Don't Give Up, Not Now!

Don’t Give Up – Not Now! I met up with a friend yesterday who is writing for children. Her book is fantastic but she’s had a few rejections – perfectly normal state of affairs, even for fab books.

She’s been chipping away, trying to get published for eighteen months now. She’s been doing all the right things – going to Children’s Books Ireland talks on getting published, keeping her eye out for new children’s publishers and agents and submitting her book to them (jeepers, some of them take so long to get back to people – and some don’t even acknowledge that they have received a manuscript which is so tough on writers), reading award winning children’s books, writing new books . . . but she’s starting to get disillusioned.

‘I feel like giving up, Sarah,’ she said. ‘Is there any point in going on?’

‘Don’t give up,’ I told her. ‘You’re nearly there. Do you have any idea how many people drop out of writing at this stage? You’re eighteen months ahead of those starting out, and if you keep going you’ll be even more ahead. You’re building up contacts, getting your name out there, finding out about the publishing business. Please, don’t give up, not now!’

She promised she’d keep going. And you know something, I have every confidence that she’ll get there. She has a lovely quirky writing voice, an equally lovely personality, a great sense of humour, and most importantly she’s willing to work hard. I have 100% faith in her.

I know how hard it can be to keep going when you have no idea if you’ll ever get published. So today I have some advice.

Here are the most useful things I can tell you writer to writer:

1/ Read – especially in the age group/area you are interested in writing for – read library/bookshop recommendations, award winners, bestsellers etc. If you want to write crime, romance, thrillers – you must have good idea of the market and the conventions of the genre (before you smash the conventions apart if you want to!).

If you want to write for children – you must be aware of what modern children like – and what works in a children's book. Also exactly what age you are writing for - the under 6s, early readers, confident readers, 8 to 10, 9 to 11, 11+, teen/YA. I have been asked to write more family stories/drama/romance for teens – so there must be a market for it. Publishers are also looking for good novels for girls of 8+. And adventure books with a twist are very strong at the moment – as is horror. Seek out Eoin Colfer, Darren Shan, Derek Landy, and Michael Scott.

2/ Write because you have something important to say – something you are passionate about – your book must have a message/say something to the reader If you are writing for children - write remembering just how it felt to be 4 or 7 or 9 or 13. Dig deep – use your memory – emotions don’t change – yes, kids now have bebo, facebook, mobiles – but they are just different ways of communicating – there has always been bullying, now it just comes in different forms.

3/ Connect with readers online – you must have a good blog or website – you can always write about books/bees/cookery if you don’t want to get personal.

4/ Take constructive criticism on your work – and not from your mother. You might find a librarian or teacher who will read your work – take on board what they say. When you are a published writer, editors have strong opinions (and may not always like everything about your book) – get used to taking advice and rewriting early in your writing career!

5/ Write from the heart – put lots of emotion on the page – don’t be afraid of strong emotion – and use your own emotions to write – if a sad scene – dig deep to a time you felt sad (think of it like acting on the page).

6/ Be optimistic and have a strong constitution – don’t get knocked back by the rejections – there will be many nos along the line – approach every writing day with as much energy and enthusiasm as you can – write with joy as Patrick Ness always says. I say – write with all your heart. Give 100% every time you sit down at your desk.

7/ Don’t give up – Think of Beckett – Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again, fail better!

8/ Here’s the thing - if your writing is good enough, and your ideas strong and original enough, you will get published, simple as that. Publishers need good books. Make yours one of them. You only need 1 editor to like your book (along with the marketing team of course) –you only need 1 yes – so stick to your guns and aim for that one almighty YES.

Yours in writing,

Sarah X

PS there is a getting published seminar on 11th Sept for adults interested in writing for children - check out www.childrensbooksireland.ie for details.

Writer's Research

One of my best friends, Martina Devlin, is writing another historical novel. Her last one, Ship of Dreams, based on fictional Titanic survivors, took her years to research (and was a huge success) and this one is no different. She spent hours in my Mum's house last week reading old family memoirs, newspaper cuttings and books on - well, I can't say as it's her book, not mine. But the point being, she spent many, many hours looking up tiny details like what a cup of tea cost in the early 20th century, and what people gave as wedding presents in those days (it was all listed in the newspapers of the day and makes fascinating reading). Most writers need to do research - even if their book is set in the present time. At the moment I am researching elephants. One of my main characters, Arietty, is an elephant keeper in Dublin zoo. No, I have no idea why, she just is. It happens sometimes - characters come into your mind pretty much fully formed.

