The New Writers' Scheme - Inside Out - Part 2 - Inside the NWS

Today's post looks at the New Writers' Scheme from the inside. A warm welcome to current 2011 members, Lizzie Lamb, Debs Carr and Kate Thomson who generously share their experiences of being a member of the NWS.

Lizzie, can you tell us what made you first take part in the New Writers Scheme?

I’d belonged to several writing clubs over the years but few of the members were writing in the same genre as I was - rom coms - and so the feedback I got was often wide of the mark. A friend and RNA member suggested that I join the NWS and get feedback from an experienced published writer.

How long have you been a member?

I joined the New Writers’ Scheme in January 2007 and have been a member ever since. I hope to re-join in 2012.

What do you feel the NWS has done for you?

Initially, the new Writers’ Scheme gave me a target to aim for i.e. finishing my novel and getting it polished enough to send to a reader. Through RNA conferences and parties, I was introduced to other members of the NWS (and published authors) and shared common experiences with them. As I have watched NWS members become published authors it has given me the spur to carry on, hoping that one day I’ll become a full member of the RNA.

The NWS is both a reality check and a support mechanism. It says: “If you’re determined, persistent and willing to learn you could make it as a published writer. Since joining the RNA /NWS I have learned much about how the industry works, what is important and what is peripheral in the writing business. I have also made so many new friends via the parties, and conferences that my personal and professional life is richer for it.

How has it improved your work?

I have learned the importance of striking a balance between plotting and characterisation; an appreciation of how to pace a novel and keep the reader’s interest - the elusive page turning quality - and how to tell my story/take my characters on an emotional journey. In particular I have learned to show the hero/heroine as real people who the reader will worry about, care for and want to see reach a happy ending/conclusion after facing trials and tribulations.

Can you tell us about the critiques you've received?

I have received four in all. Two for finished novels and two critiques on partials. The first novel I submitted almost got a ‘second read’. That's the novel I am currently re-writing and lengthening to 100k words. The critiques have shown me how to improve my writing, how to build up the layers of the main characters and to cut down on some of the secondary characters who were hogging the limelight ! They have given praise where praise is due - for my use of dialogue, witty turn of phrase and the pace of my novel. This has given me the confidence to carry on and finish and further develop my ‘voice’.

Have you submitted the same novel more than once?

I have resubmitted my first novel as a ‘partial’ this year, re-written and lengthened from 83k - 110k words. I hope to finish by spring next year, copy edited and then resubmitted to the NWS before sending it out to agents.

What advice would you give a writer starting the scheme for the first time in 2012?

Have realistic expectations about what the scheme actually offers. It can’t write your novel for you - only you can do that - but it can give some great pointers on how to make your novel better and get it ready for submission to agents/editors.

Remember: the critique is one person’s opinion of your work; read and assimilate what your reader has said - and if any of the points have a resonance for you, then act upon them. A different reader might write a completely different critique of the same novel.

Don’t ask for too many opinions on your work as you can be pulled this way and that, spend years revising and re-editing it and in the process lose your ‘voice’ and get bored with your novel. And it will show.

Write the novel you want to write but with the all the usual caveats; above all finish it - you’ll learn a great deal in the process.

Jersey based writer Debs Carr has been a member of the NWS for six years.

Debs, what made you first take part in the New Writers' Scheme?

I discovered the RNA through sending a manuscript to Hilary Johnson for a critique. In the book the heroine is living in a rundown house and is working on various rooms. Hilary suggested that if I wanted to see a good example of how this can be incorporated into a story I could read Katie Fforde’s book, Restoring Grace, which I did. I then contacted Katie to tell her how much I loved the book and we exchanged a few emails. Katie mentioned the RNA and in particular, the New Writers’ Scheme and I joined as soon as possible.

What do you feel the NWS has done for you? How has it improved your work?

I consider myself very lucky to be a part of such a professional, welcoming association and as well as introducing me to many people that I’ve long admired, I also continue to learn how to improve my writing. I had no idea quite how far my writing had to go when I first joined, but each time I’ve received a report from an NWS reader, I’ve ultimately improved the novel far more than I ever would have done without the report.

Each reader is different and I think I’ve now sent in four different novels to the scheme. The readers pointed out many things from switching points of view, to gaps in my plot, or unrealistic reactions between characters. I believe my writing has improved immeasurably since I’ve joined the scheme and hopefully I’m ‘nearly there’.

Can you tell us about the critiques you've received?

I read each critique as soon as I receive them. I have to admit that each time I’ve submitted a manuscript to the NWS, I’ve believed the book was as good as I could make it. Then to get a critique pointing out for several pages what is wrong with the characters, plot, etc can be a little upsetting (to say the least), but I’ve always put the report down and left it for a while. Once I return to it and read it in a less emotional mood, I can usually see immediately what the reader has found wrong and in many cases ideas how to (vastly) improve the book.

