Write Time by Writing Success

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Issue 1

Write Time

What’s inside?

PICTURE PROMPTS Photographic inspiration

CRITIQUE GROUPS Giving and receiving feedback

THE SAME OLD RECORD? Avoiding plot cliches

Are my stories any good? How can you find out if what you’ve written has the potential to be published?

Can I make a living as a writer?

Follow your

DREAM The journey to becoming a writer isn’t easy – you’ll need to be persistent if you want to follow your dream When people find out that you write, some will say: ‘Oh, really? Very nice.’ This luke warm response may well be accompanied by a puzzled look that betrays what the person is really thinking, which is: why on earth would you want to do THAT? Other people may say: ‘I could write if only I had the time.’ Or: ‘I’d like to write a book but I’m far too busy with other things.’ These are the people who believe that becoming a writer is easy. They think that anyone could do it, given the time.

Some writers achieve great success, selling thousands (even millions) of copies of their book, but these authors are the exception. Most struggle to earn enough money to make a living from their writing and are forced to combine their freelance writing activities with a full or part time job. They pursue a career and write in their spare time. Even those who find it possible to earn a living purely from writing often top-up their fiction and non-fiction earnings by teaching creative writing, or writing copy and website content for businesses. Most first time novelists will continue to hold down another job, at least for a while. Authors with three or four published titles under their belt may eventually make the leap to writing full time, providing their books have sold well and continue to bring them a reasonable income. Be realistic and take things one step at a time. Try to build your writing income year on year and, eventually, you may be able to earn a living as a writer.

Authors stats from ALCS Report 2015:

The top 5% earned 42.3% of all the money earned by professional authors in the ALCS survey

Earning income solely from writing

11.5%

Earning money from other sources

90%

Read the full report at | www.alcs.co.uk

The truth is, we all have busy lives and pressures on our time. If your ambition is to become a successful writer you will need to be willing to find the time to write, even if that means rearranging an already hectic schedule. You will encounter setbacks and disappointments, but to achieve your writing goals you will need persistence and determination. Come what may, you will need to hang on to your writing dream and never, ever let go.

Picture prompts If you find yourself stuck for story ideas, try turning to photographs for inspiration. As you look at an image, think about the five Ws: who, what, where, when, and (most importantly) why?

Let’s think about the three images above. What are the couple in the car up to? Where are they and why are they there? What if they are birdwatchers out for a country drive and they spot something other than a red kite or a buzzard or a hawk? What if the pair are amateur sleuths following someone they suspect has committed a crime? What happens next? Ask yourself questions about the classroom scene in the second image. Invent scenarios and consider possible plot lines and outcomes for your story. And what about the yellow labrador in the third picture? Where is that beach and what time of day is it? Is the dog with someone? Or is it lost

and on its own? Perhaps it has spotted someone in the sea who isn’t waving, but drowning. Will the dog go to the rescue? To find picture prompts, try browsing on stock image websites such as gettyimages. com, stock.adobe.com and stockunlimited. com. It doesn’t cost anything to look – you can view photos without having to buy them or subscribe to the site. Pinterest.com is another brilliant source for fabulous images guaranteed to inspire. Sign up for a free account and you’ll be able to create mood boards and interest boards where you can pin and save the images that ‘speak’ to you. Remember the five Ws: who, what, where, when and why.

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Uncover your writing voice When you begin to write, you may find yourself mimicking the style of your favourite authors. Following a well-trodden path can offer a route into writing that is far less terrifying than trying to find the way on your own. Eventually, however, you will discover and develop a writing voice that is uniquely your own. Finding the voice that is quintessentially you can take a while. It’s usual for beginning writers to experiment with a range of different styles, tones and genres, and eventually their natural ‘voice’ will start to shine through in their writing. Just as we talk in a certain way, we also have our own way of writing – and our ‘voice’ will reflect our personality, attitude and cultural influences. It is the quality that will make your writing unique and authentically you. An author’s voice manifests itself in a number of ways. It is present in the writer’s choice of words, thought patterns, narrative and story structure. A strong, consistent authorial voice makes it easy to identify the writer of a piece of fiction. If you were to pick up a random piece

why not try this?

of unmarked writing by your favourite author, you would probably guess who had written it, just as you would pick out an extract from a Jane Austen novel, or a story by Charles Dickens. Similarly, if you are asked to read a piece of writing shared anonymously in your writing group, it’s likely you will guess the author if you are familiar with the work and ‘voice’ of each group member. When you discover (or stumble upon) your writing voice, it can be hard to explain exactly how you found it. Usually it is a gradual, organic process. Don’t force it. Let your writing voice emerge naturally and, once you have found it, use it confidently and joyously to tell your stories.

PUSH THE BOUNDARIES Try writing about a topic or theme that you consider challenging or controversial. Banish self-doubt and overrule your inner critic and try something new or different. If it doesn’t work out, so what? Try it and see what happens.

