Libby

Wow, thanks Richard, thanks all. I’d be interested to hear how a back-to-back read feels, actually. The two books were written together in the first instance, although there was a lot of editing in the mean time, so it ought to work as a flowing narrative. The second one definitely has the advantage of pace – the history definitely felt as though…[Read more]

Yeah. I recommend not posting Thompson’s regime as writing advice

Anquetil had a comment for that, too – it was something along the lines of ‘you expect us to do what we do on mineral water alone?’

If there was a performance enhancing drug for writing, I’d be sorely tempted by it right now. (Not sure Hunter S Thompson’s idea of such a thing counts, btw)

Well that’s just unreasonable WB 😉

Jacques Anquetil, first five time winner of the Tour de France was once asked what advice he’d give aspiring bike racers. ‘Ride a bike, ride a bike, ride a bike’ was his answer. The equivalent for aspiring writers could be ‘write a book, write a book, write a book’.

*air punch* Yes, publishing moves at a glacial pace but this is a fabulous stride forwards – at last. I saw your lovely agent at York, though we didn’t have a chance to chat. I do know how much she adores you though. (Don’t we all!) xx

Huge congratulations CJ. Faberoo

Thanks GG, it’s a great idea isn’t it? I don’t have any control over the deadline unfortunately, it’s not a zine I have any involvement in. But people have another two weeks to submit something, and as it’s for 250 word flash, there should be a bit of time to get something in

Thanks Lorraine. To some extent you’re reading my mind! I’ve changed the opening, she’s on a three day pass, we’re down to one policeman, added sensory bits, edited, edited. Your comments are very helpful. I think I might just put it on my website.

The easiest way to protect your writing from unwanted attention is to set up a private group. Explain what it’s about in the description and then people can ask to join or you can invite them.

That’s one reason why the writing challenge group A Room with a View will be changed to a private group as soon as writing begins.

If you are really…[Read more]

Starting with a sentence that gives away what is going to happen is something I do a lot myself. There is a stage in my editing process where I go through the MS and look for them and mainly remove or change them. I think they are sort of notes to myself that need to come out.

Wow, that’s a heck of a story Elle. Absolutely stunning from first line to last

Is this the opening to number two? It works really well whether you’ve read the first or not. Straight into the action and letting us know about Tilda and her situation without us feeling we are being told. I am inclined to agree with Mad about not giving away that she will succeed in creating an illuminorb in the opening sentence.

Nice one, well done Elle 🙂 Just off to have a read

Good idea, Mad. Can’t think of anything right now, but will rack my brains. Would be great to see others’ suggestions

I really liked this Squidge. Very immediate, straight into the action. Lovely voice. Thumbs up all around.

Thank you Squidge,I appreciate the input. Food for thought.

Thanks Jules.

Read some of those stories, @johnalty – superb stuff, all with a strong, distinct voice. Even a couple of twists. Looking forward to finding @elle‘s stuff too