Attend an author event and pick up some writing tips.
I love attending author talks as much as I love giving them. Not only do I enjoy finding out about a writer’s process – Do they plan every chapter or jump straight into a novel? Do they have a fixed number of words they need to write per day? – I also get very excited about asking them specific questions about their new book. Invariably, these talks are fun, informative and inspiring – the authors I’ve listened to have all been quick to share writing advice and tips.
Over the last couple of years I’ve listened to Anthony Horowitz share his enthusiasm for writing in general and murder mysteries in particular, Bonnie Garmus discuss her surprise at being a first-time author aged 65, and The Reverend Richard Coles explain why vicars make excellent literary detectives.
I’ve heard everyone from debut novelists shyly discussing how they came up with their protagonists to uber-confident celebrities explaining what makes a good ghost writer – and learnt something useful from each.
Whilst most literary festivals host author events, I find that bookshops are the best place to see an author talking about their work: the venues are smaller and you have a better chance of asking a question. My favourite bookshop, Bath’s Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, always has an interesting lineup of authors – celebrating everything from picture books and graphic novels to popular fiction and prize winners. Check out your local bookshop's website for details of upcoming talks.
You can also try Eventbrite – type in ‘author events’ as a filter – and occasionally you might find something on seat-filling websites. And, whilst it's harder to ask a question, there are also myriad author events online.
Once you're at an event, don’t be afraid to put up your hand and ask a question. Authors love engaging with readers and seeing dozens of hands aloft is lovely compensation for all that time spent alone writing. Always be polite - now is not the time to bring up holes in plots or an ending you saw coming a mile away. Ask about their process, what inspires them or what they wish they'd known when they started writing.
And don’t forget, that as an author, you can be a speaker too. Ask your local bookshop if you can host a talk or arrange to speak at a book club, school or community hall. It's an amazing feeling talking about your book to a room full of strangers who've loved it.
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