How do you write? There are lots of different ways to get your first draft written. Some people prefer to write long-hand in a notebook, others like to compose directly to their computer or laptop (or even use a manual typewriter). There are some writers who swear by specialist writing software packages, such as Scrivener. This kind of software can be used to plan and outline your book or story and, once completed, export it as an eBook for uploading to platforms such as Kindle Direct Publishing. Another great way to record your ideas or dictate the first draft of your story is to use a voice recording app on your phone. If you’re new to writing, try a range of different methods until you find the one that suits you best.

Tips for giving feedback at a writing group

Are my stories any good? You’ve been writing for a while and you’re beginning to feel that your stories and articles may have some merit, but how do you really know if they are any good? Who can you turn to for a second opinion?

If you share a writing project with friends or family, it’s wise to be cautious about the feedback they give you. Their opinion is likely to be biased and, whilst it’s pleasing to hear your work praised, it won’t help you identify how to make it even better. When you join a writing or critique group, you will receive honest, constructive criticism that can help you take your writing to the next level. The group’s members will understand what makes a story work and be able to offer practical suggestions to help you improve. The first time you hand over a piece of work for criticism is utterly terrifying, and giving feedback can be equally uncomfortable if you’ve never done it before. Remember: If you are crtitiquing a piece of work, read it thoroughly, making notes as you go. Refer to the notes when you give your feedback.

You haven’t been published yet, but you’re pouring your heart and soul into the stories you write. When you finish a piece of work, you read it, assess it, edit it and rework it until it starts to feel just right – but still you are unsure. How do you know whether what you’ve written is any good? It may well be your best piece to date, but is it publishable?

essential to develop a tough exterior and not be fazed by the things people say about your writing. And who knows, the editor may like what you send him and decide to publish it!

At this stage, it’s tempting to stuff the manuscript into a drawer and forget about it. After all, anything is better than receiving negative feedback or, worse, a rejection from an editor. Right?

One way to get some early feedback on your work is to join a writing group. Sharing your work with others can be useful and, if nothing else, the comments you receive will help to toughen you up! You will also learn by critiquing the work of other writers – it’s so much easier to spot the weaknesses in other people’s stories than it is to develop a critical eye for your own.

Wrong. In order to be published you have to be willing to submit your work, let it be judged, and accept that sometimes it will be found wanting. It’s

The problem is that critique groups and writing circles are often made up of people with a diverse range of writing interests. People who write science

Start by saying what you liked about the story, move on to any negative points, and then end with a positive comment. Be constructive. Don’t just say ‘It didn’t work for me.’ Say why it didn’t work. If you struggled with the plot, say: ‘I was confused at this point because...’ or: ‘I don’t think the character would have done that because...’ If you are specific, the writer will be able to take positive action to address the points you raise. If you are receiving criticism, don’t be defensive. Keep an open mind and listen quietly to the comments people make. You may not agree with everything they say, but you will undoubtedly pick up on several useful learning points.

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fiction stories will sit alongside romance writers, biographers and history buffs. Someone who specialises in crime stories might not be the best person to critique your article on garden design. You can address this problem by trying to find a critique group that specialises in your chosen genre. One of the easiest ways to do this is online. Search the internet for writing groups and forums that specialise in your area of interest. These groups operate by inviting writers to post their work online to get feedback from other members.

magazine you are targeting. It may take several weeks or even months before you get a reply. The editor’s response may take the form of a standard rejection: a letter or email that thanks you for submitting your story or article but explaining that it doesn’t suit the magazine’s requirements. Most writers have received this kind of rejection at some stage or other, usually in the early days of their writing career. Don’t be disheartened.

If you’re at a conference or seminar and you meet another author who writes in the same genre as you, ask whether they would like to become your writing buddy. This could be done by meeting in a coffee shop from time to time to discuss writing goals and share work. Or you could correspond and exchange stories by email if your writing buddy doesn’t live nearby.

If you get a rejection letter that goes into detail (however brief) about why the piece was rejected or how it could be improved, you are very close to being published. Editors will only take the time to offer feedback if they feel your work shows promise. Getting this kind of rejection is actually a cause for celebration, because it means you are making progress and, if you keep going, you will eventually be published.

Ultimately, the only true way to discover if your writing is any good (and saleable) is to submit it to the editor of the

Then will come that wonderful day when you get a letter from an editor that says they would like to publish your article

or short story. This is an unforgettable moment – as is the day you see your work in print for the first time. Trust me, you will be floating on air for weeks. As you become more experienced as a writer, you will find it increasingly easy to judge the merit of your own work. You will develop a gut instinct that will tell you when the piece you have written works well. If that same instinct tells you that your story or article has flaws, you should continue to edit until it is the best that it can be.

“When your first piece of work is accepted, you will be floating on air for weeks.”

