The past week has been an exciting one, as I’ve been working with the team at Myriad on the final approval of Glasshopper, in preparation for going to print! The final back and front cover is now complete, and our fantastic cover designer Gary Thompson has done an amazing job. The image for the back cover is actually an old holiday snap, featuring the Ashdown family car (circa 1979) in a remote field in Southern France, which is one of the settings in the book.
We’ve also been working on a Q&A bonus section for the back of the book, which features sections on the Author, the Book, and the Writing Process – to give an insight into my journey as a writer, and into the development of Glasshopper. Here’s a sneak preview of a couple of the Q&A questions:
What tips would you give aspiring writers?
1. Carry a notebook at all times. You never know when an idea might strike you. Once or twice I’ve made the mistake of thinking, “Oh, this idea is so great – I don’t need to write it down as I’ll never forget it.” And then it’s gone. Now I don’t take any chances: I keep a notebook in my handbag, on my bedside table, in my glove box, in my rucksack . . .
2. Read. Read widely and read with a writer’s eye. Don’t be intimidated by brilliant writing – just try to be conscious of what makes it so good. Likewise, with bad writing, try to understand what doesn’t work, and why. It all feeds in to your own writing and helps you to judge your own work with a more critical eye.
3. Join or form a workshop group. A good workshop group will let you read and critique each other’s work in a trusted, friendly environment. Putting your writing through the workshopping process can transform pretty good writing into great writing. I couldn’t have completed my novel without the help, sharp eyes and encouragement of my workshop friends.
4. Submit your work to competitions and publications. There’s no doubt that agents and publishers will read your work with more interest if you’ve got a handful of writing successes under your belt. It is time-consuming, and can be disheartening when you don’t win or get accepted. But it’s a great investment, and hugely encouraging when you do win a prize and see your work published.
What single thing would improve your writing life?
More free time for long mind-clearing walks with my dog. Oh, and a daily Indian head massage.
Are you working on a second novel?
I’m now working on my next novel. In the early stages of writing, I find I’m most interested in discovering the characters, in understanding their dilemmas and choices, and in watching the subsequent repercussions of those choices unfold before me. Whilst my second novel will have a very different theme to that of Glasshopper, it will appeal to a similar readership.
Thanks for reading – I’ll continue to update my website with new developments as they arise!
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1 comment
July 15, 2009 at 9:30 am
Sue
Wow, Issie, i remember that family car of yours! I desperately wanted to ride in it as of course mum and dad didn’t drive. Can’t wait to read your first novel, well done!