How to write your own happy ending
The unputdownable guide to getting a publisher and making money from a book
‘WRITING a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness’ – according to author George Orwell. Yet despite such a daunting challenge many still dream of penning a masterpiece – and embarking on a lucrative and rewarding career. Here, The Mail on Sunday shares tips from those who have written a book – including secrets on how to get one published and make some money.
DEVELOP AN INITIAL IDEA
AN IDEA – whether a clever plot, unusual character or inspiration from real life – is only the start.
Many novices launch into writing projects with great enthusiasm only to give up after a few weeks. They find their story soon runs out of steam or ends up getting lost in a vague plot. After an initial rush of energy they shelve the project.
Completing the task requires that you build a plot structure and take time to flesh it out. Even with a great idea and commitment to seeing it through, professional guidance is often essential.
The £25 Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2018 provides details of writing courses that can help. Among the most highly regarded are those run by publishers such as Faber & Faber, Curtis Brown Creative and Penguin Random House. You might also be inspired by local adult education courses in writing which can be found on a website Hotcourses.
Tracey Waples, a 52- year- ol d mother of two, invested £4,000 in a six-month course with Faber & Faber after embarking on a first novel. It was worthwhile because it helped get her book ready for publication.
Tracey already had a character in her head for the book I Want Never Gets and believes having someone she could believe in was vital for success.
She says: ‘Mulling the story over while out for walks helped prior to putting pen to paper. It made me discover that the main character was a nasty piece of work. But I did not know where the story was heading until it was completed. Writing can feel l i ke uncovering a story already there – a bit like archaeology – but I found the expert guidance from the Faber & Faber course to be invaluable.’
Tracey, who l i ves in Albury, Hertfordshire, adds: ‘ It felt pretentious calling myself a writer but being on a course surrounded by like- minded people eased that self-conscious concern. It is important not to be precious with a book and be prepared to rewrite sections until it feels right.’
Self-help books on writing can also provide support. Among these are On Writing by Stephen King and Nail Your Novel by Roz Morris.
Morris says: ‘ Failing to finish a novel is a common problem. You must have a plot that carries you through to the end. Study other books in the genre you hope to write in – looking at key aspects such as the tricks used to keep a reader hooked.’
Tracey Waple’s book is published by Endeavour Media and will be available later this month.
WRITE FOR LOVE AND NOT MONEY
ASPIRING authors have to accept that all the blood, sweat and tears which go into writing a novel may count for nothing. Dedication is essential.
Clare Empson struggled for ten years to get her book into shape