Be Like Alice by Danl Tetley

Be Like Alice 23

The Magazine (that looks like a book) for the Curiouser and Curiouser Writer...

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“

Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here? The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to. Alice: I don’t much care where. The Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go. Alice: ...So long as I get somewhere. The Cheshire Cat: Oh, you’re sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.

“

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Alice

“I wonder if I’ve been changed in the night?

Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I’m not the same, the next question is ‘Who in the world am I?’ Ah, that’s the

”

great puzzle!

Welcome to the

party, tea? 23

Welcome, If you find you are reading further than this first line, let me welcome you with open arms – I suspect you may like writing too. Like you, I am an author, a screenplay dabbler, and occasionally a witch; I am also addicted to writing. I love the whole process from start to finish, even the painful parts. I also love to read, often, devouring the smell of musty old books in second-hand bookstores; tasting each adventure through the protagonist’s thoughts, hopes, fear’s – listening for the mutterings of the previous soliloquist. In fact, I think I prefer a well-worn book - to new. It is my honest belief that books and writing is in your blood from the moment you shoot out into the world, until the day you return back to the Multi-verse, the unknown – perhaps to one of the worlds you once perceived in a book. If it is in the blood then the draw to read and write becomes as important as breathing, and, more importantly, the sustenance that carries your entire essence through life in one unique meander. Some folk say that the eyes are the window to the soul – and they may be right. I would firmly advocate that writing, in particular, books – are gateways to let the imagination out... I also believe with the utmost of conviction that if you do not ‘feed the beast’ at least three times daily -- your fingers will fall off in protest. But that may just be me... ...........................

I do think that you can learn to love writing and cultivate the talent; that it is a learnable passion and a feasible career for the literary un-ordained. But, ultimately I would advocate that the life and unquenchable quaff a writer experiences is one that cannot, and will not ever dissipate – even when scrubbed with bleach. I’m not an expert, instead a wonderfully optimistic rookie like you and I have faith that you will find your own literary pathway just like I still am; discovering breakthrough’s as well as making mistakes. Maybe some of my tried and tested practicality will help you to reach your own goals or avoid pitfalls, just remember that this is all completely normal -- a vital part of the learning process. The aim of publication is to show you a step-bystep map, so that we can help break down some of the fundamental processes needed to write a novel. Some of it may not resonate, you may have your own ideas – and that is amazing! But, sometimes when we have a block, or a lull – it’s helpful to get back to basics and follow a simple method for getting that ‘writing’ done – even if you only need a push or the odd whoosh of momentum. Be Like Alice, will guide you through the literary warren’s that tunnel deeper than you’d expect, but in particular, it will prep you for the groundwork to get going. The idea is to try something new, together. GOOD LUCK.

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Chapter One

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Swings and Roundabouts Who, who are you as a writer?

Definition of a Pantser: ‘A writer who does very little planning, making it up as they go along’ I ought to begin by letting you in on a secret. Right now I am embarking on self-imposed pantser rehabilitation, due to nonsensical failure as a novelist. My failures are mild and without worldly repercussion – this is true, and only my paradoxical mind-twin has been exposed, the damage minimal. I presume the benefits of hiding behind one’s rather broad shoulder would appear advantageous when you only come out at 3m to taunt and tease. Failure is an ugly word that conjures imagery of bad luck and doom, so if I’m honest with you – I’m being contrary and entirely melodramatic. To sum up a plausible, coherent statement of what I do in fact mean – the advice I am about to give, coupled with the more certified advice of other writers may often be at conflict. You see, I am relearning from the inside-out. I’m putting old habits to bed early for having exhausted my ambition (she’s getting old) and I hope to learn new methods as bright as a Magpies hoard – at the same as you. The two choices you have as a writer, especially as a newbie and your style is not defined, is to decide the most fulfilling, yet pain-free way to approach your craft. The hope implied here is for us both to efficaciously traverse and conquer new territory with perhaps a companion or two. Are you in?

Gunpowder, Treason and PLOT... There are many books and guides on how to write, so many, that it has become a fulltime occupation to sift through them all. Most will advise how to write, what to write and, why you should write. But the only real way to get a book from idea to print (and now digital) is to write in and I intend to simplify the whole darned process. Suzanne King - Lincolnshire author of 2016 children’s novel, The Beach Hut (Crimson Cloak Publishing) – feels certain, “The freedom of letting the mind wander in whatever direction it decides to takes is the only real way to write.” In part, I agree. You will never achieve more than a blank page if you don’t get that first word down. However, due to tried and failed experience, I now believe in the importance of following a strategy before you even begin constructing that elusive novel. Using research, books, manuals, fellow writers -- and industry chatter, will eventually aide a smoother writing experience - avoiding common blunders, wasting your time and the time of the editors you’ll submit to.

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Due to the literary industry becoming largely business focussed it’s easier than ever to lose some of the liberties an artistic license favours; making clear-planning a vital part of the process (if you intend to see it through to the end) means you may just achieve your dream – garnering attention from a slush-pile that is bigger than Mount Everest. I have the SOLUTION. (In theory anyway) To prevent proverbial egg from landing on your face, most significantly when you are ready to send ‘your baby’ out into the ether (lord knows I have had more than one cringe moment upon reflection) knowing where your writing is going will be the best thing you ever did -- really. It is very easy to dead-end your options if your name finds itself of the editorial pest list because you haven’t done your homework – all editors and agents do talk you know.

Dairy Intolerant? Avoid egg-on-face moments by building solid writing foundations – we all know what happened to, The Three Little Pigs when they did not follow protocol...

Escalators assist with steep uphill climbs. During my own ramble I was determined not to take any advice because I felt sure the book just ‘needed to get out’. I sat at my laptop and went with the flow. I wrote with sentience, no plan or guide; convinced I was a natural, a pantser -uninfluenced and undeterred. This would be the first of many mistakes. Plotting, I have since discovered, ensures a start to finish purpose that lights the literary journey and prevents aimless wandering into meaningless text. (See what I did there...) There is an insightful article by teen blog writer/contributor, The Magic Violinist, via The Write Practice that explains the Pros and Cons of being either a Plotter or Pantser. Here is the essence of that advice and why practice makes perfect:

PLOTTER Pros: Plotters, having planned out their novel ahead of time, know what’s going to happen before they write it. This makes it easier to bust writer’s block. It’s harder to get stuck when you know what’s going to happen next. Plotters also tend to get their novels written faster, or at least more smoothly. Cons: Plotters are confined to their plans, meaning if they do get stuck or want to change something; they often have to redo their whole outline. And I can tell you from experience, redoing an entire outline is not fun.

