StoryGodmother Newsletter #7
Hello!
At last, there’s been a chance to write another Story Godmother newsletter! Life has been very busy throughout March with March Onward Writer and various deadlines, but I’m now getting back on track! Thank you to everyone who came along to a March Onward Writer course – hope you enjoyed it. The programme will be running again next year.
So, what’s going on and coming up?
Writing Magazine Creative Writing Tutor.
UPCOMING EVENTS
I’m very much looking forward to both attending and speaking at I Am In Print’s Writing Festival in May. I will be running a ‘Create A Chapter Book Series’ workshop on Friday 19th May at 11.45am. Given the current state of the market, it’s a great time to be working on a chapter book idea.
I’ll also be speaking at the SCBWI Picture Book Retreat on 14th-17th July alongside the fabulous Jonny Duddle and really looking forward to it. A big thank you to Clare Helen Welsh for inviting me along and organising everything.
WRITING MAGAZINE CREATIVE WRITING TUTOR
After about 7 years working as a Creative Writing tutor for children’s fiction with lovely Writing Magazine, I’m moving on. An increasingly busy schedule means that I’m not able to take on any more students, although I will continue to work with all my current students until the end of their course. It’s been lovely working with so many talented writers over the years – if you are one of my previous or current students, a big thank you for all your hard work, and all the best for the future!
I’ll still be contributing the “Writing for Children” pages for the magazine every month with author interviews, tips, resources and what ever else I think might be useful to those working in this realm.
I do still get asked for feedback on writing a lot, so I will be setting up a critique service with slots available every month. More about that in the next newsletter!
RESOURCES & IDEAS
There are so many thoughts whirling around my brain at the moment that it’s been hard to pick a subject for this issue’s resources section! So instead of focusing on one particular subject I thought I would pick a few top tips based on my 7+ years as a writing tutor, and 16+ years as a professional writer. Hope you find them helpful:
1) Writing doesn’t have to be a constant competition.
Yes, I know that sometimes there are writing competitions and then it all becomes a little competitive for a purpose. And there are limited slots for book publications every year, or availability on an agent’s books. But it can be very easy to get sucked into thinking competitively and very hard to stop.
Even if we’re not naturally competitive, I think all of us can fall prey to a fear of missing out, or constantly comparing ourselves to our peers. With the dramatic increase of competitions for children’s writers, this is perhaps becoming more noticeable. To an extent, it’s helpful to be mindful of what our peers are experiencing or achieving as it can often spur us on to greater things, but if too much attention is given to this – if we are constantly looking sideways – it risks becoming exhausting and counterproductive.
It’s not a race, it’s a journey – and it’s an individual journey on an individual route because we’re individuals. Focusing on what we want and need as individuals, and our appreciation and understanding of our own personal journey to me feels a more productive and optimistic way to spend your time.
2) It’s a small (writing) world
It is definitely worth noting that the children’s writing world is a small world and people do talk. Editors will often swap from one publishing house to another – they know each other. Agents talk to other agents – they know each other. Reputation matters and it’s good to get that right from the beginning. Manners cost nothing but could cost you everything.
I am lucky in that after all the scores of lovely writers I have worked with over the years, there are only two that I would not wish to work with again. From an agent’s or publisher’s point of view, most writers are replaceable (yep – harsh fact, but true). So if you become known as rude, aggressive or difficult to work with, you may find that your writing career is a lot shorter than you hoped.
That does NOT mean that you have to agree with everything an agent or publisher suggests, but it is the manner in which you discuss things that is important. It is a professional working relationship. So be professional and courteous.
3) We never know what is around the corner…
It can be hugely frustrating when everything seems stagnant, creativity has vanished, or everyone else seems to be moving forwards when you aren’t (see number 1 above!) BUT we absolutely never know what is around the corner, even if we think we can predict it. Life has more twists and turns than a well-plotted novel. And this is a brilliant reason for not giving up. You never know which story might be the one to fly. Or what a chance opportunity might lead to. And there may be things that we haven’t even dreamt of yet which are waiting to happen. I had no idea 12 months ago that I would be running a TV/film production company alongside writing my books. But while surprises can be waiting around the corner…
4) Make your own luck
If everything seems stagnant or opportunities have dried up, don’t wait for things to become fresh again – be proactive. Push boundaries, conduct some creative experiments and see what you find. Step sideways as well as forwards. Ask questions, not just of others but of yourself. Try knocking on a different door offering a different thing. Find what motivates you and use it. And if you need a break, take a break, and come back fresher and fighting fit for the next round.
5) You are you
To avoid creating something generic, be more you. Find your individual voice, or those stories that only we can tell. Think about your personal experience, the things which intrigue you, the kind of stories you would love to read, the ones which make you laugh or cry when you write them… all these things will help you create the best possible stories you can tell. They often stand out from the slushpile more, as they have more of a sense of originality and individuality. All this can take confidence, though. And well-placed confidence can take time. Keep honing your writing craft, keep digging deep to find those stories that fire you up, and keep going.
Good luck!
BOOK NEWS
Thank you to everyone who has bought, borrowed or reviewed THE REPAIR SHOP STORIES: THE TOY BUS, illustrated by Katie Hickey and published by Walker Books. If you’ve read it and would like to leave a review somewhere (anywhere!) I would be really grateful. Reviews do mean a lot to authors.
I’m also really excited to share more information about my next picture book, MY TREE. The book is stunningly illustrated by Fiona Lumbers, published by Scholastic, and is released in paperback on May 11th and in hardback in November. I’m a big fan of trees, and really appreciate how important they are to our world. 5% of author royalties are going to The Woodland Trust to help them continue their brilliant work preserving our woodland for generations to come.
If you’d like to know more about MY TREE, here’s the blurb:
An uplifting and reassuring picture book filled with hope and new beginnings.
My tree had been there from the beginning… and I loved it.
Beautifully told and stunningly illustrated, My Tree is a story about the joy and adventure of life, the dark clouds that sometimes hang over us, and how endings can also be new beginnings.
This comforting picture book is uplifting, reassuring and rather like a hug - one that will keep you warm long after reading.
You can pre-order at your local indie bookshop, via Bookshop.org, or at Waterstones or Amazon
COURSES
I’ve been asked to run the CHARACTER ARCHETYPES again this April (date tbc). This is a really fun, thought-provoking one-evening session which will change the way you look at people forever! It’s one of my favourites to run. More info can be found on my Workshop Schedule page or you follow me on Eventbrite to be notified when courses go live.
I will also be running some more workshops/courses in May and June, so keep your eyes open for opportunities.
I’m keen to hear what people would like to see in future Story Godmother courses. I try to focus on the nitty-gritty of writing, helping you really hone your craft. But what would you like to see included? Please drop me an email at sparkles@storygodmother.co.uk if you have any suggestions for what you would find helpful.
END NOTES
Have a lovely Easter!
Best wishes and sparkles,
Story Godmother.