I read and reviewing Gillian Duffy’s debut novel The LA Commandments just last month and I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. It was fresh, it was readable and the ending was ridiculously surprising. So when Gillian said she’d like to write us something, I played on the ‘Commandments’ theme and this is what she came up with - her 5 Commandments for Aspiring Authors!

1. Just write

The beginning of a new endeavour can very often be the most formidable part and beginning to write, just like the commencement of various other pursuits, has its own set of worries. If you’re seriously considering taking your fledgling steps into the world of words then you’ve probably already experienced the euphoria which shares a close relationship with form and content; when I first conceived the concept for my debut novel, and how the plot would unfold, I was ecstatic for weeks. For me, excitement persisted throughout the entire creation of the first draft, as it did with all my novels, but the elation experienced by the first flicker of a new plot is, arguably, incomparable to any other feeling. So it’s time to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and write!

Although form and content are crucial to all storytellers, try not to over-obsess about them in the beginning. For now, the important thing is to get your story onto the page. The first draft is a time to be creative, not pedantic. Of course, a required level of accuracy is crucial throughout but don’t dwell too much on the small things. The main aspects of your plot can change as it develops through its various drafts, so keep focused on getting to know your protagonist/antagonist and the smaller details will automatically be resolved through your better acquaintance of him/her. When you reach the final editing stage before publication, your novel will undoubtedly be very different from its first version. So, for now, concentrate on getting your words down on the page from start to finish - there’ll be plenty of time for adjusting and rewriting further down the line.

2. Take a Break

When you finish your first draft big congratulations are in order. Forget about finding an agent, signing a publishing contract and launching your debut novel - actually finishing your book is one of the best accomplishments any writer can achieve. By now, you’ve probably sacrificed many other pursuits, drank way too much coffee, relied on matches to keep your eyes open and had a few squabbles with loved ones about your demanding new pastime (because it can be demanding and all-encompassing, the full extent of which can often be unfathomable to others), but when this occurs just remind them how fantastic it will be to see your very own book resting perfectly on the shelf of your favourite bookshop. If that doesn’t work, hard cash usually does. I jest, but there’s no doubt that writing can be taxing on your body, mind and relationships but the rewards far outweigh the efforts.

So, now that you’ve finished your first draft take some time away from your novel to reconnect with the world! For me, taking a break from writing can be just as important as the actual pursuit. Now that you know your characters, your plot and its denouement inside out, allow some time for the aspects of each to percolate freely without close consideration; very often the crux of a subplot, or character, or unexpected twist will come to me when I’m least expecting it, but more often than not it’ll be when I’m not writing but enjoying some time away from my laptop. Ok, I know even thinking about your manuscript still means you’re novel-focused but when you’re not putting that two, three or four hours (maybe even more) typing in per day, the potential for plot development is significant. It’s difficult to say if a writer is ever fully detached from his or her writing but do try to be, even for a short time. Things will be so much clearer when you return to your work with fresh eyes, a rested mind and a revitalised body.

3. E is for edit

You’ve had some time ‘away’ from your manuscript and your once bleary eyes and tired mind have finally returned to their natural state – now it’s time to edit. For me, the word edit is a blanket term for the various actions inherent to the writing process; rewriting, removing, adding, editing, more rewriting, re-editing. As the saying goes, ‘writing is rewriting’, and when you reach this stage you’ll fully understand the depth of its meaning. There’s no denying that the editing phase can be laborious and time-consuming, but instead of viewing it as a grueling process I try to think of it as an opportunity to improve my manuscript; now’s the time to include that twist, those individual character nuances, that gripping subplot. Over time your writing style will develop and it may even differ from novel to novel (my debut novel, The L.A. Commandments, would be considered women’s fiction but my next novel could be considered general contemporary fiction, and my third a psychological thriller), so this phase is the perfect time to showcase your developing talent; writing is just like everything else – it will progress and improve with practice.

During this period you should polish your manuscript until your characters and plot are so appealing that no agent or publisher could ever ignore them! One of my great tutors continually told us last semester that a novel should possess four things: 1) verisimilitude; it must be real, be plausible: 2) detail; fully develop your characters and your plot: 3) the novel should focus on the individual in society; what does your protagonist want and what’s stopping him/her from getting it: 4) it should critique the society of its time; what are the positive and negative aspects of your protagonist’s society? E is for edit but it’s also for ensure and explore - now is the time to ensure that your novel adheres to these ‘writing rules’ and never be afraid to explore creatively.

4. Be brave – let someone read it

I know how difficult it can be to let someone else read your work but you must be brave. When I began writing, seriously, very few people knew I was and the thought of someone reading my stories was terrifying. But it has to be done and as your confidence grows so too will your ability to ‘let go of your work’ to let someone else enjoy your story. It’s also great to get someone else’s perspective: they may notice mistakes that you haven’t, they may make suggestions which could enhance your narrative, and their feedback could aid your future drafts. And, no, not everyone is going to fall helplessly in love with you and your novel but you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Everyone has different tastes, preferences and opposing views as to what constitutes a ‘good’ novel, but be brave - free your words from their confinement and release them into the hands of a friend or loved one who can be trusted to give you their honest opinion! Hopefully, your novel will be read the world over one day, so make that first crucial step and let someone read it.

5. Networking is Necessary

When I completed my manuscripts – I’ve written two novels and a novella – I knew the time had come to ‘get myself out there’. The sheer sound of the ‘N’ word used to send shivers up and down my spine, but when you actually begin to network you’ll realise that it’s not as daunting as you might think. Most people are probably fully at ease with writers’ groups, book clubs and creative writing classes, but these are activities I’d never engaged in; I was so busy with my former job and finishing my books that I didn’t have time for these pursuits. Sure, I had a Facebook account but it wasn’t something I used to connect with other aspiring authors, agents or publishers – all my ‘friends’ were my long-term friends, former colleagues and schoolmates - but after venturing to an Inkwell Writing Seminar in Dublin on 14th May, I fully realised the significance of social media networking. I soon logged onto Twitter and began following Book Republic, who, thanks to attending one of their writers’ nights on 19th May, is now my publisher. So take that step into the world of networking, be it physical or digital, if you haven’t done so already – it could change everything!

I hope you’ll find my five commandments helpful and I look forward to reading your novels really soon.

Thanks for reading,

Gillian

No, thank you Gillian!

Buy Gillian’s book The LA Commandments here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/L-Commandments-Thou-Shalt/dp/1907221212/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315827516&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-L-A-Commandments-ebook/dp/B005G4852K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1315827550&sr=1-1

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/gillian+duffy/the+l-a-+commandments/8655458/

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/LA-Commandments-Gillian-Duffy/9781907221217

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