Pros: Pantsers have the freedom to take their novel in any direction they want. They have flexibility. They’re not stuck following an outline, so if they don’t like a

character, they can simply kill him. If they don’t like the way their plot is going, they can change it. Cons: However, having no plan, or very little plan, makes it easier to get stuck. And if they get stuck, they have to come up with a way to dig themselves out of writer’s block, rather than following an outline that leads them in the right direction. When this happens, Pantsers often abandon old projects for new ones, leaving multiple unfinished novels in their wake. What about you? Do you consider yourself a Plotter or a Pantser? Or are you a little of both?

PRACTICE Whatever type of writer you think you are—Plotter or Pantser—become the opposite for a little while. If you’re a Pantser, plot out your next scene or chapter for your novel. If you’re a Plotter, abandon your outline and write freely. Write for fifteen minutes and, if you’d like, post your practice in the comments. Have fun! (Magic Violinist, 2016)

Pickled onions for eyes? Sometime this does happen if you stare at a computer screen for too long, but if you want to hone your divine skill (and I do believe in your divine capabilities) doing what you can before your literary journey may ensure a less arduous experience than poor, Frodo Baggins’ contretemps. It may even contribute to a silent expertise... The above article expands on, Suzanne King’s own sentiment as she explains introspectively, ‘The pros of being a pantser : If I don’t like the way the plot is going I can change and go in a different direction – I’m not committed in any way. I’m not keen on sticking to an outline. I suppose the downfall of being a pantser is when you need to dig yourself out of writers block - but then I guess this happens to plotters as well. For me there is only one way to write and I can’t imagine writing any other way.” This may work for you and it certainly won’t hurt to try.

They all float down here... Hugely successful novelist, Stephen King has over 50 books under his belt, a broad fan-base and has become one of the most intriguing world builders the 20th and 21st century. He openly speaks of his aversion to plotting in book, On Writing: Memoirs of the Craft - stating, ‘I won’t try to convince you that I’ve never plotted any more than I’d try to convince you that I’d never told a lie, but I do both as infrequently as possible. I distrust plot for two reasons: first because our lives are largely plot less, even when you add in all our reasonable precautions and careful planning; and second, because I believe plotting and the spontaneity of real creation aren’t compatible.” I won’t attempt a counter-claim because, King’s success speaks volumes – and who am I to argue with a man who could summon demonic clowns into my bedroom. I will insist though, at this stage, and until I have failed at plotting too -- that

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planning remains a more guaranteed method for success for both the novice and established writer. Flying by the seat of your pants, letting creation flow ethereally without hinder, will get you from A to B, but how many of us really want to get there via Glasgow, Zurich, Mumbai and Cloud-Cuckoo land (actually, wait... that sounds quite interesting) when we could just hot-foot in one fell swoop? I will now explain why I’m a semi-convert...

Unexpected Bowel Movements... Back in 2009 when I attempted (and completed) my first ever novel, a 90000 word children’s fiction book, which was a huge achievement for someone who never finished anything but a plate of cake, I quickly realised that my path had been aimless and all I’d done was write a bunch of words that had gotten horribly lost. There were main characters, sub plots and a running theme – but its belly had dropped out, leaving the story as stringy as a green bean. My debut story (the one I was sure would make me millions) has since been abandoned on a memory stick, labelled: Pile of Unicorn Poop (minus the glitter and rainbow sparkles.)

You can lead a writer to paper but you can’t make it think. Nearsighted and stubborn, I avoided reading similar genres to my own in the belief it would negatively influence my own ideas. This was against very good advice and I stand corrected. Read everything within your own genre, and beyond... a basis for comparison is a good firm base on which to stand and it will give you a rounded view of what is trending, what sells and most importantly – a firm grasp of how you write. Reading will strengthen your own writing if you build your understanding of how great writing should sound on the page, improving the structure and in keeping it compelling. Discovering your unique style comes from a broad experience (as broad as Russian shot putters shoulders) from as many genres and age groups as you have time for. And it is all part of your planning/plotting process – how cool is that? Not convinced? Well, I told you so... Just to prove I’m on the right track I posted a query to a few editors/mentors I’ve networked with on Twitter. “How vital is reading for stronger writing?” Here were the most illustrious responses, the first from Golden Egg Academy’s, Dr Vanessa Harbour - Senior Lecturer at, University of Winchester - PHD in Creative Writing:

“It helps you work out what you like & what you don’t like. (Check out Al Alverz. Ursula Le Guin’s latest book is really good as well, Steering the Craft & John Yorke, Into the Woods are both great books too.)” She offered further advice on her blog, Chaosmos – Out of Chaos Comes Order: “I would argue that you can’t be a writer without being a reader. I am often amazed by the number of people who say they are trying to write for children yet have not

read a children’s book for many a year. Relying on past and distant memories of childhood stories or books that they have read to their, now grown, children. But telling stories does not stand still; you need to know what is working now. What publishers are looking for. Be open to ideas. Also don’t just rely on reading children’s books, if you want to write for them, read everything and anything. Read adult books, poems and nonfiction. Challenge yourself, read outside your comfort zone. You never know it might surprise you. It will help you become a better writer.” And secondly, global editorial services provider, @EditorShark, “To learn a language, you learn grammar, speaking, writing, reading, listening. Each reinforces the other, making learning quicker. For literacy it does not mean, unfortunately, that one will write a great novel. Alas.” And last but not least... new to Aussie-land, writer, Kate Foster (Freelance editor/ writer with, Monica Geller tendencies Author at @Jetblackpublish Editorial Director at @LakewaterPress 2015 MG #PitchWars Mentor) adds,

“So many reasons! To analyse sentence structure, style, characterisation, hook, first lines, subtlety, and so on. Also to appreciate subjectivity.” I rest my (basket) case.

