Novel Writing with Stephen Booth - Week One

Well, there was snow in Lincoln, but luckily only a ‘slight dusting’ in Retford.  I was worried as I left the house but once past Doddington Hall, it soon brightened up.  Arrived at the Fire Station on time, with only a couple of stops en-route to check where I was going.  It’s wasn’t too hard to find and I got parked quite easily.

The morning started with Introductions from Stephen and the other attendees.  There are 12 of us. A variety of people, experiences, and ages.  Two men (+ SB), a couple of journalists, two people currently writing fact-based literature for work.  A couple of attendees mentioned writing ‘my life story so far’, there were two ex-police officers, a teacher and some big fans of SB.  All wanting to write something.  Some have started.  Some only have a blank page.  Watch this space!

Stephen highlighted that he learnt to write, simply by writing.  He didn't attend any formal courses – other than his background as a journalist.  However, after he was published, he learnt a great deal from his readers.  He emphasised there is really only one rule you must follow and that is to WRITE! 

This week we discussed the three main elements of a Novel:  Characters, Setting and Plot.

SB emphasised the need to make our characters more than one dimensional.  He discussed the use of the Diamond Exercise. This involved thinking about what sort of person your character is in different parts of their life, and with different people.  Readers need to be able to relate to your characters and to be interested enough in them to want to keep reading.

I struggled with this as I don’t, as yet, have a character to dissect.  Homework was to write a scene with your character in, and show them reacting to what is around them.  Imagine yourself as that character.  Meet your character for the first time…