On the train heading back from Yorkshire, I’m wondering how long it will take before everything I’ve learned on Arvon’s “Fiction: Work in Progress” course soaks in. Myself and fourteen other budding novelists spent six intensive days holed up in poet Ted Hughes’ former home, Lumb Bank, doing workshops, readings, one-one-ones with expert tutors, Q&As and much more. I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
We were lucky to be under the guidance of James Scudamore and Adam Foulds for the week – I won’t list all the literary prizes they’ve won or been shortlisted for, as that would merit a blog of its own. But we were in safe hands. The stunning woodland setting of the Arvon centre and ceaseless sunshine certainly helped inspire too. My fellow writers were all working on a variety of projects, but the one thing everyone had in common was friendliness and plenty of moral support (we’ve all promised to keep in touch afterwards).
In between being spoiled with delicious, fresh homemade meals (who can write well on an empty stomach?), we did interactive workshops on themes including character, point of view, voice, structure, and oblique strategies for unblocking creative ideas.
My favourite exercises and writing tips included:
· Exploring a significant childhood memory for character
· Producing a ‘creative brief’ for your novel, featuring a 9 word summary, key question it asks, and how you want it to make your reader feel.
· Taking nouns and verbs supplied by another group member and using them to finish a scene you’ve found challenging
· What is your favourite thing about the novel you’re writing?
There was also some free time to write, and I finally managed to crack a tricky novel scene I’ve been blocked on, and got to know one of my main character’s much better.
An extra bonuses of the course was a visit from guest speaker Evie Wyld, who’s talk went on fascinating tangents, ranging from her passion for sharks, to New Zealand serial killers and family scandal (do check out her inventive graphic novel ‘Everything is Teeth’).
The fantastic week ended with everyone performing readings from their works in progress which was quite an emotional finale to the course – and an excuse for lots of wine!
I’ll leave you with this inspiring piece of writing advice:
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint on broken glass.” Anton Chekhov.
It’s that time of year again! With London Book Fair kicking off tomorrow, here’s my round-up of advice to help you survive one of the busiest weeks in the publishing calendar…
London Book Fair @ the Olympia in Kensington
1) Wear comfy shoes
This may sound pretty basic, but trust me, you’ll be grateful for this tip after spending hours walking for miles around all the exhibitors’ stands across the three vast floors of the Olympia.
2) Plan plan plan
Did I mention plan? With such a hectic programme of events, it’s definitely worth having in mind what your must-sees are before turning up. But above all, plan to leave some time when you have nothing planned! That way you can be a bit spontaneous if someone recommends an unmissable thing to do at the last-minute.
3) Download the LBF app
The app was worth downloading last year, as I could save my fave talks into an online diary, and use it to schedule meetings with other delegates too. Just don’t forget to print a map off as well, in case wi-fi decides to play up!
4) Pack a bottle of water (or two) and lunch
Last year, I found myself with about ten minutes to get from a translation panel event to a literary festival talk three floors above. Luckily, on the advice of an LBF veteran, I’d popped a pre-made bagel in my handbag, to avoid missing the event while queuing for food and beverages. Also, it’s surprisingly thirsty work strolling around stalls and chatting to a bunch of literary types…
5) Bring a phone charger
Ok, this might be stating the obvious, but I saw more than a couple of distressed publishing types desperately trying to make calls on a drained battery. If you’re fortunate enough to see a spare socket (I found a couple of quiet ones on level 3), then pounce on it and make the most.
6) Don’t miss the Author HQ
Authors are at the heart of the publishing industry, so it’s no surprise that LBF has a range of must-see talks, seminars and events aimed at writers in the Author HQ.
7) Avoid the lifts
It can be tempting to take the lifts after a knackering day on your feet, but it’s not the wait as hundreds of people try to use them daily (whilst they argue with the lift operator about whether it should go up or down). Just put your best foot forward and take the stairs.
8) Get tweeting
Who knows what bigwig from the literary world could end up retweeting or favouriting one of your pics? Plus you’ll get a bunch more followers if you keep up with the goings on using the LBF hashtag (#LBF17, if you’re wondering). It’s a good way to remember what you got up to and who you connected when you look back in a few months time too. Make the most of online and face to face networking.
9) Remember business cards
This might seem a bit formal, but do you really want to scrawl your name illegibly on a torn notebook page when you’ve finally got a moment with that sought-after agent/ publisher/ author (delete as appropriate)? Didn’t think so.
