Writers’ PageJudith is an experienced Creative Writing tutor. She has taught for the WEA, The University of Bath in Swindon, Swindon College, Age Concern and several other adult education providers. She has run writing workshops for a variety of groups and on board Cruise Ships. |
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Keep an ideas file. Make a note of interesting things – ideas, overheard snippets, etc. Collect pictures of interesting people, places or events that catch your imagination.
Get into good habits – write every day – set yourself targets such as entering a short story competition.
When you have finished a story, put it on one side for as long as possible before you edit.
If your story which fails to get anywhere, don’t assume it’s not good. Many competitions offer critiques. Take the advice given, work on the story and try again. I have entered several of my short stories in competitions which were not successful the first time but went on to win prizes.
Join a writers group and get critical feedback on your work.
Using a good literary editorial agency is a good investment.
Read, read, read – especially the kind of novel or story you are writing.