Charlie Wilson
@charliepippawilson.bsky.social
Author, book editor & writing coach. Mum/juggler. Wonky crafter. Biscuit dunker. Daydream believer. https://charliepippawilson.com/
Serious book-buying habit = lots of @waterstones.bsky.social loyalty points = free bookish stuff. In this case, my daughter talked me into these washing-up sponges. Surely too fabulous to use, though?
📚 #booksky, #bookworm, #bookish #booklover #bibliophile
📚 #booksky, #bookworm, #bookish #booklover #bibliophile
February 3, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Serious book-buying habit = lots of @waterstones.bsky.social loyalty points = free bookish stuff. In this case, my daughter talked me into these washing-up sponges. Surely too fabulous to use, though?
📚 #booksky, #bookworm, #bookish #booklover #bibliophile
📚 #booksky, #bookworm, #bookish #booklover #bibliophile
Whenever I share something I've written, I want to preface it with this (from the poem 'Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven'). I'd like to live in a world where we all tread softly when someone has been brave enough to share their dreams. #writesky #writing #amwriting #writerlife #writingcommunity
January 29, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Whenever I share something I've written, I want to preface it with this (from the poem 'Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven'). I'd like to live in a world where we all tread softly when someone has been brave enough to share their dreams. #writesky #writing #amwriting #writerlife #writingcommunity
Key takeaway: don't underestimate little women. (Or, indeed, Little Women, though I'm yet to add that clothbound to my collection.)
#booksbooksbooks #booksky #bookworm #booklover #bibliophile #bookcommunity
#booksbooksbooks #booksky #bookworm #booklover #bibliophile #bookcommunity
January 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Key takeaway: don't underestimate little women. (Or, indeed, Little Women, though I'm yet to add that clothbound to my collection.)
#booksbooksbooks #booksky #bookworm #booklover #bibliophile #bookcommunity
#booksbooksbooks #booksky #bookworm #booklover #bibliophile #bookcommunity
I'm finding it so much easier to edit my work-in-progress on paper. And it feels like I'm actually creating a tangible thing.
Of course, editing on paper is also appealing because... Cafe. Hot chocolate. Cake.
#amwriting #amediting #writingcommunity #writinglife #writesky
Of course, editing on paper is also appealing because... Cafe. Hot chocolate. Cake.
#amwriting #amediting #writingcommunity #writinglife #writesky
January 20, 2026 at 3:04 PM
I'm finding it so much easier to edit my work-in-progress on paper. And it feels like I'm actually creating a tangible thing.
Of course, editing on paper is also appealing because... Cafe. Hot chocolate. Cake.
#amwriting #amediting #writingcommunity #writinglife #writesky
Of course, editing on paper is also appealing because... Cafe. Hot chocolate. Cake.
#amwriting #amediting #writingcommunity #writinglife #writesky
If your heart’s not in it – if you’re writing robotically, or to conform with genre norms at the expense of the truths you ache to tell – where’s the joy in that? Where’s the ‘you’ in that?
#writesky #writingquote #writing #amwriting #writerlife #writingcommunity
#writesky #writingquote #writing #amwriting #writerlife #writingcommunity
January 9, 2026 at 7:57 AM
If your heart’s not in it – if you’re writing robotically, or to conform with genre norms at the expense of the truths you ache to tell – where’s the joy in that? Where’s the ‘you’ in that?
#writesky #writingquote #writing #amwriting #writerlife #writingcommunity
#writesky #writingquote #writing #amwriting #writerlife #writingcommunity
A publisher has posted a full-time proofreading job with this key point: 'The standard of work expected is 100% perfection.' All day, every day.
I've never known a publisher to demand this impossible feat. Not a job for me, for I am in fact human.
#proofreader #proofreading #editor #editing
I've never known a publisher to demand this impossible feat. Not a job for me, for I am in fact human.
#proofreader #proofreading #editor #editing
January 5, 2026 at 11:20 AM
A publisher has posted a full-time proofreading job with this key point: 'The standard of work expected is 100% perfection.' All day, every day.
I've never known a publisher to demand this impossible feat. Not a job for me, for I am in fact human.
#proofreader #proofreading #editor #editing
I've never known a publisher to demand this impossible feat. Not a job for me, for I am in fact human.
#proofreader #proofreading #editor #editing
The only writing resolution I've ever managed to stick to. It frees me from the frustration of Big Writing Plans being constantly thwarted by work, parenting, health etc. Perhaps it would work for you too?