10) Embrace getting lost
Let’s face it, in a venue the size of the Olympia, it’s impossible not to. You might get pointed in the wrong direction a few times too. Use it as an excuse to see who (or what) you might stumble upon on your travels.
11) Don’t mistake it for a careers fair
This isn’t the place to be waving CVs under harangued publicist’s noses, or dumping a manuscript in front of an agent in the middle of an important rights meetings. They’re here to do business, not get you a job or book deal! By all means network, drop people a tweet, and follows things up with emails where appropriate. But try not to be pushy to the point it’s just annoying, and pick your moment for those job approaches…
12) Have fun!
Some people will inevitably be sweating over make or break book deals. But it’s worth remembering this is also a great day out surrounded by like-minded people who are passionate about publishing too. So however busy you are, take a moment to enjoy it.
Hope you liked these tips, as inspired by previous LBF experiences. Feel free to share some of your own suggestions in the comments below!
I recently read One Last Wish by Ella Harper – who went from banker to bestselling author. She managed to swap the cut-throat corporate finance world for heart-rending romances. This got me thinking about which other authors have undergone a complete career make-over on the path to writing success…
1) Douglas Adams worked as a bodyguard:The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy author was responsible for the security of a wealthy Arabian family to help make ends meet while writing for radio shows and Monty Python.
2) Octavia Butler was a potato chip inspector: Before achieving success as a Hugo and Nebula award-winning science fiction, Octavia held down this and number of other day jobs – including dishwasher and telemarketer. She’d get up at 2am (!) to write, and clearly her hard work paid off with over one million books sold worldwide…
3) Stephen King was a janitor: His road to writing success wasn’t easy either. King juggled jobs in a laundry, high school and gas station whilst living in a trailer. But it was his stint as a janitor that inspired the novel Carrie and ultimately led to his big break.
4) Nicholas Sparks sold dental products: The road to bestselling success with The Notebook was reached through dental phone sales, amongst other odd jobs. At least the actors in the movie adaptation all had great teeth…
5) Margaret Atwood worked in a coffee shop: Margaret’s story should give hope to every barista out there who’s dreaming of seeing their novel on book shelves as they make their hundredth soya milk latte of the day. Imagine all the intriguing conversations you could ear-wig on and poach for your novel!
6) Harper Lee was an airline reservation clerk: After dropping out of a law degree, Harper took up a job for an airline by day so she could write at night, before To Kill a Mockingbird took her soaring to literary heights.
We all have that friend who’s totally book obsessed, but is always complaining they have a To-Be-Read list that takes them about a decade to wade through. So to help you out, here’s my rundown of top bookish presents that don’t require them to read a single word!
These stunning floating bookshelves are perfect readers with their heads in the clouds
Check out this bloody brilliant book mark – a gory gift for lovers of crime fiction
If you’re feeling generous, this book tent is ideal for anyone who likes adventures off the page as well as on them
Know someone who’s addicted to leafing through second hand book shops? This page-turning fragrance means they’re never more than a spray away from indulging in the habit
For those who appreciate the hand-made touch, don’t miss this gorgeous guide to crafting your own Christmas star for a special someone (or just treat yourself!)
Got a mate who feels ashamed of loading their Kindle with bargains instead of holding a classic tome? Then they’ll appreciate the British Library Classics e-reader covers collection
Ok, maybe I’m cheating a bit here because this is more for writers. But how could anyone with a passion for words resist this gloriously inventive twist on the traditional blue and white lined notebook
Help transport any regency literature fans you know into the gardens of an English manor with this Jane Austen themed floral scented candled – and there’s a whole library worth themed around other well-loved authors!
Are you currently in Christmas-gift mode, looking for the perfect festive pressie for a book-lover in your life? Here’s my round-up of some of this year’s most beautiful covers, which are guaranteed to have avid readers swooning over them!
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry (Serpent’s Tail)
The design evokes a rich, detailed tapestry which perfectly matches the finely-wrought historical prose within.
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton (Faber & Faber)
This epic, magical adventure deserved no less than such an enchanting and mesmerising cover. I’m already counting down until the next book in this sweeping YA series comes out…
The Vegetarian by Han Kang (Portobello Books)
There’s something brilliantly visceral and unsettling about the cover of this Man Booker International Prize Winner: a torn wing lies on a web of glossy red veins. It encapsulates Deborah Smith’s unnerving translation of this provocative work.
