Resources for writers

Resources for writers: how do you write articles and blogs? How about a novel? How do you deal with rejection? Plus lots more including scenes, sequels and cliff-hangers; editing as you go along – or not – and a selection of recommended writing courses.

In 2019, 2022 and 2024 I attended writing retreats in beautiful Loutro in Crete. I wrote an earlier post about Loutro writing courses after my 2019 visit. Writing retreats and writing courses are a great way to liberate your creativity. My visits to Loutro reminded me how useful resources for writers can be.

Resources for writers

I’m passionate about writing. Mostly, I write short stories and thrillers. But in 2024 my new book Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties came out and has been my best-seller. The link includes a picture of me with Diana, Princess of Wales – I’m the one with the beard. Right now I have three romantic comedies on the go, and a new thriller.

But visiting a writing course reminded me that it might be helpful to gather a few resources for writers together in one blog post. My suggestions below are leavened with pictures of writing in Loutro, on the lovely Greek island of Crete.

Writing courses

Writing courses are a great way to sharpen your writing skills. Believe me, we all need it! I’ve been on a few, some more than once. Click on the links for my reviews of writing courses in Europe:

• Writing courses: Loutro, Crete
• Queen Mary 2 Literature Festival at Sea
• Writing courses: Skyros
• Writing courses: Arvon

In September 2025 I am teaching a course at the Sigri Arts retreat, on the beautiful island of Lesbos, in Greece. The view of the sea at the link is from the bedroom where I stayed when I visited Sigri in 2024. You can see my course under “Workshops”, and myself under “Teaching Staff”: I’m at the bottom under “Affiliates”.

Resources for writers: writing a novel

How is your novel or short story going? If you are looking for resources to get you started, try these posts:

• How to write a novel: five ways to get in the habit of writing.
• How to write a novel: plan in advance, or not?
• Writing fiction: 7 ways to deal with rejection
• How to write gripping fiction: scenes, sequels and cliff-hangers
• How to write a novel: edit as you go along, or not? 
• 7 ways to improve your manuscript (“How to edit your novel part 2”)
• How I write
• Paper or Computer – which works better for fiction?
• Resources for writers: where ideas come from
• Palladium published – but how? explains the genesis of my latest thriller, “Palladium”
• 17 rules on how to write from George Orwell and Henry Miller.

Resources for writers: writing the perfect blog post or article

This blog has three linked pieces on this.

• First: decide your message, and make sure people want to read about it.  Part 1 of this series, 7 tips for writing the perfect article, explores how to ensure your piece will land well (links in bold italics are to other posts on this web-site).
• Next: structure your article.  Part 2 of the series, Nut-grafs and Cosmic Kickers, sets out a simple 4-step template to write your piece – including how to get started and some worked examples of blog structure.
• Practice makes perfect.  Read pieces critically.  Study worked examples.  Understanding how others use these techniques will help you do the same.  Part 3 of the series, gives two more worked examples.

Finally, a reader sent me this link recently, to another collection of resources for writers. Let me know if you find it helpful! It struck me as a pretty good list, but comments welcome. Another reader sent in this useful guide to copyright.

Thanks for reading and good luck with the writing. As always, comments and questions welcome. I hope to post some pictures from Crete on my social media feeds over the next week or two.

Resources for writers. Resources for writers.