Dear friends,
After what’s been probably the worst year in many of our lives, I thought it would be nice to concentrate on starting afresh. If, like me, you find writing a great form of escapism, you may be looking at plunging into a new project, and what better time to start thinking about that book or piece of writing you’ve always wanted to tackle?
I’ve decided this year to take a good look at what I like doing, what I’m good at and what I’ve always wanted to try, and create a dream project. Here are some questions I’m going to be asking myself. Maybe they can help you start your dream project too?
- What genre do I like reading the best? If it’s more than one, can I take elements from both?
- What formats do I like writing in? Narrative, script, diary form, letters, poetry? Again, can I combine more than one element?
- What would I like to try but haven’t dared?
- What have I seen other people do that I’d like to have a go at?
- What can I create that can fit into the time/energy I have?
- What can I do that makes me feel really fulfilled every time I go back to it, that I’ll enjoy the creation of as much as the end result?
- If I could choose anything to write, what would give me the ultimate writing buzz?
If you need inspiration there are lots of courses going on at the moment – check out Write Mentor, The Golden Egg Academy and Amy Sparkes’ new website The Story Godmother. Hoopla Impro are also doing some great courses on writing comedy sketches for radio and TV. And if you fancy a six week online picture book course, I’ve just updated my course material ready for a new year – click here for more details.
I can’t wait to start my dream project – even though I don’t know what it’s going to be yet! I hope you have fun finding yours.
My latest book has been delayed until later in the year, but on the bright side this has given me a chance to add an extra surprise to the back which I hope will be fun for readers to find. Of course with libraries and bookshops closed it’s a very odd, flat time in the book world, but I would urge anyone buying a book to see if their local bookshop is offering an online service as this may help them stay open during the crisis.
My new picture book The Snugglewump illustrated by Kate Chappell is out! The Snugglewump is a featureless comforter with an inferiority complex. When it hears the other toys arguing about which of them Molly loves best, it crawls out of the cat flap and ends up in a puddle in the local park. Will the Snugglewump be reunited with Molly? Could it be that she loves it best after all? To find out, why not enter my free signed copy giveaway? Just comment below and tell me what age group you like to write for and why. I will print off the comments and draw one out of a hat!
Lou Treleaven 