This Census-Taker by China Mieville (Picador)
The image of mountains shrouded in mists perfectly evokes the dream-like qualities of this dark fable, and it’s mysterious (post-apocalyptic?) setting.
The Amber Shadows by Lucy Ribchester (Simon & Schuster)
I was utterly charmed by Lucy’s Victorian mystery caper The Hourglass Factory, and her next book didn’t disappoint. The silhouetted figures and shadowy rendering of Bletchley Park on the cover promise readers a war-time espionage thriller to keep them gripped.
Cogheart by Peter Bunzl (Usborne)
Last but certainly not least is this steam-punk page turner that’s alive with clockwork curios, gripping escapades and inventive touches. Fans of Phillip Pullman young and old won’t fail to enjoy this spellbindingly realised world (and gorgeous papercut cover).
HONOURABLE MENTION: The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley (Bloomsbury)
Ok, so technically I haven’t included it in my top 2016 round-up, because I first fell in love with the hardback edition cover that came out last year. But this summer saw the paperback release of this enthralling and intelligent historical fantasy, and it’s still a treat for book-magpies like me who can’t resist a shiny new cover…
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a book in possession of good qualities must be in want of a review. Well, maybe not quite universally… I know a number of avid readers who’ve never left a review for a novel they’ve fallen for. At most, the cover might end up on Instagram, or the book will find itself passed on to a friend. Amazon, Goodreads and retailer websites remain untouched. Anyone reading this who works in publishing like myself knows the importance of book reviews not only to sales, but also as a way to brighten an author’s day as they see five stars shining back at them!
So why don’t more people review? I think a key reason is that the everyday reader (who happens not to run a book blog) doesn’t know where to begin with writing one, so it feels like too much effort – even if they could talk about it perfectly eloquently over a cocktail. In the spirit of this, here’s my attempt at offering a guide to writing a novel review, and my attempt to answer the question of what makes a good critique. Feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments section. And most of all, don’t forget to get reviewing!
Finish the book first: It’s my pet hate when I see one star reviews for books with comments like ‘First chapter didn’t grab me. Gave up.’ It doesn’t do justice to the author or their work, and I don’t think you can get a true feel for a novel without taking it into account as a whole, and deciding if it’s ultimately a satisfying read. Plus, it could have the best second chapter you’ll ever read, but you’d never know.
Get creative: Before you put pen to paper, decide if pen and paper really is the best way to convey your thoughts on a book. Maybe you’re more of a talker than a writer. That’s fine – why not do a video review and get vlogging? In this blog post called ‘Crafting Creative Book Reviews’, someone has even written theirs in the form of a poem
Size matters not: Remember that there’s no exact right or wrong length for a review (but a review that’s bordering on novella length probably wouldn’t be very helpful). If time and effort is putting you off writing that all important review, a short and sweet one of a paragraph or two is perfectly fine. Or perhaps you’ve read a bunch of books lately and don’t have time for an epic review-writing session. So why not Tweet 140 character reviews, and tag the author or publisher on Twitter?
Lost the plot: A good review is not just a summary of the plot, but I see this all too often. Tell me how you felt about the characters – any favourites, and why? Did any particular language or descriptions jump out? Any themes that struck you? What didn’t work? A personal response about how the book made you feel is what makes a review engaging. Anyone could go on Google and find the publisher’s blurb.
No big spoilers! Need I say more…
Go compare: Can you suggest any other books or authors the work reminds you of? “If you like Y you’ll love Z” can feel a bit simplistic, but it’s a great pointer for potential readers. It’s worth including whether the author has written any other books of note to be aware of – especially if it’s part of a series.
To balance or not to balance: Don’t always feel your review has to be perfectly balanced and an objective split between the good and bad points if a book. I’ve read some advice about the importance of balanced books reviews, but I disagree and think if you love a work, why should you scrape the barrel for things you disliked for the sake of it? I used to write theatre reviews, and realised the balanced ones I did always felt formulaic. Just be honest and authentic.
The sum of its parts: A two-sentence summary or quick overview about your thoughts on the book can be handy for time-poor people who want a quick sense of whether the book’s worth reading. This is also seriously useful for marketing bods from the publisher. Here’s one I love about the new release Paradise Ghetto by Fergus O’Connell: “This novel took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The passion for literature and the relationship between the two young women in this story is both uplifting and inspiring.
