I had a very unexpected surprise, delivered by a very kind and considerate person, through my letterbox yesterday. From the bay window in our sitting room you can see the outside of the front door and so when I heard a clunk of the letterbox, some time after the postman had been, I glanced out of the window in time to see someone hurrying away. I didn’t recognise the back of her and in fact I was actually more interested to see what had been delivered – maybe the parish magazine? Perhaps a flyer for some event in the village? Perhaps a charity envelope, or a message from someone in my husband’s art group?
There was a brown A4 envelope on the doormat with a post-it note attached. Intrigued I picked it up and in the envelope I found a book, written by three people involved in the National Novel Writing Month – an on-line challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in one month, November. I participated in that challenge for about three or four years and I’ve dabbled with it ever since, so I respect the authors of this book, Chris Baty, Lindsey Grant and Tavia Stewart-Streit. The book which had slid through my letterbox in its brown envelope is ‘Ready, Set, Novel!’ and it describes itself as a workbook to help ‘turn that kernel of an idea into a true masterpiece’.
After the introduction there are five chapters and there are blank pages to write on using the suggestions and exercises that are set by the authors, it really is a work book that you use and not just read. Now you might think that I have done so much writing, of every sort – particularly over the last few years since I gave up the day job, and I have actually written a guide to writing, and I have taught creative writing and created exercises for those in my group to do – you might think that I looked through this kind and thoughtful gift and decided I didn’t need it. Well, that supposition is not quite correct.
Yes, I do lots of writing of all sorts, yes I’ve written books and short stories (note to self, don’t forget it’s writing group on Wednesday and you need to write something on the topic of ‘Alibi’) yes I have a Master’s in writing, etc. etc. etc. but it’s always important to practice your skills, to take a fresh look at that practice, to take yourself down a peg or two (to take someone down a peg or two – to make someone realise that they’re are not as great as they think they are) So the upshot of this ramble is that I’m going to use this book which was so kindly bought with me in mind and given to me, and I’m going to work my way through it conscientiously, and seriously and see what I learn about my writing (and myself no doubt!)
Thank you so much, kind and thoughtful friend!
Lois Elsden 