This week's guest needs very little introduction - it is our very own Patsy Collins of Womagwriter fame. It's always a delight to welcome a fellow short story writer onto my blog and I'm even more pleased because she (along with writer Rosemary Kind) has written a new guide to writing short stories. It's called From Story Idea to Reader. With hundreds of magazine stories and competition wins under her belt, there is nobody better qualified to write a book like this and if you aren't already a short story writer and are thinking about having a go, I'd wholeheartedly recommend it (there's even a mention of my rather nifty Story Timeline in it).
So without more ado, let's start the interview.
What made you
decide to write this book?
It's all my husband's
fault! He said as I'd written articles (for Writing Magazine) about writing, a
book was the logical next step. Logical? Yes, maybe, but also huge and a bit
daunting.
I happened to mention
this to Rosemary who immediately suggested a collaboration. Fairly quickly I
realised her work as an editor and publisher plus the fact she can explain
grammar, in a way which actually makes the subject clearer, would be assets.
We soon started planning
what we'd do if we went ahead. Rosemary created a list of the topics we'd like
to cover. Alongside each were initials. Mine were against subjects such as
getting started, generating ideas, finding time, women's magazine fiction,
competitions, staying motivated, getting and using feedback, keeping submission
records... All things I knew about and was happy to tackle.
Rosemary felt the same
way about the rest, which include grammar, self publishing, tax and legal
matters associated with writing, characterisation, POV, editing, research...
As soon as we saw we
really could do it we were eager to start.
How long have
you known Rosemary?
We first met about nine
years ago on a writing forum and then a critique group. It's amazing how well
you can get to know someone through their writing, especially when you're part
of the process. We've helped each other with our short stories and novels.
Rosemary has edited some of my work and published it through her company, Alfie
Dog Fiction.
We've even met for real a
few times. On each occasion there was less cake and more dog walking involved
than you might imagine. It would appear she's a good influence.
Was it
difficult to co-write or was it all plain sailing?
Pretty much plain
sailing. In fact I wrote a few short sections on board a ferry!
I'm not saying we never
suggested that something the other had written could be improved (and other
creative ways of expressing that general sentiment) but knowing this was solely
for the good of the finished book meant I didn't mind rewriting until we were
both happy. Rosemary still replies to my emails, which I'm taking as proof she
feels the same way.
How long did
it take you to write?
That
depends how you look at it. We've both spent years building up the knowledge,
experience, articles and course materials the book is based on. But once we had
it all planned out we completed most of the new writing in around six months.
We both write full time so, although we didn't concentrate solely on this
project, that represents a lot of keyboard hours.
What can this
book offer that other writing guides can’t?
It
really does take a writer through the whole process from hunting down ideas and
the basic equipment needed, through making the work the best it can be, to
ensuring it gets read.
Between
us we have experience of being published, of editing and publishing our own
stories, and those of others. We've won, and run, and judged writing
competitions. Most of all though, we're writers. We love writing and want to
help others enjoy it too.
Did you find writing
a resource book harder than writing fiction?
Not harder, no. It's
different, just as writing a short ghost story is different from writing a
romantic novel or an article. Although it's been done
to make it more accessible to the reader, having the information broken down
into shorter sections probably helped with the writing too.
Is there
advice in it that you wish you’d followed when you first started?
All of it! But if you
want me to be specific...
The exercises would have
helped. Immediately applying something we've learned really does help retain
the information. Naturally I'm biased, but
I honestly do think many writers, particularly those just starting out or
returning to writing after a break, will find From Story Idea to Reader
useful and encouraging.
Links:
You can buy From Story Idea to Reader here
