Speculative fiction is filled with clichéd, over-used and predictable concepts - what we call tropes. I've inverting some, turned them on their heads, to provide inspiration!

Simon Kewin's The Eye Collectors is the first in his Witchfinder General series and is not to be missed! This is Raymond Chandler for the twenty-first century, with morally grey characters and bleak settings. Add to that dangerous magic and you have a story which keeps you guessing and is a thrilling ride. A truly noir detective thriller.

William Shakespeare did not write the plays that carry his name. He couldn't have done. A simple boy from the Shires, with a basic education and who never left England - how could he have written such lyrical, thought-provoking material? My article presents facts which dispute the traditional perceptions and proves the real author of literature's greatest works.

Author collaboration can be powerful. Based on experiences from our Realm Raiders project, I've written how we've grown as writers and enjoyed ourselves in the process. We've inspired each other, discovered things we didn't think we could do and learned from one another. The result is enormous satisfaction for a project that's brought pride and personal growth.

What were the sparks of inspiration that drove me to write? The answer lies in 1950/60s speculative fiction and the fire it ignited.

An exploration of the origins, the likely biological causes and appearance in literature of the vampire. It didn't all start with Dracula!

The werewolf myth is over 4,000 years old and appear in global cultures. Why is it so timeless? History, media & psychology offer reasons.

What skill set do you need as a writer? Based on advice from other writers, this post highlights the skills that can aid your development

Writing your synopsis needs to be a way of evaluating your story, making it a commercial commodity. Advice to enhance your quality & success