Creative writing

Is a degree course the only option for someone who wants to be a professional author? No, would be my answer, in a word. It is however one of the many options available, and there's a lot to be gained from it. My tutors at university were the first real life authors I had ever had access to in person, and that alone was worth it.  Read more

Elise Valmorbida, author of The Happy Writing Book: Discover the Positive Power of Creative Writing, reports on how her 20-plus years as practitioner and teacher have given her a firm belief that creative writing can deepen your appreciation of life, and empower you as an agent of positive change

"I hate my job," she began, "and I go to work every day and I can't bear it, and it's just . . ." she pointed down at the piece of paper on her desk. "This is what I want to do. And I feel like I look at all of these writers and painters that we read and talk about and they're famous and they have piles of money and sure, it's possible for them . . .  Read more

Scientists have data mined 1,700 stories to tell us what we already know

Last weekend, PhD student Anna Metcalfe achieved every writer's dream - a shortlisting for a prestigious award. For a writer as-yet-unpublished, she's philosophical about being in contention for a £30,000 purse with two Pulitzer-winners.  Read more