Bead Roberts at the Lindum Scribes

On Monday I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Lindum Scribes (www.lindumscribes.org) workshop evening with Bead Roberts. Bead has written plays and radio stories and has had over 100 short stories published in small press and commercial magazines. She has won or been short-listed in several national and international short story competitions and is a Course Leader for Writing School Leicester (www.writingschoolleicester.co.uk).

She gave us loads of useful advice with regards to both novels and short stories and I have summarised some of her main points below:

 When writing, it is easier to take out than to put in – so get it written. Remember it’s only a first draft. Then Edit!!

 Ensure your beginning holds the promise of what is to come. If you start with a joke, you have promised a funny story.

 People grow into their names in a novel. In a short story they have to work straight away. The name has a job to do – to show gender / age / personality e.g. Lavinda Luscious.

 Dialogue needs to advance the plot and define character, so ensure your characters speak differently. Dialogue does not need to be grammatically correct. Do not include chit chat e.g. would you like a cup of tea?

 Be specific in your descriptions. Readers need to be able to see your scene. It’s more than a small, tidy yard. Ensure you are showing not telling.

 Don’t tell your readers something twice e.g. Mary was poor, she didn’t have much money.

 Your presentation needs to look professional. Try not to look like a beginner.

 Write something / anything for 15 minutes at the same time every day to ensure you get into the habit of writing.


I came away feeling energised and motivated (have I said the same thing twice there?) and yesterday wrote 5 Haiku’s for possible entry into a Writing Magazine Competition. Now, where’s my novel……