The idea of a “last chance for success” makes for good drama, but thankfully creativity is far less fickle. Picture the scene: a reality talent show. One of the contestants is older than the rest and has been designated the ‘been through the mill’ label. They’re hopeful, teetering on jaded. They’re nervous as all hell. They’re about […]
How to become Unstoppable: Author Emma Jane Unsworth
“All perfect ideas will become imperfect realities in the end, if they are to become anything.” Novelist and screenwriter Emma Jane Unsworth tells how she gets over the fear of imperfection. “There is a point I reach regularly, which I am sure all novelists reach regularly, around about Chapter 12, when I realise the perfect […]
How to get a literary agent in five (not so) simple steps
So you’ve written a book! Hurrah, huzzah and congratulations. To share that work of genius with the world, you’re probably going to need a literary agent. So how do you go about getting one? Firstly, don’t let anyone (the internet) tell you that getting an agent is impossible. That agents just don’t want to get […]
Should I give up on my novel? How to know when to let go
There’s lots of advice about sticking at your WIP. But what happens when giving up is the right option? I’ve always had a strong sense of my next step in life. This little voice inside was the reason I was determined to take English, and not Maths, at A Level. It was why, in my […]
How to make your writing dreams come true
There’s a lot of hope involved in being a writer. Also, a lot of uncertainty. It’s important to be ambitious for your work, to have big dreams. I have always loved the idea that a person’s heartfelt desire to do something means that the ability to achieve that thing also exists within them. (But then […]
10 Writing Prompts You Can Use Right Now
1. Write down the words: I want. It can be one huge thing, or many little things, or many huge things, or something you don’t want, or anything at all. See where it takes you. Write for five minutes. If you get stuck, just return to the prompt: I want. 2. Write down the words: I remember. It […]
You want to be a writer – so why did you stop writing?
Years ago, I met a young woman who had done a creative writing degree. She didn’t write anymore. I asked her why, and she said, ‘Because I read back what I have written and discover that it’s total shit.’And I thought, ‘Well, yeah…’ I was still quite early on in my fiction-writing journey, deep into […]
Why internet dating is like pitching your novel
There are few things more challenging to one’s self esteem than internet dating…unless it’s writing a novel and trying to get it published. I met my partner online and I got a book deal for my novel, so I am proof that both are possible. But what’s perhaps even more surprising is how much the […]
Why it’s okay that you hate my book: How to handle bad reviews
A few weeks before my debut novel, The Gods of Love, came out I did a very unwise thing. I googled myself. I told myself I did this because I was reading a marketing book that said, “Find out what comes up when people google your name because that’s your brand.” But who am I kidding? […]
How to throw a successful book launch
You’ve got a book deal and a publication date. Congratulations! So, that’s all the hard work done now, right? You just have to sit back, relax and look forward to the party? Umm…not exactly. Find out exactly what’s in store with my guide to throwing a Book launch … Await information regarding the date and […]