Thinking of writing your first novel? Take note of these five writing tips from best-selling author Jojo Moyes.
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Read
Study your favourite writers – how do they structure their plot, develop their characters, and keep you wanting to turn the page? Learn from their experience.
Use your imagination
Don’t set pen to paper until you know your main characters inside out. Create files detailing their appearances, likes, dislikes, and personal background. You may not use all the information, but it is a crucial step in planning your story.
Set yourself a target
Try to write at least 500 words a day. You may ditch 499 of them tomorrow, but you will still be moving forward.
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Get support
Find a writers’ group, or go online – authonomy.com and Lulu.com, a self-publishing website, are both excellent.
Learn to accept rejection
I wrote three books before I got one published. Most writers do. Have faith, and know that with each work you are getting better.
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