writer – Andrew Sharp Fantasy Author

New addition to the family

Not getting much writing or reading done at the moment as we have an 11 week old puppy – Maggie-Mai. A golden retriever, old english sheepdog cross. She’s black in colour now but will gradually change to an old english pattern.

Final decision – no newsletter

So, the decision to do a newsletter was a long deliberation before I decided to do it. I researched all that I could, signed up to EmailOctopus (free account), created a template and started working on content. Then I looked at all the work I still need to do before I die. I’m not beingContinue reading “Final decision – no newsletter”

As I’m considering my first author newsletter, here is a bit about me.

For anyone who might be interested in my newsletter or work. I went to a school where writing 5000 words was a punishment in detention. I always wrote over 5000 on whatever weird subject title they gave me. At that time, I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer. In those days, I alsoContinue reading “As I’m considering my first author newsletter, here is a bit about me.”

Balance

Good & Evil Hot & Cold Both fight the same battle Each desires to win Good & Evil Hot & Cold Fight in the same water A balance is achieved Good & Evil Hot & Cold Where one enters it dominates Where both meet a balance Good & Evil Hot & Cold Life offers bothContinue reading “Balance”

My first painting for 2025

My first acrylic of the year 80x60x2 cm – title, Wish Tree. I know, I’m slacking on the painting front. However, 41,802 words written for the second book of my new fantasy series. Book one out later this year as I’ve submitted it to 7 agents for representation. 3 have said no already, but comeContinue reading “My first painting for 2025”

Writers should read a lot.

I did a post in September 2024 that maybe suggested a writer should not read. I want to clarify that is not specifically what I meant. Writers should read as often as they can or have a strong history of reading their genre. I aimed my former post at reading while intensely writing. While deeplyContinue reading “Writers should read a lot.”

Traditional Vs self-publishing

Nearly every writer wants a traditionally published novel or book. It’s considered an achievement of recognition for their skill and the years of effort they have put in. However, many self-published authors have succeeded too. Then there are the traditional authors that, with a publishing house, agent, and ghostwriters, have a top selling book butContinue reading “Traditional Vs self-publishing”

Writers have to write everyday

Many famous writers give this advice, but it’s wrong. However, writing regularly and improving your writing skills is a good habit to form. I need to write several times a week, otherwise I might lose the flow of my book. I have a life outside my writing and so cannot commit to every day, butContinue reading “Writers have to write everyday”

Simplify your writing

“If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.” – Albert Einstein. Verbosity is not the key, but neither is simple, dumb writing. Your voice needs to read easily, but influence and convey the meaning. But not in every detail, as you need to let the reader’s own mind fill inContinue reading “Simplify your writing”

Embrace failure as a writer and/or artist

One thing I agree with, that nearly all the successful writers say, is that you must learn to handle criticism, and face rejection and failure. Whether you’re rejected by an agent, fail to get a publishing deal, or have your stories, pitches, art, or poems rejected by publications, you must remember that failure is anContinue reading “Embrace failure as a writer and/or artist”