I recently went along to see Jodi Picoult talking about her new book, House Rules, at an event put on by Toppings Booksellers in Ely. As you would expect from someone on her 17th book, she does a tremendous amount to get her books written, and to promote them when they come out.
The questions ranged over many of her previous books, asking how she came to write about so many contentious issues. A lively woman, you get the sense that Jodi enjoys setting the cat among the pigeons, but she always researches meticulously. For Plain Truth, she spent a week milking cows with an Amish family, and for Second Glance, she shadowed ghost hunters, which led to some fascinating stories.
I managed to ask her quickly for her one sentence of advice for aspiring writers, and she said: 'Go on a writing course'. I hesitate to say she approaches her writing like a business, but she is undoubtedly one of the most professional authors I've met, so it makes sense that she would suggest training.
What training would you like to receive as an author? This could be anything from actual writing advice, to computer skills, to public speaking suggestions, or even something more frivolous!
(Editorial Consultant)
Cressida Downing will be joining Jo Herbert, Editor of the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook, to co-host Submitting Your Manuscript - a new two-part evening masterclass for writers, focusing on the all-important covering letter and synopsis. Places are strictly limited and early booking is recommended. Read the course outline here »
Actually a change of heart on my part on this one. I checked the blog site of Laura Jane Cassidy last night. I always like her blog because it is so positive. If you are wondering who Laura Jane Cassidy is then check out the blog on this site: First Novel, First Book Deal.
Anyhow she was asked what would be her advice to an aspiring writer and she replied...
"Be positive. You have to be your own number one fan. Writing is a tough business and you have to believe in yourself 100%. Don't listen to people who say it's impossible to get published. It's difficult, but it's achievable if you work hard, take direction and stay positive."
Great advice. It even inspired me to put something on my blog for a change.
As always I thoroughly enjoy DavidWard’s comments, although I have to disagree with many of his points in this particular case. I don’t agree that you need to love yourself to write. I absolutely disagree. I don’t agree that to write you have to love the process. More often than not I hate me and I hate the process and I still think I have a writing place. I cannot give any advice to a writer. None whatsoever. I can’t whittle it down to a common denominator. I can’t talk about attitude or spiritual awareness. I can’t recommend a single thing. If you are thinking of leaving your job for example I can point out things to consider. Things to think over. Impacts and risks. Then again, if somebody asks for advice then you are at liberty to give it. So I return to my original advice (although I said I had none to offer). Weigh up the advice, no matter who it comes from.
I couldn’t disagree with Judi’s advice more. That is what works for her. Another writer might give the opposite advice. My advice is, take all advice with a pinch of salt. Your love of writing has to survive this minefield of conflicting advice.
A business example is IS9001 quality standard. It indicates a well run business. Everything documented and done in the so called perfect way. My business partner calls it ‘MFM’. Or in longhand ‘Management for Morons.’ His point is that a business risks losing flair if it does everything to a formula and the business becomes dull and uninspired. Like all business, the writer’s world is surrounded by consultants making a healthy living from other peoples’ uncertainty.