Starred-up: Don’t get bogged down spending ages worrying about what star ratings to give. Go with your gut. I once saw someone had given a novel 2 stars, because they were pissed off that Amazon wouldn’t let them give it 3.5 stars (the option was either three or four).
Get sharing: A review is of little use stuck on a laptop! Wondering what to do with those shiny new paragraphs you’ve written? Why not share on social media channels, like Facebook or Youtube/ BookTube. You could also post it on Amazon, Goodreads, the publisher’s website, or the sites for retailers like Waterstones and WHSmith. Don’t let the lack of your own book blog stop you posting anything (or better yet, set one up!).
Need that little bit of extra inspiration? Here are couple of great books review guides from Stylist Magazine and BookTrust.
There’s one thing all comms people have in common. Whether you work at a tiny indie or a publisher the size of a small town, we’re all workload rich and time poor. So here’s my brave (or is that foolish?) attempt to sum up key takeways from the Bookseller’s recent conference in 5 minutes…
Growing a Reading Community: Five Lessons from Five Years of Emerald Street
With literary editors becoming a rare breed, digital is your new best friend for coverage that matters. Cue a talk from Emerald Street, whose emails go out to 150k contacts, and do twice weekly “Reading Rooms”. Remember: we’re viewers first then readers of their visually gorgeous content – they aim to be the still point in your inbox.
Totes Amazing: What Really Works in Trade Marketing
Profile Books Publisher Jason Spackman revealed the secrets to the perfect proof copy: Personal, relevant, high quality, original. I loved the idea of a WWII themed book sent out in an evacuee’s suitcase with ration books and 1940s themed goodies! Now I just need the budget…
Reasons to Stay Alive: Putting the Author at the Heart of the Campaign
The brilliant team at Canongate talked about putting an author at the heart of a campaign to produce a bestseller, with Matt Haig’s Reasons to Stay Alive as their case study. Don’t just take it from me, here’s their 12-month campaign plan summed up a one handy slide!
How Sticking to What We Know Won’t Help us Grow
Keynote speaker Sara Lloyd of Pan Macmillan stressed the importance of innovation and challenging convention. Suggestions included looking at teenagers’ phones to see what their top 5 most used apps are, and taking inspiration from this. Her colleague Emma Bravo also delved into new ideas for building successful media partnerships. A key question to ask is: what does success look like for both of you?
Prepping for Debut Success in The Trouble with Sheep and Goats
Want to make a good impression on retailers and get those orders in? The Harper Collins team behind this bestseller said the recommended approach was the more personal, informal touch of taking an author to key Waterstones shops in person, introducing them to the team over a cup of tea, and giving out sleek book proofs by hand. Oh, and 2,000 proofs doesn’t hurt!
Is Our Business Like Show Business?
In a talk about what we should (and shouldn’t) learn from other industries, the question was asked: should we be focusing more on promoting reading as a behaviour than marketing individual books?
Send Better Email
One of Zainab Juma’s from PRH’s top tips for sending better email was to imagine you’re a considerate guest at a dinner party: don’t impose or turn up with leftovers. Who only wants to be told about books on sale for 99p? Or be emailed three times in one evening? Also, the key to using data effectively is to target behaviours not just demographics.
Handselling Your Way to the Bestseller Charts
Amazon bestselling author Mark Dawson talked all things Facebook advertising. If you’re not already in the know with pixel installation, creating lookalike audiences, and how to set up successful social media book clubs, then start liking his Self-Publishing Formula Facebook page now.
That’s (nearly!) all folks. For those of you who happen to have a whole precious hour to spare, here’s a link where you can check out all the presentation slides from the day for FREE. Don’t say I don’t spoil you!
I’ve just returned from the inspiring ‘Writing a Novel’ course hosted by Arvon, the UK’s largest creative writing charity. The Lumb Bank Centre, a former home of poet Ted Hughes, was nestled in remote Yorkshire woodland – the perfect place to get lost in my work. Here’s my round-up of the week, alongside top writing tips from our fantastic tutors, the multi-award-winning Samantha Harvey and Ross Raisin.
DAY 1: MONDAY
After a few wrong turns on meandering country lanes, I arrived at Lumb Bank early evening. My spacious bedroom offered a view over thickly-forested hills with ancient mill chimneys peeking out. The friendly staff welcomed us with tea (and all important cake!) while the writers on the course got to know each other. People had travelled here from all over the world, including the USA and Hong Kong.
