Here we go again: putting a finished novel out on submission, hoping against all hope that somehow, it manages to find the right home. The novel in question has been a work of passion for me, written as I finished off my PhD, the story somehow never managing to leave me, even as the pressuresContinue reading “Reviewing Your Own Novel”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Celebrating Women in Legal History
Today marks the publication day of Celebrating Women in Legal History: Making and Shaping a Discipline. I am so proud of being able to contribute to this work, which champions the work of women in legal history. My chapter, entitled ‘The Marriages of Captain John Campbell of Carrick: How a Wronged Wife Changed English MarriageContinue reading “Celebrating Women in Legal History”
Wintering
January has started out slowly for me, as I had both intended and hoped it would. Life can be so hectic, and making a conscious choice to slow down and take time for myself has proven to be a wise one. The Danes call it hygge, a cultural concept which encourages a calm and relaxingContinue reading “Wintering”
New Beginnings: My Year of Living Selfily
Yes, I know. Really I do. Selfily is not really a word. But as 2026 begins, with ice and snow blanketing much of the North, it is the best descriptor of how I want to live my life over the next twelve months. After over two decades of motherhood, much of which was undertaken asContinue reading “New Beginnings: My Year of Living Selfily”
A Christmas Story – Part 2
In many ways, it is more than a little bit cheeky to call this a Christmas story, when what I am really doing is extracting out two chapters of my unpublished novel, both of which happen to be set during Christmas. What is interesting for me as a writer, is that both of these chaptersContinue reading “A Christmas Story – Part 2”
A Christmas Story (in two parts)
Part One – but first some background… In the days before Christmas, I thought I would have a bit of festive fun, and return to my unpublished first novel that still sits in the metaphorical drawer that every author knows all too well – the file full of writing which is destined to languish inContinue reading “A Christmas Story (in two parts)”
Green lemons
I have just received a letter in the mail from Northumberland County Council that an application in relation to the construction and operation of a renewable energy scheme on land at Whittonstall is going to be heard. I plan on attending, as I did with the first meeting considering the application. I wanted to shareContinue reading “Green lemons”
Pathway to Publication? Let’s Talk About Agents
I have been talking about my writing journey on my way to publication, and today I want to focus on that thorny topic for many aspiring novelists – agents. I’ve been in the query trenches, and I have been wounded, again and again, by the rejection letter. I know what it is to feel thatContinue reading “Pathway to Publication? Let’s Talk About Agents”
Pathway to Publication: Courses and Competitions
In my last post I spent time talking about the writing of my first novel, and my failure to achieve publication. My use of the word failure in this context was one that I carefully considered, for while I failed to find anyone willing to support it for publication, whether that be an agent orContinue reading “Pathway to Publication: Courses and Competitions”
Reflections on my Journey to Publication: Failure and Festivals
Since the moment I began reading, books have entranced me. Throughout my life, they have provided me with solace, companionship, laughter, and hope. I have been surrounded by books my whole life, from saving my pocket money to buy books when I was child, to spending my Saturdays in the library when I was teenager,Continue reading “Reflections on my Journey to Publication: Failure and Festivals”
Deborah Siddoway 