If you are wondering, yes, I am like Taylor Swift, and I am hinting that I will write 33 books in my lifetime. Markets are wonderful places! If you have written a book and want to get the word out there — head to a local market. You’ll meet so many interesting people! Some will buy your book. Some will join your mailing list. Some will search up your website.  And some will wish you luck.  This market was quite different to the last one. This time round, I had a lot of people

A printing press. Image from Wix. I recently published my contemporary women’s fiction novel, What’s Left. I went through self-publishing, which has been a crazy and very rewarding experience. Previously, I sold two travel guides to an Indie Publisher. And I’ve been rejected multiple times by Traditional Publishers, so I feel I have some ground to talk about my experience. First, everyone’s favourite to discuss: Traditional Publishing. I’m from New Zealand and because this co

What's Left by Livvy Skelton-Price Imposter syndrome can be a common occurrence within the writing community. We spend a lot of time dreaming about being Authors, yet when we become one, we don't believe it. I had a recent experience when I was referred to as an Author. Not only that, I was introduced as an Author. For the first time in my writing career, I completely froze. I had an overwhelming urge to correct them, tell them it's only me. Not an Author, just me. I wanted t

Writer's Block is one of those things we’ve all come across. The words don’t flow, and nothing feels like it fits. The characters are 2D, the plot falls flat, and the twists don’t twist.  It’s a bad hair day, but for your writing.  And that’s all it is.  A bad hair day.  And what do we do with bad hair days? Do we light our hair on fire? No. Do we shave it off? No. Do we declare we don’t deserve hair? No. We get some gel, do what we can and hope for a better day tomorrow.  Th

Creating a character out of thin air is a hard task for anyone.  So I’ll walk you through how I like to create a character. I usually start with a character which is rather stereo-typical - it’s always easier to work with a template. I note down what traits they have and what stand-out characteristics. Then, I flip them on their head and make them the opposite. In the 80’s, teen films loved these five character types: The Princess. The Jock. The Nerd. The Rebel. The Goth. Let

Starting your story can be a daunting process. It’s just you and the page. Nothing else. Nobody else. Who’s responsible for creating the next best-seller? You are. Who’s helping you? No one. It can certainly feel like a lot of pressure as the weight of the book industry rests on your shoulders. The best way to create a beginning that soars through the ranks and lands in the hands of your potential readers is to: Start In The Middle.   The middle of what, though? Honestly, the

In celebration of the release of my first fiction novel, I have decided to share something that is often swept under the rug: My First Draft. First drafts are not for others to look at. They should be hidden in a vault that you forget about and no one sees.  But, I like to do things a little differently.  All I seem to be reading on Reddit are posts about people worried about whether or not their first draft is good enough. They want to know how to make it good before they’ve

Being a writer makes people think of those wandering along the beach, barefoot, twirling a pen in their hand. They are in tune with their surroundings, always calm and they’re days are filled with whatever the heart desires. They’ll spend some time in their little cave where they tap away - as inspiration strikes. They’re writing room is filled with the latest trendy plants and knick-knacks. All bought with the money they made writing.  Lies.  Here are some realities I’ve com

Writing is a fun way to spend your time. You get to have your imagination run wild and see where your thoughts take you. This is your world and no one else’s - unless you let them into it.  Writing to publish is a whole different ball game. But I didn’t know that when I first started. Here are 10 things I wish I knew before writing a novel with the intent of publishing. You are writing to other people’s opinions You can write for yourself, sure. But are you going to buy your

Michelle is a complex character. She grew up as a fun loving, larger than life gal who wouldn’t let anything get in her way. But once...

Faith started out as two characters: An overly positive supportive friend. And a serious go-getter who likes to follow rules and solve...

Barbara is a beloved character in my novel. I was actually quite surprised by how many readers took a liking to Barbara.  My expectation...

Jordi grew up on the Island of Wine aka Waiheke Island. A place known for vineyards, wineries, hen parties, weddings, and summer...

The first draft is always the worst. And it’s the hardest draft to write.  The evolution of a novel is the same as the evolution of any...

Isn’t this cover the most stunning thing you’ve ever seen? Don’t you want to own this book just so you can display this cover on your...

Motivation is a tricky game. It comes and goes at the best of times. Most newbie writers aren’t sure how to deal with loss of motivation....

Writing a book is the catalyst for a lot of self-doubt.  You might feel it as you write the first draft, you might question if your idea...

Writing is a long, hard slog. The idea is fun and inspiration feels like a jolt in your battery.  But writing and publishing, it’s not so...

Self-publishing a novel is one of the most stressful things I’ve ever had to do - and I’ve moved countries.  Self-publishing a novel is a...

In this post I’m sharing some secrets only writers know.  If you’ve published a book, or multiple, I want to know which point you relate...