Inspiration from the Book Cooks
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Inspiration from the Book Cooks
I always thought that writing was something everyone could do - but I was only half right! Writing well is an art that can be learned - and writing is easier if you have a plan to follow.

When we're working with new authors one of the key things we always suggest is that firstly, they have a clear focus - what is the PURPOSE of this book? This includes knowing who the potential readers are and what they want.

The other key part of the planning process is 'mind maps'. This is a visual tool to plan out the chapters and their order, then to plan each chapter with its subheadings, stories, case studies, anecdotes and tips. Once all this is in place - writing is a doddle - at least you won't get writer's block with the route map in front of you.

Of course, that doesn't mean you won't need a good editor! But then, you know where to find us, don't you?

Lesley

If you know you want to write a non-fiction book but don't know where to start then let me recommend my Release the Book Within course. It will be held in Den Haag on November 16th and covers:

Finding Your Voice
Finding Your Vision
Honing Your Idea
Getting Inspired
Planning an Outline
The Right Ingredients
The Right Recipe
Style Sheets
Publishing Options.

Past students call the course: 'inspiring', 'packed with information', 'mind-blowing' and 'enthusiastically presented'.

To find out more please take a look at http://www.summertimepublishing.com/workshops.htm

See you there!

Jo

Reading room recommendation

If you are stuck and need to kick start your writing then let me recommend two books that change lives: Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott has to be the finest book on getting over writer's block, while Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way will remind you why you were so passionate about writing in the first place. Her more recent book, The Right to Write is packed with exercises to help you write your life story.

Get reading!

Jo

Hello there

I have joined the 21st century and now you can read regular doses of inspiration about writing, publishing and authorship absolutely free of charge.

This blog will be about writing of course, but more importantly, perhaps it is about getting inspired.

Today I want to tell those of you who live in The Netherlands that there is a free workshop at the American School of The Hague (ASH) in Wassenaar on Thursday 19th October from 7pm - 9pm. Led by the Transitions Team (the people who offer counselling and setting in support to families associated with the school, but particulary the children), this is called Writing Your Life Story and will help you to use writing as a way of making sense of your life.

Need to find ASH, then go to http://www.ash.nl.

Enjoy! I will be there of course.