Joanne Harris has written 14 novels, two short story collections and two cookbooks. Her 1999 novel, Chocolat, was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. Here, she shares her top five tips for writers.
1. Read as much as you can, and in as many different genres. No-one who writes can afford not to read.
2. Don’t try to identify or to follow trends. By the time you’ve seen them, they’re already gone.
3. Don’t write with publication in mind, or because you think it will make you rich (it won’t); that it will help you get girls/boys (it generally won’t); or get you a table at the Ivy (it might, but so what?). Enjoy your writing first and foremost.
4. Nobody gets it right all the time. Nothing is ever wasted. You learn even from your mistakes. That’s why you’re allowed to make them.
5. No-one owes you a living, a review, a meeting, or even a second glance. Be humble; take advice; if you fail, try harder. And remember, publication isn’t everything. Not everyone who likes tennis wants to be a pro.
Joanne's latest book, A Cat, a Hat and a Piece of String, is out now.