Narrative Themes & Character Development
October 23rd, 2012 // 11:36 am @ Diane Johnstone
I have been rereading Tama Janowitz’s 1980s collection of short stories, Slaves of New York recently. And what a brilliant book it is. If you haven’t read it then I thoroughly recommend it. Although the novel is explicitly set in the 1980s the writing is so vivid, and funny, that it continues to sound relevant [...]
Category : News
FINDING THE TIME TO WRITE
July 4th, 2011 // 9:05 am @ Diane Johnstone
Between work and family commitments, it can be difficult to find the time to write. But if you really want to, you can learn to make time for it. As a writer, it’s regular sessions that keep you going and help hone your skills. Don’t put off writing because you think you don’t have time. [...]
Category : News
CONGRATULATIONS!
April 21st, 2011 // 8:52 am @ Diane Johnstone
To GILES DAOUST of TITLE FILMS, who’s been a client for some years and won gold, silver and bronze awards for best screenplays at the Houston International Film Festival. I helped to edit ‘Painkillers’ (Silver Award, best screenplay, thriller) and ‘Anderson Falls’ (Bronze Award, best screenplay, action/adventure) so I’m doubly thrilled! To ELIZABETH HAYNES, whose [...]
Category : News
York Writing Festival
April 1st, 2011 // 8:34 pm @ admin
The York Writing Festival was absolute heaven. Tiring, but wonderful. Everyone was so friendly and approachable, ready to share experience and expertise. It was a great opportunity to make contacts, find out what agents and publishers are looking for, and talk about books and writing non-stop for three days. Now I’m at home I feel [...]
Category : News
How to write for children
February 11th, 2011 // 9:35 am @ Diane Johnstone
What age group are you writing for? Check out the children’s section of your local bookshop or library and see what’s out there. Sales staff are very helpful with pointing out favourites and best-sellers. Who publishes them? Where would your book fit in? Do your research. Look at publishers’ websites. They are full of information [...]
Category : News
Some Dos and Don’ts to help your writing
February 17th, 2010 // 12:26 pm @ Diane Johnstone
Do remember that if you’ve just finished the first draft of your novel it probably needs extensive reworking and several more drafts before it’s ready to send to an agent. But don’t be discouraged. You wouldn’t expect to sell for thousands of pounds the first picture you’ve ever painted, would you? Do read other works [...]
Category : News