Further Insight: So, have you decided yet - Plotter or Pantser? We have heard from a pantser’s perspective – now let’s give plotting some room to breathe... An emerging screenwriting friend of mine, John Bale: Winner of The BBC Writers Room challenge 2013 gives some great advice on the reason for plotting,

“Fail to prepare, prepare to Fail. Every person I know who struggles with their writing, very rarely has anything past the midway point. If you don’t have a clear destination, you’ll get lost. I ALWAYS start with my ending then work back. It’s usually a fool proof way to remove plot holes and make sure everything ties together. It also allows you to keep tabs on pace.” This notion, I assume, is shared by author, J. K. Rowling – have you of heard of her? There are images all over the net of her of old-school paper spreadsheet plots. Unfortunately I cannot use them here as they are still in the non-public domain dungeons – but you can view them with ease. Rowling, is apparently ‘a meticulous plotter’ as stated by literary online resource, Electic Lit. They suggest, “If you are stuck in your own writing, perhaps following Rowling’s lead and mapping out your

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novel will help.”

And it doesn’t end there. Are you comfortable? Then we will begin... Here’s a short story from the depths of fellow writer, Sarah Broadley’s noggin. She’s a bonnie Scot, a mother, a volunteer fundraiser for St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh, a blogger, and of course – an aspiring writer. I asked her to sum up the experience, including the conflicts between plotting and dancing in your pants for the fun of it. I instructed her to be honest. She did not disappoint. Enjoy... ** There are two imaginary writers that live in my head. There’s the one that tells me to take notes, do my research, plot my chapters out, complete a character guide and follow an extensive list to enable my story to take shape. And there’s the one I tend to listen to the most. It tells me to do these things too but it also asks me questions. How are you? What are you writing today? What stories are flying around your head that need to be shared with unsuspecting readers? Why are the clouds so white? Will your kids ever sleep in? It tells me to see the world. It tells me that even though I have a million ways to find something else to do, I WILL write my first draft. I set alarms on my phone to get away from my desk for a break but I will go back and continue. I won’t put a load of washing on or cut my toenails or any other meaningless task that can wait. If it’s not to do with your book, then it can wait. Go on the bus it says and take a notebook with you. Write down what you hear. From the old to the young, everyone has a story to tell, it’s whether you want to hear it or not that makes the difference. There’s a reason why it’s important to get out of your writing cave. There’s a world of literary wonders waiting just for you. I have found myself still on the bus ten stops after I was meant to get off because Jean was telling her friend Anne about her husband’s hip operation. It wasn’t a funny story by any stretch of the imagination but it was real and true and honest and it conjured up images of grief and loss and love. Another time a young couple got on with a very small baby. They tenderly removed the little pink parcel from the pram and carried it slowly to the nearest seat. They fussed and smiled at their little bundle of joy and enveloped the passengers in their new found love for another human. These are the stories you need to hear to enable you to capture the emotion of life and everything that comes with it. Let it all flow, encourage it to unfold in your story. I wrote this blog post in 2014 after one such experience and it still whispers in my ear to this day - The Book of Smiles.

Snippets of gold like this are worth the early rise, the hour on a hot, stuffy bus or the walk in the park behind a group of weary new mums. Kick up some autumn leaves or bask in the summer sun, do what makes you happy and you will find that the blank white page in front of you isn’t quite as scary as it originally looked before. It’s crying out for you to tell it a story, so be gentle and the words will flow. Take a deep breath and write. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t make sense or the punctuation is something to be desired or in one line she had blue eyes and the other she now has brown eyes. It’s a first draft. As Stephen King so rightly said “A first draft is just you telling yourself the story”. Treat it as such and allow yourself the freedom to experiment with tone, wording and storyline. Anything can happen when pencil meets paper. Set yourself a reasonable writing target taking into consideration your job, family, chocolate intake and everything else that you need to sort on a daily basis and stick to it as best you can. There will be days that it just isn’t possible so don’t be hard on yourself. Just try. You will notice a difference and before long it will be a habit you won’t want to break. I write picture books and middle grade novels. I have been published in various anthologies for children and adults. At the moment, I have a picture book with an agent and I am staying away from my e-mail refresh key because a reply can take weeks or even months. Once you send your book baby out there, you need to move onto the next work-in-process as soon as possible, otherwise you will go quietly insane waiting for them to get back to you. They are very busy people so don’t annoy them while they have your work; they’ll contact you when they’re ready. I have been a member of SCBWI since July 2013 and I can honestly say that if wasn’t for my local network, I would still be in my writer’s cave (aka at the dining room table), thinking that everything I write is just fabulous so why am I getting all these polite ‘no thank you’ letters back from agents and publishers? There is no substitute for getting together with like-minded people, joining a local critique group and researching the art of writing as much as you can. I would highly recommend the following books: Novel Metamorphosis by Darcy Pattinson On Writing by Stephen King The First Five Pages by Noel Lukeman How to Write Dazzling Dialogue by James Scott Bell

And read; anything and everything. Just read. http://greatbigjar.com/

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Alice and the Cheshire Cat... “ HAVE I GONE MAD?” “I’m afraid so, you’re entirely BONKERS. But I’ll tell you a secret... ALL THE BEST PEOPLE ARE.”

Alice

“

If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn’t. And contrary-wise; what it is it wouldn’t be,

”

and what it wouldn’t be, it would. You see?

Chapter Two, When the page is blank and you

Part One... need a little inspiration

A 70 watt light bulb really helps to light you up... Inspiration can appear almost anywhere; cracks in pavements, ripples in ponds – the colour of someone’s eyes. The beauty of that unadulterated inspiration is in its unique requite, its exceptional indifference and most certainly in its unexpected moments of resplendent eureka.

“Ideas are everywhere. It’s what we do with them that matters.” – Jessica Strawser, Editor of The

Writer’s Digest Magazine.

