This is not exactly an advice post, but more the ‘character rules’ I (mostly) subconsciously abide by, which can give an insight into my process and characters – and if you’re looking for tips, something here might help you too.

When we read the best stories, we don’t notice this delicate dance between dialogue and description. We’re consumed in the characters, the plot, the setting. But we’ve all read a book where we start flicking pages because the balance isn’t right.

Now, I’m a pragmatist and I love anything that makes my life a wee bit easier, but as someone who spends most of my time either teaching, translating, or writing, I can’t help but be confronted by the detrimental effects of AI on both us and the world around us.

There’s no reason why fanfiction can’t be seen as an amazing training ground for writers – and there’s also absolutely no shame in ‘only’ ever writing (or reading) fanfiction, whatever anyone tries to tell you.

‘Write what you know’ is said for a reason, even if people often take it too literally. In Coldharbour, I have written what I know, even though I don’t regularly raise the Dead or have brought a house down around me with a click of my fingers.

A writer will never get what they perceive as perfection first time. There’s a reason why a painting takes ages to paint, why actors rehearse repeatedly, why sculptors have to chip away and away until they realise their vision.