Friday Five: Q&A with Inventing Reality’s Rob Bignell

‘Allow yourself to write “poorly.” Later … you can edit out the junk.’

Photo of Rob Bignall, Inventing Reality Editing Services
Rob Bignall

What better way to start the new year than with some writing advice from a seasoned professional? Rob Bignell is the man behind Inventing Reality Editing Services and the author of over 80 books, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and several guidebooks for writers.

Bignell’s company name, as he explains on his website, “is a play on British author J.G. Ballard’s quotation, ‘The writer’s task is to invent the reality.’ That is, writers must create a fictional dream and in doing so, show the truth via their art.” For writers wanting to increase sales, it also means “taking the fulfillment of your dreams into your own hands, that is, turning your dream into a reality through your own hard work.” Read on for more of Bignell’s thoughts about writing, self-publishing, and marketing your work. 

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The obligatory end-of-year wrap-up post you’ve been waiting for

The year in writing, recognition, loss, and life

If nothing else, 2024 for me was a year of transition and disruption. And — I hope — a year I learned to be more grateful and empathetic.

After 40 years of full-time work, much of it in academia, I entered a new phase of life last January. Some call it retirement, but it has hardly been that. My pursuit of creative writing and some freelance work has kept me busy enough. In addition, my wife and I and our cat had a couple of health scares that made us reevaluate our values and gave us greater insight into the workings of the U.S. health care system, the good, bad, and ugly of it. We also mourned the passing of a few friends from our church family and continue to honor their memory.

In other words, a lot of life happened in 2024. Here are some highlights from the year:

Continue reading “The obligatory end-of-year wrap-up post you’ve been waiting for”