Strawser highlights in her article, Inspiration for Writers: How to Be More Creative, several accounts from novelists regarding their personal views on how ideas become an explosive part of a story. She explains [sic],

“Roger Dunlap writes of how he managed to finally free his creativity by, after years of resistance, finally giving himself permission to call himself a writer. Dunlap’s quote, for me, stood out gratifyingly: “I found the answer on trips to New York and New Orleans, where I discovered street musicians, sidewalk artists, jugglers and singers. There is a saxophone player in front of Macy’s who will tear your heart in two with his rendition of the blues. There is a sketch artist on the banks of the Mississippi who can make you feel the burning sand and cooling surf of the Caribbean. I wouldn’t ask that sax player if he were a musician. I could hear the answer. With the artist, I could see the answer. Fame and money are not the measure of their artistic identities.” (Writer’s Digest Magazine, 2012) Health warning – being a writer could harm your ‘normal’. Evocation is a magic that you, as a writer, will come to rely on in both good times and bad. Having images and sentiment of love, hate and tragedy spill out of your brain at the sound of a bird or the touch of a leaf-in-full-flight will be both your salvation and tormentor. Be prepared for when you let the monsters loose, writing is not for the fainthearted. It will follow you in many guises, relentless in its pursuit and if you entertain the beast, both glorious and terrifying – escape will be futile. But I will firmly advocate that it is also the most wondrous existence I have ever known and I would never trade – not even for cake. Stick a plaster on it. All will be well... If I haven’t raised insurmountable insecurities large enough to swallow you in one gulp, then like me you are a writer 24/7 –

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and it’s the most brilliant notion to carry that title under your wing. You see, it’s not all bad. When you learn how to use your eyes, ears, nose and soul to trace the inklings of a story and follow those tiny patters until they have built bridges made form words – then you will have embarked on a literary Utopia. Do you remember improvised play as a child? Bunk beds became time machines, and buckets and spades tunnelled far and deep into new worlds. This is where it all begins. Unfortunately, most of us learn to adult too much as we venture past our school years, and we squash the magic witnessed by our souls into a solid box... and we bury it. You may well have fallen foul to this affliction; you may still be there, in the dirt with the solid box – fingertips itching to clutch a pen and scribble an idea you have forgotten how to bring to life.

Trust me... I’m a doctor! Fear not fellow writers, I am going to show you how easy it is to create something from almost nothing. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece or a bestseller. Neither does it have to inspire those around you. It’s a way of getting the juices flowing so that you learn how to notice that seed of genius right in front of you and nurture it until fully-grown. Just as I said at the beginning of this chapter, inspiration is everywhere and I want to show you how simple writing can be. Again, I will reiterate... writing doesn’t have to sparkle first time round – that is what editing is for. The importance here is to practice recognising; noticing an entire days worth of stories all waiting for you to catch their breath – even the smelly ones. This chapter comes in three parts; all dedicated to how I sourced inspired memoir material, and how others have applied their own type of wonderment to their writing through valid experience. **

Part One: I was asked to write an article for a mental awareness campaign called #itaffectsme – a brainwave started by Laura Darrall who suffered a mental breakdown and decided to do her bit to remove the stigmas often attached. With the initiative having gone viral, Laura asked if I would write an honest account of my own experiences with mental health issues via her blog, http://itaffectsmestories.blogspot.co.uk/. I saw it as an opportunity to express myself as a writer, using the darkness and light that surrounds these matters as a source of inspiration to write a short story – I am someone who has known what depression can do to a person and I immediately knew how I wanted to articulate a very personal forbearance.

Here is an idea, home-grown from one of those itchy-inklings we all have:

‘Depression is a dark, cold place. There is no R.S.V.P – there are no guests. Often, it’s like a dagger stabbing itself guilt-free inside your rib-cage in an attempt to bleed you out; emptying every organ until you are dry, left suffocating in a gloop-like sh*t can of sh*t soup. I’m not depressed, at least not by conventional determination and I hate labels because they are too definite and not definitive enough. Labels are ways for others to understand what is happening to those around them but the truth is no one person can truly understand the extent to which another suffers or indeed survives. The word survive is important to remember here because for most of us, either the inflicted or the observers, surviving every 24 hours is an uphill climb and one we should be proud of instead of retreating into stigmatised shame. I would say that I suffer from dark moments acquired from external experiences, but that I equally bathe in a light that comes from knowing how strong I am, too. I didn’t want to shroud my own experiences in gloom especially when there is so much light that touches my shoulders. I am a writer, a journalist, an author and intrepid mountaineer. I believe that as long as you can raise your head every now and then to look back at how much ground you have covered, your steps can actually become less arduous – eventually revealing a mole-hill in place of that mountain.

So, explained by my insatiable (if not lengthy) use of an aphorism, here is an example of one of those 24 hour periods: Lizzie Dripping, explorer and enigmatic articulator, rolled up her tattered skirt to the thigh and pulled a knife from inside her stocking top. One hand reached to her side, tapping at the floor, with only a failing glimpse from the moon to skim the curve of an equally tattered, old chest whose lid clung from rusted hinges. The gentle pings of reflected bronze light coming from inside the chest went unnoticed as Lizzie’s outstretched hand fumbled all the way to its bottom until her heart settled at the familiar chink. One full bottle left. One hour ‘til sunrise. Lizzie was all alone and the monsters were about to be set loose along with the dawn. “Horsesh*t! Where’d the rest go? Still, it’ll do for now.” Snatching the bottle she forced it between her salt-licked knees, clamping its neck like a chicken waiting to be wrung and cut the cork from the rum bottle – slicing its neck clean off. “Ah, breakfast is served!” She glugged hard and then again until only a drop remained, gasping for breath she retched -- her tongue protesting at the violent intrusion. She fell back against the tall, wooden beam rising from the deck, its dirty-white sail slapping Lizzie from behind and out of sync with the angry waves lapping loudly against the hull of ‘Ole Slippery’. The crate Lizzie was sitting on sagged noisily, fracturing