“Critique groups and writing circles are often made up of people with a diverse range of writing interests.” 5

Markets for non-fiction articles

Don’t play the same old record: avoid writing cliches According to some experts, there are only seven basic plots, but the stories these plot lines can generate are endless. So why is it that the same ones keep cropping up? We’ve all read stories in which the main character turns out to be a dog, a cat, or even a car or other inanimate object (yawn). The same

Go into any book store or newsagent and you will find shelves packed full of magazines on just about every subject imaginable. If you have experience or knowledge of a topic, why not write an article for one of the many specialist magazines available? Here are a few random ideas to get you started: American Angler Magazine (US) This US magazine is devoted exclusively to fly fishing. Feature articles should be between 1,500 and 2,200 words and pay is around US$450. Shorter features pay $200 to $400. Full writer’s guidelines at www.americanangler.com/about-us/ submissions. Scottish Memories (UK) Nostalgia magazine featuring articles (600 to 1,800 words) on living history from the 1940s to the 1980s. Articles must have a Scottish connection or setting. Go to www.scottish-memories.co.uk for further information and to read past articles. Your Dog Magazine (UK) Publishes articles of interest to dog lovers on all aspects of owning and caring for a dog. Articles should be1,500 words. Payment is £140 per 1,000 words. Go to www.yourdog.co.uk for more information. Fairlady (South Africa) The target audience is women aged 35 and over. They are especially interested in articles about women running their own business. Pays R2.50 per word. Go to www.fairlady.com for more information.

applies to stories where the main character suspects her partner of being unfaithful, only to discover that the woman he is meeting in secret is actually a wedding planner or someone helping to organise a surprise party for them (bor-ing). Before you submit your work to an editor, make sure your plot isn’t a cliche. Only send send off stories that are interesting and original.

What are the seven basic plots? 1 The quest: The main character (MC) searches for a place, a person,

an object, or some vital information. The quest often involves the MC leaving home, accompanied on his journey by a companion (of the human or animal kind) or by group of friends or allies. A classic example of a quest story is Moby Dick by Herman Melville.

2 Defeating the monster: The main character hears about or

discovers something monstrous and evil and sets out to destroy it. Films such as Jaws and Star Wars are based on a ‘defeating the monster’ plot.

3 Voyage and return: This type of story may start off gently, but

sooner or later it will take a darker turn. The MC plunges into an unknown land and has to overcome a series of ordeals before finally making their escape and returning home. Think Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and The Chronicles of Narnia.

4 Rags to Riches: An impoverished or disadvantaged character

overcomes a series of barriers or set-backs to eventually achieve a happy-ever-after by achieving their dream of wealth, fame, or love (or all of these things). These are the Cinderalla type stories – a plot type often used in contemporary romance novels.

5 Comedy: You can add an element of humour to any kind of plot

(even a tragedy), but a true comedy is a story that sets out to amuse and it usually includes a happy ending.

6 Tragedy: These are stories with a sad or unhappy ending,

especially ones that involve the downfall of the main character.

7 Rebirth: Similar to a tragedy, but in a ‘rebirth’ story the MC realises the error of his ways and redeems himself before it’s too late.

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Easy as 1, 2, 3 Try this writing exercise if you’re struggling for a story idea Start by choosing one of the opening lines below and then select a character. Combine 1 and 2 into a story, making sure you weave in one of the lines of dialogue as your final element. When you’ve completed the first draft you may want to go back and change the opening line or remove it altogether – but for now, use it as a jumping off point to get your story started. USE ONE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING STORY INGREDIENTS

PICK AN OPENING LINE

CHOOSE A CHARACTER

WEAVE IN SOME DIALOGUE

Opening lines Use one of the opening lines below as a starting point for a new story

1. Opening lines

2. Characters

“You’re the last person I expected to see here,” he said.

Charles, a middle-aged widower.

She was woken from her afternoon nap by the sound of breaking glass. Cathy, a student who has a part time job in the university library. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Agatha, a TV chat show host.

He was driving far too fast as he rounded the bend.

Paul, a newly qualified driving instructor.

The flood water began to seep under the door soon after they’d carried Lenny, an unemployed loner. the last of the furniture upstairs. Jean, a retired teacher who has moved to the country. He had wanted a pet for as long as he could remember, he just wasn’t Angela, a single woman who is a member of a local theatre group. sure that a parrot was the right choice. She was making the journey on the hottest day of the year. He waited for her in the cafe on the high street.

3. Dialogue

“There’s no easy way to tell you this.”

“What on earth are you doing?”

The thing she wanted most in the world was for her son to forgive her.

“Please let go of my hand.”

I wish I could afford it but, the truth is, I’m totally broke.

“Don’t look at me like that. I can’t bear it.”

“Do you remember the day we lost Kevin?”

“Why won’t you believe me?”

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