#writingcommunity #writinglife #writing #writer #writesky
#writingcommunity #writinglife #writing #writer #writesky
January 2, 2026 at 4:56 PM
The only writing resolution I've ever managed to stick to. It frees me from the frustration of Big Writing Plans being constantly thwarted by work, parenting, health etc. Perhaps it would work for you too?
#writingcommunity #writinglife #writing #writer #writesky
#writingcommunity #writinglife #writing #writer #writesky
Write happy. Write sad. Write angry, shamed, scared. Write all of the bits of you that you hide. Write what needs to come out. Write your truths, for you.
That is all.
Well, and a picture of a field of sheep.
#amwri̇ti̇ng #writing #writer #writingcommunity #writerlife #writesky
That is all.
Well, and a picture of a field of sheep.
#amwri̇ti̇ng #writing #writer #writingcommunity #writerlife #writesky
December 12, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Write happy. Write sad. Write angry, shamed, scared. Write all of the bits of you that you hide. Write what needs to come out. Write your truths, for you.
That is all.
Well, and a picture of a field of sheep.
#amwri̇ti̇ng #writing #writer #writingcommunity #writerlife #writesky
That is all.
Well, and a picture of a field of sheep.
#amwri̇ti̇ng #writing #writer #writingcommunity #writerlife #writesky
A friend and I have been discussing favourite childhood books (inspired by the new Magic Faraway Tree film). For me, these books were the best: adventure and fun – magic – silliness – comfort – friendship. Which books did you love?
#books #reading #booklover #bookworm #booksaremagic #booksaremylife
#books #reading #booklover #bookworm #booksaremagic #booksaremylife
December 3, 2025 at 9:25 AM
A friend and I have been discussing favourite childhood books (inspired by the new Magic Faraway Tree film). For me, these books were the best: adventure and fun – magic – silliness – comfort – friendship. Which books did you love?
#books #reading #booklover #bookworm #booksaremagic #booksaremylife
#books #reading #booklover #bookworm #booksaremagic #booksaremylife
My muse is fired up after a visit to Newstead Abbey, ancestral home of the Romantic poet Lord Byron. Beautiful, historic, broody – and fabulously festive thanks to its Fairytale Christmas.
#newsteadabbey #nottingham #nottinghamshire #historicbuildings #poetry #englishliterature #writingcommunity
#newsteadabbey #nottingham #nottinghamshire #historicbuildings #poetry #englishliterature #writingcommunity
November 24, 2025 at 10:26 AM
My muse is fired up after a visit to Newstead Abbey, ancestral home of the Romantic poet Lord Byron. Beautiful, historic, broody – and fabulously festive thanks to its Fairytale Christmas.
#newsteadabbey #nottingham #nottinghamshire #historicbuildings #poetry #englishliterature #writingcommunity
#newsteadabbey #nottingham #nottinghamshire #historicbuildings #poetry #englishliterature #writingcommunity
Reposted by Charlie Wilson
Unsolicited writing advice, no. 230:
Be honest. Write what you care about. Give of yourself. If you try to hold back, you'll fail to connect with your readers. (And yes, it feels scary, being vulnerable. Do it anyway.)
Be honest. Write what you care about. Give of yourself. If you try to hold back, you'll fail to connect with your readers. (And yes, it feels scary, being vulnerable. Do it anyway.)
November 19, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Unsolicited writing advice, no. 230:
Be honest. Write what you care about. Give of yourself. If you try to hold back, you'll fail to connect with your readers. (And yes, it feels scary, being vulnerable. Do it anyway.)
Be honest. Write what you care about. Give of yourself. If you try to hold back, you'll fail to connect with your readers. (And yes, it feels scary, being vulnerable. Do it anyway.)
As I explain in my blog post 'You can’t pad your novel with a bath sponge', you can totally get away with padding a cake. But not your writing. Pad with fluff and filler, and you risk losing your reader's attention. More at: charliepippawilson.com/novel-sponge #writing #writer #bookeditor
November 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM
As I explain in my blog post 'You can’t pad your novel with a bath sponge', you can totally get away with padding a cake. But not your writing. Pad with fluff and filler, and you risk losing your reader's attention. More at: charliepippawilson.com/novel-sponge #writing #writer #bookeditor
For 20 years, I wore my 'Business Hat', but good grief did it itch. So now I wear a hat that's much more me: soft and colourful. Because it turns out you can be both professional AND creative. charliepippawilson.com/business-hat/
#freelancing #creativebusiness #creativejourney #creativelife
#freelancing #creativebusiness #creativejourney #creativelife
November 12, 2025 at 9:19 AM
For 20 years, I wore my 'Business Hat', but good grief did it itch. So now I wear a hat that's much more me: soft and colourful. Because it turns out you can be both professional AND creative. charliepippawilson.com/business-hat/
#freelancing #creativebusiness #creativejourney #creativelife
#freelancing #creativebusiness #creativejourney #creativelife
This is me – #writer, #editor, #booklover – as drawn by the fabulous @katieabey.bsky.social.