I did have a report one year that said, ‘you’re almost there’ and then I worked on the novel for a year, taking into account the different points the reader had made, submitted it to the NWS Scheme and received back a report that honestly made me feel that I’d spent a year ruining a book. I’ve looked back at that report since and can see the value in it and I always take on board the advice that’s given to me.

Have you submitted the same novel more than once?

Yes, I’ve submitted two novels twice.

What advice would you give a writer starting the scheme for the first time in 2012?
I’d advise to try to send in a completed manuscript and edit it as well as you can before submitting it. Also expect to read some uncomfortable truths about your ‘baby’ in the report. Make sure you read it, step away, take a deep breath and return to the report a week or so later ready to absorb what the reader is telling you and work on your novel once again.

Debs has two stories in the anthology Tears and Laughter and Happy Ever After coming out in paperback in late Dec/early Jan. To find out more visit the website http://www.tearsandlaughter.co.uk/main/


Follow Debs and her writing at http://debcarrs-daydreams.blogspot.com/


Kate Thomson has seen her writing become stronger since she became a member of the NWS.

Kate, tell us how you came to join to the New Writers' Scheme?

I think I found the RNA and its wonderful NWS from the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook. I thought the chance to get a critique from people who knew what they were talking about was absolutely invaluable, and was proved right when I joined and submitted my first MS.

How long have you been a member?

I've been a member round about 13 years now (lucky for some, perhaps) - a long apprenticeship, but I hope a thorough one.

What do you feel the NWS has done for you? How has it improved your work?

The NWS for me is a knowledgeable and impartial pair of eyes to look at my work and help me to progress my skills. It's also very good at helping me look at my writing in a more commercial way, which I know is a weakness in me.

Can you tell us about the critiques you've received?

Every single one has been brilliant! I really can't praise them highly enough. Most of the time (after I've swallowed the disappointment that my reader wasn't struck that my MS was the best thing they've ever set eyes upon!), I have found that my reader has put their finger on precisely what's not right about the MS, and has phrased it in a way that means I can see what's the problem - and more importantly, lets me come up with ideas to fix it. Even if I've disagreed about something, I have been able to understand what my reader meant and see why they made the comment. Every single time my reader has helped me find ways to make the novel stronger, without dictating what I should do.

Have you submitted the same novel more than once?

I don't think so (13 years - it's hard to remember!), but my general view is that I learn from my mistakes and move on rather than endlessly editing the same book. Each novel is then stronger than the last one and I really do feel now that publication isn't far away.

What advice would you give a writer starting the scheme for the first time in 2012?
Take your time to ensure the MS you submit is as strong as you can make it alone. This means you'll get a critique which can really help to power your writing forwards and doesn't have to tell you obvious things you could find out elsewhere (like how to punctuate a manuscript) and doesn't point out what you already know is wrong with the manuscript but were too rushed to work on. Having said that, my other piece of advice is to get your MS in as early as possible - it really does make a difference to the amount of time your reader will have to read and critique your work (and how fast you'll get your report back).


Thank you to Lizzie, Debs and Kate for sharing your experiences of the NWS. I wish you all the best of luck with your novels and hope that you all become NWS graduates soon.

To find out more about the New Writers' Scheme visit the RNA website at http://www.rna-uk.org/

Information about 2012 membership will appear on the RNA website in mid December.


The New Writers’ Scheme 'Inside Out' Part 3 – A Reader's point of view will be posted on 13th December.

The New Writers' Scheme 'Inside Out' Part 1 - The Organiser

One of the special things about the RNA is its New Writers’ Scheme, which is unique among professional writing organisations. Every year it gives aspiring writers a chance for a personal evaluation of their work by an experienced author and has helped many writers achieve publication.

Melanie Hilton is the current NWS organiser, whose job it is to deal with the 250 manuscripts which arrive through her letter box each year.

Melanie can you tell us when and how you took over organising the New Writers' Scheme?

I took over in 2008. The then Chairman, Catherine Jones, caught me after one too many G&Ts.

With 250 members, it must take a lot of organising. Take us through what happens when a NWS manuscript arrives in the post.

I open it, check everything is there, date the receipt postcard, log it in my Typescripts spreadsheet and make a new folder for the author if they haven’t got one already. Then I read the Green Form, the synopsis and any notes the author has sent, look at my Reader spreadsheet (yes, Spreadsheet R Me) and match the typescript with a Reader who is free. I may need to email the Reader first. When I’ve got them matched up I repack the typescript, repair the damage the PO has done to the parcel and address it. My husband does a post office run daily. We had 106 typescripts in August this year which meant volunteer packers had to be called in!

Left - Manuscripts waiting to be repacked and sent to reader.

