Since starting this blog back in February 2008 I’ve tried to at least occasionally write something that readers might find vaguely useful. I haven’t often succeeded, but I’ve tried, at least. Surely that counts for something?
Anyway, now that I’m doing more and more author events, I find myself being asked to share writing advice and tips, which I’m always happy to do. Because time is usually quite limited, though, I rarely have time to talk for very long on the subject, and I end up referring people to this here website.
I’ve realised, though, that the useful content gets lost in amongst all the rubbish about water pistols, soup, and Sylvester & Tweety, so I thought I’d collate the writing tips here in one post to make them easier to find. So, for those of you interested in becoming an author yourself, you might find some of the posts below useful.
12 Tips for Pro Writing – Part 1
12 Tips for Pro Writing – Part 2
Twitter Updates
July 28, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Hi Barry. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog.
I’m 40,000 words into my first attempt at writing. I’ve joined a book group which is great for feedback, but it’s great to have tips from somebody that is living the dream!
I’m now trying to hone my writing style and characterisations. So I’m really doing research at the moment rather than writing. I’ll address that after reading your tip about writing every day!
I was discussing my tentative first steps in blogging with a friend when she mentioned your site, she had seen you at last years Edinburgh Book Festival (she gave a glowing report!). On her recommendation I’ve bought a ticket to the event you are on this year about writing horror. It’s good to have a personal recommendation, if it turns out to be rubbish I can at least hit my friend.
On the back of her recommendation and the fact that I was keen to understand more about blogging I found my way onto your site. My first reaction was. CRAP! That’s the greyzed theme I was going to use. Which reaffirmed something I’m beginning to realise – it is very hard to be original in the world of writing!!
Your blog is great, your humour shines through. Your new book looks fab. I look forward to reading them to my son in a couple of years.
July 28, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Hi James,
Thanks for all that, it’s much appreciated. I 100% agree – if the Edinburgh event is rubbish you should punch your friend to the ground. It’s only fair.
My suggestion would be that if you’re at 40,000 words, push on until the end so you have a first draft complete. Then you can go back and make any character/plot changes safe in the knowledge you have accomplished something HUGE by writing your first novel. What sort of length do you expect it to be in the end?
There’s definitely no original ideas left (or blog templates), but it’s what you do with those ideas that counts. You will, I’m sure, be pleased to hear that I’m in the process of redesigning this blog to give it a completely custom look, so the template will be yours for the using.
Of course, I have a few deadlines to hit before I can get stuck into it properly, but hopefully I’ll get somewhere soon. Ish.
Do make sure you come up and say hello at Edinburgh.
Cheers,
Barry
July 31, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Hi Barry, I just want to say first how much I like your blog, it’s very interesting to read through and very accessible to me as someone who is blind and uses a screen reader with speach to get around the web. Now my question. I’m currently working on an fantasy book for children/young adults, starting from 8 plus. I have my main characters all sorted, but am finding it very difficult plotting my villans. At the moment they are only rough outlines in my mind, but how do I go about building on them. How did you start out for building Raggy Maggie and the Crowmaster? Many thanks, I hope I can come to an event and say hello. Best from Lori.
August 4, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Hi Lori,
Hope you’re enjoying the Doc Mortis audiobook, with the lovely David Thorpe reading. I haven’t heard it yet, but I can’t wait to hear his voice for the Doc. It can’t be as good as his Crowmaster one!
Excellent question about villains. You’ve given me an idea for a blog post. I’ll write it up tomorrow, so check back then for some advice.
December 8, 2011 at 10:24 am
Hi barry
Iv’e wanted to be a writer since i was 6 now i’m 10 and i would love some tips please.
Iv’e wrote a couple of short books and when i was five i wrote a book called the dancer it was 11 pages long.
Now i’m on a book called the underground tree.
Just one more thing i also live in Scotland and i was at the thing you came to at that library well i was there i’m at st.Kevin’s primary THANKS!