Here’s a follow-up message I received in response to my previous post. Jacob from Coventry wrote:

Hey Sam, just wanted to say thanks, I have decided to write a book upon seeing that. I know it won’t be anything special but when I finish it I would love for you to read it. Thanks Sam, hope you’re ok,
Jacob

Here’s how I answered:

Hi Jacob!

You’re very welcome. Ali’s question is one I get asked quite a lot, so I figured my reply might be useful to people (and Ali gave her permission for me to quote her! ;D)

Two things. First, while I wish you the very best of luck with your writing, I can’t really help you directly – even by reading it. To be frank, I’ve kind of got my hands full working on my own stuff – and besides, I don’t want to run the risk of inadvertently discouraging someone or hurting their feelings by saying the wrong thing (it’s happened in the past) so I’ve made it my policy when people ask me to read their unpublished work to say no.

Sorry if that sounds harsh, it’s the way it is I’m afraid. But I can – if you think it’s helpful – advise you on your writing in a general sort of way if you like. So that brings me to the second thing: You shouldn’t go into the writing of a book saying it’s not going to be special!

I’m not saying be arrogant about it. But the best way to write a book, I reckon, is to do your best to write absolutely the most stunning and amazing and thrilling and gripping book you possibly can…

NB: Like the SPIDERCAT, these handsome BRAINSLUG CUPCAKES don’t have any particular intended relevance to this post either. But if you want the recipe, once you’ve finished reading just click here. ;D

…When I sit down to start thinking about a book, I ask myself a question that goes something like this:

If you, personally, were to come across a book that had everything you want in a book – that once you started reading it you wouldn’t want to stop even to eat or sleep – what sort of a book would it be? What would the elements be?

Make a list if you like (that’s how I started The Black Tattoo!) Then work out how you can make them into the best story you’ve ever read. The results may not turn out quite how you hoped, but your intentions, your ambitions, should be spectacular.

You have to be excited about your book. I think that’s the only way to go. Excitement about your book will keep you going through the tough bits of writing it. Better yet, that excitement will transmit through your words to your readers – because the best books are the ones that are filled with the passion and enthusiasm and commitment of the person who wrote them.

Hope that’s helpful, Jacob! Sorry again about the reading thing: I hope you understand. But as I say, if you ever want me to advise you on something about writing in a more general way, feel free to drop me a line again whenever you like.

All best wishes to you,

Sam

[My thanks to Ali and Jacob for kindly giving their permission for me to quote them here.]

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