Right - Ready for the post.

Can you give us some stats from the 2011 NWS. What sort of novels were most popular?

This year 34.5% were straight contemporary/women’s fiction; 15.5% for various Harlequin Mills & Boon lines; 25% Historical (not including the HMB Historicals); 7% each: crime/adventure/suspense; Rom Com; Speculative (supernatural, fantasy, sci fi, vampires etc); sagas. 4% Young Adult. 3% each Chick Lit; Pocket Novels. <0.5% each literary; inspirational; erotic. As far as the period in which they were written goes: 66% were set in the 21st c; 25% 20thc or earlier and 9% were fantasy, timeshift, scifi etc.

How many NWS members have found a publisher for their books this year?

10 signed contracts. Because of publication dates 7 have opted to enter for the Joan Hessayon Award this year (ie winner to be announced at the 2012 Summer Party) and 3 are deferring until next year.

Have the genres of novels submitted changed over the years?

I only have statistics from when I began running the Scheme, but over those 4 years the relative popularity of genres has remained more or less the same with the exception of a decline in Chick Lit (I suspect that authors are simply calling many of them Contemporary) and a slight upward trend in fantasy. The biggest change has been the arrival of Young Adult last year for the first time.

What advice would you give to a writer wishing to take part in the 2012 NWS?

To get on to the Scheme, read the instructions on the website and apply as soon as you can after the start date! Once you are actually on the Scheme, then – read the Notes and fill out the Green form in full to help both me and the Reader. Sort out your punctuation (especially of speech!) so the Reader can focus on the writing. Try and get it in before August and miss the rush.

Thank you Melanie, for all the work you do for the NWS, it is greatly appreciated.

To find out more about the New Writers' Scheme visit the RNA website at http://www.rna-uk.org/

Information about 2012 membership will appear on the RNA website in mid December.

The New Writers’ Scheme 'Inside Out' Part 2 – Inside the NWS will be posted on 9th December.

Interview with Juliet Archer

Juliet Archer chairs the RNA’s London and South-East Chapter, and claims to be on a mission to modernise all six of Jane Austen’s completed novels, in a series called ‘Darcy & Friends’. I would guess that Jane Austen is the author who has most influenced your work, Juliet? 

Jane Austen has indeed been my biggest influence. 200 years ago, she recognised all the magic ingredients of comedy romance: wonderful characterisation, expert plotting, vibrant language, and using wit to drive the humour. She’s one of the few authors I can read over and over again, even though I know exactly how everything turns out in the end.



And who do you choose to read for pleasure? 

I include Jane Austen in my reading for pleasure, along with books by other Choc Lit and RNA authors, whether contemporary or historical. I also love Lee Child’s fast-paced thrillers – Jack Reacher is James Bond for grown-ups!

I believe you have a full-time career in business. How do you manage to fit your writing in around that?

At the moment I’m commuting to London by train most days, which gives me the opportunity to write – or at least edit and generally think about my work-in-progress. I get up around 5 am and do something writing-related before leaving for the station, even if it’s only answering emails. When I arrive home in the evening, I’m usually too tired to do anything creative – unless I’m giving a talk, which requires building up my energy levels for a couple of hours. Once both our children left home, I thought that I’d have more time for writing – but it hasn’t happened yet because work has got busier. Still, there’s always retirement …

Tell us how do you go about starting a new novel? 

By throwing the reader in at the deep end! My starting point is a scene in my mind that captures a major source of conflict between the hero and heroine. This usually becomes a prologue, giving the reader a glimpse of something in the past, present or future before the story gets underway.

The prologue to THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EMMA is a scene from the past, where the hero discovers the heroine’s teenage crush on him (inspired by Austen positioning Knightley as a much older ‘bossy big brother’ type) and makes her resentful for years afterwards.

As your characters are ‘borrowed’ from Jane Austen, how do you keep them sympathetic to modern readers?

It’s rather like analysing a famous figure from history and proving that their passions and flaws are just as relevant today. I begin by unpicking the social context of Austen’s characters, then transport them to the 21st century, complete with jobs, mobile phones, internet connections and sex lives – great fun! And I love finding plausible modern parallels to some of Austen’s most famous scenes – such as Louisa Musgrove’s fall on the Cobb, and Wentworth’s letter.

Tell us about your latest book, PERSUADE ME. What inspired you to write it?

For the second in my ‘Darcy & Friends’ series, I wanted a change of mood from the almost slapstick comedy of Emma; so Persuasion, with its romantic restraint and autumnal feel, seemed the obvious choice.

