Lessons from Shirley Jackson about building suspense
Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House isn’t your typical ghost story. It chills you not with jump scares, but with a creeping sense of unease. It lingers long after the final page. Jackson was a master of psychological horror. She uses the novel to build suspense that will stay with you. So, how does […]
26 September 2024 by
What Google’s latest Helpful Content update means for writers
Google's core update in March 2024 was a significant step towards improving the quality of search results. We look at how as a website owner you can avoid low quality content.
16 September 2024 by Laura Kelly
Demystifying AP Style: A guide to clarity and consistency
Demystifying AP Style: A guide to clarity and consistency Readability: B Reading time: 04:05 For journalists and writers worldwide aiming for clear, concise, and professional communication, the Associated Press (AP) style serves as a trusted compass. It establishes a set of rules for everything. From punctuation to capitalisation, it ensures consistency and readability. It spreads […]
29 August 2024 by Laura Kelly
How fanfiction can help you become a better writer
Have you ever finished a book or TV show feeling like there’s more story to be told? That lingering “what if” or burning desire to see a different side of a character. That’s the magic of fandom. Fanfiction takes that passion and allows you to delve deeper into the worlds you love, crafting your narratives […]
15 August 2024 by Laura Kelly
Why the Romantasy genre reigns supreme on the book market
The literary landscape is constantly evolving. New genres are emerging and capturing the hearts of readers. Romantasy is genre where fantastical creatures brush shoulders with passionate love stories. We look at what it is about these fantastical love stories that resonates so deeply with modern readers.
30 July 2024 by Laura Kelly
Blurring the lines: what is Literary Nonfiction?
Nonfiction. The very term conjures images. Dry facts, historical accounts, and scientific reports. But what if the lines between fact and storytelling are blurred? A captivating genre that reads more like a novel than a textbook? Enter literary nonfiction. A compelling world where truth meets artistry, and the real becomes riveting. What is literary nonfiction? […]
15 July 2024 by Laura Kelly
English Grammar Day 2024
Are you as passionate about the English language as we are? An event dedicated to it took place last week. Friday, June 28, 2024, marked English Grammar Day. It was held at the prestigious British Library in London. This event wasn’t just about comma placement and verb conjugation drills. It was a vibrant exploration of […]
3 July 2024 by Laura Kelly
“Like” why do we say it so much?
"Like" is a champion among filler words. We look at why we use filler words and what they tell us about human nature.
27 June 2024 by Laura Kelly
The best book-to-film adaptations
The age-old debate: book versus film. Some argue that a film can only partially capture the depth and nuance of a novel. Others find on-screen adaptations a delightful way to relive their favourite stories. We’re bookworms here. And there’s nothing quite like that feeling of stepping out of the cinema utterly satisfied. This comes from […]
13 June 2024 by Laura Kelly
Is there an optimal window for language acquisition?
Language is a fundamental human ability. One that allows us to connect, share ideas, and shape our views. But how do we acquire this complex skill?
30 May 2024 by Laura Kelly
Navigating professionalism in language: a guide
We explore key aspects of professionalism in language and look at the essentials to help your workplace communication. Read more
14 May 2024 by Laura Kelly
Exploring the merits of lengthy celebrity memoirs
Barbra Streisand's memoir, My Name is Barbra became newsworthy for its length. We look at how Streisand's tome compares to other celebrity memoirs. And the merits of such extensive works.
30 April 2024 by Laura Kelly