YOUR words and voice matter too, and carry power. What are you #writing, or aching to write? What do you need to say?
YOUR words and voice matter too, and carry power. What are you #writing, or aching to write? What do you need to say?
November 10, 2025 at 7:12 PM
This is me – #writer, #editor, #booklover – as drawn by the fabulous @katieabey.bsky.social.
YOUR words and voice matter too, and carry power. What are you #writing, or aching to write? What do you need to say?
YOUR words and voice matter too, and carry power. What are you #writing, or aching to write? What do you need to say?
Reposted by Charlie Wilson
Unsolicited writing advice, no. 668:
All authors need an editor. Your editor is your first reader; gives feedback; sees the things you're too close to see. A good editor knows the genre you're writing in; understands the business; knows how to help you make your book as good as it can possibly be.
All authors need an editor. Your editor is your first reader; gives feedback; sees the things you're too close to see. A good editor knows the genre you're writing in; understands the business; knows how to help you make your book as good as it can possibly be.
July 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Unsolicited writing advice, no. 668:
All authors need an editor. Your editor is your first reader; gives feedback; sees the things you're too close to see. A good editor knows the genre you're writing in; understands the business; knows how to help you make your book as good as it can possibly be.
All authors need an editor. Your editor is your first reader; gives feedback; sees the things you're too close to see. A good editor knows the genre you're writing in; understands the business; knows how to help you make your book as good as it can possibly be.
Four days until the kids' summer hols. Plan to do a LOT of editing in that time. Deep, focused work in silence: glorious.
Then realise I only have two days, really, when accounting for all the interruptions: appointments, school careers morning, school play, etc.
Ah well. On with the juggle.
Then realise I only have two days, really, when accounting for all the interruptions: appointments, school careers morning, school play, etc.
Ah well. On with the juggle.
July 22, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Four days until the kids' summer hols. Plan to do a LOT of editing in that time. Deep, focused work in silence: glorious.
Then realise I only have two days, really, when accounting for all the interruptions: appointments, school careers morning, school play, etc.
Ah well. On with the juggle.
Then realise I only have two days, really, when accounting for all the interruptions: appointments, school careers morning, school play, etc.
Ah well. On with the juggle.
My old library at @uniofnottingham.bsky.social is just as it was 25 years ago - still that heady smell of old books and signs reminding us to shhhh. But also not just as it was. A café with book-lover cushions on comfy sofas? Never in my day. I am a fan.
#booksky #books #libraries #nottingham
#booksky #books #libraries #nottingham
July 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
My old library at @uniofnottingham.bsky.social is just as it was 25 years ago - still that heady smell of old books and signs reminding us to shhhh. But also not just as it was. A café with book-lover cushions on comfy sofas? Never in my day. I am a fan.
#booksky #books #libraries #nottingham
#booksky #books #libraries #nottingham
My oldest book, dating to 1976.
There's such comfort in revisiting books from childhood. I wish I had every book I ever loved as a child.
Please don't coax children to clear out books without careful thought!
#booksky #books #oldbooks #readingcommunity #childrensbooks
There's such comfort in revisiting books from childhood. I wish I had every book I ever loved as a child.
Please don't coax children to clear out books without careful thought!
#booksky #books #oldbooks #readingcommunity #childrensbooks
July 16, 2025 at 1:48 PM
My oldest book, dating to 1976.
There's such comfort in revisiting books from childhood. I wish I had every book I ever loved as a child.
Please don't coax children to clear out books without careful thought!
#booksky #books #oldbooks #readingcommunity #childrensbooks
There's such comfort in revisiting books from childhood. I wish I had every book I ever loved as a child.
Please don't coax children to clear out books without careful thought!
#booksky #books #oldbooks #readingcommunity #childrensbooks
Reposted by Charlie Wilson
Do you fancy the chance of winning £1000 for your writing?!
Well, the Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2025 is now open for entries and the 1st prize is just that.
Open internationally and with no set theme, genre or subject, anyone can enter!
Find out more here⬇️
bit.ly/CWICOMP
Well, the Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2025 is now open for entries and the 1st prize is just that.
Open internationally and with no set theme, genre or subject, anyone can enter!
