Hello!

Happy October to you all! Hope you’re having a lovely autumn. I’m loving writing in the dark, early mornings, and lapping up that gorgeous, crisp air.

You can find out more about my books here: www.amysparkes.co.uk and for more on what I’m writing right now, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive bonus material, you can check out my readers newsletter.

RESOURCES - 6 things to do when your creative brain says ‘not today’…

To be clear, this isn’t about writer’s block – this is about those times when your brain is like jelly, you can’t concentrate and you know that decent writing is just not going to happen. Perhaps you’re really tired, recovering from illness, getting back into the swing after a holiday, or life is simply too busy – whatever the reason, it can be frustrating when you have a book to write.

At times like this, your creative brain is hiding under a blanket and holding up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign, and it’s important to listen. Ploughing on and trying to get more words down might not be the most productive option. Sometimes you just need rest and relaxation – and that’s absolutely fine. But, understandably, none of us like to waste our precious writing time, so if you are still willing and able to do something, check out these ideas that can help your writing without actually writing.

1. Get outside

Moving away from your regular writing place, away from your screen, even away from your notebooks, can be hugely beneficial. This can give your eyes a rest from close work and give you a welcome oxygen boost if you’re moving about, especially if you’re outside.

Even if your stories are set in another time or place, they are meant to reflect the real world - visiting it from time to time and touching base is not a bad thing. Sit in a cafe and absorb the world around you. Listen to the chatter and watch the body language. Meet with a friend and just enjoy being a human for a while. Or go for an adventure – stimulate your brain and your curiosity. Discover something new and enjoy that feeling of a learning curve. That’s probably how your characters will feel.

2. Feed yourself stories

If your brain is calling for time out, you might not have the concentration for reading a novel. Audiobooks, short stories, travel magazines – reading anything is fine. And you’re allowed to read for pleasure. You may have heard the phrase ‘read like a writer’ but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all the time. ‘Read like a reader’ is also totally valid, and you can enjoy a book for its own sake without feeling you have to analyse it with a notebook beside you.

Watching TV shows and film can also be very beneficial to writing. If you want to think about structural points like spotting the inciting incident, or the midpoint, or ponder how they use suspense, explore character, etc. – go for it. But it’s also fine to just enjoy the magic of losing yourself in someone else’s creativity for a while.

3. Do some learning

If you haven’t quite got the brain for creating, but you want to do something, then try digging into writing craft. Get out your favourite writing craft book or magazine or visit some writing websites. Think about what you’re in the mood to look at. Character? World-building? Structural work? Do you have any saved writing videos or materials available on a writing subscription that you can dip into? Writing craft utilises a more analytical way of thinking, so even if the creative part of your brain has gone on holiday, you might find that studying some non-fiction is manageable.

4. Tackle admin

Some people love admin and keep on top of it, others really struggle. However you feel about it, taking some time to have a look at it can be beneficial, plus doing admin now means it won’t be taking you away from your actual writing later.

Use this time to do things like reassess your pay-for subscriptions. Are you still getting value for money? Does it still match where you are on your writing journey? Check your emails – what are all the things you signed up for? Do you still need them now or are they just clogging up your inbox and taking up time and brain space?

5. Feed back on someone else’s writing

If you can’t concentrate on your own writing, can you look at someone else’s? If you’re in a critique group or have writing buddies, then now could be a good time to read and feed back. You’re not going to be distracted by your own writing and yet you’re still immersed in the world of storytelling. Having the break from your own projects could be beneficial and can fire you up for returning to them afterwards.

If you don’t work with other writers or don’t have any outstanding work to do, then take this opportunity to review other writers’ work on a wider scale. Go to platforms like Amazon, bookshop websites, Goodreads, or anywhere else you can think of. You’ll still be thinking about storytelling and writing. Reviews are hugely, hugely important to writers and yet the number of reviews being left seems to be decreasing. Amazon is one of the best platforms, as many readers check out the reviews there before buying, even if they intend to buy it from their local bookshop rather than Amazon itself. 

6. Just dream

This is one of my favourites. Life can so easily become busy and we can be so hectic with all our ‘doing’ that we forget to dream. Find a place that feels comfortable for you, and see where your thoughts drift. If you move towards rest and relaxation, that’s absolutely fine, perhaps you need it. But if you want to be more writing-focused, then steer thoughts towards things you’re passionate about, ideas you might like to develop, or themes you’d love to explore. Ponder on your goals. Hatch a new scheme. Poke a character. Whatever works for you. Enjoy the headspace. Your creativity will ultimately thank you for it when you’re ready to return to your writing.

CHARACTER CORNER

Generating sympathy for characters can help readers want to root for them. You may want to help readers fall in love with your protagonist, add depth to a side character, or bring ‘greyness’ or complexity to your antagonist. To help achieve that, here are some things to try:

• Give the character opportunities to treat a vulnerable or innocent being with kindness.

