Some writing advice

While sitting here, listening to my desktop fussing away like an old babushka as it backs up it occurs to me that I did say there would be some writing stories on this blog

Having just turned in my third manuscript here are a few tips on ms prep.

Firstly, your editor will have a preferred font, font size, line spacing. Learn how they like their draft ms formatted.

Second, re-read, aloud if possible to correct spelling mistakes or missing words.

Third, re-read and write character profiles  for every major character. Read those, make revisions.

Repeat step two at least twice. New ideas may come from this. If they do revise and re-read again.

Last piece of advice, trust your editor, you and he (or she) will be working together, collaborating on producing a final draft, the polished one that goes to your agent. There is still plenty of hard work ahead but it will be worth it.

Thoughts on October List and The Abominable

October list by Jeffrey Deaver is a thriller in reverse, yes you read that right and if like me you were tempted to flick to the end, or in this case the beginning don't because you'll miss a treat. Having the story unspool before you is still satisfying. October list comes out in October.

The Abominable by Dan Simmons tells the fictional tale of a 1925 attempted ascent of Mt Everest. Great writing, plenty for the armchair adventurer, this book reminds me why I don't climb any more, also out in October, full reviews then

Cuckoos Calling

Read it.

A well-constructed private eye story. That's all you need to know.

From Strike's first awkward encounter with his temp to the "I know who and how and why" denouement. I wish I could say I read it before we all discovered Robert Galbraith's real name but I can't. I loved the Potter series, was lukewarm about A Casual Vacancy, more Cormoran Strike, please JK!

Night Film, Marisha Pessl

Investigative journalist Scott McGrath’s fame came crashing down around him when he took on reclusive filmmaker Cordova, a man whose movies are so visceral and disturbing that they are screened only in secret. A false source made McGrath pay dearly.

Years later Cordova’s daughter, Ashley; throws herself from the top of a deserted warehouse and McGrath, haunted by a vision in red starts to investigate her death. Along with wannabe actress Nora and the enigmatic Hopper, he plumbs the depths of the Cordovites, the secret websites and obsessed fans. But who is investigating whom. Why was Ashley so keen to protect young children? What is ‘the devil’s mark’? Did Mathilde kill Ashley and how come all the actors in Cordova’s films fled from his compound and studio, The Peak? Forever changed.

McGrath is beginning to think he’s in a night film of his own and for the character he is playing, this doesn’t always end well.

Read Night Film!

I only have one pick for this month, not because there aren't a ton of good books out there, there are, I just haven't had chance to read them and the one I did read, Night Film, is incredible!

I'm delighted to say that book#3 working title Ms Scarlet is complete and off to the editor. This time last year I didn't have an editor, let alone an agent. Now I have both and three completed books under my belt. I'm giving myself the weekend off!

Even though I haven't been blogging as much I'm on Riffle, it's like GoodReads minus the Amazon factor.