Is it the fear of missing out that drives us to spend so much time on social media? I wonder about this, as I sit watching a group of teenage girls, supposedly hanging out together. Each of them is individually engrossed in something on the screens of their...
It looks as though testing in primary schools may be changing once again, with the abolition of SATS at Key Stage 1. Almost a year ago, my son was due to sit the new-style SATS tests and I was one of the thousands of parents who took part in the Kids Strike in...
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s awareness to the present moment There is some evidence that mindfulness may be helpful in reducing anxiety, depression and stress, as well as improving wellbeing, attention, focus and cognitive skills. The Government are...
Like many children growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, our childhood was all about the outdoors I often talk to my children about the street where I grew up. It was a 1960’s-built cul-de-sac, not untypical of that era, lined on each side with matching semi-detached...
Diverse or niche, which is the best way for a freelance writer to go? I went to a marketing lecture for small business owners recently and came away wondering what it is I actually do. I don't have a niche: my writing covers many fields, from copywriting for other...
Baby X is a clever debut by Rebecca Ann Smith that asks so many questions about the ethics of modern science as it delves into the world of IVF. Dr Alex Mansfield, a pioneer in the world of reproductive research, known as IVG, has gestated a fetus in an artificial...
Follow my blog with Bloglovin We watched a film called Zootropolis last weekend. The animals live together in a civilised society until one day, some of them begin to turn savage. The protagonist (a bunny cop!) makes the connection that these savage animals are...
Why is it whenever I encounter someone with an inspiring attitude, nine times out of ten that person has suffered, or is suffering some adversity? The most positive people I know, understand what it is to feel loss, pain or suffering and yet you would never know. They...
There's been no post from me this year about new year's resolutions. I don't tend to do them anymore. This time last year I was ill, so despite a shaky start to the year, it's already been an improvement on the last one. There hasn't been much writing going on though....
As Christmas approaches, I haven't seen or heard much stressing about having so much to do and so little time. Yes, it's been a busy term with lots of things going on, and the big day is looming, but it seems people around me are embracing the Christmas spirit and all...
I went to a business networking meeting last week where there was a talk about marketing and selling your story. It involved some group discussion as the presenter talked us through the seven P's, namely: passion, principles, purpose, personality, position, people and...
As I approach the end of the year and another birthday, I can’t help thinking what a crazy one it’s been. I wasn’t looking forward to turning 40 last year. As you may know, I kicked and screamed my way in to the next decade and I was determined to make the most of it...
On the day that Thomas Mair was convicted of the murder of MP Jo Cox, I'm heartened to see so much positivity about her life and what she stood for. Jo's amazing, brave sister, Kim talked about continuing Jo's legacy of compassion, tolerance, acceptance and...
My troublesome YA novel has been put firmly to one side whilst I've been concentrating on my middle grade books. However, it's always on my mind and now and again, I go back to it to continue formulating a plan of how I'm going to tackle it. Things got even...
I think it's so useful to get advice from other authors and I will absorb all the information I can get my hands on to help navigate through this complex business. Back in July, author Karen Inglis shared her writing process in an interview I did with her. Today it's...
I'm celebrating a work anniversary - five years at Nicola Young Copywriter. That's according to LinkedIn anyway and the lovely followers who sent me a message of congratulations on the day. This milestone passed me by because I've been copywriting for much longer than...
Writing a story is the fun part. If I have a story idea, it burns a hole in my head until I can get it out. Fingers connect to keyboard and the circuit is complete to let those words flow through. Then I get to the end and congratulate myself on a job well done....
I have exciting news from Nikki Young Writes and I've been bursting to share it. My first book is going to be published soon! Many of you who follow this blog will know I spent a lot of last year working on my young adult manuscript. I finished a second draft and...
Oy is a waif. Except he doesn't know it. He doesn't know anything about who he is or where he came from. Hiding out in the back alley of a bakery is all he has ever known, until he is captured. When the waif-snatchers ensnare him in their net and deliver him into the...
As a blogger, I share a lot about the things going on in my life, both the good and bad, but you don't always get to hear the background stuff; the bits that most probably shaped my life and made me the person I am today. In response to a challenge from Renee at Mummy...