Discussions

Restructuring an entire novel!

by Jess Goodall
17th January 2023

Hi, I have been writing my story for 5 years. You see, its a story I need to tell. I am currently a teenager with hopes and aspirations to publish my story and have gone down the route of writing a novel on it. 40,000 words. I know it isn't much for a novel but its a lot for a teenager. I have the story written down to its bare bones and lots of dialogue but its not really flowing and I need to restructure the whole thing. I would really just like some advice and someone to understand how hard it actually is.

Do writers have tattoos?

by Smart Canuck
12th January 2023

What tattoos do writers have usually? I know that in rock subculture it is a very popular thing. What about intellectual labor workers? Same or not?

Writing Resolutions for 2023?

by Clare ADMIN
9th January 2023

I'm the first to admit that I never do New Year resolutions. It's not that I lack willpower; I just think life can be tricky enough without me adding even more expectations. 2023 is the year I take it easy on myself.

I want to focus on only the things that I can control. The words. So my writing resolution for 2023 is to write about the things that interest me most. No following trends. Just writing from the heart and enjoying it. Because if I'm not enjoying it then it's likely no one else will!

Literary Agent

by Christopher Torretto
7th March 2022

Hello everyone , firstly I hope you are all keeping well and being creative.

I am a screenwriter and have several scripts with known directors and producers with connections to Universal and Netflix etc. I sold seven scripts last month alone that are now making major offers of Hollywood stars. I am searching for an agent that can help me deal with contracts and get scripts to those that are unsolicited. I have done well getting contacts and scripts up till now but think it’s time to be represented.

thank you all

Cranthorpe Miller

by Charlotte Pearl
9th March 2022

Has anyone been published with Cranthorpe Miller recently and do they have good connections for getting books into bookshops please? Did you end up making money and does anyone know if other big publishing houses have a negative view of authors who go down the hybrid publishing route please?
thanks

Devon writers

by katya maddison
22nd April 2022

Hi - I recently moved to East Devon and would like to find a writers forum. Anyone interested in meeting up to discuss, share texts, enjoy? I have seen other posts along this line but from some time ago - maybe there is a group out there looking for new members?

Strange Beings Seek Writer

by Ryan Harris
19th April 2022

I am a self-confessed techno-phobe and luddite seeking a writer to give life to my creations "The Spacekins."

The characters are tiny astronauts who live in the Asteroid Belt, they and their environs are made almost entirely from found, salvaged and recycled materials.

I have had interest from several hybrid and self-publishers, but I am not a writer - and I'm afraid my attempts at story telling don't do the artwork justice.

I am keen to inspire a writer of similar humour and imagination to help give these little beings a place in the universe.

What are the different types of book editing?

by Adam Hunter
4th February 2022

There are different types of book editing: developmental editing, line editing, copyediting and proofreading. Revising in the right order is essential if you want your book to be in the best shape possible.

Writing Straight.

by Victoria Whithear
24th September 2013

Along the same lines as Adrian's question about writing for the opposite sex, I wondered how everyone felt about writing for the opposite sexuality. As a hetero, do you feel awkward about writing gay story lines? If you are gay do you struggle writing straight romance? I have straight, gay and bisexual characters in my book. I found the gay characters the most difficult to make believable as I kept wandering into stereotypes. In fact, with one very gregarious character I had to develop a whole back story unrelated to his sexuality before I could take him seriously. Anyone else had difficulties adding characters outside the experience of their own sexuality? What do we think are the main pitfalls of writing outside your own experience in any context?

20 replies

What books would you destroy to avoid them falling into other hands?

by Wilhelmina Lyre
3rd September 2015

We all know the evils of censorship: not ALLOWING people to read the books of their own choice.

First Offer

by Carolyn Evans
27th February 2015

A few weeks back I decided to contact a publisher and send my first three chapters and all the required info. My novel is nearly completed (editing and final draft being sorted). I informed them that it wasn't quite finished and hoped I may get some feedback as this is my first venture as an author. I was delighted when they wrote back to me. They have offered to do a short run of my book to see how it goes , if it sells then they will look at pressing more. The publishers specialise in a different genre of books than the one I'm writing so this would be a different path for them. Should I accept the first offer ( they are based near where I live, which would make it handy for meetings) or should I hold fire until other publishers have been approached?

How long should a chapter be?

by David Castanho
2nd December 2013

Hi everyone, I have recently wrote chapter 7 to my book (Nydiria) but I'm unsure whether it's to short or not. Please help.

Editing

by Adam Turner
20th March 2012

How do you edit your novels? I am unsure whether to edit my first chapter while it's fresh in my head or move on with the second while my brain is in gear with the story? Thanks.