So happy to have another interview for the blog, this time with emerging writer and poet Dean Elphick. Dean shares his experiences on starting a blog, his writing process and advice for other emerging writers.

There are debates over whether writer’s block is an actual condition or just an excuse for procrastination; yet I think all writers will agree that there are times when putting words on a page is as painful as a tooth extraction.

Today, I go back to where it all began. The first ‘proper’ chapter books I ever read, discovered of course in the St. Damian’s library, were the Sweet Valley Twins books, created by Francine Pascal and written by Jamie Suzanne (along with ghostwriters over the years).

My second interview on the blog is with talented journalist and travel blogger Brittany Shanahan. Learn about her journey to becoming the writer she is today and her advice for aspiring journalists.

Just being surrounded by other people who are dedicated, at different levels and in different ways, to the same craft that you are practicing is a great feeling, and can give you the drive you need to stay focused and determined. 

At the moment The Graveyard Book is the best Neil Gaiman novel I have read (I’ve only started on Neverwhere so will see if this changes!). In his usual style the book is a children’s book and yet it is not – it is simply a wonderful, well-told fantasy adventure about a boy who grows up in a graveyard.