Tag: 2024

Categories
Uncategorized

Why Aspiring Writers Should Focus on Short Stories

Tick Tock! You can join the Summer of Short Stories now at EARLY BIRD pricing!

Q. What’s the biggest mistake I see aspiring writers make?

A. They jump straight to writing a novel without first mastering the art of the short story. That’s like me at 16, dreaming of competing in the equestrian events at Olympic Games. Alas, my beloved horse, Hercules, refused to jump a ground pole, despite being a whopping 17 hands high.

A novel is a marathon, and few of us are genetically blessed to simply get up and run marathons. Most of us, though, can manage a short jog through the park with our dog or kids. That’s the beauty of short stories. They are fast! They are fun! And then… they are DONE!

Seven Reasons to Write Short Stories:

  • You can practice writing in different genres, points of view, tenses, and about different topics for minimal effort. Most importantly, it helps you learn to find and strengthen your “voice”. Your voice is unique to you and it’s often the thing that secures you fans for life.
  • You can take risks! Ooo, this is such a good one! For your writing to grow and mature, you’re going to need to take risks. You need to find the boundaries of your comfort zone. Short stories let you try before you buy.
  • Log your ‘apprenticeship’ writing hours before you commit to a full novel. 
  • Cultivate a habit of writing, editing, writing, and then…. letting go! Writers are often fearful of letting go of their work, afraid of the criticism or perceived failure. This is where short stories matter. You can invest a small amount of effort, submit it, and be like Elsa and let it go. We have to learn to write, let go, and start something new while we’re waiting for feedback.
  • Learn to write to deadline. Short stories can be written in a day, or a week. Then… it’s done! Submit it, and move on.
  • Ask for feedback. Truth? Few people will willingly and joyfully read your full novel manuscript and give you helpful feedback. You’re more likely to find short story readers who can finish by the time they’ve swilled their coffee.
  • You might actually win a competition! Not only is this is a fantastic feeling of recognition and affirmation, these wins or placings build your writer’s CV.

Join me for the Summer of Short Stories!

We’ll read stories, write stories, and practice offering and receiving feedback in a structured, helpful way. By the end of the four weeks, you’ll have three short stories ready to submit… or as I like to call it, throw spaghetti at the wall! You never know what will stick.

All the good details about the course are over here.

Categories
Uncategorized

My Word of the Year is a Challenging One

This year, I’ve set myself a word that is attainable, yet still challenging, for me.

Instead of setting new year’s resolutions, I have long chosen a ‘word of the year’ as an aspirational goal. It’s a word that might be about bringing something into reality, such as ‘abundance’ (that year worked out quite well for me, actually). It might be a word that sums up my highest pressing need, such as ‘rest’. That was my word for 2023, but I’m sorry to say, it was the absolute last thing that defined my year. 2023 couldn’t have been more at the opposite end of the ‘rest’ spectrum if it tried. Some years, I labour over choosing a word for a long time. This year, though, there was pretty much only one word that leapt to my mind.

FUN.

While last year’s hope for rest was a serious dumpster fire failure, fun is the antidote. If you can’t rest (and I’m pretty lousy at resting at the best of times), then the next best thing must surely be fun because fun gives you energy. Fun lightens everything. Fun flies in the face of dramas and difficulties and says, yeah, okay, that’s rotten, but I refuse to stay down there. Fun says ‘yes’ to life. Fun pulls us into the present moment. If scary roller coasters are your idea of fun, you’ll not be spending a second of that ride thinking about your debt, or the assignment you have due, or the fight you had with your spouse. Instead, you’ll be fully there, hanging on for dear life.

Of course, if you’re the kind of person who has fun easily and frequently, then that might not be the right word for you. I think the power of a word for the year lies in its ability to take us into areas we are struggling to reach, opening our minds and bringing in new experiences. The added benefit of fun is that it can be shared; it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Did you know that having fun is not an additional luxury but a basic human need? I read that recently (because now that I’m talking and writing about fun the internet is doing its thing and bringing me more things to read) and it kind of shocked me. I actually had a moment of feeling bad for my mind and body that I had denied it so much fun last year. This year, I will do better. But how? Practice, I assume.

Recently, I was chatting with Cheryl Akle from Better Reading and I mentioned my word of the year being fun and she quite reasonably asked me how I made sure I kept focus on my chosen word. I don’t, I confessed, which is why some years I just ‘get lucky’ with my chosen word and other years I ‘fail’ miserably. Thanks to Cheryl’s query, I have been putting some things in place to ensure the fun gets to be had. I might pop back and update you on that as the weeks go on.

For now, though, I wish you a happy new year that brings you the things you need this trip around the sun. And if you do have a word of the year, I’d love to hear it.

Jo x

Categories
Uncategorized

Write Your Novel This Year

Join Me on Feb 18th, 2024

Have you always wanted to write a novel, but just haven’t found the right time or motivation? Maybe you’ve tried before and found it too daunting or you’ve got so many ideas, you don’t know where to start. If this sounds like you, then I invite you to join me on February 18th, 2024, for a transformative journey where we’ll take your ideas and bring them to life.

I’m Here to Guide You Through the Process

Writing a novel can be a challenging task. It’s not just about stringing words together, it’s about creating a world, developing characters, and weaving a story that engages and captivates readers. It’s a craft that requires skill, patience, and a whole lot of creativity.

That’s where I come in. With years of experience in the world of fiction writing, I can guide you through the process of turning your ideas into a compelling novel. Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned veteran looking for a fresh perspective, I’m here to provide the guidance, feedback, and support you need to bring your novel to life.

And…

Over the course of our journey together, we’ll explore the fundamentals of novel writing, from character development and plot structure to pacing and dialogue. You’ll learn how to craft a narrative that not only tells a story but also resonates with readers. By the end of our time together, you’ll have a solid foundation in the craft of novel writing and the confidence to take your work to the next level.

Ready to Join?

Are you ready to bring your novel to life? To join me on this exciting journey, all you need to do is book your spot via https://josephinemoon.com/write-a-novel-in-a-year/ Places are limited, so be sure to secure yours early. I can’t wait to see what stories we’ll bring to life together.

Lastly…

Writing a novel is a journey that requires passion, commitment and, importantly, guidance from an experienced author. Don’t put it off for another year! Let’s embark on this adventure together and make 2024 the year you write your novel. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your writing dreams.

Jo x