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now that her legs no longer supported her stupor. It wasn’t long before Lizzie passed out amongst a pile of rum-splattered splinters. This was not a good time to lay unconscious; her pursuers had nearly caught up and meant to throw her overboard. The icy waters were unforgiving and would certainly snatch her away for good. But, as the sun peeked over Ole Slippery’s bow, the hands of time caressed Lizzie’s cold and sodden skin with sympathy and favour. The bestowed warmth of the new day was as invaluable as the stack of stolen rubies and gold that lay below deck; it would buy her another chance by allowing her slumber to wipe the slate clean. Her pursuers, dark and soulless creatures concealed by shadows were blinded by the sun’s brilliance and retreated in disdain. In 12 hours they would try their luck again, and although another battle lay in wait – Lizzie was safe for now. ** Even in the snarling face of affliction life can prove to be unexpected. The clouds which have followed me throughout life so far were not of my choosing – the blame lies in a deep crevice, one which has monsters hiding beneath it. And although they tainted what should have been a carefree and brilliant existence – keeping those monsters at bay I am able to consider myself lucky, grateful for the lessons brought to me by the biting jaws of adversity. It’s made me strong, and, the greyness which never fully disappears has given me a grounding which I believe has given me a compassion I may not have found otherwise. I guess if you want to be in charge of the clouds you have to find a way of clearing your own skies, and, allowing yourself time to figure out how. Being swallowed by a dark storm does not mean you are less of a person, it means you are fighting and that is a good thing -- but I am glad I have never succumbed in full. Swimming against the tide can be a forsaken place and then there is drowning – the darkest place of all. ‘I count my blessings, all of them -- and my ability to swim.’ Take a look around you, what do you see or hear or smell – or sense? Let your inner-writer envelope even the tiniest notion and allow it to bloom into a cultivatable idea. Practice makes perfect, so now would be good time to begin honing the skills you already know that you have. It really is as simple as it sounds...

Chapter Two,

Write about someone who inspires you, a hero,

Part Two...

someone that you love and admire

Mark Twain Adventurer, Writer, Humanitarian and Loyal Friend of all God’s Creatures. People speak of author, explorer, journalist, humourist and humanitarian, Mark Twain, with a vibrancy that paints the air with an evocative canvas of abstract art. Awe, respect and admiration spills colourfully from the lips of those who wish they had the late Twain’s virile, outspoken perspectives, often suffused with enough plethoric honesty to tempt Van Gogh’s reach from the grave to create one last, starfilled masterpiece. With white, candy-floss hair, a stout, loyal hound by his side, proud and crisp linens awaiting rigorous expeditions and his long, slow chugs on a wooden pipe – this man resonated with his mind and lived through the eyes of exploration and wonder. Like a living fragment of sacred geometry, his view on life was faceted beyond the boundaries of the cosmos – a fervently wise soul, leagues ahead of his time.

“M

ark Twain is perhaps best remembered for the adventurous and often humorous antics of two southern boys in search of mischief in unchartered territory.”

Twain’s tale, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), is highly regarded on his home-turf, USA, as ‘The Great American Novel’. For some, it raised controversy

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and became frequently challenged because of its racist undertones. Set in a time before the Civil War, when slavery was still legal, many schools banned it – an occurrence that is still openly debated and implemented in the 21st Century. In 1984, 100 years after it was first published, Finn’s issue of morality stirred up another storm among the black community, scholars and the Botox-frozen eyebrows of literary critique groups. For me, it created a wistful lust for the warm, summer shores of the Mississippi, of the huge concentric paddles which softly lapped against its ebb, and of the soft voices of nature which conjured images of childhoods passed to the front of its reader’s memory. His writing is eloquent, rich and bountiful – he captured my heart many years ago and I’ve not asked for it back since. Somehow, Twain’s real name, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, doesn’t portray a suitable image. It’s built of a stuffy, upperclass, old-swine nonsense – an image he detested and made sure to turn his back on from an early age.

“A

fter setting off to South America as a young man, he hoped to discover his fortune by turning his back on the uncertainties of prospecting for gold and the monotony of normal life.” When Twain returned, he began a career piloting a steamboat on the Mississippi River, close to where he’d grown up; in later years he would come to idolise this steamboat in his stories. It’s easy to see how the simplicities of that part of his life influenced his imagination and helped him to share it with the world at a time when being proud, uptight and conformist was standard for men in a rigid society. I also feel that many of his views on the fair treatment of animals probably came due to his passionate closeness to nature. He respected it and inhaled it deeply; whilst he never pushed his views at the uninterested, he had no qualms about making them known. One example of how fundamental he was comes in this statement found in the book, Mark Twain’s Helpful Hints for Good Living: A Handbook for the Damned Human Race:

“Leave your dog outside. Heaven is by favour [sic]; if it went by merit, your dog would go in and you would stay out”. He had an uncanny understanding of human nature – exposing people at their

very worst. His statements are better received today, after the book was first published in 1962, and this is probably due to the resonance of awareness that many consciousminded, modern folk have adopted in preference of cruel and unsustainable views to our food sources. This is just one example of many animal activism rights claims he made – it’s because of his dedication to a fair life for all that I consider him to be close to godliness, and it’s a view shared by many animal activism organisations who regularly refer to his quotes and journals today. His work against animal cruelty and their misunderstanding was extensive, beginning with an article he wrote in 1905 titled, ‘Mark Twain on Vivisection’, which were published as pamphlets by two leading, literary organisations for tuppence a copy – now there’s some nostalgia. It led him to write the book, A Dog’s Tale, narrated by, in his own words,

“A charming and articulate dog.” It was his curiosity for the sentient capabilities of all soulful beings that drove his compassion in favour of the voiceless. This is why I hold him in such high regard – animals were integral both to his life and his work, particularly his writing. He was also one man in a long list of vegetarians that came from the late Victorians, high-societies ‘notoriety’ he so despised. Twain proudly shared a crown with Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Leonardo Da Vinci and Sir Isaac Newton, to name a few, but his work went beyond his own belief system and he became a firm advocate, using funny quips and anecdotes to raise awareness within the clashing of two very different worlds – as well as more serious letters and publications of his studies. It is of my opinion that Twain’s life took him on a learned path. After losing his father in 1845 as a young boy, his life often challenged him, but somehow he always stumbled upon a rainbow. His short experience on the paddle boats of the Mississippi ended when he was faced with the stark reality of the Civil War, which wreaked havoc across America during the 1860s. Typically, the scars of such a ferocious and bloody environment will run deeper than the surface of skin alone, and because Twain was a great thinker it’s possible it influenced his pursuit of love and equality that little bit further than the average person – after all, witnessing war can make you question life itself.