Find out more here⬇️
bit.ly/CWICOMP
July 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Do you fancy the chance of winning £1000 for your writing?!
Well, the Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2025 is now open for entries and the 1st prize is just that.
Open internationally and with no set theme, genre or subject, anyone can enter!
Find out more here⬇️
bit.ly/CWICOMP
Well, the Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2025 is now open for entries and the 1st prize is just that.
Open internationally and with no set theme, genre or subject, anyone can enter!
Find out more here⬇️
bit.ly/CWICOMP
What's your oldest book? The one that's so well thumbed, it's on the brink of falling part? Mine is The Color Purple.
On my blog today, I share a little about why this book, which I've kept with me for nearly 30 years, means so much to me. tinyurl.com/tha3cu36
#booksky #books #reading
On my blog today, I share a little about why this book, which I've kept with me for nearly 30 years, means so much to me. tinyurl.com/tha3cu36
#booksky #books #reading
July 13, 2025 at 3:19 PM
What's your oldest book? The one that's so well thumbed, it's on the brink of falling part? Mine is The Color Purple.
On my blog today, I share a little about why this book, which I've kept with me for nearly 30 years, means so much to me. tinyurl.com/tha3cu36
#booksky #books #reading
On my blog today, I share a little about why this book, which I've kept with me for nearly 30 years, means so much to me. tinyurl.com/tha3cu36
#booksky #books #reading
The tower at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent – at the top of which is Vita Sackville-West's writing room.
Imagine not only having 'a room of one's own' in which to write, but a TOWER room. Yes, please.
#writesky #writersky #writingcommunity #writer #writers #famouswriters #writingspaces
Imagine not only having 'a room of one's own' in which to write, but a TOWER room. Yes, please.
#writesky #writersky #writingcommunity #writer #writers #famouswriters #writingspaces
July 12, 2025 at 2:52 PM
The tower at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent – at the top of which is Vita Sackville-West's writing room.
Imagine not only having 'a room of one's own' in which to write, but a TOWER room. Yes, please.
#writesky #writersky #writingcommunity #writer #writers #famouswriters #writingspaces
Imagine not only having 'a room of one's own' in which to write, but a TOWER room. Yes, please.
#writesky #writersky #writingcommunity #writer #writers #famouswriters #writingspaces
My son and I took the history tour yesterday at Bromley House Library, Nottingham. Such a beautiful place. Makes me want to read... and write.
#books #booksky #bookcommunity #library #libraries
#books #booksky #bookcommunity #library #libraries
July 7, 2025 at 3:36 PM
My son and I took the history tour yesterday at Bromley House Library, Nottingham. Such a beautiful place. Makes me want to read... and write.
#books #booksky #bookcommunity #library #libraries
#books #booksky #bookcommunity #library #libraries
I've spent many hours in the past week watering my new lawn to help it establish. Time I could have been writing. Sometimes, we need to just accept that the WIP isn't growing because the grass needs to grow. And the grass is beautiful.
#writersky #writesky #writer #writingcommunity #writerlife
#writersky #writesky #writer #writingcommunity #writerlife
July 3, 2025 at 8:19 AM
I've spent many hours in the past week watering my new lawn to help it establish. Time I could have been writing. Sometimes, we need to just accept that the WIP isn't growing because the grass needs to grow. And the grass is beautiful.
#writersky #writesky #writer #writingcommunity #writerlife
#writersky #writesky #writer #writingcommunity #writerlife
According to recent research, young people aged 8–18 are writing less – much less. Only 1 in 4 say they enjoy writing in their free time.
This makes me so sad, as a mum and as a writer. We need to help kids fall in love with writing.
tinyurl.com/s6rjdv5w
#writing #writersky #writingcommunity
This makes me so sad, as a mum and as a writer. We need to help kids fall in love with writing.
tinyurl.com/s6rjdv5w
#writing #writersky #writingcommunity
Writing For Pleasure | National Literacy Trust
Writing is more than just a skill - it’s also a powerful tool for thinking, communication, and self-expression.
literacytrust.org.uk
June 26, 2025 at 2:27 PM
According to recent research, young people aged 8–18 are writing less – much less. Only 1 in 4 say they enjoy writing in their free time.
This makes me so sad, as a mum and as a writer. We need to help kids fall in love with writing.
tinyurl.com/s6rjdv5w
#writing #writersky #writingcommunity
This makes me so sad, as a mum and as a writer. We need to help kids fall in love with writing.
tinyurl.com/s6rjdv5w
#writing #writersky #writingcommunity