April newsletter

Students in our writing classes often ask whether they should plan their memoir before writing or just let the words tumble out as memories arise.

We tend to say: Use both approaches!

We don't think that planning and a more intuitive approach are mutually exclusive. Here’s what.. read more...

March writing newsletter

BY SARAH ARMSTRONG

I’m in the house sketching out my idea for the next novel while Al is in the backyard studio, writing into the blue. And he’s struggling. He says that for the first time in his writing life he is all at sea as he tries to figure out what to write next. Click here .. read more...

How to rewrite a novel: the end

By SARAH ARMSTRONG

The last few weeks I have been in the thick of rewriting. At the very best stage of the rewriting process: the end.

I find the early stages of rewriting taxing. It’s where I am supposed to figure out what the characters want and how they change. I have to solv.. read more...

How to rewrite a novel: your character's desire

By SARAH ARMSTRONG

Books aren't written, they're rewritten. Including your own. It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn't quite done it. Michael Crichton 

Let’s say – for the purposes of this article – that you have a first dr.. read more...

How to write a novel: understanding your characters

By SARAH ARMSTRONG AND ALAN CLOSE

If we had to pick the two most important pieces of advice we give students who ask us how to write a book, it would be these: Try not to do any rewriting until you’ve finished the first draft and spend lots of time finding out who your characters really.. read more...