I write articles on various subjects, but mainly writing, gardening and nature. These appear in magazines and online. I’ve also written one, and co-authored another, book for writers.

A Year Of Ideas: 365 sets of writing prompts and exercises.

All writers need ideas. We need topics and themes, prompts to get started and a little encouragement to keep going. New writers may be wondering where to begin, daunted by a blank page and want help to transform thoughts into fiction. Even the most experienced have dry periods when ideas don’t flow, or times when they appreciate a push to try something different.

Patsy Collins’ methods are proven to work. She’s employed them at workshops where she’s never failed to get her attendees, from brand new and nervous to burnt out, not just writing but producing interesting scenes, snippets and stories.

Each of the daily sets of prompts in this book have been used in some way by Patsy, to create her own work. She needs a lot of ideas as she’s completed five novels, co-written From Story Idea to Reader (an accessible guide to writing fiction) and produced nineteen collections of themed short stories, averaging two dozen per book. Hundreds and hundreds of her short stories have been published – mainly in women’s magazines. She blogs, writes articles, wins competitions and is always working on something new.

Whether you’re a new writer, or a more experienced one temporarily out of ideas, have hours to fill or just five free minutes, you’ll find something in this book to help get you writing – every day of the year.

From Story Idea to Reader (co-written with Rosemary J. Kind) is an easily accessible guide to writing fiction. Whether you are brushing up on your writing skills or starting out, this book will take you through the whole process from inspiration to conclusion.

Between Rosemary Kind and I have sold hundreds of short stories, written sixteen published books and produced numerous articles for Writing Magazine and similar publications. We’ve both judged writing competitions and run workshops, and Rosemary has read and edited thousands of short stories and published dozens of books for other writers.

With the information, help and encouragement in this book, you too could see your work in print.