Let’s talk about one of my favourite subjects in the writing world – shelved stories. Those writing projects which used to make your heart beat faster when you sat down to write them but are now gathering dust in boxes in the loft, in notebooks, drawers or are languishing in your electronic writing folders.

Writing a story is like starting a relationship. We have all experienced those first heady stages of story love where we have a goofy smile spread across our face, we have sleepless nights thinking about our amazing story and there is a golden aura around our laptop / notebook.

Our relationships with stories can last weeks, months and even years. You and your story endure both good times and bad times.

Not all story relationships work. There will be characters who we care too much about and don’t want to let go. We will spend hours…