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On Writing “Rules”: 8 Things I Remember

On Writing ‘Rules’ One thing that never goes away is the mythical notion that there are writing ‘rules’. No … just NO! There’s no such thing as writing ‘rules’. All I (or anyone) can offer is what we’ve seen work. In return, we also have to remember there’s always going to be someone who does the exact opposite (and it’ll STILL work!!). But this got me thinking … what would MY top tips, pointers, advice (even writing ‘rules’! :P) be? So here’s a round-up of some of the insights and philosophies I’ve had rammed home to me (fnar) in my own career, time… Read More »On Writing “Rules”: 8 Things I Remember

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Top 10 Quotes On First Drafts

Spanish speaker? Many thanks to Sergio from Bloguionistas for translating this post into Spanish! READ IT HERE. If like me you’re struggling with an unwieldy first draft of your novel or screenplay right now, I thought you might appreciate some of these quotes from famous people on the process. Some of the quotes are uber-famous (especially number 1), plus I don’t agree with all of them (number 8 can go jump in particular, I’d say it’s TORTURE atm!) but it’s definitely a useful exercise to remember ALL writers go through this. So keep on keeping on, Bang2writers! Need MORE inspiration?… Read More »Top 10 Quotes On First Drafts

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It Is NEVER Too Late To Start Writing Your Masterpiece

Think It’s ‘Too Late’? People might say ‘it’s never too late’, but what do they really know? After all, it’s really easy to get down and think life is passing you by … Believe me, I’ve been there! Once upon a time I was absolutely CERTAIN there was no way I could ever publish a book, or be involved in making films … I was far too old and I had missed my chance. I had a job to do and kids to raise and no time for all that nonsense! I was twenty three and a grown up!! (Bless). Now,… Read More »It Is NEVER Too Late To Start Writing Your Masterpiece

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Top Tools Of 8 Famous Writers

I love this infographic from NinjaEssays.com – I started on a typewriter, aeons ago: it was an Olivetti Lettera 35! What was particularly annoying about typewriters (slipping into old folk mode now kids) was you had to hit the keys hard and there was always a chance of getting your fingers caught between them and ripping a cuticle back. Ouchy. Also, the ribbons were a pain in the ass and duplication (beyond photocopying!) was difficult: you could use carbon paper between two sheets, but the second copy always ended up wobbly. And no such thing as delete: it was tippex… Read More »Top Tools Of 8 Famous Writers

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Top 8 Questions For Kickass Characterisation

I often say there are two things in any story – screenplay or novel – that readers, consultants and editors comment on most: character and structure. These two elements of your story are inextricably linked and most writers work very hard on them. Who starts a huge endeavour like writing their own script or novel WITHOUT thinking about these two things??? No one, that’s who. Yet sadly, nine times out of ten your screenplay or novel won’t make it past the gatekeepers because of character and structure. Instead, the stories will get bounced back over and over, with writers feeling increasingly… Read More »Top 8 Questions For Kickass Characterisation

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How to Deal With Writers’ Block: Top 6 DON’Ts

Creative block – we’ve all been there. It can be a total nightmare for a professional writer who relies on their creativity for their bread and butter. The big question is how do we recognise if it’s really creative block and how do we overcome it, so that we can get our creative ideas flowing freely again? 1) DON’T think there’s only one right answer Do you ever stop to consider that there might be more than just one right answer? This is one of the biggest flaws in our rigid education system, they suppress our creative thinking by making… Read More »How to Deal With Writers’ Block: Top 6 DON’Ts

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5 Things To Remember When Writing A Mystery Or Thriller

Honoured to have bestselling author Paula Daly on the blog today, sharing her tips about Mystery and Thriller. Paula is the writer of Just What Kind Of Mother Are You? (Transworld), one of my favourite mystery books of the last couple of years, so make sure you check it out if you haven’t already. I think Paula’s tips are equally useful to screenwriters as well and as you will notice, Paula mixes books and TV/movies in her examples, so enjoy … Over to you, Paula! 1) It’s All About The Premise Publishers are after the same but different. They want… Read More »5 Things To Remember When Writing A Mystery Or Thriller

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6 Ways Not To Be THAT Writer

We’ve got a real shot in the arm from Dawn today – she learnt the hard way that if you act like Diva, you soon run into trouble, so she’s offering her tips and insights up so we can learn from her mistakes and observations. Thanks Dawn!! 1) Listen to your agent/editor So, you’ve sold your first book. Rejoice! Drink lots of bubbly! Tell everyone you know! Once the hangover wears off, it’s time for a long conversation with your agent (and/or) editor. This is your chance to list the questions you have. What’s expected in the relationship? What does… Read More »6 Ways Not To Be THAT Writer

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How To Elevate Your Writing

So I’m working on my writing style at the moment: what I want to write about; how I express myself; my worldview. I need to dig deep, identify those elements that make me and my writing unique … My “voice”, if you will. It’s really hard This is why so many writers don’t – or won’t – go through this process. ‎It HURTS and remember, we want to avoid pain. So instead those writers will tell themselves voice is about reader response, or even that voice is accidental; that there’s no real way of moving forwards and developing it actively.… Read More »How To Elevate Your Writing

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Writing Women: 5 Lessons From Shakespeare

I’ve said it, countless times now: I’ve seen NO correlation between gender of writer and how “well” s/he writes female characters. In my experience, a male writer is just as likely as a female writer to write a GREAT, complex, flawed character who just so happens to be a woman. ‘Cos that’s what we’re aiming for, right? RIGHT. “Shakespeare’s a dead white guy, but he knows his shit!” YES, Shakespeare is well old and NO, he’s not PC because he was writing a trillion years ago, but he STILL managed to pull of complex female characters who were a helluva lot… Read More »Writing Women: 5 Lessons From Shakespeare

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Give Them What They Want And Get What You Want

This is the thing. Whilst it’s true some people are philanthropic, most people are not going to let you do what you want without you first giving them something THEY want. This applies in all walks of life, from relationships and sex, through to the world of school and work, ESPECIALLY money. Life is a series of negotiations and compromises. That’s how human society works – and probably, a lot of the animal kingdom too. We certainly see this element of bargaining in our cousins in ape society. But we all know this, really. Yet, when it comes to creative… Read More »Give Them What They Want And Get What You Want

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Writers, Make A Choice

I believe anything is possible. Yet some people do not. It’s perhaps one of the hardest and surprising lessons I learned as a young adult. I didn’t understand why these people would resist. If they JUST TRIED to see it my way, they would be so much HAPPIER, surely?? Besides anything, can’t they SEE THE EVIDENCE: I didn’t have auspicious beginnings, yet I say we can – and I have!! MORE: I Am Not A Lucky Person BUT: “It’s different for you” How I hate these four words. Let me cite the ways it was NOT different for me, how… Read More »Writers, Make A Choice

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