• Let the reader witness other (preferably likeable) characters interacting with them or referring to them in a positive way – the more times this happens and the more widely, the more this will be consolidated in the reader’s mind.

• Deepen understanding: provide back story to explore reasons for character flaws or questionable behaviours or attitudes.

• Create a sense of unfair treatment that the character has experienced. This will help the reader root for the underdog and demand a restoration of justice.

• Nurture strong emotional connection between reader and character, such as exploring the character’s internal conflict, or what they struggle or suffer with, or show them experience emotional incidents or relationships.

WRITING COURSES & EVENTS

A big THANK YOU to everyone who comes along to my courses and supports me in this way. It’s very much appreciated and lovely to work with you all!

A special thank you to everyone who came to the Introduction to Picture Books webinar recently. So, what’s on offer this month? Lots!

Understanding Antagonism Part 1: Villains, Forces & The Self  9^th, 16^th & 23^rd October

STARTING THIS FRIDAY!

Effective antagonism in storytelling can help make your writing more compelling, tighten the mechanics of your story, and develop your characterisation, resulting in a more engaging and exciting read. This 3-week course explains key areas of antagonism in writing - characters, external forces and the self.

We will take a deep dive into key areas of antagonism across fiction from picture books to adults:

Week 1 - Characters - 9th October

Week 2 - Forces - 16th October

Week 3 - The Self - 23rd October

Throughout the course, we will be looking at:

• What antagonism is and why it is important

• Using antagonism effectively in storytelling

• Different types of antagonism, what they offer, and how they work

• Creating interesting, memorable and effective antagonists

Understanding Antagonism Part 1: Characters, Forces & Self (3 weeks) Tickets, Friday, October 9  •  6 PM - 7 PM UTC | Eventbrite

This 3-week course explains key areas of antagonism in writing - characters, external forces and the self. Runs 9th, 16th & 23rd October.

Writing Chapter Books weekend - 17^th & 18^th October

These writing weekends are always brilliant fun! We’ll be exploring books for 5-9 year-olds in this fun, fast-track weekend - equivalent to an 8-week course.
Sessions include:

• Exploring the world of chapter books

• How to create an outstanding series

• Common pitfalls to avoid

• Submitting chapter books

• Language as a power tool

• Tips, tricks & clever bits

• Adapting picture book texts

• Workshop session

PLUS:

• Daily Q & A sessions

• Practical exercises

• Breakout rooms (optional)

• Limited 1:1 editorial sessions (optional add-on: £15 for 15 mins). First come, first served. Emails will be sent with further information after ticket purchase - please check your junk folder.

Main sessions will be recorded if you’re unable to make any or all of the weekend. Please feel free to join us as and when you can throughout the weekend.

At time of writing, only 13 places left, so please don’t leave it too long to book if you’re interested:

Writing for Children: Chapter Book Weekend (Sat 17th & Sun 18th October) Tickets, Saturday, October 17  •  8:30 AM - 3 PM UTC | Eventbrite

Take a deep dive into the world of chapter books for 5-9 year olds in this fast-track weekend - the equivalent of an 8-week course.

£100 plus Eventbrite admin fee.

Writing Fantasy, 2^nd, 9^th & 16^th November

Just a date for your diary at the moment. It’s not quite ready to book yet, but if you’d like to write magical, fantastical stories for any age, this is for you.

COMPETITIONS

WRITING MAGAZINE CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE

A reminder that the Writing Magazine Children’s Book Prize is open for submissions until 31^st October. Good luck if you’re entering! For more information and to enter:

Writing for Children - Chapter Book Prize - Writers Online

Writing for Children - Picture Book Prize 2026 - Writers Online

COACHING COMPETITION

Another FREE 30-minute coaching session is up for grabs this month, to help coaching become accessible to all. The session is worth £30 and the winner is chosen via a lucky draw.

If you want to enter, please email [email protected] with COACHING 5.10.26 in the title. All entries must be received by Wednesday 7th October 23:59GMT. I will contact the winner directly, so if you haven’t heard anything, please assume you’ve not won, but do try again next time!

STORY GODMOTHER WRITING COMMUNITY

Do you use Facebook? Great – join the Story Godmother Writing Community on Facebook. It’s a free, private and friendly group, where writers can share encouragement, thoughts or interesting finds. I also share weekly writing tips, and I’m there to answer any questions you have. Come and join us! Story Godmother Writing Community

It’s a private group and a friendly bunch – a safe space for you to grow as a writer. And it’s absolutely free.

If you request to join, please do make sure you answer the membership questions and agree to the group rules otherwise you cannot be admitted.

END NOTES

Have a lovely October and hope to see you along the way!

If you have suggestions of anything you’d like to see featured here in the Character Corner, Resources, or courses you’d enjoy, please do drop me a line at [email protected]

Happy writing, and speak to you soon!

Amy
Story Godmother
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