I like to describe my version in terms of a recipe – a recipe for romance, a light fruity pavlova, the ideal happy ending for those long winter evenings. Take the following ingredients: 2 lovers (1 hero and 1 heroine), separated; 5 sisters – 2 hard-boiled, 2 empty-headed and 1 that you would actually enjoy being with; 1 father, finer feelings – and who knows what else? – removed with a sharp knife; 1 godmother, grated – or should that be grating?; 2 brothers-in-law; 1 anti-hero, ripe for mischief; and 1 French temptress, who knows exactly which side her bread’s buttered.

Method (Jane Austen’s Persuasion method preferred): whip hero into a frenzy, while keeping heroine cool. Mix them together with the sisters, father, godmother, brothers-in-law and French temptress, reserving the anti-hero for later. Cook this mixture for 341 pages, introducing the anti-hero half-way through. Serve with vodka, to complement the flavouring of 19th-century Russian literature.

I think I can guess who your favourite hero is.

Yes, it has to be Mr Darcy. The original will do nicely, although I’d be happy with either the Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen version. What do your children think of your books? My daughter loves them – which is great, as I started updating Austen partly because she couldn’t get into the originals. My son says he’ll get round to reading them soon, so there’s a message in there somewhere.

Are you ever driven to write by hand?

Yes – in spite of having a laptop, Kindle and iPad! I prefer having a hard copy as it gets me into the mindset of a reader. What would you most like to find in your Christmas stocking? A voucher for a holiday in a remote cottage, so that I can get on with writing!

You spoke earlier of a recipe for writing. What about in cooking?

As my publisher is Choc Lit, it has to be something made with chocolate!
One of my favourites is Black Forest Trifle – easy to make and goes down well with adults and children alike.

You need:
1 slab of chocolate sponge cake, as stale as you like.
1 tin of black cherries, stoned
1 packet of black cherry jelly (optional)
1 packet of quick chocolate dessert mix, such as Angel Delight (this is the only time I use it, honest!) – or a few pots of chocolate mousse, if you’re feeling extravagant, or chocolate custard/sauce Double cream, whipped
1 crumbled Cadbury’s Flake or grated chocolate, for decoration

Method:
Break the cake into pieces and place in a trifle bowl. Add the contents of the tin of black cherries – the cake will soak up the surplus juice. If using jelly, make it up according to the instructions, pour onto the fruit/cake mixture and set aside to cool. Make up the dessert mix and spoon this (or the chocolate mousse/custard) over the trifle base. Add the cream and decorate with the chocolate.

Thank you Juliet for sparing the time to talk to us today.

Juliet’s debut novel was The Importance of Being Emma, inspired by Austen’s Emma and a desire to give Mr Knightley a makeover. It was shortlisted for the 2009 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and in 2011 won the Big Red Read Fiction Award. Her second novel, Persuade Me, was shortlisted for the 2011 Festival of Romance Best Romantic Read. To find out more visit her website http://www.julietarcher.com

December New Titles

Please note, prices may vary. 

New Paperbacks 

Liz Fielding

FLIRTING WITH ITALIAN
9780263885163
Harlequin Mills and Boon RIVA
£3.99 paperback

A new job, a new country ... all Sarah needs is a hot Italian lover and her new life will be complete.

Annie Burrows

REGENCY INNOCENTS
ISBN 9780263887419
Mills & Boon
December 2011
Paperback, £7.99

Reprint of linked regency romances featuring the Fawley brothers, Charles, Earl of Walton, (The Earl's Untouched Bride) and Robert, a battle-scarred veteran of the peninsular wars (Captain Fawley's Innocent Bride)

Mary Nichols

WINNING THE WAR HERO’S HEART
ISBN 978 0 263 88818 8
Mills & Boon
Paperback £3.99

Helen has inherited a provincial newspaper and uses it to champion the cause of the poor and in doing so crosses swords with the Squire’s son. Animosity turns to love, but a mystery in the past that links their two families, threatens to spoil it.

Scarlet Wilson

THE BOY WHO MADE THEM LOVE AGAIN
ISBN-978-0263886191
Mills and Boon
2 Dec 2011
Paperback £3.30

When Luke Storm ended his relationship with Abby Tyler, he thought that he was doing the right thing. Abby so wanted children and Luke knew he could never give them to her.

Anna Jacobs

Destiny’s Path
ISBN: 9780340954108
Hodder & Stoughton
22 December 2011
Paperback £6.99 1866

One twin wants to stay in Western Australia with the man she loves. The other wants to travel the world and daren’t hope that the man she loves will be able to marry her. Where will destiny take them? Will they find happiness? Find out more about ‘Destiny’s Path’ and read the first chapter at:

http://www.annajacobs.com/book.aspx?title=Destinys-Path&bookID=56New 


New Hardbacks:

Catherine King

THE LOST AND FOUND GIRL
ISBN 9781847443878
Sphere (Little,Brown)
1st December 2011
Hardback £19-99,
Kindle e-book £9-49 from www.amazon.co.uk

One twin lived in luxury, the other lived in secret . . . With heartwarming characters and heartbreaking twists, this is a story about a family bond overcoming all obstacles.