Elephants are very interesting animals - I've read several books on them now and I've found out all kinds of things. Did you know there are 2 kinds of elephants - Asian and African, and Asian have smaller ears? Or that the family groups you see are mums and babies (and grannys and aunts)? No men. The male elephants, the bulls, live alone or in bachelor groups. I could go on and on, but I'll stop now . . .

But what I really need to know for my book is - what do elephants smell like? What do they eat in a zoo? Do they communicate with each other? What does their skin feel like? What would Arietty do every day exactly? Why does she love elephants so much?

And you can't find out things like that in a book. So I'm off to Dublin zoo tomorrow to speak to one of the elephant keepers. She's kindly taken some time out of her day to show me around and tell me about her job.

So I'll be able to go back to my desk fully elephanted up! And it will make Arietty more real and my book better. Plus I get to hang out with elephants - how cool is that?

Reseach is vital. And sometimes it rocks!

Yours in writing,

Sarah XXX

Want to Finally Write that Novel?

Piece I wrote for the Guide to Evening Classes - no harm in repeating the tips! SarahX Want to Finally Write that Novel? 6 Things That Just Might Help

So you want to finally write that book you’ve been talking about for years. You know the one, the story about an office/ad agency/warehouse/school, featuring quirky characters worthy of Marian Keyes, dialogue as cracking as Roddy Doyle’s, the wit of Oscar Wilde, the warmth of Maeve Binchy.

But here’s the thing, the ideas are all there, but every time you sit down at your computer to actually write the great Irish novel, you can’t get past page two. It’s a common problem. Luckily there are many things to can do to get over your writer’s hump.

1/ Read The great thing about reading is that you learn so much, it’s like a ‘how to write’ workshop right there in your hands - how to create characters who are so real they hop off the page, how to structure a plot, how to hold a reader’s attention . . . everything.

2/ Write It may sound obvious, but you learn to write by actually writing. Write as often as you can. The more practice you put in, the better you will be. Work those writing muscles! Try not to worry about what you are writing when you start out, the act of writing is the important thing and you can always go back and edit later.

Some people find it comforting to plan out their book carefully before they start writing, others jot down a lose plan and create character sketches, others just jump straight in the deep end. If you plan your life, and if asked could put your hand on your passport right now this second, you may also need to plan your book!

3/ Be Yourself When You’re Writing It’s not an easy thing to do, but it’s vitally important. Everyone has their own unique way of viewing the world, and their own unique writing voice. Use it.

4/ Start with a Bang Good books draw you in from the very first sentence. Try to start your own book or story in a fun, exciting way so your reader won’t be able to put it down. It’s vitally important that you catch your reader’s attention from the very first sentence.

Here’s an example from one of my own books: ‘Boys!’ Clover taps her pink gel pen against her top teeth, making a hollow rattling noise. ‘They never change.’ From Ask Amy Green: Boy Trouble.

5/ Never Give Up It took me a long time to get my first book published. But I kept trying. If being a writer is your dream, never give up. And stick that bum to the seat, bum glue, that's the real secret to getting published!

6/ Find a Writing Course That Suits You - and Sept is a great time to get motivated - think of it as your own personal back to school! Sometimes all you need is a wee push in the right direction to get you started. Luckily there are some great writing courses right across Ireland to help you achieve your dream. I’ve taught creative writing for many years now with Inkwell Writers, and I’m delighted to say many of the writers passing through the Inkwell doors are now published. It works! Good luck finding a course that is right for you.

Yours in writing, SarahX

The First Book I Ever Read

Here's a quick q and a I just did for the Readathon - Can you remember the first book you ever read by yourself?

I was a late reader, I didn’t read fluently until I was 9 ½ but as soon as it all started to click I flew through all the Enid Blyton school stories. But the first book I can remember being read aloud to me is A A Milne’s poetry books.

What was your favourite book as a child?

As a child and now, my favourite books are Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, and Are You There, God, It’s Me, Margaret by the wonderful Judy Blume.

Is there any children’s book which has been handed down through the generations in your family?

Yes, lots – Richard Scarry books, The Secret Garden, Ballet Shoes, Fairy Tale collections and my prized possession, a signed Mary Lavin ‘The Second Best Children in the World’, a brilliant picture book.

