Sunday at the Festival of Writing: inspiration and motivation
Our Festival of Writing 2017 live blogs gave authors insight into what to expect of a Festival experience. In the final ‘live’ blog from the Festival of Writing 2017, Sarah Ann Juckes reveals the top tips of the Festival in 2017, and reminds us how we can do it all again in years to come.
The last day of the Festival of Writing 2017 came too soon. Writers geared up for another day of one-to-ones, workshops and networking, wishing it all didn’t have to end.
Fortunately, the key take-away from today was how to keep motivated. Below, I’ve listed some of the top tips to come out of Sunday, including how you can ensure you keep the momentum going throughout the year – until the next Festival.
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Top tips from Sunday at the Festival of Writing:
1. Refute every point your doubts make. Having tried is the true bravery – Debi Alper.
2. ‘Show don’t tell’ is for novices. You need to show AND tell – C M Taylor.
3.
What’s your characters goal? Make that s**t happen then make them realise that isn’t really their goal… #FoW17
— Julie R Goddard (@juliergoddard) September 10, 2017
4. Your Twitter handle should be your name, or the name you write under – Julie Crisp.
5. Find writing friends you trust, and share the pain and triumphs of being a writer with them – Debi Alper.
6.
“What kicks the story off will tell you what kind of story you’re writing.” – @shelleywriter @festivalwriting #FoW17 pic.twitter.com/JA3qzrzeez
— Loretta Milan (@lorettamilan) September 10, 2017
7. Do personality tests for your characters to learn more about them. Amanda Saint uses 16 Personalities.
8. Narrative arc is about change. Your character needs to be different at the end to how they were at the beginning – C M Taylor.
9.
Closing words. @DeborahInstall: ‘Stick with it.’ @TorUdall: ‘Just focus on being the best writer you can. Love the work.’ #FoW17 #amwriting
— Fi Bradbury (@febradbury) September 10, 2017
How to stay motivated until the next Festival
The Festival will come round again each year, but how can you ensure you put everything you’ve learnt into practice all year round?
Here are my tips.
- Organise your festival notes – If your notes are anything like mine, they’re all over the place. Highlight your most important ideas and keep them safe.
- Write a to-do list – Did you have lightbulb moments during workshops? Make sure you action those, whilst your ideas are still fresh in your mind.
- Email that agent! – If you’re one of the lucky ones who were asked to send their work to an agent after the festival, send it in the next four weeks (if possible). Title your subject line ‘Festival of Writing 2017’ (they’ll read these first), and send it whilst your meeting is still fresh in the agent’s mind. A book deal is a surprisingly good motivator for the rest of the year.
- Keep in touch – Other writers are a lifeline. They know what you’re going through. Keep in touch with the friends you made over the weekend via social media or email. You’ll be surprised what a difference they’ll make to your writing year.
- Sign up to our newsletter – As well organising the Festival of Writing, we’ll be sharing useful tips throughout the year. Whether you join one of our courses, attend one of the many events we run throughout the year, or just keep an eye on our regular newsletter, we’ll share the inspiration you need to keep at it.
Free plotting worksheets
Make the hardest part of writing easier
Fond farewells
Thank you to everyone who came to the Festival of Writing 2017. Lives really were changed here this weekend – whether that be by signing with an agent, winning a prize or just meeting the people who will keep pens moving.
Ideas inspired, problems solved, fear arse-kicked, & all with the best of company. Goodbye #FoW17 @festivalwriting @DebiAlper @JohnUnworded
— Amanda Berriman (@MandyBerriman) September 10, 2017
Met some great people. Talked till I’m hoarse. And I’m done. Had loads of fun #FoW17. Thanks. Hopefully see you next year!
— Julie Crisp (@julieacrisp) September 10, 2017
Recovering from a truly amazing weekend at #FoW17 Energised and inspired! Thank you :)
— R J Heald (@RJ_Heald) September 11, 2017
What a wonderful weekend @festivalwriting. So well organised and great to meet so many talented and committed writers. #FoW17
— Jo Williamson (@jslwilliamson) September 10, 2017
#FoW17 Time to go – had a blast. Talks were great and the people have all been so friendly. Good luck to all the writers who attended.
— Neema Shah (@NeemaMShah) September 10, 2017
Bye bye @festivalwriting. Thanks for all the writing inspiration, encouragement and new friends too. It’s been amazing! #Fow17 #writing pic.twitter.com/gr3W55KLtZ
— Loretta Milan (@lorettamilan) September 10, 2017
I’m four-for-four on getting weepy as I leave the site. Another fantastic weekend, thanks to all at #FoW17. The year starts here!!
— Nick Sheridan (@TwitSheridan) September 10, 2017
Free plotting worksheets
Make the hardest part of writing easier