Their
enthusiasm for storytelling cannot be faulted. But really they should study
published books to see ‘how it’s done’ before sending off any manuscript.
A
long time ago – last century – when I was about fifteen, I did just that: I
analysed published books (those in my own library and those borrowed from the
public library) within my favourite genre.
· How did the
author begin the story?
· How did the
author end a chapter?
· How long are the
paragraphs?
· What percentage
of the book is dialogue as opposed to description?
· What was the
average length of the books?
· How did the
author convey suspense?
· How did the
author create exciting scenes?
…
and so on.
Naturally,
there was no intention of slavishly copying any particular author. But while
analysing I was absorbing, almost like osmosis, the form and style of a typical
thriller.
I
spent time on the analysis.
In
those days, there were very few ‘how to’ books on writing fiction, genre or any
other type.
I
did sign up for a writing correspondence course, which helped me successfully
aim articles and short stories at particular markets. Additionally, by dint of
writing a lot for this course’s targets and assignments, I improved my style and
output. Sales didn’t happen overnight, but they started and after a while became
quite regular.
That
was then. Now, the budding writer is blessed with more than enough advice and
guidance, whether from blogs, books, or magazines. So there is little excuse
for any aspiring writer getting the basics wrong.
‘My
writing will appeal no matter what form I deliver it in.’
‘I’m
an original, I won’t conform.’
‘I
don’t want to write in a straitjacket.’
‘Talent
can’t be smothered by rules!’
‘Rules
are meant to be broken.’
I’ve
heard it all. Any excuse not to conform shouts out something: maybe he’s a tyro,
perhaps she’s just arrogant or most likely they’re purely lazy.
Time
and again I and others spell it out: if you can’t be bothered to follow the
guidelines – whether that’s for a writing competition or a publisher or an
editor – then why should they bother with your submission? Yes, they may be at
risk of losing something remarkable (though in need of judicious editing), but
they can live with that; there are sufficient writers with talent who deliver
as required.
This
brings me on to sources of writing guidance.
There
are two main writing magazines in the UK – Writers’
Forum and Writing Magazine.
Today, I’ll look at the latter.
Writing Magazine
For
the cost of £4.10 per month (less if you subscribe), you get a 108-page
full-colour magazine full of advice, markets, competitions, and advice, poetry,
encouragement, and advice. (The repetition is deliberate). With the October
issue there is also a 28-page special supplement listing national and international
writing competitions, prizes adding up to £391,205 – not that any single person
would be able to enter all of them!
There are articles about 'finding your voice', improving your humorous writing, a Rosie Thomas interview, moving to Windows 10, beating self-doubt as a writer, an author profile of David Nicholls, editing tips, short story and poetry winning entries, competition tips, creating characters, children's stories, news on competitions and events, and a regular back page column from Lorraine Mace, a successful Crooked Cat crime author.
If you’re writing genre fiction, then you could always read my Write a Western in 30 Days – with plenty of bullet points! I know; you’ve no intention of writing a western! Much of the book is applicable to any genre fiction writing – as reviewers have been good enough to point out. I used the western as it is a shorter book form to illustrate various aspects of writing – dialogue, characterisation, flora and fauna, conflict etc.
Or search Amazon or other online bookstores for ‘writing guides’ or even Google the same – and get swamped with useful tips.
The
main thing is, do that research so you improve your chances of selling your
work.
Good
luck.
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