A Moment With CL Taylor – Five Writing Tips

CL Taylor’s novel, The Accident, was released in April by Harper Collins.

Today, she shares with us her five tips for new writers…

1.Don’t write what you know, write about something you feel passionately about. When I wrote THE ACCIDENT I wanted to explore how an abusive relationship continues to affect the victim long after it ends. I think readers can sense when the writer feels passionately about a theme and it makes the novel a more powerful, compelling read.

2.Wait for the voice of the character to appear in your head before you write a word. It makes writing your novel a million times easier. Don’t force it, just wait. She or he will speak to you when you least expect it, just make sure you write down whatever they say as quickly as you can.

3.Don’t compare yourself to other writers or assume that they have it easy or are brimming with confidence. Published authors blog and tweet about their successes and keep their failures to themselves. I know so many authors who’ve had books rejected by their agents and their editors, even after they’ve been published to critical acclaim. EVERYONE, even multi-published and award-winning authors, feel insecure about their writing ability at some time and we all reach a certain point when writing a book where we’re utterly convinced that it’s rubbish and we should ditch it and start something new. The secret is to keep writing through those insecure periods (and stock up on chocolate and wine).

4.If you’re writing your novel and suddenly find that you’re stuck it’s probably because you need to introduce some more conflict. The conflict should escalate over the course of the book so look back over what you’ve written and ensure that there’s conflict in every chapter, every scene and that each time your hero or heroine overcomes it you chuck something even worse at them.

5.When you’ve finished your first draft let your manuscript ‘rest’ for as long as you can. Put it in a drawer and start something else, or read loads of novels. Then, when a couple of weeks (months ideally) pass, take it out and grab a pen. Whenever your attention wavers or you feel bored write ‘BORED’ next to that passage. If you’re bored the reader will be too so those passages will need attention. And when you’re as happy with your book as you can be, read it aloud (to yourself). You’ll be amazed at how many sentences sound clunky.

Visit Cally’s blog.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.