Janet Woods

TALL POPPIES
ISBN: 9780727881366
Severn House
29th December
£19.99 Hardback.

One women - two loves. 1918 and two friends return home, war heroes. Livia Carr marries for convenience, and finds herself in love with both men. But it's a bittersweet love since one is doomed.

http://www.janet-woods.comhttp//janwoods.blogspot.com 

New Large Print:

Wendy Kremer
TAKING STEPS
Linford Romance
ISBN: 978-1444809213
1 December 2011

Ross is a hard-headed executive whose only aim in life is to make money. Gillian firmly believes that other things are more important than making money. Will Ross and Gillian resolve their differences and perhaps find love and commitment?

Freda Lightfoot
ANGELS AT WAR
Ulverscroft
ISBN: 9780750534741
Large Print (Hard Cover)
1 December 2011 Price 
£ 20.99

After a tumultuous past, Livia is now set to marry handsome Jack Flint but dreams of resurrecting the family’s neglected drapery business. But with the wealthy Matthew Grayson standing in the way of her ambitions, can she stay true to her heart, or risk losing everything ...


New ebooks:

Nell Dixon

ASIN:-B006DTOC2O
Astraea Press
November 25th 2011
ebook - £1.45

Adam wants Meg to be more than a friend but Meg has her reasons for not wanting to move their relationship forward. It takes a stray dog, an emergency at sea and a touch of Christmas to show Meg her true feelings.

Margaret Blake
A SPRIG OF BROOM
ISBN978-1-61160-102-2
December 2011
Whiskey Creek Press
ebook, $6.99

Cecily Hadfield has no alternative but to marry Thomas Cadwalader. She loathes all he stands for and vows never to obey him. However, Cecily does not realize how close to the scaffold she is so carelessly wandering. An historical romance set just after the Battle of Bosworth.

Lindsay Townsend

THE SNOW BRIDE
ISBN Not yet available
Bookstrand
December 27, 2011
ebook with forthcoming paperback.

Elfrida, spirited, caring and beautiful, is the witch of the woods. No man dares ask for her hand in marriage until a beast comes stalking brides and steals away her sister. Desperate, Elfrida offers herself as bridal bait, and is seized by a man with fearful scars. Is he the beast?

http://www.lindsaytownsend.net/2008/04/snow-bride.html%20

Lindsay Townsend

THE ENGLISH DAUGHTER
ISBN - Not yet available
Lysandra Press
December 2011
ebook.

Returning to the island to work on a rare piano belonging to her Greek friend Alexia, young widow Val Baker finds her dreams haunted by memories of a young English girl raped and murdered ten years before. Val determines to uncover the truth about the case.

http://www.lindsaytownsend.net/2008/04/english-daughter.html

Vanessa Devereaux

NICOLE’S SECRET SANTA
Cobblestone Press-New Blue Line
99 cents ebook

Sometimes helping out a co-worker can have big rewards

Margaret Mounsdon 

THE MIMOSA SUMMER

Lysandra Press

December 2011

ebook £1.75

Pippa Cavendish is blonde and beautiful and no one's idea of a conventional nanny, but Lilly Fontaine loves her. Marc Fontaine her father suspects Pippa is not all she appears to be and he's right. Pippa has a secret that she is determined to keep hidden at all costs. 

Margaret Mounsdon 

LONG SHADOWS 

Lysandra Press 

December 2011

ebook £1.75 

Fiona Dalrymple is shocked to learn on the death of her grandmother that Doreen Dalrymple was not her grandmother at all. Her real grandmother was her grandfather's first wife, Ellie. She is further shocked to discover she has a brother. What is more Tim has disappeared and Fiona is charged with the task of finding him. 

Details http://www.lysandrapress.com

Fenella J Miller
Christmas at Hartford Hall
ISBN 9781619371835
 Musa/Aurora Regency
 (digital first) 2/12/11 £2.99

 A Regency Cinderella story complete with a handsome ‘Prince Charming’, two nasty sisters and a wicked female relative.





Novella:

Lindsay Townsend

A CHRISTMAS SLEEPING BEAUTY
ISBN - Not known
Muse It Up Publishing
December 2nd

Handsome, confident, a touch arrogant, Prince Orlando thinks that now he has found Sleeping Beauty, his kiss will wake her at once. When it does not, he realizes he has much to learn about life, and love.

http://www.lindsaytownsend.net/2008/04/christmas-sleeping-beauty.html 

New Short Story:

Kate Jackson

A FIRST CASE FOR MICHAELMAS JOLLY
The People's Friend Christmas Special 2011
D.C. Thomson 8th December

Victorian boy detective Michaelmas Jolly takes on his first case.

