Calling Creative Writers! (Masterpieces-in-the-making)
My Masterpiece-In-The-Making:
Right now I'm working on this amazing vampire book, but it's too long to submit on theSprout so I'm just going to ask for advice. I wanna know how you get it published and I need some help choosing the name.
Cheers
Keep it cool
Cardiffgirl
Reply from Dan, Sub-Editor:
Hi Cardiffgirl
We've had a lot of interest in creative writing on theSprout, as I'm sure you've noticed with the number of poems and other creative pieces appearing on the site. I did a degree in creative writing at university, which was where I met Ryan (editor of CLIC, which is kinda like theSprout's big brother for all of Wales) when we worked on a book together, so creative writing is definitely something we care about and can offer a lot of knowledge in.
The first thing I would advise is that you submit an excerpt of your writing to the site: this could be an entire chapter, or just a few paragraphs you'd like feedback on. Feedback is the most important thing for any writer: the more opinions you hear, the more you can craft your story into something everyone likes. It's also great for motivation, because having people ask "What happens next? Write more!" is a great way to encourage you to keep writing. Don't feel obliged to start with Chapter 1 (many writers don't actually start writing their books at the beginning): as long as you include a few sentences to explain what's happened so far, people will be able to follow the story.
As for publishing, it's a great thing to aspire to at any age. However it's not only a very competitive market, but also one you have to be careful of because there are always companies looking to take your great story but not give you a fair payment or share of the royalties (the money made each time a copy of the book is sold in the future). When you reach that stage we can certainly pass on the advice that was given to us, but I would say there's no point getting ahead of yourself and worrying about publishing any time soon: the most important thing to do now is just write, write, and write some more!
Weekend Writing Workshops
This brings me onto my second point... how many of you would be interested in a Weekend Writing Workshop, maybe once a month in the library? Overseen by Creative Writing graduates, with guest visits from local published authors, where we could give each other in-depth feedback, learn some professional editing techniques, and also just have a chance to meet face-to-face.
We're open to all suggestions, ideas and thoughts on times and days which suit you. As with the Editorial Meetings, we'd provide tea and biscuits and refund your travel costs, so if you generally spend your Saturdays in town anyway we could sort it so you end up with a free ride into town and some noms.
What do the writers think? I can only make this happen if we receive enough interest in the idea, so if you like the sound of a writing workshop please leave a comment with your thoughts and suggestions!
11 Comments – Post a comment
Jaque Thay
Commented 24 months ago - 8th May 2010 - 06:37am
I think this is a fantastic idea Dan, please consider me interested to help oversee and, if needs be, organise events. If this does go ahead let me know and I'll remember to mention it to any local authors I come across.
And CardiffGirl - Dan's right. It's great to aspire to be published, and the first piece of advice I can offer is similar to Dan's... write!
Tim_Crompton
Commented 24 months ago - 8th May 2010 - 14:52pm
Hey, have you tried looking at some of the books that are around on publishing?? Jeff herman's guide is quite good, its the one that I have, and it has a list of all literacy agents and publishers with a short description of what they like to publish. Unfortunately the guide i got is the American one, but I'm sure there is a British one kicking about.
Also you have to look at different publishers and sort of publishers who would most likely publish your work. Best way to do this is to look at the books which is similar to yours and the books that inspired you. I'm guessing Twilight is amongst them. Then you have to see if that publisher will publish unpublished authors. You'll need to practice a letter of application and make sure you have a stormer of a start to your story so that they'll want to read the rest.
Or you could always self publish your work if you have got the cash, for which I can suggest a few websites if you want.
Also Dan I'm definitely up for the work shop :)
Sambow
Commented 24 months ago - 8th May 2010 - 17:33pm
*Scream*!!
That sounds like such a awesome Idea! if you don't do it Dan-I'll cry. As for Cardiffgirl- write your socks off!
I started writing a book too and have so far just filled out random notebooks with extracts from all over the place. I'm planning to peice them together when I get the time but it just proves you don't always need sense and order to write. In fact writing like this helped me alot to get main ideas down while they were fresh in my mind and I would suggest you try it out too, it can help also when your out and about and have an idea. Because instead of strainnning to remember it later you can just jot the notes down. :)
I'm hoping to try and finish the book in the near future and would be VERY interested in your idea Dan as it would be really fun to meet people who share the same interests! :D
Sambow
Commented 24 months ago - 9th May 2010 - 11:57am
@cardiffgirl
Can you tell us a little bit about the plot of the book?
It might help us think of some tittles to help you :)
Biscuits
Commented 24 months ago - 9th May 2010 - 12:56pm
I'd be really interested in doing the workshop too (:
My writing ventures so far have failed-I start off in great style and the stories just tend to wilt and die towards the middle....could really do with some help!
emb789
Commented 24 months ago - 9th May 2010 - 20:13pm
If you don't do it, then there will be a murder investigation at the next sprout editorial meeting >:|
Joooking, but seriously, I would LOVE THAT!!!!!
Just two questions:
Could it pleases be in the afternoon if on a saturday? I have orchestra until 12:30 D:
And if it's on a Saturday, will I be able to have a cello with me?
cardiffgirl
Commented 24 months ago - 9th May 2010 - 20:43pm
Hi!!
The workshop idea sounds really good and thanks by the way. This is the funny part, you guys already know the first chapter because it's 'His last breath' by ME!!! LOL
Thanks
Keep it cool
cardiffgirl
CLICdan
Commented 24 months ago - 10th May 2010 - 03:27am
emb,
We'd sort out a time that's good for everyone. But you most definitely could have a cello with you. :)
Sambow
Commented 24 months ago - 10th May 2010 - 07:25am
@cardiffgirl
The first chapter was awesome!!
'His last breath' was a a pretty good title but if you wanted something to cover the whole book in genral (and perhaps future titles) you might want something short. One or two words work well when naming saga's. Seeing as it's vampire's might I suggest words along the lines of 'Midnight' 'Shadow' 'Moon' 'Youth' 'Fang' or 'Beauty'
Heck, why not 'Midnight Youth'
Hope I could help :)
-Sambow
cardiffgirl
Commented 24 months ago - 13th May 2010 - 18:40pm
Tanks everyone!!!! Youv'e been a big help and Dan, where would it be?
I mean which libery?
CLICdan
Commented 24 months ago - 13th May 2010 - 22:06pm
Cardiff Central Library in The Hayes (next to John Lewis). It's where we have our monthly editorial group meetings {which you should totally come along to}. They have great, soundproof meeting rooms with projectors and screens and whiteboards and everything. Would be an amazing place to have a workshop. :D