top of page
Blog
The heart of a great villain: Why we need to understand the darkness
The best villains aren’t simply evil; they’re human. They make impossible choices for reasons we can almost understand. A truly great villain evokes empathy, not hatred. They remind us that darkness often grows from love, loss, or desperation. When a story lets us glimpse that complexity, it becomes unforgettable, and so does its so-called villain.
Ruth May
Jan 22 min read
Reflecting on the Journey - A year of writing, and growth
This year has been one of reflection, growth, and creative fire. After taking six weeks off in January, the first draft came together faster than I ever imagined. Since then, rounds of edits, beta reader feedback, and new story ideas, like Three Little Lies, have kept me busy.
Ruth May
Dec 31, 20252 min read
The Editing Process
Editing is both art and discipline. While digital tools promise speed and convenience, I find clarity in the rhythm of paper and pen. My editing process is a tactile experience, crossing out, circling, and rewriting by hand. This post shares my honest reflections, favorite resources, and why the printed page still feels like home.
Ruth May
Dec 27, 20254 min read
What is an ARC Reader and how to become one
Ever seen readers talking about getting early access to books before they’re even out? Those are ARC readers! They get Advance Reader Copies to review and help authors spread the word before launch day. Here’s what ARC readers do, how you can become one, and why I’d love to have you join my ARC team!
Ruth May
Dec 20, 20252 min read
Designing a cover that tells a story
Your book cover is the first thing readers notice. It tells a story before a single word is read. In this post, I explore how to research effective covers, balance genre expectations, use symbolism, experiment with DIY or AI tools, and collaborate with professionals to create a visually compelling design that truly represents your story.
Ruth May
Dec 4, 20253 min read
Creating characters that resonate with readers
Creating characters is at the heart of any great story. They don’t need to be likable, but they should be relatable and dynamic. I lean on books like Creating Characters and Write Great Dialogue to help me develop characters that speak with authenticity and depth, making sure they truly resonate with the reader.
Ruth May
Nov 25, 20253 min read
Plotting without losing passion
Outlining doesn’t have to be a creativity killer – it’s about striking a balance between structure and the freedom to let your imagination soar. By using Excel to track scenes and POVs, I ensure consistency in character arcs and narrative flow, without losing sight of the creative spark that keeps me motivated.
Ruth May
Nov 22, 20254 min read
From plotting to polishing - the writing tools I use
Every writer develops a set of tools that suit their creative process. From Scrivener for plotting and card organization, LivingWriter for mobile editing, Excel for scene matrices, to Word for manuscript flow, each platform has its strengths. Choosing the right tool can boost productivity, streamline revisions, and help you bring stories to life more efficiently.
Ruth May
Nov 20, 20252 min read
Why I chose to self-publish
After twenty years developing the Twisted Series, I’m finally stepping into self-publishing with my debut novel. This post shares my journey, the fears, the feedback, and the strategy behind choosing a standalone book first. It’s an honest look at embracing the publishing process, learning from beta readers, and taking control of my writing career while preparing for the Twisted Series release.
Ruth May
Nov 13, 20252 min read
Welcome to my author blog
Welcome to my new blog, launching on 11 November 2025! Here I share book reviews, reflections on inspiring stories, and insights into my writing journey, including my debut novel, The Watcher's Prey (to be released in March 2026), the upcoming standalone novel, Three Little Lies, and the Twisted Series. Sign up to become an ARC reader and join me for regular updates and exclusive content.
Ruth May
Nov 8, 20251 min read
Subscribe for regular updates
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I have personal used or researched, currently use, or genuinely believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps me to continue to create content about writing, reading, and self-publishing. Thank you.
bottom of page