This weekend brought over one hundred writers to the annual Scottish Association of Writers Conference at the Westerwood Hotel in Cumbernauld, an event eagerly anticipated from one year to the next.   This 57 th  conference did not disappoint, with its mix of workshops, speakers, competitions and fun after-dinner quizzes, plus the quantity of food, coffee and tea breaks. More than anything else, it is always an opportunity to meet-up with people from writing groups all over S

We’re half way through February already and I’ve neglected the blog since the new year began. I don’t make resolutions but I have enjoyed using this dreich winter weather as an excuse to organise various things in the home, study, and writing files, in between general appointments.   It has also been a good time for reflection, for reading new and sometimes completely different types of books and for trying to decide exactly what direction I wish to take my writing. As always

It’s the time of year when we can cosy down and enjoy the darker evenings as we approach the Winter Solstice on 21 st  December, preferably with a book in hand. As this is my favourite time of year, I don’t yet want to think of the days beginning to get longer (unlike my husband) so I appreciate every day of autumn into winter.   I wanted to make one of my full-length novels free as a gift for this time of year, so what better than Midwinter Masquerade , a historical novel se

I'm very pleased to be interviewed on daughter Victoria Gemmell's blog today where I've tried to answer the questions as fully as possible! It's almost a year since my collection of short stories, articles and poetry, with some of my own photos, was published so it was a good way to mention Words for all Seasons again as it's a celebration of the different types of writing I do. You can read the interview here . Rosemary

It’s that time of year again, when many towns and villages, as well as shops and garden centres, turn to the spookier side of autumn as...

I had never intended my first Maryanne novella, Mischief at Mulberry Manor , to become part of a series. A sweet Victorian ghost story...

I’ve mentioned before that my favourite form of transport is the train, no matter how long or short the journey. And I especially love a...

We all have different ways of writing, sometimes in a variety of places. I’ve written before about my preference for writing with pen and...

Kelpies Sometimes ideas spring fully formed when I’m writing while at other times the muse goes walkabout. One of my poems, ‘ Where...

Today I decided to delete my Substack account. I haven’t been on it that long and only published two posts and a few notes, but already...

We’re now back from an amazing holiday to Switzerland with Great Rail Journeys. Since we’ve travelled a lot, we wanted something...

Like most writers, I adore pens and pencils and stationery of all kinds and what better time to take stock on supplies than at the...

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas or Winter Yuletide, according to how you celebrate this festive season. Thank you for all the support...

My latest publication is now available and is a little departure from my usual books. Words for all Seasons is a collection of some of...

I’m very pleased to introduce long-time writing friend Ann Burnett to the blog today. Although a well-published author of non-fiction,...

Since it’s spooky season, and my birthday this weekend, I thought you might like a free read of my Halloween story, Samhain, which is...

Many writers know that short stories can often be more difficult to write than novels, as the word count is greatly restricted. Imagine...

We’ve just had a wonderful visit to Rosslyn Chapel at last! I’ve been wanting to see inside it for ages and it wasn’t too busy today so...

It gives me great pleasure to welcome my talented daughter, Victoria Gemmell (aka Vikki Andres), to my blog. Having two published YA...

Writing a letter to a magazine or newspaper is often the way in which writers first see their name in print. You might even get paid for...