New titles by RNA members are put up by Freda Lightfoot. 

Please contact her at:freda@fredalightfoot.co.uk if you wish to contribute.

Author Interview with Gwen Kirkwood

Scottish based author, Gwen Kirkwood, has been involved with farming all her life. Her knowledge and love of country life gives depth to her warmhearted family sagas set in rural Scotland.

Tell us what made you want to write and how you got your first break?


When I first left home telephones were only for emergencies, so my weekly letters were long and newsy. My mother often said, "You ought to write a book".
My first attempt at adult fiction was entering a Woman's Weekly competition for a first chapter and synopsis judged by Woman's Hour and Woman's Weekly. I didn't win but Lynda O'Byrne, the WW fiction editor, wrote to say she had enjoyed my entry. She suggested I finish it and send it to Robert Hale. I wrote by hand and laboriously typed it with help from Mr Tippex. It was too long for the Hale Rainbow Romance Series and I assumed this was a rejection. Months later a letter arrived asking if my submission was ready. I had an almighty scramble to re-write and re-type. I wrote three more Rainbow Romances.
I didn't know any other writers and I was very naive. I chose an agent from Writers' and Artists' Year book. The first was full up. The second, chosen at random for her name of "Heather", sold Fairlyden to Headline with a contract for three more. I learned a tremendous amount from the editor and copy-editors. I knew nothing of the RNA until I was invited to join. I learned about the business of writing and publishing from the quarterly magazine. Later Romna began a weekly digest. Wendy Wootton and Shirley Worrell helped me get to grips with the internet and I no longer felt isolated. There is always someone willing to help or advise on Romna.

What is your favourite mode of working? What is your work schedule?

I prefer my own quiet office. Sometimes I have dreamy music playing in the background. When I began I had a husband and young family and life was hectic. Writing time was snatched. I kept a notebook and pencil in the cutlery drawer, beside the iron, in the bathroom, beside the bed, in my pocket when outdoors. I jotted down ideas and thoughts which jumped into my head. A tip for busy people - jot down a few words for the next passage before you stop. It helps you pick up the thread again.
I had a six year break from writing (for publication) when my husband died. The farming business provided the "bread and butter" for employees as well as my son and younger daughter. These days I am supposedly retired. I usually write each morning, and some times in the evening when a passage is clamouring to be written. I write straight to the computer. Cut and paste is a blessing!

How do you begin when you start a new novel?

When I start a new novel it has usually been incubating in my head for a while. I write the names and of places and main characters, physical characteristics, dates of birth. (needed in a series). I know roughly how the novel will end up but the journey is still a mystery which unfolds as I go along. I note details of other characters as they appear. I cannot work to a detailed plot. I enjoy creating a fictional world and the people in it. The first draft of a novel, especially the middle, is the most difficult but I enjoy the second draft, editing, strengthening plots, or characters, making waves to add tension and increase pace. I like to research and include real life events.

Do you believe writing is a skill anyone can learn? What advice would you give to a new writer?

Not everyone has a natural talent for story telling, or the craft for putting it together in writing. I believe writing has to come from the heart, with the determination to keep going, but be willing to listen to advice from experienced critics. I am constantly learning and changing. Two tips I wish I had known earlier. One is how to grip the reader's attention early - the first sentence if possible. When reading the revised draft if an incident jumps out at you, even if it is the third chapter, be ruthless. Start your story there, feed in the earlier passages if, or when, required. The second tip came from the last chapter of Stephen King's book "On Writing". He does not believe in using adverbs. Now I am conscious of them and amazed how often I can cut both adverbs and adjectives without detracting from the story, and often improving it.

In what way has the RNA helped you or your career?

At the York Conference in 2000 the RNA resurrected the Elizabeth Goudge Trophy. The competition was for the first chapter of a historical novel judged by Richard Lee. I won, with Margaret James as a close second. It kick started me into writing again. Thank you RNA. I finished the novel. The following year at the Cheltenham Conference I met Dorothy Lumley of DLA who is now my agent. I have written 11 more sagas and 2 shorter romances since then.

Do you find the increasing amount of time a writer has to spend on social networking and blogs a distraction from your writing, or of benefit?

I have a lot to learn about media and marketing. I have contributed occasionally to the RNA Historical Blog since 2009. Recently I joined four other novelists at http://novelpointsofview.blogspot.com where you can see my changing choices in books. I have joined Facebook and Twitter (@kirkwoodgwen) and started a blog of my own but if anyone reads it you may find as much about farming, gardening and family affairs as writing - but these are the things which make me the way I am and influence the way I write.


Do I suffer from writer's block?

Usually I can work things out in my head when the house is quiet and I am lying relaxed in bed, ready to sleep. As a child my imagination was always most vivid at bedtime.

