H M Hulme
Writer of literary historical fiction set in the First World War. Revising my first book, writing the next, seeking representation. Rather chuffed to be long-listed for Historical Writers Association Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition 2019. Mountaineer, gardener, traveller, reader. Africa, modern history, coffee, roses, and unrealistic romance. NHS midwife in a former life.
Blog Archives
Best left unsaid?
A skilful writer can leave much unsaid – because she trusts her reader. Continue reading
On writing only what you know
The best way to end up with something dead on the page? Write only what you know. Continue reading
Raising the stakes
I’ve become a teeny-weeny bit wary of writing exercises because they can so easily become yet another excuse not to actually write. But there are exceptions! Continue reading
In praise of … Ulysses
Shout out for Ulysses, the new techie love of my life and “the ultimate writing app for Mac”. Ulysses is like a blank sheet of paper in a typewriter; no clutter, few options – but lots of behind-the-scenes functionality, a … Continue reading
The awful attraction of war
I’ve had this quote on a virtual sticky note on my MacBook for several months and I want to tidy it away. It’s taken from a piece in the London Review of Books several years back on Pat Barker’s Regeneration trilogy … Continue reading
What readers want from historical fiction
My job is to tell a bloody good story set in a world that conveys “a sense of historical truth”. Continue reading
Hilary Mantel on the “deception” of empowering female characters in history
Characters should operate within the ethical framework of their day – even if this shocks readers. Continue reading
So you want to be a writer? Essential tips for aspiring novelists
Unbloat your plot and “whisper something beautiful”. Continue reading
Ten rules for writing fiction 2
Writing novels means the crafty, patient, selfless construction of effects. Continue reading
Ten rules for writing fiction 1
The first 12 years are the worse. Continue reading
