Want to Write?
If you live anywhere near Cardiff and want to write, you might be interested in my new class - Telling Tales - which starts in Autumn 2010.
Visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn for more info...
If you’ve found yourself on this page I assume that’s either because you’re a friend or family member who’s just exercising idle curiosity – Hi all! – or someone who’d like to be/is a writer – more specifically, a novelist - themselves. In which case, I’ve included here a selection of some of the articles I’ve written on the subject. Which is not to say I claim to be any sort of guru, believe me. Half the time, the writing of such pieces is as much about me trying to fathom the mechanics of it myself as it is about offering guidance to anyone else. But as a devourer of writing related literature myself, I hope it proves useful to someone….jpg)
Another thing you might want to do if you've been bitten by the writing bug is find out what it's really like, by grabbing yourself a copy of Wannabe a Writer? by my lovely pal, Jane Wenham-Jones. I'm plugging it not only because I get a few mentions between its covers (being, like, so articulate and informed on the subject) but also because, Jane being Jane, it's an honest, entertaining and truly hilarious book; though be warned: prepare to leave your romanticised ideas of sitting being deeply creative in a garret at home...Incidentally, my all time top five books about writing are, in no particular order;
How to Write a Blockbuster (and Make Millions) by Sarah Harrison
Alison and Busby
This was the book I read (in one sitting) before writing my first novel. And then again…and again… It’s like having enthusiasm and encouragement bottled and condensed and served up as a cocktail just for you. I defy anyone not to be inspired by it.
Bestseller; Secrets of Successful Writing by Celia Brayfield
Fourth Estate
An intelligent, thought provoking and well researched look at the process, craft and history of the storyteller’s art. Beautifully written, and great for understanding the mechanics.
Writers on Writing by Alison Gibbs
Robert Hale
Ten famous authors, including Beryl Bainbridge, Fay Weldon, James Herbert and P D James, on how they go about writing their novels. Fascinating. I’m still waiting for a sequel…
On Writing by Stephen King
New English Library
This is part memoir/part extended essay on how he writes. I absolutely devoured it. Doesn’t matter a jot whether his books are your sort of thing or not. It’s a really illuminating and enjoyable read.
The Writer’s Handbook (published annually)
Pan