This Exisle Academy competition generated many entries, and not just from the U.K. but from around the globe. Mist, whisky, heather, and wild weather populated many of our entries. So did relatives both ancient and current, and their memories and artefacts often brought our writer’s home. One writer’s mother had Scotland wound into her senses. […]
Story by Gillian BreckellRunner-up in the 'What Scotland Means to Me' writing competition On the far side of the world from Scotland, my mother silently gave birth, clasping the hand of the midwife until their fingers were bruised and tender together. As I slithered painfully from her body, a few of my mother’s roots tore away […]
Story by Jane Va’afusuaga (nee Davitt)Runner up in 'What Scotland Means to Me' writing competition I was conceived in Scotland or, to be more precise, in Glasgow. My dad grew up in Pollok and my mum’s family were from Knightswood. My parents met in a dance hall in the 1950s. My mum and her friend […]
Story by Bill MorrisWinner of 'What Scotland Means to Me' writing competition Out on the back roads of southern New Zealand, in a place called Glencoe, an obelisk commemorates a Scottish slaughter that took place over three hundred years ago. It stoically watches the rainstorms that sweep off the Southern Ocean while, all through the […]
You’ve finished your book and can’t wait to show it to the world. You could share the news on your Facebook, but there are other ways to share your book with a large number of potential readers. Understand Your Audience To market your book you have to consider your audience. Ask yourself these questions: If […]
Exisle and EK Books CEO Gareth St John Thomas introduces his 20 keys to success in the publishing industry. Drawn from over 30 years experience running successful publishing businesses, these points will help you break through with your writing and bring your message to the world. Summary and Notes: 1. Get the concept right from […]
If you grab a book off your shelf and search the author in your internet browser, you’ll most likely come across the author’s website. Most writers have a goal of publishing a book, and an author website is an important tool to use when building your writing career. It is beneficial to create one before […]
The writing process is different for everyone, but there are ways to streamline your approach to make it easier and more enjoyable to arrive in front of the computer. When to Edit As you write your first draft, you may feel compelled to edit as you go. This may work for some, but it becomes […]
Story by Jennifer Bostian “I thought you were going to sleep the day away, Dot.” Mother’s red and white gingham apron stretched tight across her big belly. “I’m getting ready to make Crazy Cake. Want to watch?” I nodded with my whole body, bouncing up and down. Mother only baked for special times. Maybe it […]
Story by Emily Broadmore I almost had a meltdown today, Ollie said. Sadie raised an eyebrow at him questioningly. They tried to make me draft an email. Oh dear, Sadie said. The life of a senior public servant. She spoke flippantly, and bent over a pile of large Iranian carpets, leafing through the top five […]
