LINDA’S TOP TIPS
• When people say write what you know, I think the advice should actually be write the emotions you know, because emotions are the most powerful things you have to draw on.
• Be original. Publishing has a tendency to try to follow the big book of the moment with similar books, but these later books are rarely as successful. I think it’s better to aim to write the next big thing: something no one else has come up with yet.
• Find a way of writing which works for you, but also remember that any thinking time invested before you start writing Chapter One is never wasted, and can save you a lot of rewriting afterwards.
• The biggest mistake new writers often make is to write the wrong book. It’s hard to know what the right book could be, but try not to rush into writing a book inspired by the first idea that comes into your head. Let all your ideas mill around until one takes root, grows and eats away at you every minute of your waking day (and sometimes while you sleep, as well).
• Don’t feel you need to go on expensive writing courses or do an MA in creative writing. Learn by reading. Listening to audiobooks is a good way of hearing what works as dialogue, and noticing any points at which a story loses your interest. The same goes for watching films, television, and going to the theatre. A writer never switches off from learning from other writers.
• When you begin rewriting/editing your book, make any big structural changes before you start the interior decorating. This means getting the plot and key characters right before you begin polishing the actual words.
• Maybe think about getting your work professionally critiqued, even if all you can afford is some advice on your synopsis and opening chapters, rather than on the complete novel. I recommend The Literary Consultancy, but there are other companies which offer a similar service.
• Persevere. It took me seven years, 102 rejections from agents and two novels before I got my first book deal.
• If you love writing and don’t want to try to get your work published, that’s fine, too. Just enjoy your writing!