Earlier in the year, I shared some tips for those who want to write professionally. One of my tips was about building your track record, which included entering writing competitions. Reader Question Frank got in touch to ask how you identify which writing competitions increase the likelihood of getting shortlisted or winning a prize. So today I’m…
Tips
The Art of Adaptation: from Picture Book to Animated Film
Posted on Author Katy SegrovePosted in Adaptation, Animation, Craft, Screenwriting, Writing, Writing for Children2 Replies
The most fun and fulfilling writing experience of my life was adapting my children’s picture book into an animation. Here I’m going to divulge some tips about the art of adaptation and share my journey of taking ‘Hopscotch and the Christmas Tree’, from book to screen. If you’re considering writing an adaptation yourself, I hope…
Get Back on Track with a Writing Goal
So, it’s the beginning of February. Are you on track with your writing goal or New Year’s Resolution? If you’ve fallen off the wagon, don’t panic. Here are some strategies to help you get back on track. Be Kind Firstly, instead of beating yourself up for not sticking to a goal, try self-compassion. Loads of research…
Three tips if you want to write professionally (or semi-professionally)
Posted on Author Katy SegrovePosted in Agents, Competitions, Craft, Publishers, Quick Tips, WritingLeave a Reply
Today’s article is short and sweet and was inspired by a discussion at a recent session of the London Writers’ Meetup. I hope you find these suggestions useful if you want to write professionally. Writing is a craft It takes a while to master it, so don’t expect success from just one piece of work.…
5 Simple Tips If You’re Feeling Blocked
At a recent London Writers’ Meetup, a question came up about what to do if you’re feeling blocked, and a wide range of suggestions were shared. I thought you might find them helpful too. What can you do if you’re feeling blocked? Keep Writing! Paul said – Just keep writing, even if it’s just a stream…
Ten Lessons I’ve Learnt on my Journey to Becoming a Writer
I’ve been refreshing my website recently and it’s made me do some deep thinking about my writing journey. I’ve come up with this list of my top 10 lessons to becoming a writer. I hope you find them helpful! My Top 10 Lessons to Becoming a Writer Stamina. Becoming a writer can take a really…
LinkedIn for Writers – How to Get Started and Why You Should!
Today I want to talk about LinkedIn as a networking platform for writers. Think it’s just for corporate types? Think again! Bit of a confession: I find networking the most nerve-wracking thing in the world. I HATE talking about my writing and trying to big myself up. It’s excruciating! But I’ve learnt to do it over…
4 Strategies to Help you Write the Messy Middle in a Calm but Creative Way
Have you heard the phrase the ‘messy middle’? Well, I had a great question from a reader recently. Jess got in touch to say: – I’ve written a strong beginning and ending to my play but I’m struggling with the middle! Do others have this problem too and if so, what should I do? Firstly,…
Hold Yourself Accountable with a Box of Crayons!
I was chatting with some writers recently about our biggest struggles. A few issues came up over and over including ‘lack of accountability’. It’s hardly surprising that this is a biggie for many of us. We often don’t have bosses, so it’s entirely up to us to find the self-discipline, drive and determination to sit down…
4 Simple Strategies to Help You Handle the Pain of Rejection
How do you handle the pain of rejection? I find it very uncomfortable. My thoughts start to race. I get angry – I want to strike back. Then I start swimming with self-doubt – I feel like a total loser. It’s horrible. So, I was fascinated to learn that there’s a scientific reason for this. It…