With the increasing popularity of ebooks, how do you see the future for writers?

Whether we like it or not I believe e-books are here to stay. I have uploaded some of my early romances and intend to upload my first four sagas soon because they are out of print and I have the copyright. Hopefully digital editions will keep books available, and affordable, and I like that idea. Most publishers seem to be including digital rights in contracts now, but I still like the sight and feel of a "real" book with an attractive jacket.

Thank you very much Gwen for taking the time to talk to us and for sharing some excellent writing tips.

To find out more about Gwen and her work visit her website at www.gwenkirkwood.co.uk

Follow Gwen's blog at http://gwenkirkwood.blogspot.com

Sue Moorcroft Shares Choc Lit's Short Story Competition

The details...

CHOC LIT SHORT STORY COMPETITION         

Choc Lit are looking for short stories of up to 1,500 words in which the central theme is chocolate - eating it, drinking it, cooking with it, or anything else. Let your imagination take flight!

PRIZES

1^st prize £200, publication on the author’s corner blog and a box of organic chocolates from Plush

A Runner Up will receive £50 and a box of organic chocolates from Plush

RULES

1.       Your entry must be a maximum of 1,500 words.

2.       All work must be your own and not previously published.

3.       The entry fee is £3 per story

4.       All entries must be received by 31st January, 2012.

JUDGES

Your judges are Choc Lit authors Margaret James (The Silver Locket, The Golden Chain) and Sue Moorcroft (Starting Over, All That Mullarkey, Want To Know a Secret? and Love & Freedom). Both authors teach creative writing for the London School of Journalism and have published numerous short stories, including in the Romantic Novelists' Association's short story anthology. Both have regular columns, Margaret in Writing Magazine and Sue in Writers Forum.

HOW TO ENTER

1.       Please post your stories to: Short Story Competition, Choc Lit Ltd, Penrose House, Crawley Drive, Camberley, Surrey GU15 2AB. Please enclose a cheque for £3 per story - i.e. to enter 3 stories costs £9. Cheques are payable to ‘Choc Lit Ltd.’

2.       Or email info@choc-lit.co.uk with the subject header ‘Short Story Competition’ and pay your entry fee by Paypal atorders@choc-lit.co.uk.

Author interview with Lynda K Scott

A warm welcome to American author Lynda K Scott who writes for a genre which combines her love of science fiction, fantasy and romance.

Tell us about when you sold your first book.
My book, Heartstone, is available from Mundania Press which has quite a good following for science fiction, fantasy and paranormal books and has spread out to include romance. When I got the notification, I was elated. Couldn't stop grinning. And I immediately sent out email to all my friends that it had, at last, found a home.

Where is your favourite place to work?
I have a somewhat messy office I share with my kitten, Wookie. That's my favorite place to work because I can go in there, turn on the radio/cd player and close the door. The only one who's allowed to disturb me is Wookie but since she's my writing partner, I suppose that's all right.

Do you have to juggle writing with the day job? What is your work schedule?

I recently gave up my day job so I don't have to juggle anymore. Now, I have to adhere to a schedule that keeps me writing, otherwise I'd get too interested in playing with the Internet or working in my garden or...shopping.

How do you begin when you start a new novel?

I usually begin somewhat ahead of the story's actual beginning. That way I can give a little back story or history in for my characters. I know I'll delete it before I try to sell it because I don't want to bore my readers.

Which authors have most influenced your work? And which do you choose to read for pleasure?

Andre Norton and Isaac Asimov were my early influences. Both had romantic elements in their work. Ms Norton's style was spare, not a word wasted. She had a skill that led to graceful writing that lured a reader in and keep them firmly attached to the book. Dr. Asimov gave his science fiction stories real people which is what fiction stories are about. I like to think that what I've done is combined fantasy and science fiction with romance to get a genre I call Science Fantasy Romance. I'm not going to say that I created the genre or coined the name for it but that is what I write.

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?

The hardest part of the writing process for me is to NOT include every single bit of information that I've learned during the book's research. I love research and I love learning and I'm sure most readers do as well. But an author can get off the path easily by looking for ways to incorporate each datum that comes her way. That's my burden and I have to fight it every day.

How do you develop your characters? In historicals, how do you keep them in period yet sympathetic to readers?

I begin with a physical description. Some tiny oddity will make me wonder how or where that physical trait came from. It's amazing how fast a character can grow when you begin expanding on something as simple as a tiny scar just below an eyebrow. While I don't write historicals, per se, many of my characters sound as if they're from a time period other than our own. Sometimes they are. Sometimes they're simply from another place with the values or mores of an earlier time period. To keep a character sympathetic to a reader you have to make the character someone the reader will sympathize with or one whose goals and motivations the reader can understand.

