Smart food: 5 breakfasts to boost your brainpower

Before you sit down to write, feed your head with these super brain-boosting foods. You’ll be smarter by lunchtime!

  1. Steel-cut oatmeal with blueberries

Just as steel-cut oats take longer to cook than rolled oats, they also release their food energy more gradually, allowing your brain to remain well fuelled throughout a morning-long writing session. Top your oats with phytonutrient-rich blueberries, which studies have shown can improve cognitive function in ... keep reading


Writing About Writing: Follow My Progress As I Write My Book

Last week I announced to the world that I am writing a book about writing a book, and promised to share my progress with anyone who cares to follow along. This post is my very first progress report! (Cue the tiny marching band! I believe in celebrating early and often.)

I’m doing this for two reasons. First, I want to share my experience as a first time author in the hope that it will encourage others to dive into their own... keep reading


Writing About Writing: Announcing My Forthcoming Book

I have an announcement to make.

I am writing a book. I’m writing a book about writing a book. (To which Paris, our marketing and communications coordinator, said: “That’s so meta…”)

This should be a cinch for me. I have been an editor for nearly twenty years, over which time I have worked with hundreds of writers. Most of them were professional journalists or feature writers, but in recent years in my role as publisher at LifeTree Media, I have worked almost exclusively with first-time authors.

Every day I  support people in writing... keep reading


Freeing yourself from distraction

With the new year rung in and writing resolutions made, many are sitting down at their desks ready to pen a new bestseller. But unfortunately, many of the same people have realized the constant distractions of YouTube, email and iPhones can make it very difficult to focus. Writing shouldn’t have to be a constant struggle with our willpower, so here are some very easy tips for writing distraction-free that don’t require any form of self-control:

Remove the distractions... keep reading


Why you should write a personal blog

With an estimated 158 million blogs in the blogosphere, it’s safe to say the medium is popular. These can loosely be grouped into two broad categories: professional blogs and personal blogs. Whether they are maintained by one person or have multiple contributors, professional blogs (such as this one) represent their sponsoring company, institution or professional practice. They aim to engage customers and fans with content relevant to the host organization. Personal blogs, on the other hand are, well, personal. These can be about anything at all, even the quirkiest and most unconv... keep reading


Should you hire a ghostwriter to help you write your nonfiction book?

Writing a nonfiction book while juggling a busy career or professional practice is a tall order. If you’re struggling to get your manuscript finished – or maybe even get it started – you might be wondering whether you would benefit from the services of a ghostwriter. Here are some things to consider when weighing up whether or not it’s the right solution for you.

1. Using a ghostwriter is a legitimate form of support for nonfiction writing

You might be questioning the ethical soundness of putting your name on a ghostwritten book. People can and do disagree ... keep reading


The Better Life Book Launch Party

Come join us at Wear Else for The Better Life Book launch party, featuring author Rosemarie Francis. As well as having a chance to speak with Rosemarie, you’ll be able to buy an advance copy of the book, which won’t be available in stores until January. Wine and cheese will be served, so come prepared to indulge in food, drink and inspiring conversation!

Rosemarie Francis is a self-made success who overcame childhood poverty to create a life of w... keep reading