If I’m asked what advice I would give to an aspiring writer, I usually say read, read as much as you can: anything and everything! I also might mention that I find re-reading books useful too. A re-read of a book you love, looking closer at what it is that appeals about the work and the writer’s technique, structure, style, not only gives useful insight but I often find it deepens my reading experience and my relationship with the book.
Thinking about this question the other day, I realized that the other advice I would offer, and which I have found invaluable, is getting feedback on your work.
I didn’t study English at university but afterwards, when I began tentatively to write, I enrolled on a distance-learning Creative Writing course with the Open College of the Arts. I started at entry level and continued to the advanced course which I repeated at least twice, maybe even three times!
I enjoyed working with tutors, who were writers themselves; each offered a different perspective and challenged me and my writing in different ways. I also entered short fiction competitions, paying an extra fee to receive comments on my stories.
I did attend a couple of writing groups but I found I preferred working the distance-learning way. It gave me time to digest comments and a safe place to experiment, and, when I came to be published, the experience was incredibly helpful. I was used to receiving feedback and could be open to editor’s comments seeing them as a way to get the best out of my writing and each book.
sarah jackman 