blogs

Edgy and entertaining insights from the dangerously-talented writers in the Colony…explore at your pleasure

To receive an occasional summary digest by email, simply click below

Postcards from Earth

Su Toulson

Dear Grandpoppypops Wish you were here? Look at the size of the stamps now! So much larger than the penny black you showed me from…

Read More about Postcards from Earth

A Bowl o’ Stew

John Duffy

Flann O’Brien’s much-loved character – The Brother – transported to the 21st century. What would he make of contemporary trends and fads? This episode imagines…

Read More about A Bowl o’ Stew

Writing Distractions. Oh my!

James Charles

This is my first post on this forum, so I wanted to do something short and light. What types of distractions interrupt you when you’re…

Read More about Writing Distractions. Oh my!

Details Matter

Matt Schofield

My first day as a professional writer, I lifted a police report from the pile at the Coffeyville station and read “Murder.” Now, this was…

Read More about Details Matter

Writing Different Genres

Claire Gallagher

First Things First I’ve never understood people who have a favourite song, book or film. Surely your choice depends on your mood. It’s the same…

Read More about Writing Different Genres

The Magnificent 7 Leave Switzerland

Pamela Jo Keeley

Lucky seven they say, but the morning I had to load that many strong-minded mustangs onto a lorry at the top of the Swiss Alps…

Read More about The Magnificent 7 Leave Switzerland

If You’re Reading, You’re Writing

Bev Dalton

Hands up anyone who’s had a bit of writer’s block? Looking around I can see that’s pretty much all of us, right? Even you at…

Read More about If You’re Reading, You’re Writing

Litopia Book Club Selections February – September​ 2024

Peter Cox

I’m delighted to give you an early peek into this year’s Litopia Book Club selections, together with relevant purchase links.  It’s a particularly strong and…

Read More about Litopia Book Club Selections February – September​ 2024

Writers Beware – The Seminar Goldrush

Peter Cox

Selling highly-priced, poor-value seminars and writing courses to aspiring authors isn’t just unethical – it’s also damaging to the publishing industry, says Litopia’s Peter Cox…

Read More about Writers Beware – The Seminar Goldrush

Get The Digest

Subscribe to our occasional email featuring all the best writing from the Colony.

Free to subscribe, unsubscribe whenever you want (but we don't think you'll want to!)

Basic Membership Is Free.

Explore the net’s original writers’ colony. Get your work critiqued in our Writing Lab. Learn how to get an agent – or dive into the burgeoning world of self-publishing. We’re with you every step of the way.

Full Membership Is Only $149.95 For An Entire Year

Everything in Basic Membership plus unlimited access to all our writing seminars and unlimited access to our weekly live Writers’ Huddles for mentoring & coaching… Simply the best value on the ‘net.