Travelling and writing have always gone well together. There is nothing better to awaken your creativity than to shake up your routine and get out on the road (Kerouac had the right idea!). Of course, not every holiday needs...
An interesting plot may entice someone to pick up your book, but it's the characters you create that will keep readers coming back for more. A character is the reader's connection to the storyline: the eyes and ears through which...
Writing, like any other pursuit, must be undertaken regularly in order to develop your skills and techniques. It is important to figure out a routine that works for you and stick to it, but if you are having trouble...
One of our very first Paperblanks journal collections featured 19th-century botanical illustrations on the covers. Ever since then, we have been in love with the idea of combining the splendour of nature with journalling, and what better way to...
A foundational course in most philosophy programs is "Critical Thinking," and the lessons it imparts can be applied to all endeavours and academic pursuits. Of course, this includes writing.
Critical thinking is all about learning to ignore your gut instincts...
Searching for that perfect word or phrase to use in your writing can be a frustrating endeavour. The thesaurus isn't turning up anything that quite captures what you're trying to express and you know the perfect word choice is just...
If there is one thing we consistently hear, it is that our journals are pretty darn beautiful. Unfortunately, this compliment is often followed up with a note about how the books are so gorgeous that they are intimidating to...
The great part about being an aspiring writer is that advice and inspiration are never too far away. Writing is an art as old as time, and over the centuries those who call themselves "writers" have taken to philosophising...
We don't refer to our journals as "companions" for nothing – when you get into the habit of daily writing, a journal can function as a confidant, co-conspirator and encouraging friend. Writing down your private thoughts, as opposed to...
If it seems difficult to fit all your ideas into one novel, then writing a short story feels like an impossible hurdle. However, if you are celebrating National Short Story Month or taking part in the Story-a-Day Challenge, you...