1. Good grammar and punctuation matter.
If you’re Cormac McCarthy, you can play silly games with apostrophes; if you’re
not, follow the rules.
2. Fresh air and exercise are brilliant
for clearing your head and curing cabin fever. I have some of my best ideas when
I’m out running, and even better ones in the shower afterwards!
3. Talk to people about your writing,
but don’t give away too much. I have a theory that ideas grow best in the dark –
if they’re released from your head before they’re ready, they can wither and die.
4. Reward yourself for small steps.
I used to have a cigarette after writing 500 words – now I’ve given up so I am going
to have to find something to do instead!
5. The best way to get better at writing
is to write more. There will be days when your work seems cringe-makingly awful,
but keep at it.
Sophie Ranald is the author of It Would Be Wrong to Steal My Sister’s Boyfriend (Wouldn’t It?) which is out now!