This was the period when ‘Mark Twain’ as an alias was born. When the war was finally over the talented writer began a successful career as a journalist, concentrating on travel writing under his pen name, taken from his time as a steam-boat pilot. Those who managed the river would cry out and let their men know that the water was ‘two fathoms deep’ – Twain being a twist on

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two, but also a synonym of ‘M.A.R.K number two’, symbolising new beginnings and a soul reborn.

Tom Sawyer first showed his face to the world in 1876, creating a whirlwind in

the world of literature and became internationally recognised as a work of genius.

It took Twain several years to complete after some rewrites were suggested by close friend, William Dean Howells, who was an American realist author, literary critic and playwright. It rested heavily on Twain’s own experiences as a boy, entwining real life with the writer’s vast and enlightened imagination. He always insisted that, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was ‘not’ a boy’s book, - but after Howells advised him,

“To treat it explicitly as a boy’s story” - it went on to become a leading favourite of young lads across the globe. A writer’s mind will always stir a curiosity in me which I’ll never fully comprehend; it’s blissfully comparable to the journey of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland as the curious girl steps between the alternate spaces of ‘here and there’. I think I probably love Twain most because he was such an endemic character to the grasses and rivers of the Deep Southern plains of the USA, yet he had a wanderlust that guided him on magical journeys both physically and ethereally; learning, sharing and doing what he knew in his heart to be right, despite the opposing views of a sneering, global audience. The symbiosis of his double life matches my own desire for both security and yet, adventure – marking an admiration that could only be matched by the visitation of angels or aliens. People often ask the question, ‘If you could speak to one person from any time in history, who would you choose?’ That’s easy and I’m sure it doesn’t require my answer – though if I could bring Einstein and Da Vinci into the equation too, well...

“I came in with Halley’s Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it. It will be the greatest disappointment of my life if I don’t go out with Halley’s Comet. The Almighty has said, no doubt: ‘Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together.” Mark Twain

Chapter Two,

Network; utilise your writer network,

Part Three... and then network some more

Interview Nick Cook Author of Sci-Fi Book: Cloud Riders When and why did you begin to write? Having read Lord of the Rings and been wowed by Tolkien’s imagination, I started my first book at the age of 12…and I think got all the way to page ten before giving up. Let’s face it, it’s tough trying to squeeze in writing a book when you’re that age. However, from that moment a nagging voice about being a writer never left me alone. Eventually, in my 40’s, and having working in computer games as a graphic artist and art director, for over 20 years, I finally gave into that voice. I left the studio I’d co-founded and became a full time author. And it was honestly one of the best decisions of my life.

Would you consider writing part of your DNA? If so, what are your earliest memories of literature (favourite books etc) and of what you/ needed to write? Definitely. Like many writers, reading has always been my passion. But also I had the writing itch from the earliest age...probably a lot to do with a tough childhood ( a parent suffering mental illness) and the need for me to express my thoughts. I kept journals, wrote poems, wrote fiction. And deep down I always knew I was a writer.

Where do you write? (Describe what writing conditions you need – quiet/music/a favourite space/cake/bustling cafe etc) I adore writing in the coffee shops of Oxford. Writing can be a very insular profession and it’s nice to surround yourself with other people. Of course when it gets too loud I sometimes use headphones to block the world out, but over the years I’ve become surprisingly good at concentrating, whatever is going on around me. The other benefit is I get to overhear all the racy gossip…if only I

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wrote adult fiction as there would be a wealth of material for me to mine from those coffee shops!

How do you write? (Panster v.s Plotter attributes in as much detail as you can spare) How did you discover this or have you always known which one you are? For me working this out was an evolutionary process. My very first serious attempt at a manuscript ran to 14 drafts…yes really! And yep, you guessed it, I’d approached that first outing Panster style, had leapt in and tried to grapple my ideas into submission, but of course they never did. By contrast my first published book, Cloud Riders, was far more plotted. But as many will tell you having a plot is one thing, but as you write a book it starts to take on a life of its own. I call this process book whispering. Why whispering? Sometimes your story will talk you in a very quiet voice that can get drowned out by the plot, so you better listen carefully. That’s the thing about writing…it’s an organic process and the equivalent of trying to bottle creative lightning. And right there is why I love being an author so much, the unpredictable thrill of the chase as you hunt your story down.

How do you get your inspiration for an idea? You can use current works and/or future ideas in general. (E.g. I find nature and people watching fruitful. Also dreams) Cloud Riders started with a lucid dream of two airships battling over the skies of our world. However, normally I fill notebooks and notebooks with multiple ideas for books, but rarely go with the first one. I wait for that buzz of excitement that tells me a concept is worth taking further. I also do lots of research, including into areas like quantum physics and space exploration, which themselves often throw up ideas for stories. I’ve just finished a biography about Nicole Tesla and that’s sparked lots of ideas… pun intended!

How do you prepare for writing? Jammies, cup of tea (Vodka, haha), clean-space, lists, turning off social media, background noise, underground bunker with enough supplies for a month? I walk every day into Oxford (2 miles each way). Apart from making sure I bust through my daily 10,000 steps target, I deliberately don’t listen to any music as I walk, as I like to settle my mind before I write. Then after that, oh so important, first cup of coffee. Then when I start to write, more often than not quickly hit a flow state. I also generally try to ignore my phone and email when I’m writing.

Do you research, and how/where? The internet and friends of friends. It was the later than got me into the position on quizzing a quantum physicist on a few of my more crazy story ideas. That was interesting in itself because as much I would like my work to be scientifically

authentic, I’m starting to learn that sometimes getting a story to shine requires that you break the rules…think the Doctor Who school of writing. In other words I’ve learnt to not beat myself up if it doesn’t quite fit all the facts.

