::mslexia author method::

The Briscoe Method
From Interview no. 32

Writing a novel takes practice. Just dogged practice and endless attempts. Always re-write and re-write and re-write again.

• Visual and emotional clichés rise like scum to the surface; you have to push past that and think about how your characters would really react. If you were describing it to someone verbally, how would it be different? It would be multilayered and maybe even humiliating.

• The first draft you write is the undercoat; assume that there is material there you won’t keep. Get as much as you can onto the page and worry later about what you’re going to winnow out.
Make sure your day has a sense of structure, whether it’s imposed by school runs or lunchtime meetings.

• Get yourself in front of the computer with a series of carrots or bribes. Tell yourself, ‘I’ll go to the newsagent/get a cappuccino/take a walk, then I’ll sit down and write.’ Hold yourself to it.

• Go for a walk. The best thoughts come when you are walking. Shifting yourself from one place to another seems to mobilise your brain, makes you see things in a different way.

• Keep the social life down. Focus. Something has to go.

• Carry a pen and paper with you at all times. Sit in cafés and jot thoughts down. Don’t lose the ability to handwrite your thought process, even if you work mostly on computer.

• Keep a 'plot' file. It may be longer than your novel-in-progress. You can look back on early notes and realise that ‘oh, that really wasn’t going to work and I’m glad I’ve dumped it.’

• Have a plot or ending in your head. Have some idea of the whole structure. Know where you're going and have an idea of how you're going to get there (or at least half-way there), but don’t force it. Have a skeleton in your head and allow the flesh, so to speak, plenty of flexibility.

• You can decide that you're going to make a character do something, but be ready to back down if you find that the character doesn't want to do it that way.

• Have a circle of friendly, critical, varied readers. Respect and appreciate their thoughtful input, but hone your ear for what is useful information and for what you can dismiss.

• You can endlessly procrastinate and think ‘My subconcious is doing the work,’ and ‘I’m practising with letters and diaries.’ Bullshit. To understand structure, to get the shape of the novel, you have to put in the work.

• It’s important to write everyday rather than waiting for inspiration. Address yourself to something, and see it through.

Know where you are going and have an idea of how you're going to get there (or at least half-way there), but don't force it.