Blog: Writing

Most writers, when asked where they get their ideas, say something glib like “from the idea shop”. They’re not saying this to be difficult – well, maybe some of them are – but because getting ideas is both the simplest and most mysterious part of the creative process. Most stories start from a tiny seed, like an unusual phrase or a snippet of history, which takes root in the writer’s imagination and grows into a full story. It’s vital that…

It’s exactly one year since my debut book was published. Happy birthday, Rental Heart! It’s been quite a year. I sold my second book, wrote my third book, and finally became a full-time writer. My wee Rental Heart has done surprisingly well. It’s sold over 1,000 copies in print, won or been shortlisted for four prizes, and had some incredibly generous reviews. I’ve read from it at two launch events (both sold out and standing room only!) at Waterstones Argyle Street and…

I really can’t state this enough: if you want to get into arts journalism, you MUST apply to be the IdeasTap columnist. You MUST. I won’t take no for an answer. And you’d better get a wiggle on, because you’ve only got until Thursday 31 July. I can say this with confidence because I spent seven months as the IdeasTap columnist (that’s 28 columns – bloody hell! What did I manage to write about for 28 columns? Find out here…)…

On Saturday 21 September, 50 emerging novelists were treated to talks and one-on-one sessions with agents and editors at Pitch Live!, organised by NAWE and Creative Scotland. The publishing experts offered valuable advice on writing cover letters, elevator pitches, and how to properly begin and build your writing career. I live-tweeted with #pitchlive – but don’t worry if you missed it, because here are the highlights. Francis Bickmore, Publishing Director at Canongate Books: (Follow Francis @kinhead) Follow your curiosity. If you’re…

• What is the working title of your next book?  It’s a short story collection called The Rental Heart and Other Fairytales. • Where did the idea come from for the book? Daydreaming, sea-gazing, night-scribbling, and getting my heart broken, all over the course of several years. • What genre does your book fall under? Literary fantasy. • What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition? Julianne Moore would be the seductive, sensual,…

Thinking of applying for the 2012 New Writers Awards from the Scottish Book Trust? BLOODY GREAT. Not only will you get a grant of £2,000, training in press, PR and performance, and a mentorship with an experienced person in the literary world, you will also get a week-long writing retreat at Cove Park. The only way it could be better is if the award could make you coffee every morning too. I honestly can’t recommend this award enough: I won…