Penny Carroll

Writer & Editor

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  • Author interviews

    Christina Gustavson has a sixth sense

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    Christina Gustavson

    The Swedish crime novelist shares how her career in forensic psychiatry shapes her writing and offers tips for aspiring crime writers.

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  • Editing, How-to

    5 ways to improve your manuscript

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    Good news: these tips don’t involve any writing!

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  • Editing

    What is an author-sensitive editorial approach?

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    My editing values are all about making sure your work is valued and you feel comfortable throughout the editing process.

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  • Author interviews

    Samantha L. Valentine is writing it like it is

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    This romance author is passionate about real diversity in fiction.

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  • How-to

    Who’s talking? Finding the right point-of-view character for your scene

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    If you’re writing a dual or multi-POV novel, read this for tips on choosing the right character to lead pivotal scenes.

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  • Author interviews

    “I really want readers to fall in love with every character” – Emma Mugglestone on writing a small-town romance series

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    Meet the author of the gorgeous new small-town romance novel The Reality of Us.

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Hi there!
Hi there!

I'm Penny, a writer and editor. On this blog I share writing tips, editing advice and interviews with authors to get you inspired. Read more

 
Recent Posts
  • Breaking up is hard to do
  • Diane Hester is reshaping the past with fiction
  • How to make your dialogue shine
  • Trust issues: Why trusting your reader is vital for strong storytelling
  • Tips for using expletives in fiction
Categories
  • Author interviews
  • Editing
  • How-to
  • Proofreading
  • Writing

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Free writing and editing resources? In this econom Free writing and editing resources? In this economy? You know it! Head to my website (link you know where) for three handy downloads you can access entirely free, plus a heap of how-to guides to bookmark 📚🤓 PS What resources should I add to my library next? Let me know in the comments👇 #editing #freebies
Just leaving this here: a quick guide to my curren Just leaving this here: a quick guide to my current services 📚 DM me or head to my website for more info, availability and pricing, or to book a free sample edit ✨#editing
New release alert! 🎉 My wonderful client @hester_d New release alert! 🎉 My wonderful client @hester_diane’s latest thriller The Fortress of Us is now available on Amazon and Kobo. To celebrate, I chatted with Diane about the incredible true story that inspired The Fortress of Us, the power of fiction to help us understand ourselves and others better, and how her background as a professional violinist informs her writing process. It’s a great read — grab a cuppa and follow the link in my bio, and while you’re at it, check out The Fortress of Us, a propulsive suspense story about four shattered souls who unite to save a child 🏡 #thriller #writingadvice
If you’re a writer you’re probably pretty okay wit If you’re a writer you’re probably pretty okay with listening to the voices in your head. But if you’re not sure how to deepen your story or figure out your character’s motivations I’m going to suggest taking it a step further and having a conversation with your cast. You’ll play both interviewer and interviewee, writing your character’s responses in their voice, and yes it’s a bit weird. But if you’re open to it, I think it’s a great way to unlock deeper themes and layers in your story and characters. Keen? Head to my website for a freebie designed to help you get a bit woo-woo with your work ✨ And if you’ve tried it, let me know below! Did it work for you?

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