The view from my bedroom window at Lumb Bank
After the first of many delicious dinners over the course of the week, we had a session with tutors Ross and Samantha, where they asked everyone to sum up the novel they were working on in a single sentence. Harder than it sounds! We also discussed what we found to be the biggest barriers to our writing practice, and what we wanted to get out of the course. The struggle to find the time, space and focus to work on a novel seemed to be the main concerns.
Before bed, I had a chance to meet arguably the most important character at Lumb Bank – the persistent (and incredibly cute) cat Harold who mewled around looking for nibbles and cuddles…
DAY 2: TUESDAY
The group kicked off Tuesday at 10am sharp with a workshop on style led by Ross. We debated the relationship between voice, style and content. In the end, we agreed that these factors should inform and shape each other. Ross then introduced us to three strikingly different passages from novels by Marilynne Robinson, Junot Diaz, and Saul Bellow. We were challenged to write something inspired by one of these, which brought me out of my comfort zone and into a frenetic train station scene based on Bellow’s voice.
Next was Samantha’s session which posed the question: what is a novel? It’s fascinating how many different concepts we all had for how to define terms like plot, story and narrative. But we came away with a clearer understanding of form and structure for our work. At the end of the workshop, everyone bounced around random ideas to generate a prompt for an exercise. The group ended up writing about a passport-smuggling Syrian refugee and a dictionary salesman meeting on a buffet cart – I didn’t see that one coming!
Samantha and Ross doing evening readings.
Tonight was my turn on the rota to make dinner for around 20 people, and it was rather satisfying to see how me, Paddy, Rose and Izzys’ chilli turned out. Plus a crumble with rhubarb freshly picked from the garden was a tasty way to lead into readings from our tutors in the cosy barn that evening.
DAY THREE: WEDNESDAY
The morning began aptly: with a workshop all about beginnings. The group discussed novel openings they felt worked well, and suggestions ranged from Great Expectations to Catcher in the Rye. One of my personal favourites is The Bell Jar. Samantha talked about the importance of beginnings for setting up dynamics and starting the ripples of the story. We then looked over examples of some successful openers (and not so successful ones, which shall remain anonymous!). Some of the best advice I heard all week was asking yourself what makes the start of your novel an open door that encourages the reader to enter. What is the underlying question that compels them to read on?
Later that day, Ross talked us through his top tips on effective dialogue. One of the most important things I took from this is to remember that every day and novel speech are different – the latter is simplified, and the subtlest of touches (such as vernacular) have an amplified effect. Ultimately, dialogue is characterisation. The group then had a go at writing a dialogue-only piece, about two people meeting in a café, which was surprisingly fun and liberating.
Stephen May – Arvon guest
My afternoon involved an invaluable 1-to-1 tutorial with Ross, where he gave detailed feedback on the opening of my novel. I also spent some time getting to know my fellow writers better. This led to an evening talk with a guest speaker – scheduled to be novelist Nikita Lalwani, but sadly due to a broken ankle she had to pull out. But in her place stepped in author and former Arvon Centre Director Stephen May. The group loved his lively readings and Q&A, so as the bard would say, all’s well that ends well.
DAY FOUR: THURSDAY
The next day was full of character, as both tutors focused on characterisation. With Ross, the group discussed memorable personalities in literature, and what makes them so. We were split between whether we needed to find a main character likeable or not (Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment is one of my favourites, so you can probably guess which side of the debate I’m on!). Everyone agreed that flaws, layers and conflict were vital elements though. Ross then spread out a selection of photographs for us to use as writing prompts. I ended up doing a piece about a man returning from WW1 to see his fiancée, and trying to hide his shell shock.
Samantha gave the group a series of exercises to demonstrate how we can tell a lot about a character from the way they describe the objects around them. She handed out photos of Tracey Emin’s infamous unmade bed art exhibit, and explained that this is a visual form of what writers do with novels – they curate the scene with objects carefully placed to mimic an impression of real life. Everyone had a lot of fun imagining what sort of person would live in a room like the one Emin created!
Thursday was a free evening, and some people walked over to the nearest town Heptonstall for a pub quiz, while some of us holed ourselves up at Lumb Bank to finish our pieces for following day’s tutorial. Plenty of wine/ beer was enjoyed either way…
DAY FIVE: FRIDAY
The final full day of the course came around far too quickly. But it was a great way to round off the week, with an outdoor writing workshop. Samantha encouraged us to explore the nearby woodland, and I ended up writing a poem about the old mill chimneys that dotted the landscape.