How would you advise the novice writer to write? (Avoid editing on first draft, read other peoples work etc?) My first drafts of my work are between me and the gods in the skies… no one else is ever allowed to see them. That’s because they are my equivalent of a brain dump, get the ideas, warts and all, down on the page. My second draft tends to be where a lot of heavy lifting happens, the third where the finesse is added and it’s only that version that I allow others to see. My advice, especially with first drafts, is not to be too precious about it. Play with your ideas, knock them around and see if something better occurs to you. Finding your author’s voice takes time and needs plenty of creative compost! I once read that it takes a writer around a million words before they become any good…and I think that’s probably true. When you start to write you will feel like a sapling in the wind when it comes to feedback, especially when you get to doing the rounds with the agents and then the publishers. You will not believe the conflicting feedback you receive. And right there is the most important lesson of all. You are exposing yourself to an opinion driven industry so write for you, for no else. Don’t chase trends. Do listen to feedback but don’t jump to implement it straight away…give it time, hold it up to the light, does make sense, is it what your book really needs? And to answer those questions truthfully is all about understanding your own work, and even who you really are and what matters you.

“Writing can be searches for your own identity… don’t let the voices of others drown out the search for that spark.” How do you view, and how have you instigated networking with other writers? Do you consider this an important part of the journey? Very, very important. I’m an active member of the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI) and I’m just in the process of joining the Scattered Authors Society. You learn so much from fellow authors, kindred spirits, who understand this journey your on. They will whoop for you successes from the rooftops, will pour soothing balm on your wounds when it doesn’t go so well. Writing can be a lonely business, so it’s great to be able share it with those who really get the madness that is called writing.

What kind of help can you find through networking and which groups would you recommend are either useful, (local readers/Beta groups etc) or paramount, (SCBWI, Guilds, Golden Egg Academy, Cornerstones, Twitter, FB etc.) Chapter Two: Page Thirty Six

SCWBI definitely. If you can save your pennies the conferences, with all their fantastic workshops and panels, are worth ever single penny. Cornerstones was also instrumental in my career. They spotted a spark in my writing and helped nurture it. They also push me harder than I would have ever believed possible to do better…and I did. They were instrumental in helping me to craft my writing. Alternatively now of course, another route are the many excellent MA creative writing courses out there too. I have also been a member of two excellent writing groups that helped me with the blind spots in my own work, although now I tend to work solo, just conferring with a few writers friends to kick the tyres of my latest projects.

Why do you think is this important, and who/what have you used especially at the beginning of your journey? You can read as many how to write books as you like, but there is no substitute for professional feedback. Cornerstones knocked off my rough corners and helped me to polish the strengths. And in so doing empowered me to work out who I was a writer.

What advice would you give to your unpublished self? A phrase, one word, a quote – a lengthy ‘chat’? “Never, ever, give up.” – Winston Churchill” Have you/did you, read any self-help books or manuals? If so, did you find them helpful and can you recount anything that stood-out? A favourite of mine is, ‘On Writing’ by, Stephen King. Yep, Stephen King’s book is my favourite too...a small book filled with so much writing wisdom. I think I also read the Dummy’s Guide to Writing, which was quite useful too.

What would like to see in a ‘how to write guide’? Maybe something about using a package like Scrivener. This piece of software is a godsend for authors. If you even vaguely think you’re a plotter, forget Word and buy this software! It will change the way you write, forever.

When starting a new idea, do you build character profiles, back stories, sub-plots – the ending, before you begin? How vital do you think this process is? I don’t do any of that. I work with the equivalent of notecards in Scrivener and construct an outline based on a three act structure. I sketch the barest details for my main characters, instead waiting for them to come to life and tell me who

they are and what their backstory is. So on this point at least, I’m a Panster!

Do you use mood boards like Pinterest and Instagram for your worldbuilding? Yes with Pinterest. I have closed research boards that I use as I’m working on a new book. But when I finish a book I throw the doors open to this hidden world, so that my readers can seen some of the ideas behind my writing. Instagram I tend to use as a social media tool.

Which software program do you use for writing, i.e. Scrivener? Do you have any opinions of those you have tried or use? Big fan of Scrivener, although I do wish they’d hurry up and release the iPad version. Once you get used to this software there really is no going back to Word. It really is a fantastic writing tool, especially when evolving an initial outline concept, into a final book. Highly recommended.

What advice would you give to a new writer regarding, The Hook? How did you develop your own opening paragraph and how important is this? Ah yes the dreaded hook, with a nice tasty narrative maggot wiggling on its barb! Yes, you can be very hooky with your openings, but in my opinion you don’t always have to overdo it and start mid-action. So maybe hooky openings, but with a lower case h! Warm the reader up, and most importantly, get them to care about your characters from the get go.

Is writing a synopsis easier for you than writing a novel, or the other way around? Do you construct your before or after you have finished a project? What advice can you give for getting it right? Aha…many writers will go pale at the mention of the dreaded synopsis…that and the blurb! But here Scrivener users are much more relaxed about this. Why? Because Scrivener encourages you to construct your story with notecards and descriptions of events. If you do this this, it becomes a trivial process to export these descriptions and turn them into a synopsis. You won’t get the finished thing, but it’s an excellent starting point, and one that’s relatively easy to refine to the final product. Submitting work: How did you do it, how would you advise doing it and did you make any mistakes, upon reflection? Hold off submitting until you are really, really ready. Polish your work within an inch of its life. Between drafts do the equivalent of putting your ms in a drawer and get on with a new project. With a break from a piece of work, any problems with the story are much more likely to jump out at you. Don’t be in a rush. Give

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your work…and you…a chance to catch your breath. Deep down you’ll know when it’s ready to hit the submit button. In today’s writing climate you are expected to self-promote and market. How do you feel about this and what have the expectations been so far via an Agent or Publisher? What have you done to meet these? Marketing is increasingly an area that’s dealt with by the author. But one lesson that it took me a while to figure out, is that if it feels like marketing to you, selling your soul for the sake of a few sales, then you are probably doing it wrong. Raising awareness is invariably connected to work… it won’t just fall into your lap if all you concentrate on just the writing.

