Sue's Advice For New Writers

sue bentley

Tips I've found useful during my 30 year career

People often ask me for tips about writing and how to get published. So here are some thoughts on the subject. I hope you find them useful and constructive.

First of all – writers must write. That sound obvious, but it’s very easy to do everything but sit down and write. We can talk about it, think about it, plan to write, make mountains of notes - but the craft of writing and the magic of it only happens in the physical act doing of it. Somehow the connection between the brain and the paper, or your pc/tablet – if you write directly onto a screen, kicks in when you knuckle down and engage in writing. You’ll write far more words than you ever need, but nothing is wasted. You’ll be learning the craft. Unless you’re a genius (and you may well be!) Learning to be the best writer you can be, takes time. How much depends on the individual.

I’ve found it helpful to seek out other writers. It’s good to share your thoughts, inspirations, worries. Find a writers’ group. It’s important that the members of any group gel – you’ll need to build trust as all writers are vulnerable and somewhat lacking in self-belief in the beginning. The last thing you need early in your career is to be crushed by some high-handed comment or made to feel small by someone’s condescending attitude.

Can’t find a group? Start your own. You might meet a kindred spirit at a local writer’s event. Or reach out on social media and connect virtually. You can exchange and comment on work by email. If it’s practical to do so, you may decide to meet up monthly and discuss your work-in-progress (WIP). It’s invaluable to get an opinion on your writing. Having the support of other writers will spur you on. You can also share experiences, contacts and build confidence enough to finish a piece of work.

Subscribe to a writing magazine. Actual or on-line. They have interviews with authors, offer advice and run competitions. Entering competitions is good in that it encourages you to finish a piece of work and submit it. Good practice. Read the Writers’ and Artists Yearbook – published every year it lists every publisher for every kind of writing, has features on writing, more competition news, and a whole lot more. It’s worth buying a copy now and then, but every public library will have a current copy you can look at.

I encourage you to learn the business of writing and to cultivate a professional attitude from the off. There’s a wealth of advice out there. Every aspect of writing is covered somewhere. Type ‘Writing’ into google and you’ll see what I mean. There are bloggers who specialise in free writing advice. Once you’re ready to submit work to an editor, you’ll find advice on how to go about it – from writing a covering letter to setting out your manuscript in a professional way.

There are no short cuts to becoming a writer. The best advice I was ever given was to read, read, read, and write regularly. (A page a day is a finished novel in a year) You’ll be absorbing all kinds of things as you read; characterisation, pace, building tension. That and much more will translate to your own writing. You’re likely to write the type of books, or stories, your enjoy reading. Read and then look more closely at your favourite authors, discover exactly how they made you care about their characters. How did they surprise you, scare you, move you? Try to do it as they have done at first and your own voice will emerge.

Just keep at it. Someone once said writing is ten per cent inspiration and ninety per cent application – I’d add with some talent thrown in. But you get the point? Writing is hard work – good writing that is. Don’t be satisfied too quickly. A 1st draft is just that. It’s a triumph to get it done, but then the work begins. Write, re-write, edit and revise your WIP. Be prepared to fail sometimes. That’s OK, it’s allowed. Just keep at it. If you’re cut out to be a writer, you won’t be able to stop writing anyway. Good Luck. I wish you every success.

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Thoughts and ramblings for the weekend.

By sue bentley • 16 Mar, 2024

It's almost proper Spring - lighter mornings making it easier to get up, and head straight to my writing desk. My book in progress The Making is going well, after a lot of cuts, and re-writes. I'm planning on delivering it to my agent before too long. There are bound to be more changes that need making, some tightening up that needs doing. But I'm a perfectionist, and have learned to expect this work which will make my book come alive. I want my reader to empathise with my characters, feel immersed in the world they inhabit. It is though, one of the things most authors struggle with. I doubt any one of them, even a winner of the Booker prize, is ever completely satisfied with their finished book. When I pick up one of mine that has sold very well - sometimes around the world, had great reviews, even been featured on the Sunday Times best-seller listing, I still criticise the writing. Making imaginary new edits. Wishing that I'd chosen this word over that one. That's the thing about being meticulous, and I know I owe my readers that level of detail. Only my best is good enough. It comes with the writing territory! Or it should, if you're doing your job well?