The group was given prompts themed around the senses such as touch and smell, then did readings in our stunning surroundings (luckily the rain held off!).
The last session of the week was an essential one about re-drafting work from Ross. It was fascinating to find out more about his own process, which involved writing longhand, leaving it for a while, going back and highlighting what’s good enough to make it into draft two, then typing it up. He then does HUNDREDS of mini editing sweeps over the novel. I found it reassuring to hear this process can take over twelve months, as sometimes I’m tempted to rush things with my own novel as I feel I’m going too slowly. The group then bounced off ideas about what we find helpful for re-drafting, from reading work aloud, to getting feedback from others, and printing it out in a different font to read it afresh.
That afternoon, I had my final tutorial of the week with Samantha. She read an extract of my novel set in Beijing, and it was a huge motivation to hear her positive and encouraging response to my work. I also received some handy advice around point of view.
The finale, and one of my highlights of the Arvon course, was gathering in the barn to hear everyone do readings from their work. The group had really bonded over the week, and it was fantastic to hear such diverse pieces and discover how people’s voices had developed over a short space of time. We ended the evening with wine, mingling, and some impromptu karaoke with the barn’s piano as an accompaniment!
The group all swapped emails and we plan to keep in touch. A quick warning if you hate corny things – but I couldn’t have wished for a more friendly or supportive group to spend the week with.
DAY SIX: SATURDAY
Saturday involved saying quick good byes as we all prepared to vacate Lumb Bank by 10 am. I readied myself for lugging my bags and suitcase up the steep hill back, but luckily got a lift from one of my fellow writers. On the way home, Post-Arvon Blues started to set in – I’m pretty sure that’s a legitimate self-diagnosis. I’d happily spend the rest of the year ensconced at the centre (well, maybe not winter, I’m from south of Sheffield so can’t cope with the Northern climate that much!).
Overall, my week at Arvon left me buzzing with creative energy and a renewed passion for completing my novel. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone. I’ve been on several writing courses and this is the only one where I’ve been made to feel so at home, both literally at the centre, and also with myself and my own work.
This month I’ve been struggling to find the time to write something every day for my novel. I tried to make turning up at the page an essential part of my daily routine ever since listing to Neil Gaiman’s ‘Make Good Art’ speech. But I work as a marketing manager for a busy publisher, and squeezing in moments with my latest novel chapter around sales conferences, book launches, author catch-ups (and a social life!) has proved a challenge.
This got me thinking about the writing habits of successful novelists. Is working on a novel daily really the way to go? What are the popular practices of those who pen bestsellers? How can we learn from other leading authors? Here are just a few of the routines and curious customs I’ve unearthed…
Haruki Murakami gets up at 4am, writes for five or six hours, then goes for a run in the afternoon. He keeps to this routine every day without variation.
Ernest Hemmingway woke each morning with the sunrise and wrote solidly until noon. Then presumably he headed to a bar or found time for some hell-raising…
Bestseller Jodi Picoult has a slightly more flexible approach. Even if she can’t write a good page every day, she tries to edit a bad one
At the more eccentric end, Brain Pickings tells me that Virginia Woolf only wrote standing up in her twenties, Truman Capote wouldn’t begin or end a piece of work on Friday, and Victor Hugo locked away his clothes so he couldn’t leave the house until he was done. Not sure I’ll be trying that one in a hurry…
I’ve decided I’ll still aim to write something every day, but time away from the page every once in a while shouldn’t make or break the chances of producing a bestseller! Perhaps it’s even a good thing to come back refreshed. What matters is doing what works for you to get the words on the page. Kafka managed to write around 12 hour shifts, so there’s no excuse for me.
What are your writing habits and routines? Does anything in particular work well for you? Let me know in the comments below!
The countdown to one of the biggest publishing events in the global calendar begins. With just 7 days to go until London Book Fair 2016 kicks off, here’s my round-up of advice for authors and publishing bods alike, not only about how to survive the fair but how to enjoy it too!
1) Wear comfy shoes
This may sound pretty basic, but trust me, you’ll be grateful for this tip after spending hours walking for miles around all the exhibitors’ stands across the three vast floors of the Olympia.
