Clare Davidson's Blog, page 10

Book signings from an author’s point of view (part 1)

Ok, so I know the stereotype of authors is that we’re an introverted lot (and often drunk too). The funny thing is in my case it’s true (except the being drunk part. I’m teetotal). I bet some of you are sitting reading this thinking: hang on a minute, she’s a teacher.

My brother wrote a book, so I wanted to write one too

The question I'm asked most during author interviews is: Why do you write?I’m always convinced that people want to hear an intellectual reason, or an inspirational reason, or a funny reason. The actual truth is my brother was given an English assignment I was jealous of and it went from there.

Everyone makes assumptions

Hands up if you’ve heard the saying: if you assume you make an ass of you and me.Eleanor started primary school a few weeks ago. One of the things her school does to encourage good behaviour is to reward them with credits.

The day I realised I’d got onto an Amazon bestseller list

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I have a lot of dreams. I’ve always known dreams don’t just come true on their own: you have to work to realise them. Over the last few of years I’ve been really lucky, because several of my dreams are coming true:(photo via freedigitalphotos.

The importance of reviews: why we trust other consumer's opinions

I was just watching Location, Location, Location (I love house programs. I get to be nosy and see where other people live and what their tastes are. I also get to add to the list of things I’d want in my dream house), when an advert for Beko popped on.

I need your help: it’s time to make reading cool (again)

Here’s the deal. I need your help. So this is what I’d like you to do. Read my post, think about it and leave me a comment with your thoughts and ideas. Together, we can make reading cool.The other day I shared a blog post called, 13 Utterly Disappointing Facts About Books, on my Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Just for fun: Five TV Boyfriends

Fellow author Sharon Sant did this fun little exercise on her blog a few days ago and suggested I should do it too. Okay, so it's a little different to my normal post, but I think we all need a little fun in our lives sometimes, don't we? In a week where I've finished the second draft of Hidden: Book 2 (AKA the sequel to Reaper's Rhythm) and wrestled with tax self assessment for the first time, a bit of fun is definitely needed.

Charlotte Kane's experience of writing an historical novel

Today, I'm welcoming Charlotte Kane to my blog. Charlotte has just released her historical fiction novel, 1943. She's joining me today to share her experience with writing and researching an historical novel:I never thought about writing a historical novel before until I heard a story on bbc radio 4 and was inspired to write my own story about love during the war.

1943

I have to admit, I find the concept of writing a historical novel daunting and fascinating. There's a historical novel that I've been planning on writing for several years, but I've never really got going with it, despite doing lots of research.

Adopting the Marmite Attitude

Since 1902, Marmite has been using a winning marketing strategy. The makers of Marmite understand that people either love the stuff, or violently hate it. I’m in the latter camp. I loathe and despise the stuff and seriously don’t understand why anyone would want to eat a yeast byproduct.