. Whether you’re delving into the annals of history, conjuring fantastical realms, or designing futuristic worlds, thorough research is essential to ground your narrative and captivate readers. This quick guide for writers explores tailored world-building research strategies for a range of genres, including historical fiction,…
Caroline Hardaker Author 