S.J.Budd

How to stay focused when starting out as a new writer I've come to the conclusion that the process of writing is even more enduring than a marathon as it never ends! It's a creative process that you pour in all your energy and thoughts and sometimes I wonder whether it's all worth it? I've come too far to stop but yet the end isn't in sight. So this is why it's so important to stay focused when you're going through a period of doubt. You can do this by reminding yourself why you started in the first place and setting yourself a goal. If you're serious at giving writing a go it's important to do it for the right reasons, if you're motivated entirely by fame and fortune, you'll probably be very disappointed. I started as although I had been to university and got a good degree I ended up as a secretary. It's not a bad job, I'm proud of how far I've come considering I graduated during a bleak time which so far has turned out t

People often say that inside all of us is a novel waiting to be released onto paper, and if you fancy having a go then here is a quick article designed to get you going. Hopefully you've already had that amazing moment when an exciting idea for a story suddenly takes hold. Try if you can and imagine it as a tiny seed. Yes, you've got a great idea but you're going to have to do a lot more if you want it to grow. And it starts with mapping out a basic plot. This doesn't have to be set in stone, but you need to have a rough idea of where you're going when you set out on your own voyage of literary discovery. Carry on reading for my tips on the basic eight point plot. This has been adapted from the utterly amazing book by Nigel Watts - Writing a Novel and Getting Published. This book is essential reading for all writers and it is a book I turn to time and time again. I will also be illustrating these points with a well known fairy tale; Hansel & Gretal.