Category Archives: Writing

Getting Better All The time

Posted on August 31, 2015 by merlenygate

Why does traditional publishing get so excited about debut novels? I understand that there’s excitement to be had about the next big thing, the new model, latest craze, fresh, original, up to the minute, must have, must read book . … Continue reading →

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Writer’s Block – Myth or Reality?

Posted on May 31, 2015 by merlenygate

I recently script edited a talented writer who wrote a terrific story outline, an excellent scene-by-scene breakdown but, when it came to the first draft, instead of flying through it and delivering on the promise of her preparation, she not … Continue reading →

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The Hundred Rule

Posted on April 30, 2015 by merlenygate

We’re all familiar with the magic of the number 3 whether it’s three act structure; birth marriage, death; Three Little Pigs, Wishes, Stooges, Bears and so on. There is mysticism about the number 3 and there’s even a Latin expression, … Continue reading →

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Taking Stories Apart

Posted on February 28, 2015 by merlenygate

Recently I gave a writer some screenwriting advice and like most of my suggestions to other people – it’s something I needed to do myself. If you admire the writing of any TV show or film or novel, or you … Continue reading →

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Schooldays and Amazon

Posted on December 17, 2014 by merlenygate

About twenty godzillion years ago I was in school, and by ‘school’ I don’t mean cool kid Buffy/Twilight sexy adolescent. I mean braces, zits and grubby school uniform. The class had to vote for a representative. The duties were probably … Continue reading →

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Audible Sound Bites

Posted on November 25, 2014 by merlenygate

To celebrate the release on Audible and iTunes of Short Season, a Darkbridge story, I have discounted my first Darkbridge novel, Be My Friend for one week. I also made a perfect Christmas pudding. If you email me at merle@merlenygate.com, … Continue reading →

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Top Tips for Author Interviews on Radio

Posted on October 15, 2014 by merlenygate

Yesterday I did my first author interview on Brooklands Radio, in Weybridge, Surrey for Be My Friend, the first in the Darkbridge series of psychological suspense novels. I was nervous because although I’ve talked to groups of people, the last … Continue reading →

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Be My Friend

Posted on October 2, 2014 by merlenygate

Next week, October 10th, my first full novel will be available on Amazon. For a script editor, it’s a little odd to be sitting on the other side of the table, waiting for the feedback, waiting for the tough review, … Continue reading →

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Short Cuts and Dirty Writing Tricks: How to Keep Your Story Outline in Proportion

Posted on August 31, 2014 by merlenygate

Most screenwriting writers will have experienced the treatment/outline writing dilemma, whether it’s for a feature, short film, TV episode, audio drama, or any other preliminary blueprint for the final version. The process is sometimes: outline (a present tense, 1-3 page … Continue reading →

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How to Structure An Emotional Arc

Posted on July 31, 2014 by merlenygate

In a single narrative, it’s satisfying to an audience if the character changes. It doesn’t matter whether the character is a better or worse person, what’s important is that they’re not emotionally static. So the obstacles that you throw at … Continue reading →

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