What is your favourite book of all time?

See above!

Is there a reading or book related memory/tip that you would like to share with young readers around the country?

In my job as a children’s bookseller I’ve been very lucky to meet a lot of authors over the years – including J K Rowling, Jacqueline Wilson and Judy Blume. And they all have one thing in common, they are all passionate readers. So if you’d like to be a brilliant writer like Jo or Jacqueline, read, read, read!

The Life of a Full Time Writer

HI All,This might be of interest - I wrote it for the National Guide to 3rd Level Colleges - and I whipped it up pretty quickly! Books to be written, don't you know! Actually 2 of them!!!

Here you go:

The Life of a Full Time Writer By Sarah Webb

I have been writing full time for nearly eight years now, both adult novels and children’s books. I have three kinds of days – writing days, event days, and publisher/agent days. Most weeks I have four writing days and one event day. This might be a school visit where I talk to the children and/or give a writing workshop, a library visit or a book festival – often on a Saturday or Sunday. Once every two months or so I also have a publisher/agent day where I travel to London to meet with one of my publishers and/or my agent, or attend a party or launch. That's is the glam bit!

I did absolutely no creative writing in college (OK maybe I wasn't supposed to say that in a guide for colleges - oops - but it's true!), but I did study English and read until my eyes fell out of my head, a great asset to any writer. After college I worked in several bookshops, including Eason and Waterstone’s, along with fellow writers John Boyne and Paul Murray.

There are less than twenty full time children’s writers and/or illustrators in Ireland and it’s not easy to make a living from writing for children. Saying that, many Irish writers have done exceptionally well worldwide, from Eoin Colfer (Artmis Fowl), to Darren Shan (horror), Michael Scott (fantasy-adventure), Derek Landy (Skulduggery Pleasant), Oliver Jeffers (picture books) and P J Lynch (illustrations). As well as the Ask Amy Green series for age 10+ (Walker Books and Candlewick US), I also write early readers for O’Brien Press, and adult novels for Pan Macmillan.

My adult novels are popular fiction, with plenty of dialogue and family and relationship dramas. I write to entertain and inform, and I greatly enjoy inventing characters and plots. My latest book, The Loving Kind, deals with plastic surgery, errant boyfriends, loyalty, and revenge. Ireland has an exceptional record when it comes to women’s popular fiction – with Maeve Binchy, Marian Keyes, Cecelia Ahern, Cathy Kelly and Sheila O’Flanagan – all huge worldwide. There are also newer names on the scene – Amy Huberman, Sinead Moriarty and Niamh Greene. There is always a market for good popular fiction but your voice and your style have to be original.

I start my writing day with a walk. Then I settle down at my desk and write from 9.30 until 1.30. After lunch I will edit what I have written, answer emails, write things for my website, do newspaper interviews or other media requests, answer readers’ emails etc. I also work three or four evenings a week – writing my two blogs, answering more readers’ letters, keeping up with my readers on my Facebook page, writing children’s book reviews for the Irish Independent and Inis magazine, and doing other admin work.

A lot of writing is actually re-writing, working on a book until you get it right. Each book goes through many, many different drafts before it is complete. And it can be hard graft. But when you’ve had a good writing day, when your characters really come to life on the page and pull the story along in a direction you never anticipated, then it’s all worth it.

Sarah Webb is the author of the Ask Amy Green series for age 10+, published by Walker Books, UK, Candlewick Books, US, and other international publishers. Her first early reader, Emma the Penguin has recently been published by O’Brien Press. She also writes romantic comedy for adults and her tenth novel, The Shoestring Club, will be published in 2012. She loves encouraging new, unpublished writers, and is a regular speaker at the Inkwell writing workshops and courses. For more information see: www.sarahwebb.ie or www.askamygreen.com

Q and A from Beauty Couture

Here is the interview from Beauty Couture - and do check out their site - nice!www.beautycouture.ie

By: Niamh, August 03

We have a good old natter with super fantastic Irish author Sarah Webb, about her upcoming book, her top advice for budding writers and her secret ballerina ambitions!

Sarah tell us what you are doing with yourself these days?

‘I'm currently working on my 10th novel, The Shoestring Club, set in a clothes shop. It will be published next year, all being well.’

How did you get into writing?