2) Plan plan plan
Did I mention plan? With such a hectic programme of events, it’s definitely worth having in mind what your must-sees are before turning up. But above all, plan to leave some time when you have nothing planned! That way you can be a bit spontaneous if someone recommends an unmissable thing to do at the last-minute.
3) Download the LBF app
The app was worth downloading last year, as I could save my fave talks into an online diary, and use it to schedule meetings with other delegates too. Just don’t forget to print a map off as well, in case wi-fi decides to play up!
4) Pack a bottle of water (or two) and lunch
In 2015, I found myself with about ten minutes to get from a translation panel event to a literary festival talk three floors above. Luckily, on the advice of an LBF veteran, I’d popped a pre-made bagel in my handbag, to avoid missing the event while queuing for food and beverages. Also, it’s surprisingly thirsty work strolling around stalls and chatting to a bunch of literary types…
5) Bring a phone charger
Ok, this might be stating the obvious, but I saw more than a couple of distressed publishing types desperately trying to make calls on a drained battery. If you’re fortunate enough to see a spare socket (I found a couple of quiet ones on level 3), then pounce on it and make the most.
6) Don’t miss the Author HQ
Authors are at the heart of the publishing industry, so it’s no surprise that LBF has a range of must-see talks, seminars and events aimed at writers in the Author HQ. This includes a traditional vs self-publishing discussion on Tuesday 12th April at 12.45pm, featuring the Director of my company Accent Press, and our author Jodi Taylor (*plug*). Get a break from those exhibition stands and come and check it out!
7) Avoid the lifts
It can be tempting to take the lifts after a knackering day on your feet, but it’s not the wait as hundreds of people try to use them daily (whilst they argue with the lift operator about whether it should go up or down). Just put your best foot forward and take the stairs.
8) Get tweeting
Who knows what bigwig from the literary world could end up retweeting or favouriting one of your pics? Plus you’ll get a bunch more followers if you keep up with the goings on using the LBF hashtag (#LBF16, if you’re wondering). It’s a good way to remember what you got up to and who you connected when you look back in a few months time too. Make the most of online and face to face networking.
9) Remember business cards
This might seem a bit formal, but do you really want to scrawl your name illegibly on a torn notebook page when you’ve finally got a moment with that sought-after agent/ publisher/ author (delete as appropriate)? Didn’t think so.
10) Embrace getting lost
Let’s face it, in a venue the size of the Olympia, it’s impossible not to. You might get pointed in the wrong direction a few times too. Use it as an excuse to see who (or what) you might stumble upon on your travels.
11) Don’t mistake it for a careers fair
This isn’t the time or place to be waving CVs under harangued publicist’s noses, or dumping a manuscript in front of an agent in the middle of an important rights meetings. They’re here to do business, not get you a job or book deal! By all means network, drop people a tweet, and follows things up with emails where appropriate. But try not to be pushy to the point it’s just annoying.
12) Have fun!
Some people will inevitably be sweating over make or break book deals. But it’s worth remembering this is also a great day out surrounded by like-minded people who are passionate about publishing too. So however busy you are, take a moment to enjoy it. Who didn’t love the giant sofas the size of a truck and tequila bars last year? Thought not.
Hope you liked these tips, as inspired by my experiences last year. Feel free to share some of your own suggestions in the comments below!
On the train heading back from Yorkshire, I’m wondering how long it will take before everything I’ve learned on Arvon’s “Fiction: Work in Progress” course soaks in. Myself and fourteen other budding novelists spent six intensive days holed up in poet Ted Hughes’ former home, Lumb Bank, doing workshops, readings, one-one-ones with expert tutors, Q&As and much more. I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
An extra bonuses of the course was a visit from guest speaker Evie Wyld, who’s talk went on fascinating tangents, ranging from her passion for sharks, to New Zealand serial killers and family scandal (do check out her inventive graphic novel ‘Everything is Teeth’).
I recently read One Last Wish by Ella Harper – who went from banker to bestselling author. She managed to swap the cut-throat corporate finance world for heart-rending romances. This got me thinking about which other authors have undergone a complete career make-over on the path to writing success…
The countdown to one of the biggest publishing events in the global calendar begins. With just 7 days to go until London Book Fair 2016 kicks off, here’s my round-up of advice for authors and publishing bods alike, not only about how to survive the fair but how to enjoy it too!
Cover Girl 