Jo Furniss Author

23/11/2025

They say writing is editing… so it was a big writing week for me. I made final changes to my next novel, a locked room mystery with a twist, that is due out next year. Did I get this novel over the line?? Gah, you’ll see….
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It’s so easy to rush this stage, or get impatient with it, or start thinking up ideas for the next novel (!) so I tried to pace myself and stay on task. Fresh air and a pancake brunch helped!
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Hope you had a productive week. Or at least survived the cold snap! xx

17/11/2025

People often ask authors about their writing habits. Here are mine:

✍️ The app - I’m obsessed with how well the soundscapes help me to focus, and its timer function means I take regular breaks

✍️ The bible - all my notes and research in one big notebook. If I lose it, I’m screwed

✍️ The second screen - this is new and already indispensable

✍️ The hand weights - for those five min breaks, ten reps, get the blood flowing

✍️ The snacks - nuts, Hobnobs, coffee ☕️

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Anything you recommend from your routine?

16/11/2025

What does a writer’s week look like? In my author life, a big edit deadline is looming. Also, the announcement that I’m teaching a Crime Writing course with in the new year. Plus, my novel Dead Mile takes one more step on the long journey to TV. Talking of steps, I have done LOADS on my new walking pad and standing desk, which I love. In home life, my son turned 16, my daughter is prepping for a university interview, and both have exams. I spanked the Black Friday sales for Xmas presents. And I went out for a lovely meal last night with friends (one of my Brighton faves) and now have a slight martini hangover🍸
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What were your highlights?
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13/11/2025

Want to study crime writing? Want to do a writing retreat? You can do both in 2026 on the residential crime writing certificate. Tutors are Jo Furniss and Graham Bartlett. Find the link in my bio for more information and booking.
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10/11/2025

What is the biggest challenge that authors face? Every time they put their bum on that seat to write? For hours. Days. Months. All those precious words…
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Yeah, it’s not the precious words, it’s the writer’s bottom! The sedentary lifestyle, it’s not good for your hips, your back, your bottom, your words.
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Here’s how I got myself moving.
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03/11/2025

SOUND ON 🔊• Each book needs a theme tune. I learnt this while writing my first novel, All The Little Children. A blast of The Lightning Strike set the right apocalyptic tone. Then I turn off the music and write.
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Each theme tune captures the mood of the story and the key character.
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Can you spot my other tunes? Do you use music when you write or read?

28/10/2025