Writer for Animation, Film, Television, Books, Comics and Audio
I often use Story Cubes at schools and workshops to get ideas started. They’re a really useful and fun tool, and they prove that even the most reluctant storyteller can come up with ideas. I recently did a workshop for the Creative Factory in Stockton-on-Tees. Creative Factory is a group of young people who meet weekly …
“Here’s the challenge, Niel: you’ve got a month to do the next draft of The Death of Goldilocks. Thirty three chapters in thirty days. Are you in?” Yeah, I was in all right, right up to my neck! It was a good idea but hopelessly optimistic! (I might get that put on my tombstone.) I’m about halfway …
Chapter 14 is my home now. Almost halfway. Ah well, I’ll finish when I finish, but it’s not going to be by the end of the month, that’s for sure! Still, I’ve made some good progress this week, and even did a reccy of some of the book’s London locations. I took a walk up and …
This is like wading through treacle! The last few chapters are almost completely new so I’m waaay behind where I wanted to be. That said there’s been some interesting stuff gone into this draft. I’ll need to re-read it all to make sure I’m happy with it at the end but I think it’s OK …
One week in to my June editing challenge and I’m doing OK. I’m up to chapter 7, so I’m a bit behind schedule, but one of those chapters is almost completely new. I’m hoping I can pick up some pace this week but I’m entering a part of the book that needs some serious thought. …
“Something followed me out of my dream. No, not some thing. Some one. Someone followed me out of my dream. He’s watching me now from the end of the bed. He’s called Scissors.” I’ve just finished a short story for the National Literacy Trust for their Premier League Reading Stars programme. Scissors is a creepy …
“Here’s the challenge, Niel: you’ve got a month to do the next draft of The Death of Goldilocks. Thirty three chapters in thirty days. Are you in?” This is the voice in my head, always challenging me, always taunting me, except when it’s singing songs I hate, or deleting important memories and replacing them with …
Earlier this month I met up with Cameron K McEwan, broadcaster, writer, actor and owner of the popular Blogtor Who website. Cameron has written two books about Doctor Who, both of which are well worth buying. I picked up his latest work on a recent visit to London’s Forbidden Planet (£3 off no less!) and …
Regular visitors to my blog might recall my post last year about the Amazing Story Steps at the District CE Primary School in Newton-le-Willows. I’m Patron of Reading there and I’m honoured to be included on their steps. It’s such a simple, clever way to promote reading and I couldn’t wait to see it for myself …