‘I wrote my first books as a single mum, working full time in Waterstone's. At first it was a financial thing to be honest, trying to make ends meet. I started writing articles for local newspapers, magazines and finally wrote a nonfiction book for children, my very first book. But then I got the fiction bug and I've been writing novels ever since and loving it. I now write full time so I'm very lucky.’

What is it you love about writing?

‘Working for myself; creating characters I grow to love as much as real friends; meeting readers and other writers. It really is an amazing job. Solitary and lonely at times, but generally wonderful.’

Do you prefer writing for younger or older audiences?

‘I like both. The teenage books are shorter though which is kind of nice!’

Would you ever like to see one of your books be turned into a TV or film adaptation? Or do you think a film can never live up to a book?

‘ The film rights for the Ask Amy Green books, my series for age 10+ have been bought, so fingers crossed. I'd love to see any of my books on the big or small screen, it would be fascinating to see what a screen writer and director brought to the stories.’

Why do you think the Irish are so world successful when it comes to writing?

‘We love telling stories, to anyone who will listen! And we are also huge, huge readers. Readers often become writers, it's a natural progression.’

There are a lot of successful Irish women authors out there, how did you manage to get yourself noticed in the beginning?

‘ I think the only thing a writer can do is to a- write a darned good book and b- write a darned good book!!! I'm very lucky as I also like writing for magazine and newspapers so that helps in that I can write columns and other pieces. And I also have a background in children's books as I worked as a children's bookseller for so long, so I have plenty to talk and write about.’

Who is your favourite author?

‘I love Marian Keyes, Judy Blume, Cathy Cassidy, Anne Tyler and Dr Seuss.’

What is your everyday, staple beauty product you’d never leave home without putting on?

‘Clinique City Base in Factor 40 - I burn amazingly easily.’

What is your beauty regime like day-to-day?

‘ I use Clinique products like the Foaming Face wash which I find great and not too harsh, and their Dramatically Different Moisturiser. I keep it all pretty simple as I don't have much time.’

Who is your biggest style influence?

‘Honestly? My best friend, Tanya. She's bang up to date with all the trends and has an amazing eye for what suits people. She should have been a stylist.’

Favourite high-street haunts?

‘Top Shop. Pennys for belts, hats etc. And River Island.’

Favourite designer destinations and designers?

‘Seagreen in Monkstown is a fav as it's down the road from me and they have great sales. I love Lainey knitwear and try to invest in a cardigan or jumper every few years in the sample sales. I also love BTs. I could spend hours in their shoe department!’ (Beautycouture.ie HQ is with you on that one Sarah!)

Heels or flats?

‘Flats by day, heels by night.’

Best bargain ever?

‘Probably a black and gold knitted dress by Temperley. I bought it second hand shop for €100 and it looks fab with black boots.’

As a bestselling author how do you juggle family life, friends and your work etc?

‘With difficulty sometimes! I write when the kids are at school, then take a break to do the school runs, then do admin - emails etc - in the afternoon. I also work three evenings a week, replying to readers' letters, copy editing books, and writing articles and reviews.’

Any advice for writers out there?

‘Yes, bum glue! Stick your bum to your seat and stay there. Read a lot. Write a lot. And never give up. Rejection is part of every writer's life.’

What did you want to be when you grew up? 'A ballerina.'

From www.beautycouture.ie

The Magic of Good Writing Days

There’s nothing like the feeling of joy and contentment that washes over you after a good writing day. A day where everything just clicks into place, where the characters dance off the page, wisecracking among themselves, telling the reader secrets that you, the writer, never knew. Right at that moment you start to believe in the alchemy of the creative process. It doesn’t happen very often. In fact, sometimes it can be a right old slog to get words onto paper, but you have to battle through those days, hoping that golden days are to come.

Interestingly, the best writing days often sneak up on you unexpectedly. You may be feeling a bit under the weather, a bit glandy, but you make yourself sit down at your desk regardless and just get on with it.

Slowly, so slowly, you start to move your fingers over the keys and after a few sentences it starts to get a little easier. And after a few paragraphs you begin to relax into your writing; and after a few pages you are lost in another world, a world of your own making, and you look up and three hours have gone by in a flash.

And you roll your stiff neck, flex your fingers, and give a deep sigh, completely and utterly happy. Because for those three hours nothing else mattered – there was just you and your characters, communing on the page.

And those magical snatches of time, when every single molecule of you is caught up, immersed in story, are what make writing the best job in the world. I wish the true alchemy of writing on all of you.

Yours in writing,

Sarah X