Writing – a skill to learn or a talent to uncover?
Authors have numerous stories of people who come up to them and tell them that when they retire, or have some time, or can be bothered, they too will write a novel. The grumpier authors point out that this never happens to brain surgeons. Of course some brain surgeons retire and write books (the excellent DO NO HARM by Henry Marsh is a very interesting read.)
It is frustrating to hear that someone wants to do your professional job as a hobby, but writing is hardly a skill on the level of brain surgery – is it? Of course not, a badly written novel has never killed anyone but there is skill in writing, and it can be learnt.
How can you tell what skills you need to acquire and what’s the best way to go about it? Every author’s style is unique and their mistakes and foibles will also be specific to them. An editorial report will give you personalised advice but there are some ways every author can brush up their skills.
continue reading »September 4, 2016 Leave a comment
Novella competition
Great things can come in small packages…
Novellas are a dying breed. In a world where you can buy an epic 700 page blockbuster for 99p, authors are wary of short-changing their readers with something shorter. But what if the story you need to write demands a shorter form than a novel but is longer than a short story?
A good novella will have a strong idea that carries through the plot and a deeper examination of character than short stories have time for. Novellas that have stood the test of time tend to be beautifully written. When there are fewer words to play with, each one has to earn its place.
I would encourage all authors to try writing a novella just for the experience of writing within different constraints. It’s a great exercise, you may find you really like this format and your writing will be better for it.
The National Association of Writers’ Groups is running a Novella competition which I am judging. Entry details here
Classic novellas include:
FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON by Daniel Keyes
BONJOUR TRISTESSE by Francoise Sagan
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S by Truman Capote
Have you tried to write a novella? Do you enjoy reading them?
September 1, 2016 Leave a comment
We’re all going on a reading retreat…
UPDATE – Since this retreat, I’ve been on another – and set up www.readingretreat.co.uk – let us take you on a pampering reading retreat!
By ‘we’ I mean me. And by ‘reading retreat’ I really mean me and fifteen books going on a little holiday.
I have cleared a space in my work, got my home responsibilities off-loaded, and I’m going to stay in this wonderful residential library – www.gladstonelibrary.org for four days. I’ve never been on a reading retreat before so I’m making it up as I go along. Here are my initial rules on how to have a reading retreat:
continue reading »March 18, 2016 Leave a comment
When a Writer isn’t Writing – a book to unblock you
Can a book teach you how to write? No, although you could argue that reading a lot of books can teach you how to write, as you absorb all those good words by osmosis. Sometimes, though, it is helpful to have a guide and some words of advice and encouragement – especially if you are at the beginning of your writing journey or struggling with where to go next.
I am writing a series of reviews of writing books and hope you find them helpful. This book is about the emotional side of writing – or not writing.
continue reading »November 27, 2015 Leave a comment
Writing a book for your business – how does that differ from other writing?
I shall be running a workshop, Your Book Your Business, in Cambridge on Saturday 7th November 2015 along with business coach Siobhan Costello and business editor Francesca White where we will help you to work out a comprehensive blueprint for taking your book forward. The day will be full of useful tips and exercises, but here are some initial thoughts for business owners who want to write.
Anyone can write and self-publish a book now and many small business owners are considering adding a book to their portfolio of products or services, but how should you go about it?
continue reading »October 21, 2015 Leave a comment
Fully loaded Kindle and off we go
My last blog post was about what I’d read recently. This is what I’ve got on my Kindle for the next two weeks. They’re a random mix of books I’ve been hearing about, books on sale, books I’ve always meant to read and new books that just sound interesting.
August 4, 2015 Leave a comment
What I’ve been reading recently – a summer holiday reading list of sorts
Summer reading lists are often weighted heavily towards ‘improvement’. Things you think you ought to read. Books you’ve never finished. This year you have my permission to take the summer off. If you’ve going to have more reading time than you normally do, pick out some books you want to read. Enjoy that feeling of sinking into a book like it’s a cool swimming pool or a hot cup of coffee.
You know the sort of books you like, so fill your Kindle or your suitcase or both. Maybe add in a couple from genres you don’t normally read, or a book on writing to keep your writerly brain active.
This is not a prescriptive list, but it’s books that I’ve read over the last month or so that I would have been delighted to have read on holiday.
continue reading »August 3, 2015 Leave a comment
What I would have said to Harper Lee
Before I got a chance to read GO SET A WATCHMAN on Tuesday, I put myself on a media ban. There were articles and reviews popping up all over the place and I wanted to come to the book with as few preconceptions as possible. If you’ve not read it yet, you may want to stop now. Come back when you’re ready.
continue reading »July 16, 2015 Leave a comment
The Write Crowd – the right book?
Can a book teach you how to write? No, although you could argue that reading a lot of books can teach you how to write, as you absorb all those good words by osmosis. Sometimes, though, it is helpful to have a guide and some words of advice and encouragement – especially if you are at the beginning of your writing journey or struggling with where to go next.
I am writing a series of reviews of writing books and hope you find them helpful. My second review looks at being a good writer – as in a good member of the writing community.
continue reading »June 2, 2015 Leave a comment
Stephen King’s ON WRITING – or The Best Writing Book Ever Written
Can a book teach you how to write? No, although you could argue that reading a lot of books can teach you how to write, as you absorb all those good words by osmosis. Sometimes, though, it is helpful to have a guide and some words of advice and encouragement – especially if you are at the beginning of your writing journey or struggling with where to go next.
I am writing a series of reviews of writing books and hope you find them helpful. Let’s start with one of the best.
continue reading »May 10, 2015 Leave a comment