Fi Phillips

This one almost goes without saying. What writer wouldn't want a copy of the Writers & Artists Yearbook ? Unless, like me, you'd prefer the Children's Writers and Artists Yearbook . Overflowing with information on the industry, the Writers and Artists Yearbook is a bible for most writers. Not only does it contain up to date information on industry professionals and organisations, but it also includes a number of wonderfully informative, helpful and encouraging articles from writers and agents etc.

Writing can be a lonely business so I was very interested to find out about the latest Writers & Artists video series, 'Write With'. It kicks off with writer, Cesca Major as she begins the second novel in her current series. 'Write With' Cesca Major - Week 1

Perseverance. That's what it takes to be a writer. You keep on finding the ideas, pushing them into a write-able shape. You work at the first draft until it's finished. You take out the red pen and push through the re-write, then you keep on polishing and honing until you have a book that you're happy to submit. Phew - I'm exhausted writing about all that perseverance. In his article, Writing Is Worth It , Simon P Clark writes about this issue from his point of view. It's well worth a read of this post on the Writers & Artists website. Have a look .

Writing a children's book is a new development for me. Any help I can find along the way is appreciated so I was more than happy to come across this article from Writers & Artists, Researching Your Children's  Book by Allan Boroughs. There are useful links at the bottom of the article to more advice on research for your children's book too.

I haven't got to the stage of worrying about cover design yet in the process of creating my novel but this article, by J D Smith on the Writers & Artists website, explains  The Importance of Cover Design .

After a busy day, I've finally had the chance to post this week's Tuesday Choice Words. Bedtime calls and as usual my imagination is kicking in. The time before sleep is nearly always a time for my muse to come visiting so I was delighted to read Lie Awake A Few Minutes Each Night by Writerly Life. Have a look. This wonderful interview with writer Howard Jacobson is from the Writers and Artists website.