“Network, talk to other writers, build Twitter networks, play with funky ideas because you love them, not because you think it will sell books.” I think in this age of author PR, the key thing is to be authentic about who you are. You blog is also key here…your own personal corner of cyberspace and try to be you rather than what you think people want (mine is filled with articles about quantum physics, Tesla and space exploration – go figure). And if you’re very lucky maybe that spark will chime with lots of people, or maybe it won’t… but if it doesn’t don’t beat yourself up about it. Try things, be brave, dip you toes, or whole legs, into the currents of social media. But above all please have fun and if you not, stop do whatever that thing is.

Have you considered self-publishing? Do you have any views on this, including: The diversity of it, the professionalism/quality of it, the potential income and how it should be done? Self publishing is a multi-faceted beast. There are many highly professional authors out there, testament to just how effective this approach can be. But there are also people who throw an ms out to a public long before it’s really ready. Please pay for professional edits, proof reads, cover art, etc. In other words take it seriously and approach it as a business because that’s exactly what the publishing industry does and that’s who your competitors are.

What are your opinions on outlets such as Amazon.com? They serve a valuable route to market, but so do bookshops! I do like the convenience of an eBook, but tellingly I do prefer a physical book, for works I really treasure.

Have a quick break because you must be knackered after all of this! Heads off for tea…

What advice can you offer regarding Copyright and Intellectual Property of your writing? Sips tea… None really…a publisher covers that angle. Having said that you do need to keep you head screwed on. Resist the urge to tell everyone about this great new idea you’ve had. Keep it between you and the page. They say there are no original stories and that we authors are walking down well trodden paths. This may be true, but every story is also unique because it comes from you and who you are. I can totally understand the upset when someone feels their work had been plagiarised…the problem is this is very hard to prove and do you really want to go down that route anyway? We are all exposed to similar cultural influences and it’s not surprising when several people come up with similar ideas at the same time. Of course sometimes imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

Do you secretly (or openly) have leading actors and actresses envisaged for your main characters? No, but I do often find a photo that I stick into my main characters (short) bios that I create at the start. I do know authors he have huge fun casting the roles, but for me that gets in the way. I’m waiting for my characters to take on a life of their own, not borrow the clothes of others.

What are the pros and cons of being in this industry? Writing is one of the very best jobs in the world, but oh my goodness you need determination and persistence! Cons…for the vast majority of authors has to be the poor earnings they make from their work. These are lean times and whatever you do, don’t become a writer because you’re convinced you’re the next JK Rowling. Yes it happens, sometimes, but you more likely to be struck by lightning… and not the creative sort! Write because you love it and it will reward you in infinite ways, enriching your life and maybe through your work, the lives of others. Money is nice, but there is so much more to it that just the pursuit of that particular god… And writing will bring you so much closer to that essential pulse of what it is to be alive.

Do you have any tips for the gruelling editing process? Some say it’s somewhere between fun and torture... That’s the one! I actually do love the editing process and for me it’s when the real writing begins. But boy can it be tough, and some days, weeks even, can feel like an uphill slog, dragging the Titanic that’s been chained to your ankle, behind you! But here’s the thing. I’ve often found that it’s those moments where you’re gritting your teeth, that sometimes the best writing happens…it just doesn’t feel that way at the time.

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But keep chipping away and then suddenly everything will start falling into place…and it’s at that moment that every step you’ve taken with the editing process will make sense. Great stories are rarely born whole from an author’s imagination, but evolve slowly through hard work and guts.

Back to self-promotion. Does it work? There are a few articles flying around the net right now that suggest it’s a fool’s game. Do you have a counter argument? I’m on the fence on this one. I think there can be diminishing returns on what I would consider very self conscious PR campaigns. Discoverability is everything and how you reach out to your audience, can be a dark art. Network, get out there, either physically or via social media, but definitely interact however you do it. And if I ever discover the secret formula for this, I’ll let you know!

Are you now fully embracing writing as a salaried career? If not, how do you combine it with your day job? Yes, I’m a penniless writer, carving out a living where I can through my words; in contrast I came from a high paying job in the computer games industry. But right here, right now, as a writer, I am doing what I was put on this planet to do and that means everything to me. More sensible souls often balance their writing with a proper job to pay the bills. Alas this is not the way I work. However, I did earn this moment in the sun, by slaving away for years in a job that has effectively funded my writing for the last ten years.

How valuable are reader/fan reviews and where are most sourced? Reader’s reviews, good and bad, are the proof that your work has taken on a life of its own. They are also essential in helping to spread the word about your book. If someone reads your book and contacts you via social media to say they loved it, don’t be shy…ask them nicely if they could maybe post a review online.

And fnally... What projects are you working on now, and what do you anticipate the future to hold? (Apart from being sparkly-spangly and famous with uber famous friends and champagne for breakfast) For obvious reasons I can’t say too much about future work. However, right now, I’m just about to finish my final edit of Eye of the Storm, the final book in the Cloud Riders trilogy. What I can say about a new trilogy I have in progress, is it delves far more into my love of quantum physics, and is an idea I’ve been working on for years. I also have a creative project lined up for my blog, but about that my lips are sealed for now. http://www.nickcook.net/

Alice... I give myself very good advice, But I very seldom follow it

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Danl..

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Follow your heart, don’t give up and never follow your own advice -- well maybe sometimes...

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So thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it, your first intoduction to the world of writing; or perhaps a new discovery after many literary journeys. Either way, consider the many alternate routes that can be accessed to creating something wonderful; and the many inticiacies we, as writers have to unpick and unwind about ourselves in order to give those little voices in our heads the best chance possible. The next installment of, Be Like Alice will focus on techniques and writing goals by introducing trick sheets that explain the best ways to plot, write an outline, a synopsis and build believable characters. We will also take a look into the craft of screenplay, as a medium to hone the synopsis; keeping our work succinct and structured. Until then have fun and enjoy the adventure.

See you in three months for the next installment of Be Like Alice... All images used in this publication fall under the creative commons usage rights, andpublic domain property

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