What do you think an editor is looking for in a good novel?

I think an editor looks for a solid story and great, motivated characters.

How do you relax? What interests do you have other than writing?

I love to cook and create recipes. I also can produce from my garden or from our local Farmer's Market. And I love to read.

Do you believe writing is a skill anyone can learn? What advice would you give a new writer?

I think many writers have an innate skill but without the proper nurturing of it by reading and studying good writers, it will likely wither. My best advice to new writers is to read, read and read some more. Then practice writing. Follow that up by more reading. Read the genres that interest you but also read genres that aren't quite your cup of tea. While you read, study how these successful authors developed their characters or plots, used dialogue or descriptive narrative. There's a lot that can be learned just by reading and it's fun!

What draws you to your particular genre? Are you a specialist or do you have another identity?

I love stretching my imagination. I love mythology. I love science. My novels follow the Arthur C. Clarke quotation: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Heartstone has shapeshifters who wield laser swords, fly space ships, and have interplanetary transport locations. They heal/diagnose with 'magical' stones or by touch. Altered Destiny has alien 'Elves', dragons, space flight, altered time lines and other cool stuff. My goal is to make the 'magic' plausible and the science understandable without sacrificing the story or the characters.

Do you enjoy writing sequels or series? If so, what is the special appeal for you?

Both Heartstone and Altered Destiny could have sequels...if I could halt the flow of ideas springing into my mind for new stories.

Do you find the increasing amount of time a writer has to spend on social networking and blogs a distraction from your writing, or of benefit?

There's no question that social networking takes time. I do believe social networking or blogs are important for a writer who has published books. With the way publishers are so cash short, we authors have to do whatever we can to get word out about our books. I also think social networking and blogging is fun. I've met a number of really sweet people who if they just lived a little closer would probably be close friends.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, how do you cope with it?

I have on occasion had writer's block. Sometimes it's easier to deal with, sometimes not. Usually what I do is to take a pad of paper and try to write something long hand. It doesn't matter if it's for the story I'm working on or if it's just ramblings from a wandering mind. The act of writing seems to liberate me from the writer's block.

With the increasing popularity of ebooks, how do you see the future for writers?

I love paperbacks. I love going into a bookstore and just smelling the aroma of books. I love the weight and feel of the book in my hands. But I believe books will go to electronic format completely. My publisher, Mundania Press, offers their books in print and e-format. My book, Altered Destiny, (self-published for Kindle and Nook) is doing quite well too.

Do you enjoy research, and how do you set about it?

I LOVE research as I said earlier. Altered Destiny required a lot of research on Scottish customs. I wanted some old sayings to help develop characters and I found quite a few. I adored them! So I included one saying at the start of each chapter that ties into the chapters plot.

What craft tip helped you the most? To read whatever I could get my hands on.

Tell us about your latest book, and how you got the idea for it.

How about I give you a little for each book? For Heartstone, Eric is a driven man, a born protector. He's very loyal and is willing to sacrifice himself to defend his family, his clan and his people. When his people are attacked by a creature that takes control of their minds and bodies, he realizes he needs more than just his sword or ability to shapeshift to protect everything he holds dear. That's when he learns about the Heartstone, a legendary weapon that can only be used by its Stonebearer. Luckily, the Stonebearer is the mother of his intended bride. The problem? Both the Heartstone and the Stonebearer and her family have been missing for years.

In Altered Destiny, Liane MacGregor met a red-headed boy when she was a small child visiting her aunt's seaside cottage. When she grew up, she met the man she thought was that small boy. But if he was, he had changed and become a man she couldn't love. When her divorce becomes final, she wanders along the beach below the cottage when she first met him...and the moon explodes. Suddenly, it's daytime, the cottage is no longer there and the man she just divorced is standing in front of her, wearing a kilt and speaking with a brogue...something he's never done before. At first, she thinks she's gone back in time but things like elves, castles and dragons in America make her wonder if she's lost her mind. Or if she's gone sideways, to a world that is altered from the norm. And if it's altered, is the man she thought was her ex-husband a slime ball or a hero?

Can you reveal something of your work in progress?

I have a futuristic that I'm editing, A cargo ship captain, running from the law, takes on a passenger who can either be the love of her life...or destroy her if he discovers her true identity.

Thank you Lynda. We wish you every success with 'Heartstone' and 'Altered Destiny'.

To find out more about Lynda and her work visit her website at http://www.lyndakscott.com.

To join Lynda's newsletter, send a blank email to: LyndaKScott-Newsgroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Follow Lynda at Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lyndakscott

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/LyndaKScott

On Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-K-Scott/201599553208653

RNA Winter Party - The Glam and The Shoes!

The wonderful Talli Roland snapped away at last night's Winter Party and she's done a fabulous job...enjoy!