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…

FB Post from Stephen Booth

I wonder how many writing courses take place in a fire station? Retford Fire Station is the venue for my next course, generously provided by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. The first session is this Saturday, with a whole bunch of eager writers coming along! 🙂

Novel Writing Course with Stephen Booth

Received confirmation today that I have been accepted onto a Crime Writing Course led by Stephen Booth.  He put a notice on his Facebook page a few weeks ago, asking who was interested, and asking us to send him an email with preference for venue.  The nearest one to me is Retford, which is over the border, but I think I can leave the county for Stephen Booth.  Yvonne is as excited as me!

Its been a while since I saw him speak at Waterstones in Lincoln, but I have read a number of his books (set in the Peak District) and am looking forward to gaining a true insight into the writing and publishing process.  So many times I see writing courses advertised, and yet those running them have not had anything published - or what they have, hasn't really been that successful.   Stephen is the real thing!!  He has had 18 novels published in the Cooper and Fry series (that's the names of his detectives).

See: http://www.stephen-booth.com/

Surf the Peaks

Was relieved to find I am not the only person who believes in peaks and troughs when it comes to writing / energy / inspiration.

Ben Schott, interviewed under Writers Bookshelf in January's Writing Magazine says:....I have a deep mistrust of the "writing schedules of famous authors" that clutter the web.  I've never kept a daily word count, and don't really know why anyone would: writing comes in waves, you need to be ready to surf the peaks whenever they chance to appear.

He goes on to say; It's a cliché, but the only way to be a writer is to write.  Writing is in no small part a craft - and every craftsman improves through industrious iteration.  Imagine an aspiring violinist who didn't practice every day. Absurd.

See: https://www.benschott.com/

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas

Finish That Novel!!

We had a little chat afterwards and there was only one thing Rebecca could really say to me: 

"Running Out of Time"

Miss Marley - Rebecca Mascull at Lindum Books

This year we attended Lindum Books (very) Special Christmas event, which included 10% discount from 6-7pm.  Me, Yvonne and Michelle have had our tickets since Val McDermid in September!

The shopping was then followed with a talk by Rebecca Mascull in the Ice Cream Parlour next door, where we enjoyed festive refreshments and Rebecca signed copies of 'Miss Marley' - a spellbinding Dickensian tale of ghosts, goodwill and hope (it says here), a perfect prequel to 'A Christmas Carol' with a fantastic cast of characters both familiar and utterly original.

'Miss Marley' was the last book written by Rebecca's friend; the late Vanessa Lafaye, and was lovingly completed by Rebecca after her death.  https://vanessalafaye.wordpress.com/   A truly magical evening.