::mslexia author method::

The Stella Duffy Method
From Interview no. 7

• Say yes to your idea even if it’s tosh. There will be something worthwhile in there. Make yourself start. Just do it.

• Write a first draft; don’t edit; don’t stop. Write for three hours a day; do about 2,000 words. Look at what you’ve got. (Later, take a long time to edit it.) Try to write your first book on something better than an old Amstrad. A very short book should not take seven hours to print out.

• Do not force yourself to have particular times to write – you have other things in your life. Write when it fits in. But 4-7pm is a really good time. And never attempt to write first thing in the morning. If at all possible, get all businessy stuff out of the way in the morning, then have a sleep, then start writing.

• Don’t have any treats to keep yourself going. You like working. You have a very Catholic work ethic.

• Make sure you have days off. If you want to get ill don’t have a holiday for three years and don’t take any time off.

• Most importantly, send your work out. Do not keep it in the drawer. That is not how to write.

• Be okay about being rejected. Keep going. So many books are being sold you will probably sell one one day. Look at all the other dross that does get published.

• When it’s going well enjoy it – you will discover a wonderful feeling of being in the moment. It’s like bliss. This doesn’t happen very often so take advantage of it while you can.

Be okay about being rejected. Keep going. So many books are being sold you will probably sell one one day. Look at all the other dross that does get published.