We started the How to Make your Novel a Reality Masterclass last night with Matt Whyman and got down to the nitty gritty of starting to write, and how to make it a less daunting, more manageable task.
Here is a link to the writing book that he suggested would get you thinking deeply and more insightfully about your book and whether it works or not:
Matt had just one more thing to add:
‘I am firm believer that creative writing can’t be taught. If you know how to put pen to paper then you’re a writer. Instead, what we can offer people - as writing ‘teachers’ - is the opportunity to be treated as writers within a constructive environment, and the chance to develop their skills. I find the most effective way to do this isn’t by teaching what a paragraph should look like, but by sharing the experience of how it is to be a writer, and learning from one another.’ Matt Whyman
This pretty well sums up why Kirsty and I set up the London Writers’ Club.
Many writers want to know: how can we make that leap from writing alone to actually producing a polished piece of work?
If you send your work to an agent or publisher before it’s ready they will say no, but by finding out more about the craft, thinking about your work, talking to other writers, and perhaps finding a writing buddy, you can get a clearer perspective on the quality of your writing.
At the London Writers’ Club Kirsty and I also offer quick-fire answers to your writing questions.
For anyone wanting further one-to-one help with their writing there are consulting services available, you’ll find them here.
And lastly, this is the piece that I mentioned, just a small mention but really cheering to think that this woman wrote her book by dedicating just ten minutes a day to her writing.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2010/jan/24/artists-day-jobs
For those of you on the course, I look forward to speaking to you again next week when I introduce Naomi Wood.
Anyone who missed out, the course will run again in April. And the information for that is here: http://www.publishabestseller.com/make-your-novel-a-reality/
On with your writing!
Jacqueline Burns