Writing Advice
Having just turned in my eighth novel in five years, one would hope that I had some writing advice to share with new writers. Giving advice on a process that is a little like witchcraft and a little like playing roulette is tricky, but I think I have learned some tricks and strategies along the way.
My debut novel, Monarch Beach, was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2012, followed by Market Street and Lake Como in 2013, and French Coast and Rome in Love in 2015. In 2016, St. Martin’s Press will release Island in the Sea: A Majorca Love Story in April, Santorini Sunsets in August, and my first holiday novel later in the year.
So, what have I learned that could help others? The most important thing, like in anything, is to love what you do. In writing, I think that means to love your characters, be enthralled by your plot, and set up your writing day so it is enjoyable.
I start early in the morning, because that is when the ideas are freshest and nothing gets in the way. Like many authors, I am a creature of habit, and I write in the exact same spot every day. I try not to answer emails or do anything else until I have at least spent an hour on my manuscript.
I also have a rule that I don’t let myself read (I love to read) until six pm. Whatever else fills up my day (and I still have two children at home and other responsibilities) I write as much as I can. At six pm I sit down with a book and a cup of coffee and relax.
Another trick is to email myself the day’s pages and read them on my phone. I find one sees things differently if the pages are read on something other than the computer. I do this countless times during the day, and I never finish the day’s work without being happy with what I have written. – And I never go back to that section once I am done.
I even read the section on my phone in the parking lot of the grocery store and then go back and make corrections. It seems the further away I am from the actual manuscript, the more clearly I can see the story.
Another tip is to really immerse myself in the story. I write fast because when I am writing I want to be with my characters all the time. I only give myself one day off a week because I don’t want to lose empathy for the protagonists or my desire to move the action forward. I have to feel like I am right there beside them.
I also spend hours thinking about my story when I’m not writing. I walk for forty minutes a day and plot what I am going to write next. I think about it in the shower, or driving. And I don’t just think about it when I’ve run out of other things to think about. I make myself think about it. Writing requires a tremendous amount of discipline and I set specific goals and demands each day.
One of the most important pieces of advice authors give other writers is to read. I have always been a huge reader but now I have another trick. I write women’s fiction with a lot of dialogue and I have always been a fan of the great romantic actors and actresses – Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Jimmy Stewart, Sophia Loren, Lauren Bacall, Katherine Hepburn.
Now with Netflix and Amazon Instant Prime, their movies are available for very little cost or for free. I watch a lot of old movies to keep my dialogue fresh and for the gorgeous clothes and sets. They made a lot of sophisticated movies in the 1950’s and 1960’s and 1970’s and watching them is an invaluable tool.
I am a huge fan of movies like To Catch A Thief and Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Watching them is a great way to enjoy the heyday of Hollywood and get writing inspiration.
I hope these tips help! Writing has always brought me a lot of joy and I do think that is the most important thing. Love what you are doing and everything else will follow.
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Anita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia and had a charmed childhood that included petting koala bears, riding the waves on Bondi Beach, and putting an occasional shrimp on the barbie. Her writing career began at the age of eight, when she won a national writing contest in THE AUSTRALIAN newspaper, and was named “One of Australia’s Next Best Writers.” (She still has the newspaper clipping.)
She received a B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing from Bard College, and attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing program.
Her debut novel MONARCH BEACH was released in June 2012, followed by MARKET STREET in March 2013 and LAKE COMO in August 2013.
FRENCH COAST was released in April 2015… and ROME IN LOVE will be released in August 2015
She lives in Dana Point, CA with her family, where she interrupts her writing to watch the glorious sunsets.
Find out more about Anita on her website www.anitahughesbooks.com
Category: Contemporary Women Writers, How To and Tips
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